If you’re planning a trip from Delhi to Katra, you’re likely heading to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and travelers make the journey to Katra, a small town in Jammu and Kashmir. Thankfully, there are several options to reach Katra from Delhi, including trains, buses, and flights.
In this detailed guide, we’ll help you plan your journey by covering the best travel methods, including the Vande Bharat Express, Shri Shakti Express, bus services, flights, ticket prices, and everything you need to know for a smooth trip.
1. Distance from Delhi to Katra
The distance between Delhi and Katra is around 650 kilometers. Depending on how you choose to travel, the time it takes to reach Katra will vary. By train, you can expect a journey of 8 to 13 hours. If you choose to fly to Jammu and then take a taxi to Katra, it will take about 3 to 4 hours in total.
The best way to travel depends on your preferences for comfort, speed, and budget. Let’s explore each travel option in more detail.
2. How to Travel from Delhi to Katra by Train
Taking a train from Delhi to Katra is one of the most popular ways to travel, especially for pilgrims. There are a few trains that offer direct routes to Katra, but the most popular ones are the Vande Bharat Express and the Shri Shakti Express.
Vande Bharat Express: Fast and Comfortable
The Vande Bharat Express is a high-speed train that provides a comfortable and quick journey to Katra.
- Route: Delhi to Katra
- Travel Time: About 8-9 hours
- delhi to katra train ticket price:
- Chair Car: ₹800 to ₹2,000
- Executive Class: ₹1,500 to ₹3,500
- Food: Passengers traveling in Executive Class enjoy complimentary meals, while Chair Car passengers can buy food and drinks during the journey.
The Vande Bharat Express is perfect for those who want to travel comfortably and reach their destination faster.
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Shri Shakti Express: Budget Option
The Shri Shakti Express is another popular train that runs between Delhi and Katra. This train is slower than the Vande Bharat Express, but it is more affordable.
- Route: Delhi to Katra
- Travel Time: About 12-13 hours
- Ticket Prices:
- Sleeper Class: ₹600
- Third AC: ₹1,200
- Second AC: ₹1,500
While it doesn’t offer the same level of luxury as the Vande Bharat Express, it is a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Vande Bharat Train Delhi to Katra Ticket Price with Food
If you choose the Vande Bharat Express, the ticket prices include comfortable seating and, for Executive Class, meals. Here’s a breakdown:
- Chair Car (without food): ₹800 to ₹2,000
- Executive Class (with food): ₹1,500 to ₹3,500
Food in the Executive Class includes snacks, lunch, and drinks. If you travel in Chair Car, you can buy food onboard.
4. Train Ticket Prices from Delhi to Katra (2025)
In 2025, train ticket prices for Delhi to Katra will likely stay the same or slightly increase. Here’s a quick look at the price range for the most common trains:
- Vande Bharat Express: ₹800 to ₹3,500, depending on class
- Shri Shakti Express: ₹600 to ₹1,500
- Jammu Rajdhani: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000
- Shatabdi Express: ₹800 to ₹1,500
Ticket prices can change depending on factors like booking time, class, and seat availability. It’s best to book your tickets early for a better price.
5. Delhi to Katra Bus: A Convenient Option
If you’re on a budget, taking a bus from Delhi to Katra is a good choice. The journey takes longer—usually around 12-15 hours—but buses are affordable.
- Ticket Prices: ₹500 to ₹1,500, depending on the bus type (standard, deluxe, or sleeper)
- Bus Types: You can choose between:
- Standard buses: Basic, non-AC buses that are cheap.
- Deluxe buses: AC buses with better comfort.
- Sleeper buses: Comfortable buses for overnight travel.
Buses usually depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, and there are several operators running buses to Katra every day.
6. Delhi to Katra flight
Although there’s no direct flight to Katra, you can take a flight to Jammu, the nearest airport. From Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Katra, which is around 50 kilometers away.
- Flight Duration: About 1.5 hours from Delhi to Jammu
- Taxi/Bus from Jammu to Katra: Takes about 1.5 to 2 hours
- Ticket Prices: Flights from Delhi to Jammu usually cost between ₹2,500 to ₹6,000, depending on the airline and booking time.
While flights are faster, they can be much more expensive than trains or buses, so they are better suited for those with limited time or higher budgets.
7. New Delhi to Katra Train Time Table (2025)
Here are the train timings for some of the popular trains from Delhi to Katra in 2025:
- Vande Bharat Express: Departs New Delhi at 6:00 AM, arrives at Katra at 2:30 PM.
- Shri Shakti Express: Departs New Delhi at 4:00 PM, arrives at Katra at 4:30 AM.
- Jammu Rajdhani: Departs New Delhi at 6:55 PM, arrives at Katra at 6:30 AM.
For the latest updates, check the Indian Railways website or app.
8. Katra Travel Tips
Here are a few tips to make your trip from Delhi to Katra smoother:
- Book Tickets Early: Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or flight, booking your tickets in advance is the best way to get better prices and ensure availability.
- Pack Light: If you’re visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, you’ll need to trek up to the shrine, so keep your bag light and carry essentials.
- Stay Hydrated: The weather in Katra can get hot, especially during summer, so drink plenty of water during your trip.
- Local Transportation: Once in Katra, you can take a taxi or rickshaw to get around and reach the starting point of your trek to Vaishno Devi.
Conclusion
There are several ways to travel from Delhi to Katra in 2025, and each option has its own advantages. Whether you prefer the comfort and speed of the Vande Bharat Express, the budget-friendly Shri Shakti Express, or the flexibility of buses and flights, you’ll find a suitable option for your journey.
Planning ahead and booking early is key to a smooth and stress-free trip. Whatever your choice, your journey to Katra will be one you’ll remember, especially if it’s for a pilgrimage to the sacred Vaishno Devi temple.
FAQs
- How far is Delhi from Katra?
- The distance is around 650 kilometers.
- What is the fastest train from Delhi to Katra?
- The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest, taking about 8-9 hours.
- How much is the Vande Bharat ticket from Delhi to Katra?
- Prices range from ₹800 (Chair Car) to ₹3,500 (Executive Class).
- How long does the journey take by bus?
- The bus journey takes about 12-15 hours.
- Is there a direct flight to Katra?
- No, you’ll fly to Jammu and then take a taxi or bus to Katra.
- How much does a bus ticket from Delhi to Katra cost?
- Bus tickets range from ₹500 to ₹1,500.
- What’s the cheapest way to travel from Delhi to Katra?
- The bus is the cheapest option, especially the standard buses.
- Is the Vande Bharat Express worth the extra cost?
- Yes, it offers a quicker and more comfortable journey, especially with food and modern amenities.
- Can I book train tickets from Delhi to Katra online?
- Yes, you can easily book train tickets on the IRCTC website or mobile app.
- What should I carry for the Vaishno Devi trek from Katra?
- Pack light with essentials like water, snacks, a hat, comfortable shoes, and warm clothes if traveling during winter.