Mathura and Vrindavan are two famous pilgrimage towns located in Uttar Pradesh, about 150 km south of Delhi. Mathura is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, while Vrindavan is revered for its temples and spiritual atmosphere. Many travelers from Delhi visit these twin cities for religious, cultural, and leisure purposes.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Mathura and Vrindavan. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and taxis, along with practical tips to plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Mathura Vrindavan – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a popular and convenient option for traveling from Delhi to Mathura. It offers a comfortable ride with multiple daily departures, suitable for budget and mid-range travelers.

• Mathura Junction is the main railway station serving both Mathura and Vrindavan, located about 15 km from Vrindavan town center, connected by local transport.

• Several trains run daily from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) to Mathura, with travel times ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on the train type.

• Ticket fares vary from INR 100 for general class to INR 600 for AC chair car or sleeper class, with options available on IRCTC and other booking platforms.

• Trains are frequent, but weekends and festival seasons like Janmashtami see higher demand, so booking in advance is recommended to avoid last-minute rush.

• During monsoon, occasional delays can occur due to track conditions, so check train status before departure and plan accordingly.

• At Mathura station, prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws are available for onward travel to Vrindavan or local hotels.

Bus

Buses are an economical way to reach Mathura and Vrindavan from Delhi. Both government and private operators run services with varying comfort levels.

• Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate is the main bus terminal offering frequent buses to Mathura and Vrindavan, including deluxe and non-AC options.

• Travel time by bus ranges from 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and route, covering approximately 150 km via NH19 and NH44 highways.

• Fares typically range from INR 150 to INR 400, with deluxe buses costing more but providing better seating and fewer stops.

• Buses run regularly from early morning till late evening, but holiday periods and weekends can cause overcrowding and ticket shortages.

• During monsoon, road conditions may slow buses, especially near toll plazas and highway junctions, so allow extra travel time.

• On arrival at Mathura bus stand, local shared autos and cycle rickshaws are available for short trips to Vrindavan or nearby temples.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mathura and Vrindavan offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups wanting to explore at their own pace.

• The distance is about 150 km via NH19, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic, especially when leaving Delhi during peak hours.

• Toll plazas on the route require cash or FASTag payments; expect 2 to 3 tolls with fees totaling around INR 150 to INR 250.

• Rest stops with food and fuel options are available near Palwal and Mathura, useful for breaks during the drive.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Delhi with daily rates starting around INR 2000, including fuel and driver if needed.

• Traffic congestion near Delhi and Mathura can increase travel time, so starting early in the morning is advisable to avoid delays.

• Parking is available near major temples and hotels in both Mathura and Vrindavan, but can be crowded during festivals.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or cab from Delhi to Mathura and Vrindavan is a comfortable and hassle-free option, especially for those unfamiliar with Indian roads.

• Ola and Uber offer outstation rides from Delhi to Mathura, with fares typically ranging from INR 2500 to INR 3500 one way depending on car type.

• Prepaid taxis are available at Delhi airports and railway stations, but booking in advance through apps or travel agents ensures better rates and availability.

• Travel time is about 3 to 4 hours via NH19, with drivers often recommending early morning departures to avoid city traffic.

• Many taxi drivers also offer sightseeing packages covering both Mathura and Vrindavan temples, which can be convenient for tourists.

• Ensure the taxi has valid permits for intercity travel and confirm the fare before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings.

• Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available in Mathura and Vrindavan for short trips, but agree on fares beforehand or use metered services.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Mathura and Vrindavan, helping you organize your trip smoothly.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least 3 days in advance, especially during festival seasons, using IRCTC for trains or official bus portals to secure seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but carry essentials like bottled water, snacks, and a power bank, as local food options may vary and phone charging points are limited on some buses and trains.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid Delhi traffic and reach Mathura or Vrindavan with ample daylight for sightseeing and temple visits.

• On arrival at Mathura station or bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable local transport to Vrindavan or your hotel.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for local purchases, auto fares, and temple donations, as many places may not accept digital payments.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially during monsoon or winter fog seasons, to plan accordingly and carry appropriate clothing.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for local travel in Mathura and Vrindavan to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially when arriving late or unfamiliar with the area.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your trip to avoid stomach issues; avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked and from busy, hygienic stalls.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to get confirmed seats and avoid scams.

• Use local shared autos or cycle rickshaws for short distances in Vrindavan, but agree on the fare before starting the ride to prevent disputes.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable footwear, as temple visits often involve walking and standing for long periods.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and some local routes may flood; check local news or hotel advice before planning day trips.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Mathura and Vrindavan is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather for sightseeing and temple visits.

Avoid traveling during peak summer months (April to June) when temperatures can soar above 40°C, making outdoor activities uncomfortable. Also, be cautious during the monsoon season (July to September) due to possible road delays.

• Festival periods like Janmashtami and Holi attract large crowds, causing higher traffic and accommodation shortages; plan and book well in advance if traveling then.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog in the Delhi-NCR region, sometimes delaying trains and flights; allow extra travel time during this season.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother highway travel to Mathura and Vrindavan.

• Monsoon rains may cause occasional waterlogging on highways and local roads, so check weather updates and road conditions before departure.

Arrival at Mathura Vrindavan & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mathura Railway Station or Bus Stand, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for onward travel to Vrindavan or your hotel. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also common for short distances.

Mathura town has several budget and mid-range hotels near the station and main temples. Vrindavan, about 15 km away, offers guesthouses and ashrams close to major temples. Local transport between the two towns is frequent but can be crowded during festivals, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Mathura and Vrindavan is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a reliable and comfortable choice, while buses provide economical travel. Driving or hiring a taxi gives flexibility and convenience, especially for groups or families.

Plan your trip by booking tickets in advance, starting early to avoid traffic, and using prepaid or app-based local transport for safety. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the spiritual and cultural richness of Mathura and Vrindavan without travel stress.