- Jammu to Srinagar is about 250 km, usually 6–8 hours by road.
- Trains now run to Srinagar via Katra, about 3 hours from Katra.
- Do Vaishno Devi first, then travel to Srinagar the next day.
- Fly home from Srinagar so you don't have to drive back.
Lots of travellers begin their Kashmir holiday in Jammu, especially if they're arriving by train or want to visit Mata Vaishno Devi first.
This guide covers the road and rail options, the stops worth making, and a simple 7-day plan we use for many family trips.
How long does the Jammu to Kashmir trip take by road?
About 6 to 8 hours for the 250 km to Srinagar.
The Chenani–Nashri and Navyug (Banihal) tunnels have cut a lot of time off the old route. Stops along the way include Patnitop and the Banihal viewpoint.
Can you take the train from Katra to Srinagar?
Yes. Trains now run to Srinagar via Katra, and the journey takes around 3 hours across some spectacular bridges.
If you're doing Vaishno Devi darshan first, this is a comfortable option.
How should you plan Vaishno Devi with a Kashmir tour?
Do the yatra first, then travel to Srinagar the next day.
Register for the yatra on the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board website. Only the Shrine Board issues yatra registration, and it can be paused on very busy days.
What does a sample Jammu and Kashmir trip plan look like?
- Day 1: Arrive in Jammu or Katra, Vaishno Devi darshan
- Day 2: Katra to Srinagar by road or train
- Days 3–5: Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam
- Days 6–7: Srinagar sightseeing and departure
This is the plan behind our Jammu Kashmir tour package with Vaishno Devi.
Where can you see all our Jammu and Kashmir packages?
On our Jammu and Kashmir tour packages page. Every package can start in Jammu, Katra or Srinagar, whichever suits you.
How do you get from Jammu to Srinagar?
The main way from Jammu to Srinagar is by road along the national highway, a scenic drive of roughly 260 kilometres that takes most of a day, winding through tunnels and mountain passes. Many travellers break the journey, especially if they are including Vaishno Devi at Katra on the way.
There is also a growing rail link in the valley, and air travel directly into Srinagar for those who want to skip the long drive. But for pilgrims combining Vaishno Devi with Kashmir, and for travellers who enjoy the mountain scenery, the Jammu to Srinagar road remains the classic route. It is long but memorable, climbing from the plains into the heart of the valley.
The road route and its highlights
The Jammu-Srinagar highway is an experience in itself. It climbs out of Jammu, passes near Katra for Vaishno Devi, and threads through long tunnels, including the Chenani-Nashri and the Banihal, that have cut the journey time in recent years. The scenery shifts from foothills to pine forests to the open Kashmir valley.
The road can be slow in places, with traffic, roadworks or weather, so allow a full day and start early. It is best done in daylight for the views and for safety on the mountain sections. Stops for food and tea break up the drive, and the first sight of the Kashmir valley opening out after Banihal is a moment worth the journey.
Should you go by road, rail or air?
Each option suits a different traveller. Flying directly into Srinagar is the fastest and easiest, saving a long day on the road, and is ideal if your trip is short or you are not visiting Jammu or Katra. The train and the valley rail links offer a comfortable, scenic alternative for parts of the journey.
The road is the choice for those including Vaishno Devi at Katra, for travellers who want the full mountain drive, or when flights are expensive. Many families fly or train to Jammu, do the Vaishno Devi yatra at Katra, then drive up to Srinagar. Weigh your time, budget and whether Vaishno Devi is on your list, and choose accordingly.
Combining Vaishno Devi with your Kashmir trip
The Jammu to Kashmir route is popular precisely because it lets you combine Mata Vaishno Devi with the valley. The usual plan is to reach Jammu or Katra, complete the Vaishno Devi yatra, then drive up the highway to Srinagar for Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the gardens and a night in Pahalgam.
This turns a single journey into a complete pilgrimage-and-sightseeing holiday. Register for the yatra in advance on the official Shrine Board website, and build in a rest day around the climb, which is strenuous. Our Jammu and Srinagar tour package with Vaishno Devi handles the whole route, from darshan in Katra to the meadows of Kashmir.
Best time to make the Jammu to Kashmir journey
The best time for the road journey is spring to autumn, roughly April to October, when the highway is clearest and the weather kindest. Summer is peak season and the drive is comfortable, while autumn adds golden scenery. Spring brings blossom along the route.
Winter is the most challenging time, as heavy snow can block the high sections of the highway and cause long delays or closures, particularly around Banihal. If you travel in winter, keep your plans flexible, check road conditions before setting out, and consider flying into Srinagar instead. Whatever the season, start the drive early in the day to reach Srinagar in daylight with time to spare.
Tips for the Jammu to Srinagar drive
A few tips make the long drive easier. Start early, carry snacks and water, and keep some cash for tolls and roadside stops. Travel by a comfortable private vehicle with an experienced driver who knows the highway, and break the journey with Vaishno Devi at Katra if it is on your itinerary.
