Kartarpur Sahib is a sacred town located in the Narowal District of Punjab, Pakistan. It holds immense religious significance for Sikhs worldwide as the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years. Many pilgrims from India and abroad travel to Kartarpur Sahib to visit the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Kartarpur Sahib, including train, bus, car, and crossing the Kartarpur Corridor. You will find detailed travel options, step-by-step planning advice, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.

Getting from India to Kartarpur Sahib – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option for pilgrims traveling to the India-Pakistan border near Kartarpur Sahib. Trains run regularly from major cities to Dera Baba Nanak station, the last Indian station before the border.

• The nearest Indian railway station is Dera Baba Nanak on the Pathankot-Amritsar line, about 4 km from the Kartarpur Corridor entrance. Trains from Amritsar to Dera Baba Nanak take around 1 hour and cost ₹50–₹150 depending on class.

• From Dera Baba Nanak, you must walk or take local transport to the Kartarpur Corridor immigration complex. The station is small but well connected by auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

• Train frequency is good, with multiple daily services from Amritsar and other Punjab cities. Booking through IRCTC is recommended, especially during festival seasons like Gurpurab.

• During winter mornings, fog can delay trains on this route, so plan extra time. Also, expect crowds during weekends and religious holidays.

• Facilities at Dera Baba Nanak station are basic; carry water and snacks for the short wait before crossing the corridor.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and affordable way to reach the Kartarpur Corridor from nearby cities. State transport and private operators run services to Dera Baba Nanak and the border area.

• Punjab Roadways and private buses operate from Amritsar and Gurdaspur to Dera Baba Nanak bus stand, located close to the railway station and corridor entrance.

• Bus fares range from ₹30 to ₹100 depending on distance and bus type. Travel time from Amritsar is about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

• Buses run frequently throughout the day but can get crowded during religious events. Booking tickets in advance during peak times is advisable.

• The roads are well maintained, mainly via NH 354 and local highways, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays due to waterlogging.

• Local shared autos and cycle rickshaws are available from the bus stand to the Kartarpur Corridor complex for last-mile connectivity.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving your own car or hiring a taxi is a flexible and comfortable way to reach Kartarpur Sahib, especially if traveling in a group or with family.

• The route from Amritsar to Dera Baba Nanak is about 35 km via NH 354 and takes around 1 hour by car, depending on traffic conditions.

• There are toll plazas on NH 354, so keep some cash ready. The roads are generally in good condition, but watch for local traffic and occasional potholes during monsoon.

• Parking is available near the Kartarpur Corridor complex, but it can fill up quickly during peak pilgrimage seasons, so arrive early.

• Car hire services like Ola and Uber operate in Amritsar but may not be available beyond the city limits, so pre-book taxis or use local cabs for the last leg.

• Driving yourself requires valid documents and awareness of border crossing rules. The Kartarpur Corridor has strict security checks, so carry your permit and ID at all times.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Kartarpur Sahib, as it is located near the India-Pakistan border. The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, India.

• Amritsar airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh, with multiple daily flights operated by airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

• From Amritsar airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to Dera Baba Nanak and then proceed to the Kartarpur Corridor.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season but generally range between ₹2,000 and ₹6,000 for domestic routes.

• Amritsar airport has good facilities including prepaid taxi counters and car rental services, making onward travel convenient.

• During festivals like Baisakhi and Gurpurab, flights and ground transport can get crowded, so book tickets well in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling to Kartarpur Sahib for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you navigate the journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets to Dera Baba Nanak well in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons, using IRCTC or official bus portals to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Reach Dera Baba Nanak station or bus stand early in the morning to avoid crowds and have ample time for immigration and security checks at the Kartarpur Corridor.

• Carry all necessary documents, including your passport, visa (if applicable), and Kartarpur Corridor permit. These are mandatory for border crossing and will be checked multiple times.

• Use local autos or walk from the station or bus stand to the Kartarpur Corridor complex. The distance is short but can be crowded, so plan accordingly.

• At the Kartarpur Corridor, complete immigration and customs formalities patiently. Follow instructions from officials and keep your documents handy to speed up the process.

• Once across the border, use local transport or walk to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The area is well signposted, and volunteers are usually available to assist pilgrims.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, as food options near the border complex are limited and queues can be long during peak times.

• Wear comfortable footwear and light clothing, as you will need to walk and stand for extended periods during immigration and at the Gurdwara premises.

• Book your Kartarpur Corridor permit online well before your travel date, as daily quotas are limited and permits are mandatory for crossing.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber within Amritsar for safer and more reliable local travel, especially if unfamiliar with the area.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use official counters for currency exchange if needed near the border.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and waterlogged, so check weather forecasts and carry rain gear to avoid discomfort.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kartarpur Sahib is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and travel conditions are comfortable. Summers can be hot and humid, making travel tiring.

Monsoon season from July to September may cause road delays and occasional flooding near the border, so plan accordingly and keep flexible schedules.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali or Holi if you want to avoid heavy crowds and inflated transport fares.

• Early morning departures are recommended to beat traffic and complete border formalities smoothly before afternoon heat or rush.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog in Punjab, causing train and road delays, so allow extra travel time during December and January.

• Public holidays and weekends see a surge in pilgrim numbers, so book transport and permits well in advance to secure your spot.

Arrival at Kartarpur Sahib & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kartarpur Sahib after crossing the corridor, you will find well-maintained pathways leading to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The area is peaceful and designed to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims with ease.

Local transport options are limited but volunteers and rickshaws are available to assist visitors. Accommodation options are nearby in Dera Baba Nanak and Kartarpur town, ranging from guesthouses to dharamshalas.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available inside Pakistan near Kartarpur, so plan your onward travel accordingly. The border exit is clearly marked, and security personnel are present to guide pilgrims.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kartarpur Sahib is a spiritually rewarding experience that requires some planning and preparation. The most efficient way is to take a train or bus to Dera Baba Nanak and then cross the Kartarpur Corridor with a valid permit. This route balances cost, convenience, and comfort for most pilgrims.

Remember to book your permits and transport tickets early, carry all necessary documents, and be prepared for security checks. With these tips, you can confidently plan your journey to Kartarpur Sahib and enjoy a smooth pilgrimage to this sacred site.