Quick answer: Delhi to Chandigarh is about 245 km and takes roughly 4–4.5 hours by road via NH-44 (Sonipat–Karnal–Ambala). Options both ways: drive or taxi, frequent Volvo and ordinary buses, the Shatabdi and other trains (~3–3.5 hr), or a short ~50-minute flight.
Delhi to Chandigarh flight is a journey of two cities. It begins with the bustling metropolis of Delhi and ends with the serene town of Chandigarh. It is a short flight, but airport transfers add time.
⚡ Quick Facts at a Glance
- Distance: ~243 km by road
- Drive time: about 4 hr 12 min
- Route: Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Ambala → Chandigarh (NH-44)
- How to reach: car, Volvo bus, Shatabdi train or flight
- Best time: Oct–Mar
✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Delhi and Chandigarh are only about 250 km apart, so the flight itself is short. While it’s an airport to airport flight, it can be a tedious task booking tickets and packing for this flight. So we have created a comprehensive guide on booking flights from Delhi to Chandigarh, covering all options and tips.
Table of Contents
Overview of Delhi to Chandigarh
The route from Delhi to Chandigarh is a popular one for people traveling between the two cities. The journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, and is partially covered by road, rail, and air. It is considered to be a low-hassle trip because of its connectivity.
The main road between the two cities follows the old National Highway 1, part of the historic Grand Trunk Road. Old NH 1 ran from Delhi to Attari via Panipat and Ambala; since 2010 its Delhi–Ambala stretch has been part of NH 44.
Chandigarh is one of the earliest planned cities in post-independence India and borders Punjab and Haryana. It is a perfect blend of modernity and natural beauty, consisting of 47 self-contained sectors. The city has many attractions for visitors of all ages. Its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for everyone.
Transportation Options
– Rail: The quickest and best way to travel between Delhi and Chandigarh is by rail. The fastest trains, such as the New Delhi–Chandigarh Shatabdi Express (12045/12046), run from New Delhi station to Chandigarh Junction. The Shatabdi covers the 244 km in about 3 hours 20 minutes. Check current fares on IRCTC.
– Bus: Travelling via bus between Delhi and Chandigarh is another popular option for travellers. A number of buses, such as Volvo or air-conditioned buses, offer reliable service between the two cities. Journey time depends on the bus type, traffic and stops.
– Road: Traveling by road can be time-consuming, but it’s also the cheapest option compared to the other modes of transport. The main road is NH 44 (the old NH 1) via Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal and Ambala. Drive time depends on traffic and stops.
– Air: Air travel is a good choice if you are short of time. Fares change daily, so check with the airlines.
– Go for a local bus or train if you want a comfortable ride with minimal hassles. A booking fee of around INR 100 per ticket may be levied by the bus operator or railway station booking office for booking tickets online
Beside these three modes of transportation, you can also use public transit like auto-rickshaws or taxis to travel from one place to another
Delhi to Chandigarh Schedule
You can make the trip by train, bus, car or flight. Trains from New Delhi to Chandigarh are run by Indian Railways and booked on IRCTC. The journey takes 2 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours and 40 minutes.
The best time to travel between the two cities is in the early morning hours. The weather is pleasant during that time and the roadways are less crowded. Several Shatabdi, Vande Bharat and express trains run daily; check availability on IRCTC before you travel.
As for the route, it is well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can also opt for a bus or a taxi if you don’t want to travel by train.
The journey from Delhi to Chandigarh is worth taking, as it provides you with an insight into India’s vast cultural diversity.
From Chandigarh you can carry on to hill stations such as Shimla, Dharamshala and Manali. This will surely give you a glimpse of the nature of this country.
Cost of Traveling from Delhi to Chandigarh
If you are travelling from Delhi to Chandigarh via bus, the ticket will cost you between $3 and $5. If you choose train, the ticket will cost between $5 and $19. If you opt for plane tickets, they would cost between $57 and $198. The most expensive way to travel is by hiring a taxi, which will cost you between $82 and $115 round trip.
The average round trip airfare is Rs 2,249.
So it’s best to do an accurate online search or check with your travel agent for the best option.
You can also use ia no-hassle route planner to plan your trip easily.
Popular Transport from Delhi to Chandigarh
A popular route between Delhi and Chandigarh is NH1 or the Grand Trunk Road. This road, now NH 44, carries on to Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar; Chandigarh is about 44 km north of Ambala. Various types of buses are available for this route which ensures you a pleasant journey. A journey via air or train would also give you the same experience. However, air travel is preferred as it cuts down on travel time considerably.
