IISER Mohali is located in the city of Mohali, Punjab, near Chandigarh. It is a premier science institute attracting students and visitors from across India and abroad. The route to IISER Mohali is commonly traveled by students, faculty, and guests due to its academic importance and proximity to major cities.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach IISER Mohali from different parts of India. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Major Cities to IISER Mohali – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option to reach Mohali, especially from northern and central India. The nearest major railway station is Chandigarh Railway Station, well connected to many cities.

• Chandigarh Railway Station is about 15 km from IISER Mohali, with frequent taxis and auto-rickshaws available for the last leg of the journey. Trains from Delhi, Amritsar, and other cities arrive here daily.

• Travel time from Delhi to Chandigarh by train ranges from 3.5 to 5 hours, with fares between INR 300 and INR 1500 depending on class and train type, including Shatabdi and express trains.

• From Amritsar, trains take around 2 to 3 hours to reach Chandigarh, with affordable fares and good frequency, making it convenient for visitors from Punjab’s major city.

• During peak festival seasons or holidays, trains can be crowded, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Facilities at Chandigarh station include waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters, ensuring a comfortable arrival experience before heading to IISER Mohali.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Mohali from nearby cities. Punjab Roadways and private operators run frequent services to Mohali and Chandigarh.

• Interstate buses from Delhi, including Volvo and deluxe coaches, take about 5 to 7 hours to reach Mohali, with fares ranging from INR 400 to INR 900 depending on the service type.

• Local Punjab Roadways buses connect Chandigarh ISBT to Mohali regularly, with travel times of 30 to 45 minutes and very low fares, ideal for short-distance travelers.

• During monsoon season, road conditions on NH 44 can slow bus travel, so plan extra time and check weather updates before departure.

• Major bus depots in Chandigarh and Mohali have clean waiting areas and food stalls, but buses can get crowded during festival periods like Baisakhi and Diwali.

• Booking tickets online through state transport websites or apps is advisable to avoid standing tickets and ensure seat availability on busy routes.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to IISER Mohali is convenient for those who prefer flexibility and comfort. The institute is well connected by road to Chandigarh and other nearby cities via NH 44 and local highways.

• From Chandigarh city center, IISER Mohali is about 15 km away, accessible via the Chandigarh-Mohali road, with a typical drive time of 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

• If driving from Delhi, the distance is approximately 250 km via NH 44, taking around 5 to 6 hours, including toll plazas and rest stops on the way.

• Self-drive car rentals and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber are widely available in Chandigarh and Mohali, offering convenient last-mile connectivity to the campus.

• During peak office hours and weekends, traffic congestion near Chandigarh and Mohali can increase travel time, so starting early or late in the day is advisable.

• Fuel stations and dhabas are available along NH 44 for breaks, but avoid driving at night on less lit stretches for safety reasons.

Flight

The nearest airport to IISER Mohali is Chandigarh International Airport, suitable for travelers coming from distant cities or other states.

• Chandigarh Airport is about 20 km from IISER Mohali, with taxi and cab services readily available for the 30 to 45-minute drive to the campus.

• Regular flights connect Chandigarh to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major Indian cities, with fares varying widely based on booking time and airline.

• From the airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber provide reliable and safe transport to Mohali, with fares typically between INR 400 and INR 700.

• Flight delays can occur during foggy winter mornings, so plan extra time if you have connecting travel to IISER Mohali after arrival.

• Booking flights well in advance, especially during holiday seasons, helps secure better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time visitors to IISER Mohali, helping you organize your journey smoothly from arrival to campus.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during peak academic sessions or festivals.

• Upon arrival at Chandigarh Railway Station or Airport, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach IISER Mohali safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• If traveling by bus, check the latest schedules on Punjab Roadways or private bus apps, and arrive at the bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to get a good seat.

• Carry a physical or digital copy of your IISER Mohali address and contact details to show drivers or ask for directions, as some local drivers may not be familiar with the campus.

• Pack light luggage if possible, as last-mile transport options like auto-rickshaws may have limited space, and walking short distances inside the campus is common.

• Keep local emergency numbers and campus security contacts handy in case you need assistance during your journey or upon arrival.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber when traveling from Chandigarh station or airport to IISER Mohali to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues, especially if you are not used to local water quality.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and Punjab Roadways to avoid scams and guarantee your seat on busy routes.

• Carry a power bank and keep your phone charged for navigation and communication, as some parts of Mohali may have patchy network coverage.

• During monsoon, carry an umbrella or raincoat and check road conditions before traveling by road, as waterlogging can cause delays near Mohali and Chandigarh.

• Pack comfortable footwear if you plan to explore the campus or nearby areas on foot, as the institute has large grounds and walking paths.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel to IISER Mohali is during the cooler months from October to March, when weather is pleasant and road conditions are good. Summers can be hot, and monsoon rains may cause travel delays.

Festival seasons and public holidays can increase traffic and crowding on trains and buses, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Baisakhi when trains and buses are heavily booked and roads are crowded.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog around Chandigarh, causing flight delays and slower road travel, so allow extra time if traveling early.

• Monsoon rains from July to September may cause waterlogging on some routes, especially on NH 44, so check weather forecasts and road updates before departure.

• Early morning departures from major cities often face less traffic and smoother travel, making them ideal for reaching IISER Mohali on time.

Arrival at IISER Mohali & What to Expect

When you arrive at IISER Mohali, you will find a well-maintained campus located in Sector 81, Mohali. The institute is accessible via several entry points, with security checks in place for visitors.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs that can take you from Chandigarh or Mohali city center to the campus. The nearest bus stops and taxi stands are within a short distance from the main gate.

Accommodation options near IISER Mohali include guest houses, hotels, and lodges in Mohali and Chandigarh. Staying in Sector 70 or Sector 35 Chandigarh offers easy access to the institute and city amenities.

Prepaid taxis and Ola/Uber cabs are recommended for safe and reliable local travel. Avoid unmetered taxis or unauthorized autos to prevent overcharging.

Campus security is helpful and can guide visitors to the correct departments or hostels. Carry your ID and appointment details for smooth entry.

Conclusion

Traveling to IISER Mohali is straightforward with multiple options like train, bus, car, and flight. The most efficient way depends on your starting point, but arriving via Chandigarh Railway Station or Airport followed by a short taxi ride is common and convenient.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing reliable local transport, and considering seasonal travel conditions will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently reach IISER Mohali and focus on your academic or visit plans without travel stress.