Delhi to Kashmir Trip: Flights, Trains, Road Routes and How to Plan a Srinagar Package from Delhi

Delhi is the starting point for more Kashmir trips than any other city. Direct flights, overnight trains and a long but scenic road all connect the capital with Srinagar, so the question is not whether you can get there easily, but which way suits you best.

We receive guests from Delhi almost every day. This guide explains every way to travel from Delhi to Kashmir, what each costs and how long it takes, and how to plan a Srinagar package from Delhi so that your holiday starts the moment you leave home.

What is the fastest way from Delhi to Kashmir?

A direct flight from Delhi to Srinagar, which takes about one and a half hours.

Several airlines fly non-stop from Delhi to Srinagar every day, with more flights in the peak season. The flight time is around 80 to 90 minutes, and the J&K Tourism website has official visitor information, and on a clear day the views of the Pir Panjal range as you descend into the valley are spectacular; ask for a window seat on the left side when flying in. Including airport time, you can leave Delhi in the morning and be on a Shikara by afternoon.

How much do Delhi to Srinagar flights cost?

Roughly ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 one way when booked early, and much more at the last minute in peak season.

Fares vary hugely with the season and how early you book. Outside peak weeks, booking two to three months ahead often gets you a good fare. In April, May, June and around Christmas and New Year, fares rise sharply, and last-minute tickets can cost several times the normal price. Morning flights are popular because they give you a full first afternoon in Srinagar. In winter, choose flights that leave Delhi after the morning fog usually clears, and avoid tight connections.

Can you take a train from Delhi to Kashmir?

Yes: take a train from Delhi to Katra (or Jammu), then the Vande Bharat from Katra to Srinagar.

Overnight trains run from Delhi to Jammu Tawi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, taking around 8 to 12 hours depending on the train. From Katra, the Vande Bharat to Srinagar takes about three hours and crosses the dramatic Chenab rail bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Some travellers combine this with the Vaishno Devi yatra on the way. Book both legs on the IRCTC website as early as possible; seats sell out in peak season. Our Katra to Kashmir trip guide covers this route in detail.

Can you drive from Delhi to Kashmir?

Yes, but it takes two days; break the journey in Jammu, Katra or Patnitop.

The road distance from Delhi to Srinagar is about 800 to 850 km via the Delhi to Amritsar route and NH44 through Pathankot, Jammu and the Banihal tunnel. Most people drive to Jammu or Katra on day one (about 600 km, 10 to 12 hours) and continue to Srinagar on day two (about 250 km, 6 to 8 hours). It is a good option if you love road trips or want your own car in Kashmir, but for most travellers flying or the train is easier. Expect tolls and fuel costs, and check the Jammu to Srinagar highway status before you set off, as landslides around Ramban can cause closures.

Can you take a bus from Delhi to Srinagar?

Yes, direct and connecting buses run, but the journey is long and tiring.

Private and state buses run from Delhi to Jammu, with connections to Srinagar, and some direct services operate in season. The journey can take 20 hours or more. It is the cheapest option but the least comfortable, and we only recommend it for young, budget travellers with plenty of time.

Which option is best for you?

Fly if time is short, take the train for scenery and Vaishno Devi, and drive only if you love road trips.

• Short trip or honeymoon: fly direct.
• Family including Vaishno Devi: train to Katra, then Vande Bharat to Srinagar.
• Large group with luggage: fly, or train plus a private cab.
• Road-trip lovers: drive with an overnight stop.

What does a Srinagar package from Delhi include?

Usually everything from Srinagar airport onwards: hotels, a private cab, meals and sightseeing.

Most Kashmir packages start and end in Srinagar. You book flights from Delhi separately, or choose a package that includes them. From the moment you land, the package covers airport pickup, hotels, breakfast and dinner, a private cab for sightseeing and a Shikara ride. Our honeymoon package with flights and family package with flights include return flights from Delhi.

Sample 5-day itinerary from Delhi

1. Morning flight Delhi to Srinagar, Shikara ride and the Boulevard.
2. Gulmarg: gondola and meadow walks.
3. Pahalgam: Betaab Valley and Aru.
4. Sonamarg day trip or Pahalgam at leisure, back to Srinagar.
5. Mughal Gardens and the evening flight to Delhi.

See our Kashmir 4 nights 5 days package.

Sample 7-day itinerary from Delhi by train

1. Overnight train from Delhi to Katra.
2. Vaishno Devi yatra.
3. Vande Bharat from Katra to Srinagar.
4. Gulmarg.
5. Pahalgam.
6. Sonamarg or Doodhpathri.
7. Flight from Srinagar to Delhi.

Our Jammu, Kashmir and Vaishno Devi tour package follows this plan.

How much does a Kashmir trip from Delhi cost?

A 5-day trip costs roughly ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 per person including flights, in 3-star hotels.

The package itself for 4 nights in 3-star hotels starts at around ₹14,000 to ₹18,000 per person for two sharing. Add ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per person for return flights booked early, plus activities like the gondola and union taxis. See our Kashmir trip cost guide for a detailed breakdown.

When should you travel from Delhi?

March to June and September to November for pleasant weather; December to February for snow.

Delhi summers are scorching, which makes Kashmir in May and June especially popular with Delhi families, so book early. Autumn is quieter and beautiful. Winter brings snow in Kashmir but fog in Delhi, which can delay flights. Read our best time to visit Kashmir guide.

