Kartarpur Sahib is located in Punjab near the India-Pakistan border, famous as the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as a major starting point for pilgrims and travelers heading to this sacred site. This route is commonly traveled by devotees and tourists seeking spiritual experiences and cultural insights.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Kartarpur Sahib. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with step-by-step travel planning, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned pilgrim, this guide will make your journey easier and more comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Kartarpur Sahib – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many pilgrims from Delhi to Kartarpur Sahib. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views of Punjab’s countryside. However, direct trains to Kartarpur are not available, so you need to travel to nearby stations and then take local transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Kartarpur Sahib is Jalandhar City, about 20 km away. Trains from Delhi to Jalandhar take around 5 to 6 hours, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on class and train type.

• Popular trains include the Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi, which offer faster travel and better comfort. Booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially during festivals and weekends.

• From Jalandhar, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kartarpur Sahib. Auto-rickshaws are also available but may be less comfortable for long luggage or groups.

• Train travel can be crowded during peak pilgrimage seasons and national holidays, so booking early and choosing less busy timings helps avoid discomfort.

• Facilities at Jalandhar station include waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters, making the last leg of your journey easier to manage.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Kartarpur Sahib from Delhi, especially for budget travelers. State-run and private buses run regularly, but the journey can be long and tiring depending on traffic and road conditions.

• MSRTC and Punjab Roadways operate buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate to Kartarpur or nearby towns like Jalandhar and Narowal (Pakistan side). Travel time ranges from 8 to 10 hours, with fares between ₹400 and ₹800.

• Volvo and deluxe buses provide more comfort and amenities like air conditioning and reclining seats, suitable for overnight journeys.

• During the monsoon season, road conditions on NH44 and connecting highways can deteriorate, causing delays. Avoid traveling at night in heavy rains for safety.

• Bus frequency is higher during Sikh festivals like Gurpurab, so booking tickets in advance is essential to secure seats.

• Rest stops with food stalls and washrooms are available along the route, but quality varies. Carry bottled water and snacks for convenience.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kartarpur Sahib gives you flexibility and control over your schedule. The route covers approximately 450 km via NH44 and takes around 8 to 9 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The main route is Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Ludhiana – Jalandhar – Kartarpur, mostly on well-maintained national highways with toll plazas en route.

• Self-driving allows you to stop at popular dhabas and rest areas for meals and breaks, enhancing comfort during the long journey.

• Traffic congestion is common near Delhi and Ludhiana during peak hours, so starting early in the morning helps avoid delays.

• Ensure your vehicle documents, insurance, and pollution certificates are up to date, as police checks are frequent on highways.

• Parking is available near Kartarpur Sahib, but it can get crowded during festivals. Arriving early helps secure a good spot.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Kartarpur Sahib, as it is located near the India-Pakistan border without a civilian airport. However, flying to the nearest airport and then continuing by road is an option for faster travel.

• The closest airport on the Indian side is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, about 110 km from Kartarpur Sahib.

• Flights from Delhi to Amritsar take about 1 hour, with fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Amritsar airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kartarpur Sahib, which takes around 3 hours via NH3 and NH354.

• Flight tickets should be booked early during peak pilgrimage seasons to avoid price hikes and unavailability.

• Amritsar airport has good facilities including prepaid taxi counters, car rentals, and eateries for a comfortable transfer.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kartarpur Sahib. It covers essential steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Step 1:

  Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or official bus portals well in advance to secure your seat, especially during festivals. Early booking avoids last-minute stress and higher prices.

• Step 2:

  Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, a power bank, and comfortable clothes. Indian trains and buses may have limited food options, so being prepared helps.

• Step 3:

  Reach your departure station or bus terminal at least 30 minutes early to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus stand without rush.

• Step 4:

  On arrival at Jalandhar or Amritsar, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and transparent local travel to Kartarpur Sahib.

• Step 5:

  Carry valid ID proofs and any required permits for border crossing if applicable, as Kartarpur Sahib is near an international border with specific entry rules.

• Step 6:

  Keep some cash handy for small expenses like auto fares, food stalls, and donations at the shrine, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items in crowded trains or buses to prevent theft, which can be common in busy Indian travel hubs.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and at Kartarpur Sahib to avoid waterborne illnesses common in Indian travel destinations.

• Book tickets through official portals like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC for buses to avoid scams and ensure genuine reservations.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides.

• Carry a small first-aid kit with medicines for common ailments like motion sickness, headaches, and indigestion, as medical facilities may be limited en route.

• During winter months, carry warm clothes as northern India can get quite cold, especially during early morning and night travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Kartarpur Sahib is during the cooler months from October to March. Weather is pleasant, making road and rail travel comfortable. Avoid the intense summer heat and heavy monsoon rains for a smoother journey.

During major Sikh festivals like Guru Nanak Jayanti and Baisakhi, the route experiences heavy pilgrim traffic. Planning your trip outside these peak periods helps avoid overcrowding and higher prices.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and train delays on NH44 and nearby routes.

• Winter fog in northern India can cause early morning train and flight delays, so plan departures later in the morning if possible.

• Depart early in the day to avoid city traffic jams in Delhi and to reach Kartarpur Sahib before sunset for a peaceful visit.

• Festival periods see increased security checks and longer queues at border crossings, so allocate extra time during these times.

Arrival at Kartarpur Sahib & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kartarpur Sahib, you will find a peaceful and spiritual environment centered around the historic Gurudwara. The area is well-organized for pilgrims with clear signage and helpful staff.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws for short distances. Many pilgrims prefer walking within the complex due to its compact size. Accommodation options are available nearby in Kartarpur town and Jalandhar city for overnight stays.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at Jalandhar and Amritsar for onward travel. It is advisable to use prepaid services to avoid haggling and ensure safety. Facilities like clean restrooms, langar halls, and medical aid are available at the shrine.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kartarpur Sahib from Delhi depends on your priorities. Train travel to Jalandhar followed by a taxi is economical and comfortable for most pilgrims. For faster travel, flying to Amritsar and then driving is a good option. Self-driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning.

Advance booking, traveling during the right season, and using trusted local transport will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib and focus on the spiritual experience awaiting you.