Quick answer: Chandigarh to Amritsar is about 230 km and takes roughly 4–4.5 hours by road via Jalandhar (NH-44). You can drive, take a taxi, board a PRTC/PEPSU/Punjab Roadways bus from ISBT Sector 43 or Sector 17, or catch a train. Best time to visit Amritsar: October–March.
If you’re looking for a culturally rich and historic journey, then traveling from Chandigarh to Amritsar is a must-do in India. This journey takes you from the modern city of Chandigarh to the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. With a range of natural, cultural, and spiritual wonders to explore, this journey offers something for every traveler. In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to plan and execute your Chandigarh to Amritsar trip.
⚡ Quick Facts at a Glance
- Distance: ~227 km by road
- Drive time: about 3 hr 53 min
- Route: Chandigarh → Jalandhar → Amritsar (NH-44)
- How to reach: car, bus or train (no direct flights)
- Best time: Oct–Mar
✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
There is a city close to your heart and yet so far away. You want to travel there, but often find yourself daydreaming about it and wishing you could go. And sometimes, your friends’ destinations pop up as your new dream destination, and you can’t help but be jealous of all the fun they’re having.
You may be wondering how long the trip takes and which way is best. You also wonder how long it would take you to get there from Chandigarh. Is it worth the trouble? And if yes, which mode of transportation should you opt for? Read on as we explain the fastest ways to reach Amritsar and some of the options available for transport between Chandigarh and Amritsar.
Table of Contents
Quickest Ways to Reach Amritsar
You could also opt for any of the ways mentioned below if you are travelling in a hurry.
- The fastest way to reach Amritsar from Chandigarh is by car. The journey takes 4 hours, covering a distance of 230 km.
- Direct trains take about 4 to 4.5 hours, and buses usually take longer than driving. There are no direct flights between Chandigarh and Amritsar.
- Thus, the fastest way to reach Amritsar from Chandigarh is by car.
Affordable Travel Options for Chandigarh to Amritsar
Although it’s a costly affair, taking a taxi from Chandigarh to Amritsar is the best and most popular way to cover this distance. Your budget can work with anyone who takes into account the time and money involved. A taxi from Chandigarh to Amritsar would cost anywhere between ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 as per the route chosen.
If you are opting for flights, you will be spending ₹4,300 to ₹11,400+ (no direct flights) as per the duration of travel and number of stops made. Other options include buses, trains, and personal taxi/shared cab/carpool as they are also viable transportation options. The cost of a bus ticket from Chandigarh to Chandigarh Airport starts at a few hundred rupees, compared to Air travel which costs much more in terms of time and cost.
The lodging option in Amritsar can be obtained for as low as ₹1,000-1,500 per night as there are various affordable hotels available in the city.
Know Your Chandigarh to Amritsar Schedule
If you’re traveling between Chandigarh and Amritsar, there are different trains and train tickets that you can opt for. You can try the daily Amritsar–Chandigarh Superfast Express (14541/14542), which is timetabled at about 4 hours. It has AC Chair Car and second-class seating, but no pantry car. All these features make it a comfortable option for travellers.
Another option is the 12411 Chandigarh–Amritsar Intercity Express, which leaves Chandigarh daily at about 06:55 and reaches Amritsar at about 11:25 (check NTES for current timings). The ride takes about 4.5 hours. This train comes with AC coach as well as non-AC chair car. Finally, the Paschim Superfast Express (12925) from Bandra Terminus also stops at Chandigarh on its way to Amritsar; check its current timings on NTES.
Compare Transport Options for Chandigarh to Amritsar
If you are planning a Chandigarh to Amritsar trip, it is best to opt for the most affordable and time-tested mode of transport. A flight from Chandigarh to Amritsar will cost you around Rs 10,000 as compared to Rs 1,200 via train or as low as Rs 600 by bus.
If you have time on your hands, then opting for a train or a bus should be the right choice. The train journey from Chandigarh to Amritsar takes about 4 to 4.5 hours; check current fares on IRCTC.
How Long Does it Take to Reach Amritsar?
Direct trains take about 4 to 4.5 hours. The rail route is 248 km.
Varying modes of transportation such as bus, train and car can also be taken to reach Amritsar from Chandigarh. It takes around 4 hours by train.
The distance between these two cities is 230 km, so it is advisable to plan the journey in advance to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
Calculate the Distance from Chandigarh to Amritsar
Chandigarh to Amritsar is about 230 km by road; the straight-line distance is shorter, about 217 km. It takes around 4 hours to drive from Chandigarh to Amritsar on a road journey.
What are the Prices of Transportation?
- The cheapest option for transportation from Chandigarh to Amritsar is by bus, with tickets ranging from ₹285-₹1,333.
- Taking a taxi from Chandigarh to Amritsar can cost between ₹2,500-₹5,000.
- A flight from Chandigarh to Amritsar is the most expensive option, with tickets costing ₹4,300+.
- For those who wish to stay in the city, prices start at ₹1,000-1,500 per night.
- There are several cheap budget hotels as well as luxurious resorts available in the city.
- People can travel by train as well, but tickets cost upwards of ₹400-800 for a one-way ticket.
- A flight from Chandigarh Airport is also an expensive option, with tickets costing ₹4,300+.
