Mathura is a historic city located in Uttar Pradesh, about 145 km southeast of Delhi. It is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and attracts many pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. Traveling from Delhi to Mathura is common for religious visits, weekend trips, and cultural tours.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mathura from Delhi using different transport modes. You will find detailed information on trains, buses, cars, and taxis, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice.

Getting from Delhi to Mathura – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is one of the most popular and convenient ways to travel from Delhi to Mathura. The rail network is well-connected, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

• Mathura Junction (MTJ) is the main railway station serving Mathura, located about 2 km from the city center and well connected to Delhi’s New Delhi (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) stations.

• The distance by rail is approximately 145 km, and travel time ranges from 2 to 3.5 hours depending on the train type, with fares between ₹150 and ₹500 for second class to AC coaches.

• Popular trains include the Shatabdi Express, Taj Express, and various passenger trains, offering multiple daily departures with good punctuality and comfort.

• Trains can get crowded during festivals like Janmashtami and Holi, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended to secure seats.

• Food options on trains vary; Shatabdi offers onboard catering, while other trains may require you to carry snacks or buy from station vendors during stops.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for traveling from Delhi to Mathura. Several government and private operators run regular services connecting the two cities.

• Buses depart mainly from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar ISBT, heading towards Mathura’s main bus stands near the railway station and city center.

• The road distance is about 145 km via NH19 (old NH2), with travel times ranging from 3.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic and bus type.

• Fares vary from ₹150 to ₹400, with options including ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo AC buses; Volvo buses offer more comfort but are less frequent.

• Traffic congestion is common during peak hours and festival seasons, so planning early morning or late evening departures can help avoid delays.

• Rest stops with basic food and restroom facilities are available on the highway, but carrying water and snacks is advisable for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mathura is straightforward and offers flexibility to explore nearby attractions. The route is well-maintained and popular among weekend travelers.

• The most common route is via NH19 (Delhi-Agra highway), covering about 145 km and taking around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• Toll plazas are present on the highway, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges typically range between ₹100 and ₹200 one way.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highway, with popular stops near Palwal and Ballabgarh for refreshments and breaks.

• Driving during early mornings or late evenings helps avoid heavy traffic near Delhi and Mathura, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Parking in Mathura city near major temples and markets can be limited; using paid parking lots or hotel parking is advisable for convenience and safety.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or app-based cab from Delhi to Mathura is a comfortable and hassle-free option, especially for groups or those preferring door-to-door service.

• Ola and Uber offer intercity rides from Delhi to Mathura, with fares typically ranging from ₹2500 to ₹3500 depending on car type and demand.

• Prepaid taxis are available at Delhi airports and railway stations, but booking in advance through reliable operators ensures better rates and availability.

• The journey by taxi takes about 3 to 4 hours via NH19, with flexibility to stop en route for meals or sightseeing.

• During peak travel seasons, taxi fares may surge, so booking early and confirming fixed rates helps avoid surprises.

• Local taxis and auto-rickshaws in Mathura are available for last-mile travel from the drop-off point to hotels or temples.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Mathura, helping you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus ticket online in advance through IRCTC or MSRTC websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Arrive at the departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes early to find your platform or bus bay comfortably and handle any ticket verification.

• Carry a small bag with essentials like water, snacks, and a phone charger, especially if you choose bus travel where onboard facilities are limited.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s fuel, tires, and documents before starting the journey; keep a physical map or GPS app handy for navigation.

• On arrival in Mathura, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and fixed-price rides to your accommodation or temple destinations.

• Keep local currency handy for small purchases, auto-rickshaw fares, and temple donations, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Always use official prepaid taxi services or trusted app cabs to avoid overcharging or unsafe rides, especially when arriving late in Mathura.

• Food and Water: Drink bottled water and eat at clean, popular eateries to avoid stomach issues; roadside stalls can be tempting but carry your own snacks if unsure.

• Booking Strategy: For trains, book tickets as soon as your travel dates are fixed, especially during festivals when demand spikes sharply.

• Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws are common in Mathura but agree on the fare before starting your ride to avoid disputes.

• Luggage: Travel light if using buses or trains, as space for large bags is limited; keep valuables close to you at all times.

• Seasonal Warnings: During monsoon, roads may flood or slow down traffic; plan extra travel time and check weather updates before departure.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

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

Festival periods like Janmashtami and Holi attract large crowds to Mathura, increasing travel time and accommodation demand. Planning your trip outside these peak times can make your journey smoother.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals unless you want to experience the celebrations, as trains and buses get fully booked and roads congested.

• Winter mornings may have fog near Delhi and Mathura, causing slight delays in train and road travel; mid-morning departures are preferable.

• Monsoon rains from July to September can cause waterlogging and slower traffic on NH19; check local weather forecasts before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and provide a more comfortable journey to Mathura.

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. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are readily available for short distances within the city. Prepaid taxi counters at the station offer fixed fares to popular hotels and temples.

Many visitors choose to stay near the city center or close to the Banke Bihari Temple area, where accommodations range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Mathura but may have limited availability late at night.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Mathura is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a fast and comfortable journey, while buses provide economical travel. Driving or hiring a taxi gives flexibility and convenience, especially for groups or those wanting to explore nearby sites.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right departure time, and preparing for local conditions will help you enjoy a smooth and pleasant trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey from Delhi to Mathura and focus on experiencing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of this historic city.