Mathura is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It lies on the banks of the Yamuna River and is a major pilgrimage site attracting visitors from all over India. Many travelers come to Mathura to explore its temples, ghats, and vibrant culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mathura from nearby cities and states. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Major Cities to Mathura – Main Options

Train

Train travel is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Mathura. The city is well connected by rail to Delhi, Agra, and other parts of Uttar Pradesh and India.

• Mathura Junction (station code: MTJ) is a major railway hub on the Delhi-Agra route, with frequent trains from New Delhi, taking around 2 to 3 hours and fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹500 depending on class.

• Trains like the Shatabdi Express and Intercity Express offer fast and comfortable travel from Delhi to Mathura, with air-conditioned coaches and onboard catering services.

• During festival seasons like Janmashtami and Holi, trains can get crowded, so booking tickets early via IRCTC or authorized agents is advisable to secure seats.

• Local trains and passenger trains connect Mathura to nearby towns such as Vrindavan and Agra, offering affordable fares but longer travel times and less comfort.

• Night trains are available from cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, which arrive in Mathura early morning, allowing you to start your day fresh at the pilgrimage sites.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for reaching Mathura, especially from nearby cities and towns. Both government and private operators run regular services.

• Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates frequent buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Mathura, taking about 3 to 4 hours with fares between ₹100 and ₹250 depending on bus type.

• Private deluxe and Volvo buses run on the Delhi-Mathura route, offering more comfort and air-conditioning, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹400.

• From Agra, local buses and shared tempos connect Mathura in about 1 to 1.5 hours, with low fares under ₹100, but these can be crowded during peak hours.

• During monsoon, some roads may get slippery or waterlogged, so it is wise to check bus timings and road conditions before travel.

• Bus terminals in Mathura are located near the city center, but last-mile connectivity may require auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws, especially for reaching temples or ghats.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Mathura offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions like Vrindavan or Govardhan Hills at your own pace.

• Mathura is well connected by National Highway 19 (NH 19), formerly NH 2, which links Delhi to Kolkata via Agra, making the drive from Delhi approximately 145 km and taking 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

• From Agra, the drive is about 55 km via NH 19, taking around 1.5 hours, with toll plazas on the route charging moderate fees.

• Self-drive car rentals and cab services like Ola and Uber are available in Delhi and Agra, with fares for one-way trips to Mathura ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 depending on vehicle type.

• Rest stops with clean toilets and food options are available at major toll plazas and highway dhabas, but it is advisable to carry water and snacks for comfort.

• Traffic congestion can occur near Delhi and Mathura city limits during peak hours and festival seasons, so plan your departure early morning or late evening to avoid delays.

Flight

Mathura does not have its own airport, but the nearest airports are in Agra and Delhi, making flights a viable option for long-distance travelers.

• The nearest airport is Agra Airport (AGR), about 55 km from Mathura, with limited domestic flights connecting to Delhi and Mumbai; from Agra, you can take a taxi or bus to Mathura in around 1.5 hours.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is the major international airport serving the region, located approximately 145 km from Mathura.

• From Delhi airport, you can hire prepaid taxis, use Ola/Uber cabs, or take a bus to Mathura; the road journey takes 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

• Flight fares to Delhi vary widely based on season and booking time, so booking in advance is recommended to get the best deals.

• Using flights combined with train or car travel is common for pilgrims and tourists coming from distant cities like Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going to Mathura, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance through IRCTC or UPSRTC portals to ensure availability, especially during festivals when demand is high.

• If traveling by train, arrive at the departure station at least 30 minutes early to find your platform and avoid last-minute rush, as stations can be crowded.

• For bus travel, check the latest schedules a day before departure, as timings may change due to road conditions or holidays.

• If hiring a cab or self-driving, plan your route using Google Maps or local navigation apps, and confirm toll charges and fuel stops along NH 19.

• Carry a small bag with essentials like water, snacks, hand sanitizer, and a power bank, as some rest stops may have limited facilities.

• On arrival at Mathura Junction or bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and fair-priced local transport to your accommodation or temple sites.

Practical Travel Tips

• Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, as crowded stations and buses can attract pickpockets.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat from clean, well-reviewed eateries to avoid stomach issues common among travelers.

• Book tickets well in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons like Janmashtami and Holi to avoid last-minute price hikes or unavailability.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for short trips within Mathura; always agree on fares beforehand if using autos without meters.

• Pack light but include comfortable footwear and a hat or umbrella, as you will likely walk a lot around temples and ghats.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather updates, as heavy rains can cause traffic delays and slippery roads on highways.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mathura is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and temple visits. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon rains may disrupt travel plans.

Festival periods like Janmashtami and Holi attract large crowds, which can cause traffic congestion and difficulty in finding accommodation, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during peak festival days unless you want to experience the celebrations but be prepared for heavy crowds and higher prices.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog in the region, causing delays in train and road travel, so allow extra time if traveling early.

• Monsoon rains from July to September may cause waterlogging on some routes; check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Delhi and Mathura, ensuring a smoother and faster journey.

Arrival at Mathura & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mathura Junction railway station or the main bus stand, you will find several options for local transport. Prepaid taxi counters are available at the station, offering fixed fares to popular destinations like Krishna Janmabhoomi and local hotels.

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Mathura, providing convenient and safe rides. Auto-rickshaws are plentiful but negotiate fares before starting your trip. Popular areas to stay include near the railway station, the city center, and close to the main temples for easy access.

Conclusion

Traveling to Mathura is straightforward with multiple options available to suit different budgets and preferences. Train travel is often the most efficient and comfortable way from Delhi and Agra, while buses and cars offer flexibility for nearby travelers. Flights to Delhi or Agra combined with road or rail travel are best for long-distance visitors.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather and traffic conditions, and knowing local transport options will help you enjoy a hassle-free journey. With this guide, you can confidently reach Mathura and immerse yourself in its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.