How to Reach Agra from Haridwar

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:

1. By Train (Recommended for Balance of Cost, Comfort, and Convenience)

Train travel is a highly recommended and popular way to travel from Haridwar to Agra, offering direct connectivity and a comfortable journey.

Journey Time: Direct trains from Haridwar to Agra typically take between 7 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours, depending on the specific train and its stops.

Train Stations:

From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main boarding station.
To Agra: Agra Cantt (AGC) is the primary railway station in Agra, serving most long-distance trains. Some trains also stop at Tundla Junction (TDL), which is about 24 km from Agra Cantt.

Direct Train Availability: There are daily direct trains connecting Haridwar to Agra.

Kalinga Utkal Express (18478): This train runs daily and is often the fastest, taking around 7 hours 46 minutes to reach Agra Cantt. It departs from Haridwar Junction in the morning.
Dehradun – Subedarganj Express (14114): This train also runs daily from Haridwar. It might take slightly longer (around 9 hours) and stops at Tundla Junction.

Frequency: With daily services, you’ll find regular options for your journey.

Types of Coaches: You can choose from various classes:

Sleeper (SL): Most economical, non-air-conditioned.
AC 3-Tier (3A) & AC 3-Tier Economy (3E): Air-conditioned, comfortable berths, a good balance of cost and comfort.
AC 2-Tier (2A): More spacious and private.
AC First Class (1A): Most luxurious, offering private cabins.

Ticket Price Estimates: As of July 2025, fares can vary based on the class and train type: from approximately ₹250 – ₹400 (Sleeper Class) to ₹650 – ₹1050 (AC classes). Booking in advance, especially for AC classes, is highly recommended as tickets can sell out quickly.

Pros: Direct connectivity, making it convenient. Comfortable for day or overnight journeys. Generally economical. Allows for carrying more luggage.

Cons: Journey can be long. Tickets can be hard to get during peak periods if not booked early.

Tips: Check the official IRCTC website or reliable travel platforms (like ConfirmTkt, ixigo, RailYatri, Goibibo) for the most current schedules, real-time availability, and fare options.

2. By Bus (Economical and Direct)

Bus services are a popular and often more flexible alternative to trains, with numerous direct options available.

Journey Time: Buses from Haridwar to Agra typically take between 7 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours, depending on the bus type, route, and traffic conditions. Some operators might show longer durations.

Bus Operators: Both government (like UPSRTC) and private operators run services on this route. Popular private operators include Laxmi Holidays Pvt Ltd, Samay Shatabdi Travels Pvt Ltd, PTC-SkyBus, Raj Kalpana Travels Pvt.Ltd., and Shri Krishna Travels.

Types of Buses: You’ll find a variety of bus types:

AC Seater/Sleeper: Comfortable for overnight travel, often with recliner seats or berths.
Non-AC Seater/Sleeper: More economical options.

Ticket Price Estimates: As of July 2025, bus fares can range from around ₹500 – ₹1,100 for AC sleeper/seater buses. Non-AC options might be cheaper. Prices can fluctuate based on the operator, bus type, and booking time.

Boarding and Dropping Points: Buses usually depart from major points in Haridwar (e.g., Pantdeep Parking, near Har Ki Pauri, or the main Haridwar Bus Stand) and arrive at key locations in Agra (most commonly Agra ISBT).

Pros: Often provides direct connectivity. Can have more frequent departures throughout the day compared to trains. Generally a good budget option.

Cons: Can be tiring due to the long journey. Comfort levels might vary between operators. Prone to delays due to traffic or road conditions.

Tips: Book your bus tickets online through platforms like redBus, MakeMyTrip, or EaseMyTrip to compare prices, timings, and choose your preferred bus type and operator. Confirm the exact boarding and dropping points when booking.

3. By Road (Flexible, but Long Drive)

Driving from Haridwar to Agra offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the journey at your own pace, but it’s a considerable distance.

Distance: Approximately 390 – 410 kilometers.

Journey Time: A continuous drive would typically take about 6 to 8 hours, not including stops for food, fuel, and rest.

Routes: The main route involves heading south from Haridwar, likely connecting to major highways that lead towards Delhi and then continuing south on routes like NH19/NH44 (formerly NH2) to Agra. Using a reliable GPS navigation system is essential.

Self-Drive:

Pros: Complete flexibility over your schedule and route. Ideal for groups or families.
Cons: Can be tiring. Involves fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Requires a well-maintained vehicle.

Hiring a Taxi/Cab:

Pros: Convenient door-to-door service without the need to drive yourself.
Cons: Can be quite expensive for a one-way trip.
Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹5,500 to ₹10,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type and service provider.

Tips: If self-driving, ensure you and your vehicle are well-prepared for a long journey. Plan your breaks. If hiring a taxi, confirm all costs, including tolls, driver’s allowance, and any night charges, before starting the trip.

4. By Air (Fastest Overall Travel Time, but Indirect and Expensive)

While Haridwar doesn’t have an airport, and direct flights to Agra from nearby airports are not common, combining a short road trip to Dehradun’s airport with a connecting flight can be the fastest option. However, this is generally the least practical and most expensive for this specific route due to the lack of direct flights and the relatively short distance by road/train.

Steps:

Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): Take a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport. This 37-41 km journey usually takes 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Dehradun (DED) to Agra (AGR): There are generally no direct flights from Dehradun to Agra. You would typically need to take a connecting flight via Delhi (DEL).
- Flight Duration: A connecting flight via Delhi would involve significant layover time, making the total travel duration anywhere from 5 to 8 hours or more.
- Airlines: IndiGo might offer connecting flights via Delhi.
- Ticket Price Estimates: This can be expensive, with one-way connecting flights likely starting from ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 or higher.
Agra Airport (AGR) to Agra City: Agra Airport (Kheria Airport) is about 10-15 km from the city center. Taxis are readily available.

Total Journey Time (approx.): Given the transfers and layovers, the total time might often be comparable to, or even longer than, a direct train or bus, making it less efficient for this particular route.

Pros: Potentially the fastest flying time if there was a direct flight.

Cons: No direct flights, making it indirect and time-consuming due to layovers. Generally the most expensive option. Requires multiple transfers.

Tips: For this route, considering the lack of direct flights and the efficiency of trains and buses, flying is generally not the most practical or cost-effective choice.

For reaching Agra from Haridwar, trains and buses are the most sensible and widely used options, offering a good balance of cost, time, and comfort.

How to Reach Agra from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Agra