How to reach Srinagar from Delhi

These are ways that can be utilized when traveling towards Srinagar from Delhi. Each mode of transport has a unique experience, therefore, the optimal choice will depend on comfort preference, time availability and the budget.  

Travel by Plane: The Optimum Option:  

For travelers who wish to reach Srinagar in a short time, a flight is ideal. Flying to Srinagar is well served through Delhi and this connection has regular flights, especially in peak seasons of tourism. Flights into Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) from Delhi are available on a daily basis during peak seasons making it a greatly favorable option when traveling.

Air Travel Delhi to Srinagar

• Airlines: Flights from Delhi to Srinagar are offered by Air India, IndiGo, Go Air, Vistara and SpiceJet.

• Duration: The average flight time is one hours 30 minutes.  

• Price: On average round-trip prices lie between 2500-8000 INR depending the class booked and how early the flight was booked. Prices tend to be higher during the summer months and school holidays, so book well in advance.   

• Operational Days: During summer months, flights are more frequent on a daily basis. However, midwinters there are fewer scheduled flights.  

Hands down, the best way to reach Srinagar quickly and in comfort is by air. You will get breathtaking views of the Himalayas during your descent.  

Important Reminders when Booking Flights:  

• Buy your tickets months in advance to save on costs.  

• Ensure you check weather conditions especially in winter. Flights to Srinagar can be canceled or severely delayed depending on heavy snowfalls.  

Being one of the busiest times to fly, round-trip flights are more costly around early mornings and late evenings.

By Train: An Option with Great Views While Riding in Comfort

If you are an admirer of scenic train travel and have extra time at your disposal, riding the train from Delhi to Jammu is a wonderful alternative. Even though there is no direct railway line connecting Delhi with Srinagar, the whole trip by train can still be quite rewarding and relaxing.

By Train from Delhi to Jammu

Jammu Tawi (JAT) is the nearest railway station to Srinagar. After reaching Jammu, you can proceed further by road to Srinagar. Here’s a breakdown of the train journey:

• Train Duration: Delhi to Jammu trip commonly takes anywhere from 10 to 12 hours.
• Popular Trains: On this route, some of the more frequented trains include the following:

o Jammu Rajdhani Express: This train is considered to be fast and comfortable as it covers the distance from Delhi to Jammu region in a very short period.

o Shatabdi Express: For people wanting the advantage of covering distances quickly and comfortably, this option also proves to be quite useful.

o Jammu Mail and Jammu Express: A bit more budget-friendly than the rest, these trains are more economical options.

• Ticket Price: Depending on the choice of class and train taken, the fares start from INR 400 for sleeper class to INR 2,500 for AC classes.
• Booking: If you are traveling during peak season, it is better to book a month in advance.

From Jammu to Srinagar: When you arrive at Jammu Tawi, you can take a bike, auto rickshaw, taxi, personal car or state-aided buses to reach Srinagar. The journey between Jammu and Srinagar takes approximately 6-8 hours depending on climatic conditions and how the roads are.

Benefits of Train Travel:

Having a view of the countryside while traveling by train is the best part. The view changes from green fields to towering mountains as you near Jammu. Compared to cars or buses, trains offer more room and comfortable seating, which is quite favorable.

Travel Tips:

• Always pack some light snacks since giving food during the journey might be limited.
• Trains are known to have a few delays here and there, so it is best to check ahead of time.

Over Land: The All Inclusive Land Expedition to Srinagar

Driving to Srinagar would be interesting for those who get excited by road journeys and wish to see the transformation from the flat lands of Delhi to the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir. A road trip provides an opportunity to visit local towns, savor the local cuisine, and appreciate the spectacular views of the valleys and mountains en route.

Srinagar Bound: From Delhi by Road

• Approximate distance: 870 km approximately with time spent on the road roughly 16-20 hours with breaks and depending on the state of the roads.

• The most popular stops on the route from Delhi to Srinagar are through National Highway 44 (NH44) which is a well contracted road and goes to Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, and eventually Srinagar . NH44 is famous for the places of interest by the sides of the road. From Delhi, Agra is about 200 km, Gwalior about 350 km, and Jhansi is about 435 km.

• Generally the condition of roads is good, but at some places fairly entering Jammu and Kashmir can be questionable. Snow, landslides, and broken roads can block the route in winter.

Key Stops on the Route:

– Jammu travelers will appreciate the Dhaba style restaurants along the road. From Delhi, all the way through the flat terrains of Punjab to Jammu, there are ample opportunities to halt for food and refreshments.

– From Jammu, the journey continues to Srinagar, giving the traveler breathtaking visibility of the mountains, although care must be taken to drive slowly and steadily. This portion of the road gets steeper, which leads towards hilly regions, and in winter, drives require extra caution.  

Road Travel Tips:  

– Make sure to consistently check your vehicles condition. Adequate attention should be given to the tires, brakes, and suspension as these are essential in enabling you to grip onto winding hilly roads.

– It’s best to refuel your vehicle at the beginning of the journey, with fuel stations situated in remote locations, and become scarce.  

– Snow season requires extra attention in regards to temperature control, and if it’s too warm, it may cause snowstorms. Out in the open, these storms result in heavy snow, which can make road driving difficult.  

Alternates for Road Travel:  

– For individuals who prefer not to drive themselves, local taxi services can be arranged. Additionally, the JKSRTC services provide bus transport from the majority of populated towns and villages to Delhi.

By Bus: The Most Economical Yet Time-Consuming Mode of Travel

For those who are financially constrained and do not mind spending additional hours on the road, traveling via bus from Delhi to Srinagar is an economical option. While this mode of travel is not the fastest or most comfortable, it is certainly affordable which makes it good for travelers with tight budgets.

Bus Service from Delhi to Srinagar

– Time: The journey takes between 20 to 24 hours by bus, though this can greatly fluctuate due to traffic, how long the bus stops for, and if there are any road obstructions.

– Providers: This service is provided by both private companies and the government’s JKSRTC, which operates busses between both Srinagar and Delhi.

– Options Available: There are different types of busses available such as non-AC, AC, and Volvo which have differing rates depending on the bus type.

– Cost: The typical bus fare varies between INR 800 and 2000 depending on the quality of the bus.

The Advantages of Using A Bus As Means of Transportation:

– Economical: Buses provide the cheapest means of transportation in between Srinagar and Delhi.

– Changing Landscapes: When moving towards the bus’s destination, passengers are able to enjoy the view which changes dramatically from the plains to the hills, especially around Jammu and Kashmir.

The Disadvantages of Using Buses:

– Very Lengthy: The combined time spent on bus and in traffic is incredibly long. This type of travel can be draining for some, especially if you are new to traveling.

Comfort: The bus services may be crowded and uncomfortable during peak tourist times of the year.