Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is well connected to Amritsar, a historic city in Punjab famous for the Golden Temple. This route is popular among tourists, pilgrims, and business travelers alike, making it one of the most frequented journeys in northern India.

This guide covers all practical transport options from Delhi to Amritsar, including trains, buses, self-drive, and flights. Whether you prefer comfort, speed, or budget travel, you will find detailed tips to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Delhi to Amritsar – Main Options

Train

Train travel is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Amritsar from Delhi, offering a range of options from budget to premium classes. Indian Railways operates multiple daily trains connecting New Delhi Railway Station to Amritsar Junction.

• Key stations:

  Trains depart mainly from New Delhi (NDLS) and occasionally from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), arriving at Amritsar Junction (ASR). The distance is about 450 km.

• Duration and cost:

  Journey time ranges from 6 to 8 hours depending on the train. Ticket prices vary from ₹300 for sleeper class to ₹1500+ for AC classes. Booking via IRCTC is recommended.

• Popular trains:

  Shatabdi Express is the fastest and most comfortable, running daily with onboard meals. Other options include the Amritsar Mail and Jan Shatabdi.

• Frequency and timing:

  Multiple trains run throughout the day, with peak departures in the morning and evening. Booking early ensures better seats, especially during festivals.

• Travel tips:

  Arrive at the station 30 minutes early to navigate crowds. Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola from the station for local commute.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly and flexible option to travel from Delhi to Amritsar. Both government and private operators run daily services, including Volvo and non-AC coaches.

• Departure points:

  Buses leave from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and other private terminals in Delhi. The journey covers approximately 450 km via NH44.

• Duration and fares:

  Travel time ranges from 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic. Ticket prices vary between ₹400 and ₹900 based on bus type.

• Bus types:

  Volvo AC buses provide comfortable seating and are preferred for overnight travel. Non-AC and sleeper buses are cheaper but less comfortable.

• Booking and frequency:

  Tickets can be booked online on MSRTC or private portals like RedBus. Buses run frequently, especially in the evening and night.

• Road conditions and stops:

  NH44 is mostly well-maintained with several dhabas and rest stops. Avoid traveling during peak festival weekends due to heavy traffic.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Amritsar offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The route is straightforward via NH44, making it a popular choice for weekend trips.

• Route and distance:

  The drive covers about 450 km via NH44, passing through Karnal, Jind, and Ludhiana. The highway is mostly four-lane and well maintained.

• Duration and tolls:

  Driving time is approximately 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic. Expect toll charges at multiple plazas along the route.

• Rest stops:

  Numerous dhabas and fuel stations are available, including popular stops like Murthal for parathas. Plan breaks to avoid fatigue.

• Traffic and timing:

  Avoid starting late evening to prevent driving in foggy conditions during winter. Early morning departures help beat city traffic in Delhi and Amritsar.

• Car rentals:

  Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi from providers like Zoomcar and Revv. Ensure valid driving license and check vehicle condition before starting.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Amritsar from Delhi, suitable for travelers prioritizing time over cost. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport serves Amritsar with regular flights from Delhi.

• Airports:

  Flights depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and land at Amritsar Airport (ATQ), located about 11 km from the city center.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Flight time is approximately 1 hour. Ticket prices range from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Airlines and frequency:

  Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate multiple daily flights. Early booking is advised for best fares.

• Airport commute:

  Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at Amritsar airport. Shared autos and buses also connect to the city.

• Tips:

  Check for flight delays during foggy winter mornings. Arrive at Delhi airport at least 2 hours before departure to clear security and boarding.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers plan their journey from Delhi to Amritsar efficiently, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

• Book your tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains, RedBus for buses, or airline websites for flights. Early booking secures better seats and prices.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive 30–45 minutes before train or bus departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus stand easily.

• Pack essentials:

  Carry water, snacks, and a power bank. For train travel, bring a light blanket or shawl during winter nights.

• Local commute on arrival:

  Use prepaid taxi counters or Ola/Uber apps at Amritsar station or airport for safe and fair rides to your accommodation.

• Plan your return:

  Book return tickets in advance, especially during festivals or weekends, to avoid sold-out situations.

• Stay connected:

  Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded for navigation in Amritsar.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety:

  Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs at arrival points to avoid overcharging. Avoid traveling alone late at night on isolated roads.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and eat at reputed dhabas or restaurants. Try local delicacies like Amritsari kulcha but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Booking strategy:

  For trains, book through IRCTC or authorized agents. For buses, use MSRTC or RedBus apps to compare options and confirm timings.

• Local commute:

  Amritsar has good auto-rickshaw and cycle-rickshaw services. Negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter usage.

• Luggage:

  Keep valuables close and avoid carrying excessive luggage on buses or trains to ease boarding and disembarking.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Winter fog can cause train and flight delays; check status before departure. Monsoon may affect road conditions on NH44.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Amritsar is during the cooler months from October to March, avoiding the intense summer heat and monsoon rains. Early mornings or late evenings are preferable for road and train travel to avoid city traffic.

During major festivals like Baisakhi or Diwali, book tickets well in advance and expect crowded trains and buses. Avoid traveling during peak office hours in Delhi to reduce time spent in traffic jams.

• Avoid traveling during foggy winter mornings to prevent delays and low visibility on roads.

• Plan road trips early in the day to avoid Delhi’s rush hour traffic and reach Amritsar before nightfall.

• Monsoon season (July-September) may cause slippery roads and occasional delays; check weather forecasts.

• Festival weekends see heavy passenger traffic; book tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

Arrival at Amritsar & What to Expect

On arrival at Amritsar Junction or the airport, travelers find a well-connected city with easy access to major attractions like the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah Border. The city center is about 2-3 km from the railway station and 11 km from the airport.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at both arrival points. Auto-rickshaws are abundant but always negotiate fares or insist on meters. Popular stay areas include the old city near the Golden Temple and the more modern Ranjit Avenue.

Conclusion

Among all options, the train, especially the Shatabdi Express, offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and cost for traveling from Delhi to Amritsar. It is ideal for most travelers seeking a hassle-free and scenic journey.

However, budget travelers can opt for buses, while those valuing flexibility may prefer self-driving. Flights suit those in a hurry. With proper planning and early bookings, you can confidently enjoy this culturally rich and historic route.