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Delhi to Srinagar: Flights, Travel Time, and How to Plan the Journey
Introduction
For most international travelers, the journey to Kashmir begins in Delhi. India's capital is the main gateway to the Kashmir Valley, and the route from Delhi to Srinagar has never been easier. You can fly in about 1.5 hours, take the new Vande Bharat train through the Himalayas, or drive one of India's most dramatic mountain highways.
In this guide, we compare every option for traveling from Delhi to Srinagar, including flight times, the latest train connections, road routes, and practical tips, so you can choose the best way to start your Kashmir holiday.
Delhi to Srinagar: Quick Comparison
Option | Travel time | Comfort | Best for |
Flight | About 1.5 hrs in the air | High | Short trips, first-time visitors, families |
Train (via Jammu) | About 13–15 hrs, including a change | Medium–High | Rail lovers, scenic travel, combining Vaishno Devi |
Road (via Jammu) | About 16–18 hrs over 2 days | Medium | Road-trip lovers, travelers adding Amritsar or Jammu |
For a 7–10 day holiday, flying is the clear choice: you lose half a day instead of one or two.
Delhi to Srinagar by Flight (Recommended)
Flying is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Delhi to Srinagar. The two cities are about 640 km apart by air, and a direct flight takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air operate direct flights, with around 15–20 departures a day.
Airports: Flights leave from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), mostly Terminal 1 or 3, and land at Srinagar's Sheik ul-Alam International Airport (SXR), about 12 km from Dal Lake.
Timings: Most flights depart Delhi in the early morning or early afternoon. Morning flights are the most reliable, especially in winter.
Connecting from abroad: Arriving on an international flight? Allow at least 3–4 hours to collect bags and change terminals, or overnight in Delhi to explore the capital first.
Tip: Book a window seat on a clear morning flight for spectacular views of the Pir Panjal range as you descend into the Kashmir Valley.
Tip: Srinagar airport has strict security. Arrive at least 2 hours before your return flight, and expect extra screening at the terminal entrance.
Delhi to Srinagar by Train
Traveling to Kashmir by train is now possible, thanks to the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link, an engineering marvel that crosses the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge.
How it works today: There is no single direct train yet, so the journey takes two trains:
Take an overnight train from New Delhi to Jammu Tawi or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (about 8–10 hours).
Change to the Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar. Services began from Katra in June 2025 and were extended to Jammu Tawi in May 2026, covering Jammu to Srinagar in under 5 hours.
A direct overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper from New Delhi to Srinagar has been announced, but no confirmed start date has been published yet. Check IRCTC for the latest timetable before you travel.
Tip: Vande Bharat seats to Srinagar sell out fast. Book as soon as reservations open, and leave a few hours of buffer between your two trains.
Best for: Travelers who love scenic rail journeys or want to visit the Vaishno Devi shrine on the way.
Delhi to Srinagar by Road
The road journey from Delhi to Srinagar covers roughly 800–850 km and takes about 16–18 hours of driving, best split over two days.
Route: Delhi – Ambala – Ludhiana – Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Banihal – Srinagar
Highlights: The Chenani–Nashri (Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee) Tunnel, the Navyug Tunnel under the Pir Panjal at Banihal, and the river views along the Chenab and Jhelum valleys.
Overnight stop: Jammu or Katra makes a comfortable halfway break. You can also start with a night in Amritsar to see the Golden Temple.
Road conditions: The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH44) can close temporarily due to landslides or snow, especially in winter and during heavy rain.
Best for: Travelers with extra time who want to combine Amritsar, Jammu, or Vaishno Devi with Kashmir. Always travel with an experienced local driver.
How to Plan Your Delhi to Srinagar Journey
Best time to travel
Season | Months | Travel notes |
Spring | March – May | Tulip season, pleasant weather, reliable flights |
Summer | June – August | Peak season; book flights and houseboats early |
Autumn | September – November | Clear skies and golden chinar trees; ideal for road and rail |
Winter | December – February | Snow in Gulmarg; Delhi fog and Kashmir snow can delay flights, so keep a buffer day |
Arrival tips for Srinagar
Pre-arrange your airport transfer. Your Dasiatravels driver will meet you at arrivals and take you straight to your houseboat or hotel.
Mobile connectivity: Prepaid SIM cards from other Indian states and many foreign SIMs may not work in Jammu and Kashmir. Ask us to help you arrange connectivity.
Rest on day one. Srinagar sits at about 1,600 m, so take the first afternoon slowly with a gentle shikara ride.
Suggested itineraries
7 days: 2 nights Delhi + 4 nights Kashmir (Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam). See our 7-Day Delhi and Kashmir Itinerary.
10 days: Add Agra and the Taj Mahal before flying to Srinagar.
12 days: Travel by train via Amritsar and Jammu, then fly back from Srinagar to Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Delhi to Srinagar?
A direct flight from Delhi to Srinagar takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on the airline and weather.
Is there a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar?
Not yet. You currently need to take a train from Delhi to Jammu or Katra, then the Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar. A direct Delhi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Sleeper has been announced.
What is the distance from Delhi to Srinagar?
About 640 km by air and roughly 800–850 km by road.
Which is the best way to travel from Delhi to Srinagar?
Flying is the best option for most visitors because it saves a full day. Choose the train or road if you want a scenic journey or plan to visit Amritsar, Jammu, or Vaishno Devi on the way.
Can I travel to Srinagar in winter?
Yes. Flights operate year-round, though fog in Delhi and snow in Kashmir can cause delays. Keep a buffer day before any international departure.
Start Your Kashmir Journey with D Asia Travels
Whether you fly, take the train or drive, getting from Delhi to Srinagar is the first step towards an unforgettable Kashmir holiday. Dasiatravels takes care of every detail, from flight bookings and airport transfers to handpicked houseboats, private cars and expert local guides, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Planning your trip? View our Delhi and Kashmir tour packages or request a free personalized quote today.
