Nahan is a charming hill town located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its pleasant climate, scenic views, and historic temples. Delhi, the national capital, is a major hub from where many travelers start their journey to Nahan for leisure or pilgrimage.

This route is popular among tourists and locals alike who want to escape the city heat and enjoy the hills. In this guide, you will learn the main ways to travel from Delhi to Nahan, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Nahan – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and economical option for reaching Nahan from Delhi. Although Nahan does not have a railway station, nearby stations connect you to the town via road.

• The nearest major railway station to Nahan is Ambala Cantt, about 70 km away, well connected to Delhi by frequent trains taking around 3 to 4 hours.

• From Ambala Cantt station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Nahan, which takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours on NH7 and NH344.

• Train fares from Delhi to Ambala Cantt range from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on the class, with options like Shatabdi Express offering faster travel and better comfort.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during holidays and weekends to avoid last-minute rush.

• During winter mornings, fog can cause train delays on this route, so plan accordingly and check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a popular and budget-friendly way to reach Nahan from Delhi. Several government and private operators run services daily.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and Haryana Roadways operate direct buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Nahan, with journey times around 6 to 7 hours covering approximately 280 km.

• Bus fares range between ₹250 and ₹500 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Buses depart early morning and evening, but the early morning buses are less crowded and offer a more comfortable journey avoiding city traffic.

• The route passes through NH44 and NH7, with several toll plazas and rest stops where you can find local food stalls and clean washrooms.

• During monsoon season, landslides or roadblocks can cause delays, so check weather and road conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Nahan is a flexible and scenic option, ideal for those who want to explore the route at their own pace.

• The distance by road is about 280 km via NH44 and NH7, and the drive usually takes 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can start from Delhi via NH44 towards Ambala, then take NH7 towards Nahan, passing through towns like Yamunanagar and Kala Amb.

• Toll charges apply on NH44 and NH7, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage through toll plazas.

• There are multiple fuel stations and dhabas along the highway for refreshments and breaks, especially near Ambala and Yamunanagar.

• Driving during early morning hours is recommended to avoid Delhi’s heavy traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures on the highway.

• Self-drive car rentals and cab services like Ola Outstation or Zoomcar are available from Delhi, offering flexible packages for this route.

Flight

There is no airport in Nahan, and the nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, about 90 km away. Flights are not the most practical option but can be combined with road travel.

• Chandigarh Airport is well connected to Delhi with multiple daily flights taking about 1 hour, operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• From Chandigarh Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nahan, which takes around 3 to 4 hours on NH7 covering about 90 km.

• Flight fares between Delhi and Chandigarh typically range from ₹2000 to ₹4000 depending on the season and booking time.

• Combining flight and road travel can save time if you want to avoid long road journeys, but consider the extra time and cost of transfers.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Chandigarh Airport for convenient onward travel to Nahan.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Nahan to help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or official bus portals to secure your seat and get better fares, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Ambala Cantt and arrange a taxi or bus from there to Nahan; confirm the last-mile transport options before departure.

• For bus travel, arrive at ISBT Kashmiri Gate at least 30 minutes before departure to find your bus easily and avoid last-minute confusion.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps, check vehicle condition, and start early morning to avoid city traffic and reach Nahan by evening.

• Carry light luggage and pack essential items like water, snacks, and warm clothes, as hill weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter.

• Upon arrival in Nahan, use local taxis or auto-rickshaws for sightseeing and hotel transfers; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs where available.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid ID and keep your tickets handy, as Indian trains and buses require verification during the journey.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues; carry some dry snacks for long trips.

• Book tickets online early to avoid sold-out situations, especially during festivals like Diwali or summer holidays when hill stations get crowded.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and fair-priced local travel in Nahan.

• Pack a small first-aid kit including medicines for motion sickness and cold, as hill roads can be winding and weather can change suddenly.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions as landslides can disrupt travel; carry rain gear and avoid night travel on hilly roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Nahan is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers attract tourists escaping Delhi’s heat, but can be crowded.

Winter months are cold and foggy, especially early mornings, which can cause travel delays. Monsoon season brings heavy rains and occasional landslides, so extra caution is needed.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and New Year when roads and trains are crowded and prices surge.

• Fog in December and January mornings can delay trains and reduce visibility on roads, so plan departures later in the day if possible.

• Monsoon rains from July to September may cause roadblocks on NH7; check local news and weather forecasts before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Nahan comfortably by afternoon or evening.

Arrival at Nahan & What to Expect

When you arrive in Nahan, you will find a small but well-connected town with basic amenities and friendly locals. The main bus stand and taxi stands are near the town center, making it easy to find transport to your accommodation.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, taxis, and shared jeeps that connect to nearby villages and tourist spots. Many hotels offer pick-up services if informed in advance. Popular areas to stay include the town center near the main market and the quieter outskirts for a peaceful experience.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Delhi to Nahan depends on your priorities. For comfort and speed, taking a train to Ambala Cantt followed by a taxi is ideal. Budget travelers may prefer direct buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Driving offers flexibility and scenic views but requires careful planning.

Remember to book tickets early, check weather and road conditions, and carry essential travel items. With these tips and options, you can confidently plan your trip to Nahan and enjoy the beautiful hills and serene environment without hassle.