How to Reach Shahjahanpur from Delhi – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Shahjahanpur from Delhi by train, bus, car, or flight with practical tips on travel time, fares, and local transport options.
Shahjahanpur is a historic city located in Uttar Pradesh, about 280 kilometers east of Delhi. It is known for its cultural heritage and is a common destination for travelers seeking to explore northern India beyond the capital.
This route from Delhi to Shahjahanpur is frequently traveled by tourists, business visitors, and locals. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel between these two cities using different transport modes, including trains, buses, cars, and flights.
Getting from Delhi to Shahjahanpur – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Shahjahanpur from Delhi. The rail network connects the two cities well, offering multiple daily services.
Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), arriving at Shahjahanpur Railway Station (SPN), which is centrally located in the city.
The journey covers approximately 280 km and takes between 5 to 7 hours depending on the train type, with fares ranging from INR 150 to INR 700 for sleeper and AC classes.
Popular trains include the Lucknow Mail and the Gorakhpur Express, which run daily and offer reserved seating with moderate crowd levels outside peak holiday seasons.
Booking tickets via IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended, especially during festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains get crowded.
Train travel is generally comfortable with onboard catering options available on some trains, and the route passes through scenic rural landscapes.
Bus
Buses offer a budget-friendly and flexible option for traveling from Delhi to Shahjahanpur. Both government and private operators run services on this route.
Buses depart from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar bus terminals, arriving at Shahjahanpur Bus Stand near the city center.
The road distance is about 280 km via NH9 and NH30, with travel times ranging from 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Fares vary from INR 300 to INR 600 depending on the bus type, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches.
Buses run frequently throughout the day, but night buses are less common; booking tickets in advance during peak seasons is advisable.
Road conditions are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays, and toll plazas are present on the route requiring small fees.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Delhi to Shahjahanpur offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey is straightforward via national highways.
The route mainly follows NH9 and NH30, covering around 280 km, which takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Driving allows you to stop at roadside dhabas and rest areas, with popular stops near Karnal and Shamli for refreshments and fuel.
Toll plazas on the highways require cash or FASTag payments; keep change handy to avoid delays.
Traffic can be heavy leaving Delhi, especially during morning and evening peak hours, so starting early is recommended.
Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Delhi, with fares varying widely; app-based cabs like Ola and Uber offer intercity rides but at higher costs.
Flight
There is no direct flight between Delhi and Shahjahanpur as Shahjahanpur does not have a commercial airport. The nearest airport is Bareilly Airport, about 90 km away.
You can fly from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Bareilly Airport (BEK), with flight times around 1 hour.
From Bareilly, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Shahjahanpur, which takes approximately 2 to 3 hours by road.
Flights are limited and may not be daily, so checking schedules in advance is essential.
This option is usually more expensive and time-consuming than direct train or bus travel but may be suitable for travelers connecting from other cities.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Delhi to Shahjahanpur, helping you prepare and travel smoothly.
Book your train or bus ticket online via IRCTC or official bus portals at least a week in advance to secure a seat and avoid last-minute rush.
Reach the departure station or bus terminal at least 30 minutes early to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus bay comfortably.
Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially for longer train or bus journeys where stops may be limited.
If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check traffic updates to avoid delays leaving Delhi.
On arrival at Shahjahanpur station or bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola for safe and fair local transport to your accommodation.
Practical Travel Tips
Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and bus stations, as pickpocketing can occur in busy Indian transport hubs.
Drink bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues; carry some dry snacks from Delhi for convenience.
Book tickets well in advance during festival seasons like Diwali or Eid, as trains and buses fill up quickly and prices may rise.
Use local transport apps or prepaid taxi counters at arrival points to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar with fixed fares.
Carry a small bag with essentials during travel, as luggage space on buses and trains can be limited and crowded.
Monsoon season (July-September) can cause road delays and occasional train disruptions, so plan extra travel time during these months.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to travel from Delhi to Shahjahanpur is during the cooler months from October to March when weather is pleasant and roads are dry.
Avoid traveling during peak summer months (April to June) when temperatures can soar above 40°C, making road travel uncomfortable.
Festivals like Diwali and Holi cause heavy traffic and crowded trains, so avoid traveling on exact festival days if possible.
Monsoon rains between July and September can lead to slippery roads and occasional delays, especially on highways.
Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and offer smoother journeys on both train and road.
Arrival at Shahjahanpur & What to Expect
On arrival at Shahjahanpur Railway Station or Bus Stand, you will find several options for local transport including auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber.
Most travelers prefer staying near the city center or close to the railway station for easy access to markets and eateries. Prepaid taxi counters are available at the station to ensure fair fares and safety.
Conclusion
Traveling from Delhi to Shahjahanpur is straightforward with multiple transport options. Trains offer a balance of comfort and affordability, while buses provide budget-friendly flexibility. Driving allows for a personalized schedule, and flights via Bareilly are less common but possible.
Plan your journey by booking tickets early, choosing the right travel time, and preparing for local conditions. With these tips, you can confidently make your trip from Delhi to Shahjahanpur smooth and enjoyable.