Delhi and Agra are the top two tourist cities in India, and the journey between them is the most popular tourist route. Agra is 216 km (134 miles) south of Delhi. The popular ways to get from Delhi to Agra are trains, private transfers, and buses. There are no direct flights.
Trains are the fastest, buses are the cheapest, and private transfers are the most flexible. If you would like a one-day Agra tour from Delhi, train and private transfer are the best choices.
Read on to find out more information to help you decide the best way for you.
Getting from Delhi to Agra by Train
- Cost: from US$6 per seat with AC
- Time: from 1 hour 40 minutes to 4 hours
Travelling by train, you can appreciate the scenery along the railways and share stories with the locals.
Dozens of trains depart from Delhi to Agra between 04:25 and 23:40 every day. The fastest train takes only 1 hour 40 minutes and the slowest one takes 4 hours. It can be very convenient and swift to travel between these two cities by train.
In India, (slower) non-air-conditioned trains are not recommended as the conditions inside are less comfortable/pleasant. Among the various train choices from Delhi to Agra, you can enjoy the best facilities on a Gatimaan Express, Bhopal Shatabdi Express, or CSMT Rajdhani. They are fully air-conditioned trains with meals included. Vegetarian food is available as well.
The signs, directions, and train information inside Delhi station are not easy to understand. Thus, you might need some time to figure out your platform and train. You're advised to arrive at Delhi station at least one hour before departure especially if you're a first-timer.
If you're travelling during public holidays, book your train tickets as soon as they go on sale. Train tickets are available from 1 month to 4 months prior to the departure date. The huge demand for holiday tickets makes them sell out soon.
Booking tickets with a reliable agent is the most convenient way. Most foreign visitors get stuck on registering and payment for online bookings at IRCTC — India's official train ticketing website. Buying tickets on the spot is time-consuming and you are not guaranteed a ticket if they are in short supply.
Travelling with us, we can take care of your train tickets along with other aspects of your tour. For as much of a worry-free booking as possible, You enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).
For a shorter train journey, like Delhi to Agra, you will arrive as scheduled most of the time. However, delays might happen on foggy or rainy days. Get more ideas about planning your India trip>>>
Enjoy a Private Transfer from Delhi to Agra
- Cost: from US$70 per person
- Time: from 3 hours
If you would like the most flexibility and least travel hassles, a private transfer is the best choice, taking 3 to 4 hours. Whether a private transfer arranged by a travel agent or a cab hired by yourself, they can meet you where you like in Delhi and transfer you to anywhere in Agra.
A single journey from Delhi to Agra will cost about US$70 per person. It is quite a bit higher than train and bus tickets. But, bear in mind you still have to get between your hotel and train/bus stations in both Delhi and Agra, which will probably add some taxi costs.
Most travelers who have tried to use OLA (Indian Uber) for a cab have given up, due to communication problems with the driver, because few drivers speak English well and most have heavy accents. What's more, if your driver is not experienced, a 3-hour drive could turn out to be a 6-hour journey! For a similar price, but much safer and more worry-free, contact us for a private transfer. We also have the best suggestions about How Long to Spend in India (for First Timers): from 5 Days to 1 Month>>>
Taking a Bus from Delhi to Agra
- Cost: from US$5 per seat with AC
- Time: from 3½ hours
A bus is the most cost-effective option to take you from Delhi to Agra. If you take a bus, it takes about 3½–6 hours depending on your bus. Tip: Double-check the location of the departure and arrival stations, because some of them are around 30 minutes from downtown Delhi/Agra.
You can buy tickets on the spot or online, through an agency, or even at your hotel. You're suggested to book an air-conditioned bus for a better experience. The price of a sleeper ticket is almost triple that for a seat.
In India, the signs for the buses are usually in Hindi and the driver might only speak Hindi too. You might have some difficulty in finding your bus and getting off at the correct stop. Punctuality is another issue, since they might wait for all seats to be occupied before departing. Besides, not all buses use the expressway, and detours often happen. Thus, taking a bus is more suggested for seasoned travelers or people with plenty of time.
How to Get Around Agra
After arriving in Agra, you can get around the city by private car, cab, or auto-rickshaw. If you prefer comfort and safety, contact us for a private transfer or take an A/C cab. Auto-rickshaws are the cheapest choice.
If you are taking a one-day round trip from Delhi to Agra, private transport is the best way to save time. You're suggested to visit Agra Fort first, then Itmad-ud-Daula (the Baby Taj), and appreciate the Taj Mahal at sunset before returning to Delhi. Contact us for a hassle-free day tour from/to Agra. Or read more about the sample itineraries of the Agra tour.
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