Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is a major cultural and historical hub in northern India. Kullu, located in Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities. Many travelers journey from Lucknow to Kullu to enjoy the mountains and peaceful environment.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Kullu using trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will get detailed information on travel times, routes, fares, and tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Lucknow to Kullu – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for those who want a budget-friendly and scenic route. However, there is no direct train to Kullu, so you will need to combine train and road travel.

• You can take a train from Lucknow Charbagh station to Joginder Nagar or Pathankot, which are the nearest railway stations to Kullu, covering around 700 to 900 kilometers in approximately 14 to 18 hours depending on the train service.

• Trains like the Lucknow–Pathankot Express run daily, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1200, making it affordable for most travelers.

• From Joginder Nagar or Pathankot station, you will need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kullu, which is about 100 to 150 kilometers away and takes 3 to 5 hours by road.

• Train travel can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable to secure your seat and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause delays on hilly routes near Kullu, so plan extra time if traveling between July and September.

Bus

Buses are a common and economical way to reach Kullu from Lucknow, especially for budget travelers who prefer direct road travel.

• State-run buses operated by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) connect Lucknow to Kullu with routes passing through Chandigarh or Delhi, covering approximately 900 kilometers.

• The journey by bus takes around 18 to 22 hours depending on the route, traffic, and weather conditions, with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹1500 depending on the bus type (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC).

• Buses depart from Lucknow’s Kaiserbagh or Charbagh bus stations, with several daily services, but overnight buses are preferred to save daytime travel hours.

• During winter, roads to Kullu can be slippery due to ice and snow, so bus services may be slower or temporarily suspended; check schedules in advance.

• Rest stops on NH44 and NH3 highways offer basic food and washroom facilities, but carrying your own snacks and water is recommended for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Kullu offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic spots en route. This option suits travelers who enjoy road trips and want to travel at their own pace.

• The distance by road is about 900 kilometers, mostly on National Highways NH27, NH44, and NH3, taking approximately 18 to 20 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can drive via Delhi and Chandigarh, which are major cities with good road connectivity and multiple toll plazas along the way, so keep cash or FASTag ready for toll payments.

• Popular rest stops include Karnal, Ambala, and Mandi, where you can find decent food outlets and fuel stations for breaks during the journey.

• During winter months, roads near Kullu may face snow blockages or require snow chains; check weather and road conditions before starting your trip.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Lucknow with daily rates starting around ₹2500, including options for SUVs suitable for hilly terrain.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Kullu from Lucknow, but since Kullu does not have a major airport, you will combine air travel with road transport.

• The nearest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 10 kilometers from Kullu town, with limited flights mainly from Delhi.

• You can take a direct flight from Lucknow Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport to Delhi, which takes about 1.5 hours, with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• From Delhi, you can catch a connecting flight to Bhuntar Airport, which takes around 1 hour; however, flights are limited and can be seasonal depending on weather conditions.

• Alternatively, from Delhi airport, you can hire a taxi or take a Volvo bus to Kullu, which takes 10 to 12 hours by road, offering flexibility if flights to Bhuntar are unavailable.

• Flight fares from Lucknow to Delhi range from ₹1500 to ₹4000, while Delhi to Bhuntar flights can cost ₹2500 to ₹6000; booking well in advance is recommended to get better prices.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is for first-time travelers going from Lucknow to Kullu, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays.

• Step 2: Pack light but include warm clothes and rain gear, as Kullu’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in monsoon and winter months.

• Step 3: If traveling by train, plan your last-mile transport from Joginder Nagar or Pathankot to Kullu by pre-booking taxis or checking bus schedules to avoid waiting times.

• Step 4: For bus travelers, arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure to get good seats and confirm your bus type and route with the conductor.

• Step 5: If driving, check your vehicle’s condition thoroughly, carry a physical map or GPS device, and plan rest stops to avoid fatigue on the long journey.

• Step 6: On arrival in Kullu, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable local travel, especially from Bhuntar Airport or bus stands.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Kullu to prevent stomach issues; buy water from trusted shops or use water purifiers if available.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and HRTC to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats during busy travel periods.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar to you.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as crowded trains and buses can make handling large bags difficult and increase the risk of theft.

• During monsoon, check weather forecasts and road conditions regularly, as landslides and roadblocks are common in hilly areas like Kullu.

• Carry some local cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Kullu depends on your weather preference and tolerance for road conditions. Summer months offer pleasant weather, while winters bring snow and cold temperatures.

Monsoon season can cause travel delays due to landslides and slippery roads, so extra caution is needed if traveling between July and September.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi, as trains and buses are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Winter months from December to February bring snow in Kullu, which may block roads but offer beautiful landscapes for those prepared for cold weather.

• Early morning departures from Lucknow help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach major junctions like Delhi or Chandigarh by evening.

• Summer months from April to June provide the best weather for road travel with clear skies and moderate temperatures in Kullu.

Arrival at Kullu & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kullu, whether by road or air, you will find a small town with basic facilities and friendly locals. The main entry points are the Kullu bus stand and Bhuntar Airport, both well connected to the town center.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, shared cabs, and auto-rickshaws. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Kullu but may have limited availability compared to bigger cities. Popular areas to stay include Old Manali, Kullu town center, and Naggar, offering a range of budget to mid-range hotels and guesthouses.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kullu from Lucknow depends on your budget and time. Flights combined with road travel offer the fastest option, while trains and buses provide economical choices with scenic routes. Driving yourself gives flexibility but requires careful planning for road and weather conditions.

Remember to book tickets early, especially during peak seasons, and prepare for variable weather in the hills. With proper planning and awareness of local transport, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable journey from Lucknow to Kullu. This guide aims to help you travel confidently and make the most of your trip to this beautiful Himalayan destination.