For an inter-city journey by bus, you can choose from numerous operators. Make sure to check for updated timings before booking tickets online or calling them up to avail discounts on booking seats in advance.
The most preferred route for a luxury trip is via airlines. By rail, New Delhi to Chandigarh is 244 km, and the Shatabdi takes about 3 hours 20 minutes.
To plan your trip easily and efficiently, use online travel agents or booking websites that offer great services at affordable costs.
Distance Between Delhi and Chandigarh
The journey between Delhi and Chandigarh by road is an enjoyable one. The road route is NH 44 via Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal and Ambala, and the drive takes around 4-5 hours. The two cities are about 250–260 km apart, so the drive is easily done in a few hours.
One can start the journey from Delhi by flying to Chandigarh airport. From there, one can hire a cab or a cab-van to reach the destination. The flight distance of 147 miles will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Alternatively, one can also go via Rail route. After reaching the destination, one must plan the trip well as there are several attractions to cover en route.
Chandigarh is a beautiful place with many attractions for tourists. It has some world-class tourist destinations that include Panchkula, Bilaspur and Le Corbusier’s unique city of Chandigarh. If you are looking for a more adventurous trip, visit Manali as these places have scenic views and hill stations with snowcapped mountains in summers and mild winters.
Time Taken Between Delhi and Chandigarh
The distance between Delhi and Chandigarh is about 250–260 km. It takes about 4–5 hours by road, and about 3 hours 20 minutes by the Shatabdi. Travelling by air is the quickest option, taking about 1 hour and 25 minutes. The road journey is the most popular way to travel between the two cities. Different modes of transportation offer different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do due diligence before choosing a mode of travel.
Delhi to Chandigarh Bus Schedule
The Delhi to Chandigarh bus route runs for a total distance of 244 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The bus departs from Delhi’s central business district and travels through villages, towns, and cities until it reaches Chandigarh.
There are more than 150 buses that travel from Delhi to Chandigarh every day at regular intervals, making the journey quite comfortable.
Depending on the time of the day, the bus might stop at one or more rest stops along the way.
Throughout the journey, you’ll pass by some interesting places like Karnal, Ambala, and Kurukshetra.
The starting ticket price for this particular bus route is INR 269. So, whether you’re in Delhi for business or pleasure, there’s a bus that’ll take you where you need to go.
Delhi to Chandigarh Flight Schedule
There are different flight schedules from Delhi to Chandigarh depending on the airline. Airlines that fly direct between Delhi and Chandigarh include Air India, Alliance Air and IndiGo.
Flight times change by season, so check the airline websites for the current schedule. Flight duration from New Delhi to Chandigarh is typically around 1 hour.
Delhi to Chandigarh Train Schedule
RailYatri app is the best way to plan your journey from Delhi to Chandigarh. Through this app, travellers can check live train running status, Tatkal train tickets, and PNR status. Additionally, they can also find the most popular route serviced by IRCTC trains, select the daily or weekly train for their journey, and track its location on a map.
Delhi to Chandigarh Taxi Schedule
If you’re looking for a bus route that connects two major cities of India, then consider booking a ticket to Delhi from Chandigarh. The distance between the two cities is around 250 km and the journey typically takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Travellers can easily book a bus ticket from Delhi to Chandigarh on redBus. This route is available with several bus operators such as Zingbus, IntrCity SmartBus, Laxmi Holidays, HRTC, Pepsu and more.
The starting price for a ticket from Delhi to Chandigarh is INR 269. Depending on the bus operator and the type of bus booked, this price may vary.
More Travel Routes from Chandigarh
- Chandigarh to Amritsar
- Chandigarh to Ayodhya by Bus
- Chandigarh to Dharamshala
- Chandigarh to Kasauli
- Chandigarh to Manali
- Chandigarh to Shimla
- Chandigarh to Rishikesh
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Travelling onward by bus? CTU buses to Delhi use ISBT Sector 17; many other inter-state services leave from ISBT Sector 43, Chandigarh’s main inter-state bus terminal.
By Bus: Fare & Timings
Volvo, AC and ordinary buses run very frequently between Delhi (ISBT Kashmere Gate) and Chandigarh (ISBT Sector 17 for CTU buses) — about 245 km and 4.5–5 hours. HRTC, Haryana Roadways, UT and private operators run through the day and overnight. Check live fares and timings on RedBus; book ahead on weekends and holidays.