- The easiest and most affordable way to reach Amritsar is by bus or train, as they cost less than other modes of transportation. The same goes for staying in the city as well as traveling there by air or by road.
Maximum Trips Per Day Between Chandigarh and Amritsar
If you are planning to travel from Chandigarh to Amritsar, there are 18 bus trips per day available between the two cities. These buses provide you with an affordable and convenient way of traveling from one place to another. The best part is that these bus services are more affordable as compared to other modes of transport like flights and taxis.
The cost of a one-way ticket ranges from ₹210 to ₹700 depending on the type of ticket you purchase and the distance traveled. For example, a ₹200 one-way ticket to Amritsar will be cheaper than a ₹700 return ticket. While flights and taxis are quite expensive, buses offer value for money as well as convenience.
If you want to travel by train, there are several daily direct trains between Chandigarh and Amritsar, including the 12411 Intercity Express and the 14541 Superfast Express. The journey takes about 4 to 4.5 hours; check current fares on IRCTC.
Another option is travelling by autorickshaws or taxis. A one-way taxi ride between Chandigarh and Amritsar costs around ₹2,500-₹5,000 depending on vehicle type. You can also book a cab through online platforms like Ola or Uber which would be slightly more expensive but much more convenient as compared to travelling by autorickshaws or taxis manually.
Which is the Most Popular Way to Reach Amritsar?
The most popular way to reach Amritsar from Chandigarh is by driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 230 km and the journey time is 4 hours. Direct trains such as the 12411 Intercity Express and the 14541 Superfast Express take about 4 to 4.5 hours.
The well-connected rail network in North India also makes train travel a good option for those looking to visit Amritsar. There are 15 trains that ply between Chandigarh and Amritsar, of which five plying daily. The journey time varies as per train type, but it can be anywhere between 4 hours and 6 hours.
FAQ’s
Are you planning a trip to Amritsar but don’t know where to start?
Start with how you will travel: Amritsar is about 230 km from Chandigarh, and most people go by car, bus or train, as there are no direct flights. Then plan time for the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and the Wagah Border.
Can Chandigarh be reached from Amritsar?
Yes, Chandigarh can definitely be reached from Amritsar. The distance from Chandigarh to Amritsar is approximately 233 km and will take around 4 hours to complete. The two routes one can take to reach Amritsar are as follows:
1. via Rupnagar, Phagwara, Jalandhar, and Kapurthala
2. via Ludhiana and Jalandhar.
A taxi ride from Chandigarh to Amritsar will cost around ₹2,500 – ₹5,000.
What are the various modes of transport that can be used to get from Chandigarh to Amritsar?
There are a few modes of transport that can be used to get from Chandigarh to Amritsar. These include:
– Cabs: Cabs are available for travel between Chandigarh and Amritsar and the fares vary depending on the distance and time of day.
– Flights: There are no direct flights between Chandigarh and Amritsar, so flying is slower than going by road or rail. Flight prices start around ₹4,300 (no direct flights, one or more stops).
– Buses: Numerous private and government buses run between Chandigarh and Amritsar and the journey time depends on the bus type and stops. The bus fare varies depending on the route you choose.
– Trains: Indian Railways runs several daily direct trains between Chandigarh and Amritsar, with tickets costing between ₹150-₹500 depending on class.
– Personal taxis/carpools: Taxi or carpooling services are available between Chandigarh and Amritsar and the cost depends on the vehicle and whether you share the ride.
How much does it cost to reach Amritsar from Chandigarh?
The best way to reach Amritsar from Chandigarh without a car is to take a train. Fares depend on class (check IRCTC), and direct trains take about 4 to 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus which will cost you around ₹285-₹1,333 depending on bus type.
Flying from Chandigarh to Amritsar is also an option, and this may cost ₹4,300 and up (no direct flights). Remember that there is no direct flight, and the road distance is about 230 km.
What are some of the attractions that are located in or near Amritsar?
One of the attractions that is located in or near Amritsar is the Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. The temple is a spiritual center of the Sikh religion and is one of the holiest places on Earth for Sikhs.
Visitors can also see the historic Jallianwala Bagh, which is the site of the massacre of 13 April 1919, when British Indian Army troops under Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer fired on an unarmed crowd. The official death toll was 379; other estimates are higher.
Other attractions located in or near Amritsar include the Wagah Border, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, the Durgiana Temple, and the Gurdwara Manji Sahib.
More Travel Routes from Chandigarh
- Chandigarh to Ayodhya by Bus
- Chandigarh to Dharamshala
- Chandigarh to Kasauli
- Chandigarh to Manali
- Chandigarh to Shimla
- Delhi to Chandigarh Road Trip
- Chandigarh to Rishikesh
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Travelling onward by bus? Most inter-state services leave from ISBT Sector 43, Chandigarh’s main inter-state bus terminal.
By Bus: Fare & Timings
PRTC, PEPSU and Punjab Roadways buses run frequently from ISBT Sector 43 and Sector 17, Chandigarh to Amritsar (about 230 km, 4–5 hours) via Jalandhar. Ordinary, AC and Volvo services are available, including frequent daytime departures. Check current fares and timings on RedBus or the PRTC site; trains are another comfortable option for this route.