Flight times are approximate and routes change by season. Check current airline schedules.

Flight prices

Return fares per person are roughly Rs 4,000 to 7,000 in low season (January to February, November), Rs 6,000 to 12,000 in regular months (June to August) and Rs 10,000 to 20,000 or more in peak periods (April, September to October and the Christmas to New Year week). Book 4 to 8 weeks ahead.

Tips for flying to Srinagar

• Winter fog and snow can delay or cancel flights. Do not schedule a connection or an important event the same evening you return.

• Carry photo ID; security checks are thorough, and arrival formalities at the airport can take time in busy periods.

• Arrange an airport pickup (see our cab booking page) or use the prepaid taxi counter. Airport transfers to the hotel typically cost Rs 400 to 600.

• Prepaid SIMs from outside J&K generally do not work. Use a postpaid SIM or buy a local prepaid connection with ID.

• Dress for the cold on arrival. Srinagar can be 8 to 10 C colder than Delhi in winter.

Option 2: Reach Kashmir by train (cheapest and scenic)

Srinagar has a railway link inside the valley, but the line from the rest of India now reaches Katra and Jammu Tawi. You travel in two legs.

Leg 1: Delhi (or your city) to Jammu Tawi or Katra

Timings are from published 2026 timetables and may change; check IRCTC.

Leg 2: Vande Bharat to Srinagar

Fares (Katra to Srinagar): Chair Car about Rs 665 to 880 and Executive Chair Car about Rs 1,280 to 1,515, depending on the train and date.

Stops: Katra, Sangaldan, Banihal and Srinagar (with minor halts). The ride crosses the Chenab Bridge and passes through long tunnels.

Realistic total time by train

Expect 18 to 24 hours door to door from Delhi, including the connection at Jammu Tawi or Katra, the security check and the final ride. A same-day connection is possible, but a very tight one is risky: for example, a Delhi train reaching Jammu Tawi at about 12:45 pm leaves only about 35 minutes to catch a 1:20 pm service, so a small delay breaks the plan.

Tips for the train route

• Book both legs separately on IRCTC. Reservations generally open 60 days ahead (check the current rule).

• Leave a buffer of 3 to 4 hours between legs, or take an overnight train that reaches Katra or Jammu early and join the morning service.

• Allow time for railway security checks at Katra.

• Keep your luggage light. Winter clothing is bulky; carry what you can handle.

• Have a Plan B (see the problem-solving section below) in case your first train is delayed.

• Check the day. Some services do not run on Wednesdays.

Option 3: Reach Kashmir by road

Delhi to Srinagar by car

• Distance: about 800 to 880 km by road, depending on the route.

• Time: about 15 to 20 hours of driving. Most people take 2 days with an overnight stop in Jammu, Katra, Udhampur or Ramban.

• Route: Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar on the national highway, passing through the Jawahar and other highway tunnels.

• Cost: a taxi from Delhi to Srinagar costs about Rs 9,000 to 12,000 one way for a sedan at roughly Rs 11 to 14 per km, plus tolls, taxes and driver allowance, and more if you want a return in the same car.

Jammu to Srinagar by road

• Distance: about 270 km; time: 6 to 9 hours depending on traffic and weather.

• Winter and monsoon risk: the highway can close for hours or days due to snow or landslides, particularly around Banihal and Ramban. Check status before you leave.

• Share or private: shared cabs run from Jammu, but private cars are more dependable.

When road is the best choice

• A group or family of 4 to 6 that wants to see the Jammu region or the Katra pilgrimage on the way.

• Road trippers who plan to combine Kashmir with Ladakh or Himachal.

• Anyone who wants flexibility and does not mind a long drive.

When to avoid it

• Heavy snow and landslide season, if your dates are fixed.

• Seniors, young children or anyone who dislikes long drives.

• Solo travellers; the cost per person is high.