How to Travel from Delhi to Taj Mahal
Today Agra is synonymous with The Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. However, Agra has a lot to see in addition to the Mughal architecture buildings.
Delhi to Agra is just 230 kilometers (143 miles), both of which are a part of the famous Golden Triangle, the third angle being Jaipur. Agra can be reached in many ways including railways, airways, taxis, and private cars. The most preferred option is Indian Railways because of its convenience and inexpensive tickets. However, your choice would depend on your budget, schedule, and convenience factor. So if you are planning a visit from Delhi to the Taj Mahal, here is your planning guide, read on. Additionally, you can hire a tour operator as a complete package from Delhi to Agra.
1. Traveling from Delhi to Taj Mahal in Agra by Train:
Since the train is the most traveled medium from Delhi to Taj Mahal, let’s first talk about it. There are a lot of trains commuting between Delhi and Agra daily. The trains have been scheduled to cover all the time durations. Depending on the route, the train can take anything between 3 hours to 6 hours depending upon the number of stoppages and its speed, however, the average time is just 3-4 hours, so there is a need to choose the train carefully. Trains starting from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station are better as this place is closer to South Delhi and Delhi Railway Stations (NDLS) which is close to one hour from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL/VIDP). Both stations are at a 30-minute drive from each other. The main arrival Railway Station of Agra is Agra Cantonment or Agra Cantt (AGC).
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Tips for the Journey:
• Winter is the time for careful planning. Due to fog, trains are often delayed or even postponed and canceled.
• The train tickets are to be purchased beforehand from the railway station or the Indian Railways website.
• Bhopal Shatabdi, Karnataka Express, Kerala Express, and Gatimaan Express are some of the popular trains plying between the cities. Since there are many other trains between Delhi-Chennai and Delhi–Mumbai that pass between the cities this makes the train count higher.
• The first train starts from Delhi at 12:10 AM and the last train leaves at 11:55 PM, thus covering commuters willing to travel any time of the day.
• The train tickets vary depending upon the class of seats. General class is the cheapest and followed by Sleeper, CC, 3AC, 2AC, and the highest being 1AC.
• Agra has five stations namely - Agra Cantt Station (the main station), Agra Fort Railway Station, Raja ki Mandi, Agra City, and Idgah Railway Station. From the station, you can hire prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and buses to reach Taj Mahal and other attractions.
Read More: How to Travel to Agra by Train
2. Traveling from Delhi to Taj Mahal by bus:
Buses are a common mode of transport in India and finding a bus service is easier than thought. It takes about 3-4 hours between the cities bybus. The buses are frequently scheduled daily. The tickets are priced depending on the type of buses (AC/ Non-AC), the seats, and the operator.|
From Delhi to Taj Mahal by Taxi
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Tips for the Journey:
• Buses can be booked and boarded from many points in Delhi. Sarai Kale Khan, Akshardham, Mahamaya, Kashmiri Gate Metro, etc. It is important to ask the bus pick-up point to avoid any last-minute disappointments.
• Buses are available from 6.00 AM to 10.40 PM.
Read More: How to Travel to Agra by Bus
3. Delhi to Taj Mahal by Car/Taxi
NH2 and the Yamuna Expressway connect Agra with Delhi. Car or a privately hired taxi are two viable options for the journey between Delhi and Agra. This gives flexibility to de-route, or take your desired pit-stops before moving further. You could choose to drive on your own or hire a cab with a driver. Hiring one saves you from hassles and stress of driving. He can also be a translator for you or point to connect with the locals.
It takes about 4-5 hours to drive down to Agra depending upon the traffic conditions of course. The road conditions are good and roadside tea stalls, restaurants, and dhabas provide required break time.
Tips for the Journey:
• Car rentals in Delhi often include the cost of tolls and state tax, hence there is no need to pay anything extra.
• It is good to tell the operators about any detours planned to save yourself from any tussles thereafter.
Read More: Taxi Services in Agra
4. Delhi to Taj Mahal by Flight
Against anticipation, the flight tickets from Delhi to Agra, are almost equal to the rent of a car or a taxi. There are many flights between the cities and can easily be booked either on apps, booking windows or through travel agents (that also includes the agent’s commission). It is important to check the travel time carefully and keep in mind the Delhi traffic, weather and the fact that Delhi Airport is a very busy airport and check-in delays are common. Another thing to watch out for is that the flight can have multiple stops and can take long incessant hours for the journey.Tips for the Journey:
• The flights from Delhi’s IGI Airport reach the Kheria Airport Agra. Kheria is a military base and a seasonal commercial airport.
• Kheria airport is 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the main city of Agra and takes around 10-15 minutes by taxi.
• Flights may look like the fastest way of reaching however, adding check-in, check-out time, or/and any layover time, and transfers it may not be a time-saving deal. Something to watch out for.
Read More: Agra Airport
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