Traveling by train from Delhi to Srinagar is one of the most scenic and comfortable ways to reach the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Known as “Paradise on Earth,” Srinagar attracts tourists with its serene Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. While there is no direct train to Srinagar, travelers can take a train to Jammu Tawi and then continue their journey via road or a connecting train to Banihal, followed by a picturesque drive to Srinagar.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Delhi to Srinagar train journey, including:
- Overview of Delhi to Srinagar Train Routes
- Popular Trains from Delhi to Jammu Tawi
- Jammu Tawi to Srinagar: Road and Rail Connectivity
- Scenic Beauty and Highlights of the Journey
- Ticket Booking and Fare Information
- Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Alternative Travel Options (Flights & Buses)
- Best Time to Visit Srinagar
- Tourist Attractions in Srinagar
Overview of Delhi to Srinagar Train Routes
Currently, there is no direct train from Delhi to Srinagar. However, travelers can take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi Railway Station (the nearest major railhead) and then proceed to Srinagar via road or a combination of train and road.
The total distance from Delhi to Srinagar is approximately 800–850 km, depending on the route taken. The journey involves:
- Delhi to Jammu Tawi by train (~500 km, 8–12 hours)
- Jammu Tawi to Srinagar by road/train + road (~250–300 km, 6–8 hours)
The most common route is:
Delhi → Jammu Tawi (by train) → Banihal (by train) → Srinagar (by road)
Alternatively, travelers can take a direct cab or bus from Jammu to Srinagar via the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44), which passes through stunning landscapes, including the Jawahar Tunnel and Patnitop.
Popular Trains from Delhi to Jammu Tawi
Several trains operate between Delhi and Jammu Tawi, offering different classes of travel, including Sleeper (SL), 3AC, 2AC, and 1AC. Here are some of the best options:
a) Rajdhani Express (12425 / 12426)
- Departure: Delhi (NDLS) – 8:40 PM
- Arrival: Jammu Tawi (JAT) – 6:20 AM (Next Day)
- Duration: ~9 hours 40 mins
- Classes: 3AC, 2AC, 1AC
- Key Features: Premium train with catering services
b) Swaraj Express (12471 / 12472)
- Departure: Delhi (NDLS) – 7:40 PM
- Arrival: Jammu Tawi (JAT) – 6:15 AM (Next Day)
- Duration: ~10 hours 35 mins
- Classes: SL, 3AC, 2AC
c) Jammu Mail (14033 / 14034)
- Departure: Delhi (NDLS) – 9:50 PM
- Arrival: Jammu Tawi (JAT) – 9:00 AM (Next Day)
- Duration: ~11 hours 10 mins
- Classes: SL, 3AC, 2AC
d) Delhi-Udhampur Express (12441 / 12442)
- Departure: Delhi (NDLS) – 10:50 PM
- Arrival: Jammu Tawi (JAT) – 10:00 AM (Next Day)
- Duration: ~11 hours 10 mins
- Classes: SL, 3AC
e) Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express (Newly Launched)
- Route: Katra → Srinagar (via Jammu Tawi)
- Key Features:
- India’s first semi-high-speed train in Jammu & Kashmir
- Passes through 36 major tunnels, including the iconic Chenab Bridge
- Reduces travel time significantly
- Modern amenities: WiFi, charging points, comfortable seating
- Note: Travelers from Delhi can take any train to Jammu Tawi and then board this Vande Bharat Express for the onward journey to Srinagar
These trains offer a comfortable overnight journey, allowing travelers to reach Jammu early in the morning and proceed to Srinagar the same day.
Jammu Tawi to Srinagar: Road and Rail Connectivity
Option 1: Jammu to Srinagar by Road (NH44 – 250 km, 6–8 hours)
The most common way to reach Srinagar from Jammu is by road via NH44. The route includes:
- Jammu → Udhampur → Patnitop → Ramban → Banihal (Jawahar Tunnel) → Qazigund → Srinagar
Key Highlights:
- Patnitop: A scenic hill station with breathtaking views.
- Jawahar Tunnel: A 2.5 km-long tunnel connecting Jammu to the Kashmir Valley.
- Banihal to Srinagar: Stunning views of snow-clad mountains and valleys.
Travel Options:
- J&K SRTC Buses: Comfortable and affordable (~₹500–₹800)
- Private Taxis: (~₹3000–₹5000 for a cab)
Option 2: Jammu to Banihal by Train + Banihal to Srinagar by Road
- Jammu Tawi to Banihal (Train No. 04035 / 04036)
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Fare: ₹100–₹300 (Unreserved)
- Banihal to Srinagar (60 km by road, 2 hours)
This option is budget-friendly but involves multiple transfers.
Scenic Beauty and Highlights of the Journey
The Delhi to Srinagar train and road journey offers breathtaking landscapes:
- Punjab Plains (Delhi to Jammu): Lush green fields and rivers.
- Shivalik Hills (Jammu to Udhampur): Rolling hills and tunnels.
- Pir Panjal Range (Banihal to Srinagar): Snowy peaks, valleys, and the famous Jawahar Tunnel.
The Banihal to Srinagar stretch is particularly mesmerizing, with views of apple orchards, saffron fields, and Dal Lake as you approach the city.
Ticket Booking and Fare Information
How to Book Delhi to Jammu Tawi Train Tickets?
- Online (IRCTC Website/App): Book at www.irctc.co.in
- Offline (Railway Stations/Authorized Agents)
Approximate Fare (Delhi to Jammu Tawi)
- Sleeper (SL): ₹400–₹600
- 3AC: ₹1,100–₹1,500
- 2AC: ₹1,600–₹2,000
- 1AC: ₹2,500–₹3,500
Jammu to Srinagar Travel Cost
- Bus: ₹500–₹800
- Taxi: ₹3,000–₹5,000 (shared/private)
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
✔ Book tickets in advance (especially during peak season: April–October).
✔ Carry warm clothes (Srinagar can be chilly even in summers).
✔ Prefer overnight trains to save time.
✔ Check weather conditions before traveling (NH44 may close in winter due to snow).
✔ Keep ID proof handy (security checks are common in J&K).
Alternative Travel Options (Flights & Buses)
By Flight (Delhi to Srinagar – 1.5 hours)
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara
- Fare: ₹2,500–₹6,000 (one-way)
By Bus (Delhi to Srinagar – 14–16 hours)
- Delhi to Srinagar Volvo Buses (~₹1,500–₹2,500)
- Operators: J&K SRTC, private buses
Best Time to Visit Srinagar
- April to October: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.
- November to February: Snowfall, perfect for winter lovers.
- Avoid monsoon (July-August): Landslides may disrupt road travel.
Tourist Attractions in Srinagar
- Dal Lake: Shikara rides & houseboats.
- Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh.
- Gulmarg: Skiing & Gondola rides.
- Pahalgam: Scenic valleys & trekking.
- Hazratbal Shrine: Important religious site.
While there is no direct Delhi to Srinagar train, the combination of train + road travel offers an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes. Whether you choose the Rajdhani Express to Jammu Tawi or a scenic road trip via NH44, the trip to Srinagar is as mesmerizing as the destination itself.
Also read: How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Mumbai
Plan your trip in advance, book your tickets early, and get ready to explore the paradise of Kashmir!
