Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station located in Jammu and Kashmir, famous for its scenic landscapes and skiing opportunities. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a major city in northern India. Many travelers journey from Lucknow to Gulmarg to enjoy the serene mountains and adventure activities.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Gulmarg, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will get detailed information on routes, travel times, fares, and useful tips to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Lucknow to Gulmarg – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey. Although there is no direct train to Gulmarg, you can reach nearby railway stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway station to Gulmarg is Baramulla, about 50 km away, accessible via Jammu Tawi or Srinagar stations; the total train journey from Lucknow to Baramulla takes around 24 to 30 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Trains from Lucknow to Jammu Tawi run frequently, with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1500 for sleeper and AC classes; Jammu Tawi is about 140 km from Gulmarg by road.

• From Jammu Tawi or Srinagar railway stations, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Gulmarg; taxis are available outside the stations and cost around ₹1500 to ₹2500 for the trip.

• Train travel can be affected by fog and winter weather in Jammu and Kashmir, especially from December to February, so plan accordingly and check IRCTC for seat availability.

• Booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals, to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure confirmed seats.

Bus

Buses offer an economical way to travel but require multiple changes and longer travel times. This option suits budget travelers who do not mind a slower journey.

• From Lucknow, you can take a bus to Srinagar or Baramulla, operated by state transport or private operators; the journey takes about 30 to 36 hours depending on the route and stops.

• Direct buses to Gulmarg are rare; most travelers take a bus to Srinagar and then a local bus or taxi to Gulmarg, which is about 50 km away.

• Bus fares from Lucknow to Srinagar range from ₹700 to ₹1200 for non-AC and AC buses; local buses from Srinagar to Gulmarg cost around ₹100 to ₹200 per person.

• Buses can be crowded during holiday seasons and monsoon months, and roads may be slippery or blocked due to landslides, so check weather and road conditions before traveling.

• Major bus depots in Lucknow include Charbagh and Alambagh, while in Srinagar, the main bus stand is at Lal Chowk, from where you can find onward transport to Gulmarg.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Gulmarg is a flexible and scenic option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route.

• The distance between Lucknow and Gulmarg is approximately 1100 km via NH27 and NH44, with a driving time of around 20 to 24 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through major cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, Jammu, and Srinagar, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering food and fuel.

• Driving in Jammu and Kashmir requires caution due to hilly terrain, narrow roads, and occasional landslides, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.

• Self-drive cars can be rented in Lucknow with daily rates starting around ₹2000 to ₹3500, and it is advisable to check vehicle condition and carry necessary documents including permits for Jammu and Kashmir.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Jammu or Srinagar to break the journey and avoid night driving in mountainous areas for safety reasons.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the Kashmir region from Lucknow, followed by a road trip to Gulmarg. This option suits travelers who want to save time and avoid long road journeys.

• Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers direct flights to Srinagar International Airport, with flight durations around 1.5 to 2 hours and fares ranging from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Srinagar airport, Gulmarg is about 50 km away; you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, costing approximately ₹1500 to ₹2500 for the trip.

• Flights can be delayed or canceled during winter months due to fog and snowfall, so check weather updates and airline notifications before booking.

• Booking flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like winter and summer holidays, helps secure better fares and seat availability.

• At Srinagar airport, prepaid taxi counters are available near the arrivals area, ensuring fair pricing and reliable service to Gulmarg and other destinations.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Lucknow to Gulmarg to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute unavailability and get better prices.

• If traveling by train, choose a route via Jammu Tawi or Srinagar and plan your onward road transport in advance by contacting taxi services or checking bus schedules.

• For bus travelers, confirm bus timings at Lucknow bus depots and inquire about connections from Srinagar to Gulmarg to avoid waiting long hours at bus stands.

• If driving, prepare your vehicle for long-distance travel, check weather forecasts, and plan overnight stops in Jammu or Srinagar for rest and safety.

• Upon arrival at Srinagar airport or railway station, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach Gulmarg comfortably and avoid overcharging.

• Carry essential documents like ID proofs, vehicle permits, and travel tickets, and keep local emergency numbers handy for assistance during the trip.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and snacks, especially on long road or train journeys, as food options may be limited or unhygienic on some routes.

• Use official prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Srinagar to avoid scams and ensure fixed fares to Gulmarg.

• During winter, pack warm clothes and check road conditions regularly, as snow and ice can cause delays or road closures near Gulmarg.

• Book train and flight tickets well in advance during festivals like Diwali, Eid, and winter holidays to avoid sold-out situations and inflated prices.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as you may need to change vehicles multiple times, especially when using trains and buses.

• Be cautious of local weather forecasts during monsoon season (July to September), as landslides and roadblocks can disrupt travel plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Gulmarg depends on your preference for weather and activities. Summers are pleasant, while winters attract snow lovers.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip accordingly helps avoid delays and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during peak festivals like Eid and New Year when roads and trains are crowded, leading to higher fares and limited availability.

• Monsoon months (July to September) bring heavy rains and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir, causing road closures and travel delays.

• Winter months (December to February) offer snow and skiing but also fog and snowfall that can delay flights and trains, so check weather updates before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Lucknow are recommended to avoid city traffic and reach major transit points comfortably on time.

Arrival at Gulmarg & What to Expect

Gulmarg is a small town with limited public transport, so most visitors rely on taxis or hotel pickups from Srinagar or Baramulla. The town offers basic amenities and is well-prepared for tourists during peak seasons.

Local transport includes shared taxis and private cabs, but walking is common within the town due to its compact size. Accommodations range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts near the ski slopes.

On arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters at Srinagar airport and railway stations, ensuring fair pricing and safe rides to Gulmarg. It is advisable to book your return transport in advance during peak seasons to avoid last-minute difficulties.

Popular areas to stay include the Gulmarg town center and near the Gondola cable car station, which provides easy access to skiing and sightseeing spots.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Gulmarg from Lucknow is by taking a flight to Srinagar followed by a taxi ride, saving time and offering comfort. However, train and car journeys provide scenic routes and flexibility for those who prefer road travel.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will make your trip smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey from Lucknow to Gulmarg and look forward to a memorable mountain getaway.