How to Reach Chandigarh from Haridwar

Here’s a detailed look at your travel options:

1. By Train (Highly Recommended and Convenient)

Train travel is one of the most popular and efficient ways to get from Haridwar to Chandigarh due to the direct connectivity and comfortable journey.

Journey Time: Direct trains typically take around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes.

Train Stations:

From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is your boarding point.
To Chandigarh: Chandigarh Junction (CDG) is the destination station.

Frequency: There are a few daily direct trains on this route, such as the Hemkunt Express (14609) and DDN ASR Express (14631).

Types of Trains: You can choose from various classes like Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and sometimes AC 3 Tier Economy (3E) or AC First Class (1A).

Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are quite reasonable, ranging from approximately ₹175 (Sleeper Class) to ₹500-₹720 (AC classes).

Pros: It’s often the fastest and most comfortable land travel option. It’s economical and provides a relaxed journey without traffic concerns.

Cons: Tickets, especially for popular trains and AC classes, can sell out quickly, so advance booking is advisable.

Tips: Check the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or other popular travel platforms (like RailYatri, ConfirmTkt, Goibibo) for the latest schedules and to book your tickets in advance.

2. By Road (Flexible and Scenic)

Traveling by road offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave the hills and plains of Uttarakhand for Punjab.

Distance: Approximately 200-230 kilometers.

Journey Time: A direct drive usually takes around 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops.

Routes: The most common route is via NH 344 and NH 7. The roads are generally in good condition.

Self-Drive:

Pros: Complete control over your schedule, stops, and pace. Ideal if you enjoy driving and exploring at your leisure.
Cons: Can be tiring for a single driver. Involves fuel costs and toll charges.

Hiring a Taxi/Cab:

Pros: Convenient door-to-door service. You can relax and enjoy the scenery without driving stress.
Cons: More expensive than public transport options.
Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 or more, depending on the car type and service.

Pros: Flexibility and convenience, especially if traveling with family or a group. You can make stops along the way.

Cons: Traffic can occasionally cause delays, especially around urban areas. Fuel and toll costs can add up.

Tips: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition if self-driving. If hiring a taxi, compare prices from different local providers or online services.

3. By Bus (Economical and Frequent)

Bus services are a very popular and cost-effective way to travel between Haridwar and Chandigarh, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Journey Time: Buses typically take around 4 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the bus type, route, and traffic.

Operators: Both government-run buses (like HRTC – Himachal Road Transport Corporation, UTC – Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, CTU – Chandigarh Transport Undertaking) and private operators (e.g., Laxmi Holidays, City Land Travels) offer services on this route.

Types of Buses: You can find a range of options, including ordinary non-AC buses, AC Seater, AC Semi-Sleeper, and even Volvo/Mercedes multi-axle buses, offering varying levels of comfort.

Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are quite affordable, starting from around ₹300 for ordinary non-AC buses and going up to ₹600-₹1,200 or more for AC/Volvo buses.

Pros: Very economical, with frequent departures throughout the day and night. Offers various comfort levels to suit different budgets.

Cons: Can be less comfortable than train travel, especially on longer journeys or in non-AC buses. Journey times can be affected by road conditions and traffic.

Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially for AC or Volvo buses, which tend to fill up quickly. Check the boarding and dropping points carefully when booking.

4. By Air (Least Recommended for Direct Travel)

While there is an airport near Haridwar (Dehradun) and one in Chandigarh, flying between these two cities is generally not the most practical or efficient option due to the relatively short distance and lack of direct flights.

Steps:

Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): A taxi ride of about 37-41 km, taking 1 to 1.5 hours.
Dehradun (DED) to Chandigarh (IXC): There are no direct flights. All flights involve at least one stop, typically in New Delhi. The shortest connecting flights can take 3 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours (including layover), but many can take much longer (up to 10-20+ hours depending on layover).
Chandigarh Airport (IXC) to Chandigarh City: Chandigarh Airport is well-connected to the city, a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride away.

Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire process, including airport transfers and a connecting flight, would realistically take 6 hours or more, making it slower than a direct train or bus.

Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares, even for connecting flights, can start from ₹5,000 and go significantly higher, making it the most expensive option.

Pros: Could be considered if you have specific travel needs or are connecting from a longer flight.

Cons: Most expensive and least time-efficient for this route due to connecting flights and multiple transfers.

Tips: Unless absolutely necessary for connecting onward journeys, consider trains or buses for this route.

For a balance of speed, comfort, and cost, trains are often the best choice for traveling from Haridwar to Chandigarh. Buses offer a good budget-friendly alternative, while a private car provides maximum flexibility.

How to Reach Chandigarh from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Chandigarh