Carry original photo ID for checkpoints, keep motion-sickness remedies handy for the winding sections, and be patient with traffic and roadworks, which are common. Do the drive in daylight for the views and safety, and do not plan a packed day of sightseeing on arrival; the drive is tiring. Treat the journey as part of the trip, and the scenery rewards you.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jammu from Srinagar? About 260 kilometres by road, taking most of a day. What is the best way to travel? Flying into Srinagar is fastest; the road suits those including Vaishno Devi or wanting the drive. Can I visit Vaishno Devi on the way? Yes; most travellers do the yatra at Katra, then drive up to Srinagar. Is the road open in winter? Usually, but heavy snow can delay or close it, so keep plans flexible. For more route help, the Kashmir tour packages guides on Travel Wiki pair well with this one.
What are the tunnels on the Jammu to Srinagar highway?
The Chenani–Nashri tunnel near Patnitop and the Navyug tunnel between Banihal and Qazigund, which have cut hours off the journey.
The journey from Jammu to Srinagar on National Highway 44 used to take ten hours or more, winding over Patnitop and through the old Jawahar Tunnel. Two modern tunnels have changed that. The Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee tunnel, also known as the Chenani–Nashri tunnel, is over 9 km long and bypasses the Patnitop climb. The Navyug tunnel, about 8.5 km long, runs under the Pir Panjal between Banihal and Qazigund and avoids the snowbound Jawahar Tunnel road. Together they save several hours and make winter travel more reliable, although landslides around Ramban can still cause delays.
Is it worth stopping at Patnitop?
Yes, if you have time; it is a pleasant hill station with pine forest and snow in winter.
Because the tunnel bypasses Patnitop, you have to take a short detour to visit it. The resort sits at around 2,000 m, with pine forests, meadows and easy walks, and nearby Sanasar and Nathatop offer paragliding in good weather. It makes a good overnight stop if you want to break the drive, especially with children or elderly travellers. Our Jammu, Patnitop and Kashmir tour includes a night here.
What is the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar like?
Fast, comfortable and scenic, crossing the Chenab rail bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world.
The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link now connects Katra to Srinagar, and the Vande Bharat service on this route has become a highlight in itself. The journey takes around three hours and crosses dramatic gorges, long tunnels and the famous Chenab bridge. Seats sell out quickly in peak season, so book on the IRCTC website as soon as your dates are fixed. Remember that you will need a cab from Srinagar railway station to your hotel. Our Jammu and Kashmir rail tour is built around this train.
What can you see in Jammu before heading to Kashmir?
Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort, the Mubarak Mandi palace complex and the Amar Mahal museum.
If you have half a day in Jammu, visit the Raghunath Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in northern India; Bahu Fort with its Bawe Wali Mata temple overlooking the Tawi river; and the Amar Mahal palace, now a museum with paintings and a golden throne. Evenings are pleasant on the Tawi riverfront. Many travellers arriving by train spend a night in Jammu or Katra before the drive.
What is the Mughal Road and can you use it?
A scenic summer-only road from Poonch to Shopian over the Pir Ki Gali pass.
The historic Mughal Road links Bufliaz in Poonch with Shopian in south Kashmir, crossing the Pir Ki Gali pass at around 3,500 m. It is open only in the warmer months, usually from late spring to early winter, and closes after snow. It is a beautiful but long route with meadows, waterfalls and the Pir Ki Gali shrine, best suited to travellers with extra time who want to see Poonch and Rajouri. Most visitors use NH44 or the train instead.
Where should you stay if you break the journey?
Katra, Patnitop or Jammu on the way up; Pahalgam or Srinagar once you cross into the valley.
If you are doing Vaishno Devi, Katra is the natural overnight stop. Patnitop is the scenic choice for families who want to break the road journey. Coming from the valley side, some travellers drive straight to Pahalgam from Qazigund without entering Srinagar, which saves time on the first day. We plan the overnight stops around your pace and the number of elderly travellers or young children in your group.
How much does a cab from Jammu to Srinagar cost?
A one-way sedan typically costs ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, and an SUV more, depending on season.
Rates depend on the vehicle, the season and whether you share or book a private cab. Shared taxis from Jammu are cheaper but slower and less comfortable. Private cabs let you stop where you like. In our packages that start from Jammu, the cab stays with you for the whole trip, so you do not need to negotiate a separate transfer. See our Jammu Srinagar tour package.
Road or rail: which should you choose?
Choose the train for speed and comfort, and the road if you want to stop at Patnitop or travel with lots of luggage.
The train is faster and avoids the landslide risk around Ramban, but you need a cab at both ends. The road gives you flexibility and door-to-door comfort, and it lets you stop at viewpoints and towns. Families with elderly members often prefer the road with an overnight stop. Couples and small groups who like a smooth day often choose the train.
Frequently asked questions about the Jammu to Kashmir trip
How far is Srinagar from Jammu? About 250 km by road. How long does it take? Around 6 to 8 hours by road and about 3 hours by train from Katra. Is the road safe? Yes, but check for landslide closures around Ramban, especially in the monsoon. Can I combine Vaishno Devi and Kashmir? Yes; see our Vaishno Devi and Kashmir tour. Is there a direct train from Jammu to Srinagar? Trains run via Katra; check current schedules on IRCTC.
Have a question about planning your trip? Message us on WhatsApp or contact our Kashmir team for a free itinerary.
