Planning a trip to Chandigarh — the City Beautiful and joint capital of Punjab and Haryana? Good news: it’s one of the easiest cities to reach in North India, well connected by air, rail and road. Here’s a simple guide to how to reach Chandigarh, whichever way you’re travelling.
✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: Chandigarh is easy to reach by air, rail and road. Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) is in Mohali, about 18 km from the Sector 17 bus stand, with flights to major Indian cities and some international routes. Chandigarh Junction railway station links to Delhi, Mumbai and beyond (Shatabdi/Vande Bharat from Delhi in ~3–3.5 hrs). By road, it’s ~245 km from Delhi (4–5 hrs via NH-44), with bus stands at ISBT Sector 17 and ISBT Sector 43.
How to Reach Chandigarh
By Air ✈️
Chandigarh International Airport (in Mohali, about 18 km from the Sector 17 bus stand) serves Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and even parts of southern Himachal. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Alliance Air connect it to major Indian cities and a few international destinations. From the airport, taxis and buses take you across the tricity.
By Train 🚆
Chandigarh Junction (CDG) is the city’s main railway hub, with both short- and long-haul trains to Delhi, Ambala, Panipat, Kalka and beyond. Popular trains include the New Delhi–Chandigarh Shatabdi (12045/12046) and the Kalka Shatabdi (12011/12012). See our guide to railway stations in Chandigarh.
By Road 🚌
Chandigarh is superbly connected by highway — the Ambala–Chandigarh route and a well-developed road network make it an easy drive from Delhi, Shimla and nearby cities. Public and private buses run from the main bus terminals; see the Sector 43 ISBT and Sector 17 bus stand guides.
Top Attractions to See Once You Arrive
Don’t miss the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, the Government Museum & Art Gallery, the Japanese Garden, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and the International Doll Museum. Close by in the tricity are Chhatbir Zoo (Zirakpur) and Nada Sahib Gurudwara (Panchkula). Start with our places to visit in Chandigarh guide.
Good to know ✅
- By air: Chandigarh Airport (IXC) in Mohali, about 18 km from the Sector 17 bus stand — taxis and app cabs available
- By train: Chandigarh Junction; the Shatabdi/Vande Bharat from Delhi takes about 3–3.5 hours
- By road: ~245 km from Delhi via NH-44 (4–5 hours); regular buses from ISBT-17 & ISBT-43
- Getting around: autos, app cabs and CTU local buses cover the city
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest airport to Chandigarh?
Chandigarh International Airport in Mohali, about 18 km from the Sector 17 bus stand, is the nearest airport. It is served by IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Alliance Air, with domestic and some international flights.
How can I reach Chandigarh by train?
Chandigarh Junction (CDG) is the main railway station, well connected to Delhi, Ambala, Kalka and other cities by trains like the New Delhi–Chandigarh Shatabdi and the Kalka Shatabdi.
How far is Chandigarh from Delhi by road?
Chandigarh is roughly 245 km from Delhi — about a 4–5 hour drive via the well-maintained NH44 highway, with frequent buses and taxis available.
How far is Chandigarh Airport from the city?
Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) is in Mohali, about 18 km from the Sector 17 bus stand in Chandigarh, according to the airport operator CHIAL. Allow extra time at peak hours.
What is the fastest train from Delhi to Chandigarh?
The Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat are the fastest, covering Delhi to Chandigarh in around 3 to 3.5 hours.
Which bus stands does Chandigarh have?
Chandigarh has two main bus stands — ISBT Sector 17 and ISBT Sector 43 — with services across North India.