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How to Reach

Visit Srinagar › How to Reach

How to Reach Srinagar

Srinagar, the Summer Capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is well connected by air, rail and road. Choose your preferred mode of travel below.

By Rail — Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
Featured Train
Vande Bharat Express
India’s Premier Semi-High Speed Train — Now Serving Kashmir
160 km/h Max Speed
AC All Coaches
WiFi On-Board
GPS Live Tracking
New Delhi Srinagar (via USBRL)
Automatic sliding doors
Diffused LED lighting
Bio-vacuum toilets
Divyangjan friendly
CCTV surveillance
Touch-free amenities
272 km
Total Rail Link Length
359 m
Chenab Bridge Height
36
Tunnels on USBRL
12.77 km
T-50 — Longest Tunnel
Nearest Railway Station
Srinagar Railway Station is the main station serving the city, connected via the USBRL project. The line extends from Udhampur via Katra (Vaishno Devi) to Banihal, Qazigund and Srinagar.
Scenic Engineering Marvel
The train route passes over the Chenab Bridge — the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 metres above the river. A truly breathtaking experience for passengers.
Booking
Book tickets online at irctc.co.in or through the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Vande Bharat and other express trains operate on this route. Check availability early as seats fill quickly, especially during summer season.
By Air — Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport
SXR
Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport
Humhama, Budgam — 14 km from Srinagar City Centre
~14 kmFrom City
~30 minDrive Time
24/7Operations
Airlines & Connectivity
Major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara operate daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata. Direct international charter flights also operate during peak tourist season.
Airport to City
Pre-paid taxis and cab services are available outside the arrivals terminal. App-based cabs (Ola, local providers) are also available. The drive to Dal Lake and city centre takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Travel Tips
Book flights 3–4 weeks in advance during April–October peak season. Early morning flights offer the clearest mountain views on approach. Carry a valid photo ID — security checks are thorough at SXR.
By Road — National Highway 44 (NH-44)
From Route Distance Est. Time Key Pass / Tunnel
Jammu NH-44 via Banihal Tunnel 290 km 6–7 hrs Banihal Tunnel (bypass)
Delhi NH-44 via Jammu → Srinagar ~800 km 15–18 hrs Banihal / Jawahar Tunnel
Chandigarh NH-44 via Jammu ~630 km 12–14 hrs Banihal / Jawahar Tunnel
Leh NH-1 (Srinagar–Leh Highway) 434 km 9–10 hrs Zoji La Pass (seasonal)
Kargil NH-1 (Srinagar–Kargil) 206 km 5–6 hrs Zoji La Pass (seasonal)
Banihal Tunnel (Z-Morh)
The Banihal–Qazigund Road Tunnel is 8.5 km long and connects the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region, bypassing the old Banihal Pass. It remains open throughout the year and dramatically reduces travel time.
Road Conditions & Advisories
The NH-44 can be affected by landslides or snowfall particularly in winter (November–March). Always check Traffic Police J&K advisories before travel. The Srinagar–Leh highway is closed in winter and typically opens in May.
Self-Drive & Rental
Private cars and SUVs are recommended for the Jammu–Srinagar route. Numerous car rental services are available at Srinagar Airport and in the city. Ensure your vehicle has good ground clearance, especially for side trips to Pahalgam, Gulmarg or Sonmarg.
By Bus — JKSRTC & Private Services
JKSRTC (Government Buses)
Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation operates regular deluxe and super-deluxe bus services between Jammu and Srinagar. Buses depart from the General Bus Stand, Jammu and arrive at the TRC (Tourist Reception Centre) Bus Stand in Srinagar.
Private Bus Operators
Several private operators run Volvo and sleeper buses on the Jammu–Srinagar route, Delhi–Jammu–Srinagar route and from other major cities in North India. These are available via online booking portals like redBus or IRCTC Bus.
Main Bus Stand — Srinagar
The TRC (Tourist Reception Centre) in downtown Srinagar is the main bus terminal. Local mini-buses, shared autos and app-based cabs are available from here to all major destinations within the city and outskirts.
Useful Contacts for Travellers
Srinagar Airport (SXR)
0194–2303311
JKSRTC Bus Booking
jksrtc.co.in
J&K Traffic Police Helpline
01912–477762
IRCTC Rail Booking
irctc.co.in
J&K Tourism
jktourism.org
Tourist Helpline J&K
1800–180–7616