What should you pack?

Warm layers in every season, comfortable shoes, original ID and a postpaid SIM.

Even when Delhi is at 45°C, evenings in Kashmir can be cool, and the top of the Gulmarg gondola is cold year-round. Pack a fleece and jacket. Remember that prepaid SIM cards from outside Jammu and Kashmir do not work in the region; postpaid connections do.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Kashmir from Delhi? About 800 to 850 km by road, or about 1.5 hours by air. What is the cheapest way to travel? Train to Katra and the Vande Bharat to Srinagar, or a bus. How long is the train journey? About 8 to 12 hours to Katra, then about 3 hours to Srinagar. Are flights included in Kashmir packages? Usually not, but some packages include them. Can I drive my own car? Yes, over two days. For more, see our how to reach Kashmir guide.

How do you make the most of your arrival day?

Take a morning flight, keep the afternoon light, and enjoy a sunset Shikara.

Your first day sets the tone. After a morning flight from Delhi, check in, have a Kashmiri lunch and rest for an hour, especially if you woke early. Around 4 pm, head to Dal Lake for a Shikara ride as the light turns golden, then walk along the Boulevard. Avoid planning long drives on arrival day; Gulmarg and Pahalgam can wait for tomorrow.

Tips from our team for Delhi travellers

• Book early for May and June, when Delhi families escape the heat.
• Choose a flight that lands before noon to enjoy your first afternoon.
• Leave three hours for the return flight, as Srinagar airport has extra security checks.
• In winter, allow for fog delays in Delhi and avoid tight onward connections.
• Carry a light jacket in your cabin bag; Srinagar is noticeably cooler than Delhi.

Which airlines fly from Delhi to Srinagar?

Most major Indian airlines run daily non-stop flights, with extra services in the summer and winter peaks.

Delhi to Srinagar is one of the busiest domestic routes in north India, so you usually have a wide choice of departure times from early morning to late afternoon. Morning departures are the most popular, because they get you to Srinagar in time for lunch and a Shikara ride the same day. Evening flights are often cheaper but leave you arriving after dark, when there is little to do except check in. On the return, choose an afternoon or evening flight so that you can enjoy your last morning in Srinagar. Compare fares across airlines, and remember that baggage allowances differ; if you are carrying winter gear or plan to shop for carpets and shawls, a slightly higher fare with more baggage can work out cheaper.

How do you get from Srinagar airport to your hotel?

By pre-booked cab, prepaid taxi or your tour operator's pickup; the Dal Lake area is about 30 to 45 minutes away.

Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport lies about 14 km from Dal Lake. There are security checks as you leave the airport area, which can add a few minutes. Prepaid taxis are available, but the simplest option is a pickup arranged by your hotel or tour operator, with the driver waiting at arrivals. If you are on one of our packages, your driver meets you at the airport and stays with you for the whole trip, so you never need to look for a cab.

What is the best time of day to leave Delhi?

Early morning flights in summer, mid-morning flights in winter.

In summer, the earliest flights land in Srinagar before 9 am, giving you an entire extra day. In winter, Delhi's morning fog sometimes delays the first departures, so mid-morning flights tend to be more reliable. If you are travelling by train to Katra, the overnight trains that arrive in the early morning let you start the Vaishno Devi yatra or board the Vande Bharat the same day.

Can you combine Amritsar or Himachal with a Kashmir trip from Delhi?

Yes; Amritsar fits naturally on the road route, and Dalhousie or Dharamshala are reachable via Pathankot.

Road-trip lovers sometimes break the Delhi to Kashmir drive in Amritsar to see the Golden Temple and the Wagah border ceremony, then continue via Pathankot to Jammu. Others add Dalhousie or Dharamshala before crossing into Jammu and Kashmir. These combinations make for a rich north India circuit, but they need extra days; plan at least ten to twelve days for a combined trip. For most travellers with a week, flying straight to Srinagar and focusing on Kashmir gives a more relaxed holiday.

What about travelling with children or elderly parents from Delhi?

Fly direct, choose a mid-morning flight, and keep the first day light.

A direct flight is by far the easiest option for families. Children and elderly travellers find the short flight comfortable, and arriving by midday leaves time for a rest before a gentle evening Shikara ride. Avoid the overnight train plus long road journey unless the family is keen on Vaishno Devi. Carry snacks, warm layers and any medicines in your cabin bag. Our Kashmir family tour packages include airport pickup and a comfortable SUV.

What documents do you need to travel from Delhi to Kashmir?

Original photo ID for every adult; no permit is required for Indian citizens visiting the main tourist areas.

Carry an original government photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, passport or driving licence. Children should carry a school ID or a copy of their birth certificate. Foreign nationals need a passport with a valid Indian visa. Keep printed copies of your flight tickets and hotel bookings.

Is it worth booking a package with flights from Delhi?

It is convenient if you want one booking and one point of contact, and it can save money in peak season.

Packages with flights bundle your return tickets from Delhi with hotels, the cab and meals, so you deal with one team for everything. In peak season, operators sometimes secure better fares through group allocations. If your dates are flexible and you are comfortable booking flights yourself, buying them separately during a sale can be cheaper. Either way, compare the total cost, not just the package price.

Have a question about planning your trip? Message us on WhatsApp or contact our Kashmir team for a free itinerary.