How to Reach Dalhousie From Delhi

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi by Train, Bus, Flight, Road & More

Dalhousie, a charming hill station nestled in Himachal Pradesh, is one of North India’s most loved travel destinations. With its colonial-era charm, pine-clad valleys, and scenic beauty, it offers a peaceful escape from Delhi’s hustle and bustle. Whether you want to enjoy summer treks in lush greenery or witness magical snowfall in winter, Dalhousie is a year-round favorite.

If you’re planning a trip, the first question that comes to mind is: how to reach Dalhousie from Delhi? In this detailed travel guide, we’ll cover every mode of transport—by train, bus, road, and air—so you can choose the best option for your journey.

👉 For a complete Dalhousie travel guide, check here: Dalhousie Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Dalhousie

Before diving into travel options, let’s talk about the best time to visit Dalhousie:

• Summer (March to June): Pleasant weather (14°C–30°C), ideal for sightseeing, trekking, boating at Chamera Lake, and visiting Khajjiar (Mini Switzerland of India).
• Winter (October to February): Cold weather (1°C–10°C) with snowfall between December and February. Perfect for snow trekking, skiing, and enjoying the winter wonderland.

Now, let’s explore different ways to reach Dalhousie from Delhi.

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi by Train

Traveling to Dalhousie by train is one of the most comfortable and affordable options.

• Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Junction (PTK), about 85 km from Dalhousie.
• Connectivity: Pathankot is well-connected to Delhi with multiple trains running daily. Popular options include Delhi–Pathankot Express and Jammu Mail.
• Travel Time (Delhi to Pathankot): Around 9–10 hours by train.
• From Pathankot to Dalhousie: Hire a taxi (2.5–3 hours) or take a bus from Pathankot Bus Stand.

👉 Alternative station: Chakki Bank Railway Station (around 85 km away).

Why choose the train option?

• Affordable and convenient.
• Comfortable overnight journey.
• Great if you’re traveling with family.

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi by Bus

Buses are a popular choice for travelers looking for a budget-friendly option.

• Nearest Bus Stand: Dalhousie Bus Stand (in the main town).
• Route: From Delhi, buses usually pass through Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Pathankot before reaching Dalhousie.
• Travel Time: Around 11–12 hours, covering 565 km via NH 44.
• Operators: Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), Haryana Roadways (HRTC), and several private operators.

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi by Volvo Bus

If comfort is your priority, opt for a Volvo bus service.

• Luxury AC Volvos run overnight, ensuring a smoother journey.
• They cost more than regular buses but provide reclining seats, blankets, and onboard comfort.

Tip: Book in advance during summer and festive seasons as Volvo buses fill up quickly.

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi by Road

Driving from Delhi to Dalhousie is a favorite choice among adventure seekers and families.

• Distance: Around 565 km.
• Travel Time: 11–12 hours depending on stops and traffic.
• Popular Route: Delhi → Karnal → Ambala → Ludhiana → Jalandhar → Pathankot → Dalhousie.
• Road Condition: Highways are smooth, but the last stretch near Dalhousie has hilly roads, requiring careful driving.

Why travel by road?

• Complete flexibility in stops.
• Perfect for group road trips.
• Scenic highway views, especially after Pathankot.

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi by Flight

If you want the fastest way to reach Dalhousie, air travel is the best option.

Nearest Airports to Dalhousie:

• Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala, DHM): 108 km away. Well-connected with Delhi and Chandigarh.
• Pathankot Airport (PTK): 87 km away but has limited flights.

Delhi to Gaggal Flight Duration: Around 1.5 hours.
From Airport to Dalhousie: Hire a taxi (3–4 hours) or take a bus.

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi by Air

• Step 1: Take a direct flight from Delhi to Gaggal Airport.
• Step 2: From Gaggal, travel by taxi or bus to Dalhousie.
• Total travel time: 5–6 hours (including flight + road transfer).

Why choose air travel?

• Best for those with limited time.
• Comfortable and convenient, especially for senior travelers.

Local Transportation in Dalhousie

Once you arrive, getting around Dalhousie is easy and enjoyable:

• Taxis: Available for sightseeing and day trips.
• Auto Rickshaws: Affordable for short distances.
• Buses: Operated by HRTC for local travel.
• Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance.
• Horse Riding: Unique way to reach Khajjiar.
• Private Vehicles: Bike and scooter rentals are available.

Packing Essentials for Dalhousie

• Clothing: Layered outfits, warm jackets (for winter), comfortable shoes.
• Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, scarf, and small backpack.
• Health & Safety: First-aid kit, personal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Electronics: Camera, smartphone, power bank, travel adapter.
• Travel Documents: ID proofs, tickets, hotel reservations.
• Snacks & Water: Reusable bottle and light snacks for travel.

How to Reach Dalhousie from Delhi – FAQs

1. What is the distance between Delhi and Dalhousie?

The distance from Delhi to Dalhousie is approximately 565 km by road. The travel time is around 11–12 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

2. Which is the nearest railway station to Dalhousie?

The nearest railway station is Pathankot Junction (PTK), about 85 km from Dalhousie. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the hill station.

3. How to reach Dalhousie from Delhi by train?

Take a train from Delhi to Pathankot Junction (9–10 hours). From Pathankot, hire a taxi or board a bus to Dalhousie (2.5–3 hours).

4. How to reach Dalhousie from Delhi by bus?

Several government (HRTC, Haryana Roadways) and private buses run between Delhi and Dalhousie. The journey takes 11–12 hours and ends at Dalhousie Bus Stand.

5. Are there Volvo buses available from Delhi to Dalhousie?

Yes, luxury Volvo buses operate overnight between Delhi and Dalhousie. They are more comfortable than regular buses and usually take around 11 hours.

6. How to reach Dalhousie from Delhi by flight?

The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (DHM), about 108 km from Dalhousie. Take a flight from Delhi to Gaggal (1.5 hours), then continue by taxi or bus (3–4 hours).

7. Is there an airport in Dalhousie?

No, Dalhousie does not have its own airport. The closest options are Gaggal Airport (108 km) and Pathankot Airport (87 km).

8. How long does it take to reach Dalhousie from Delhi by road?

It takes about 11–12 hours by car or taxi to cover the 565 km journey from Delhi to Dalhousie.

9. What is the best time to visit Dalhousie?

• Summer (March–June): Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
• Winter (Oct–Feb): Perfect for snowfall, skiing, and a magical winter experience.

10. How do I travel within Dalhousie?

Local transportation options include taxis, auto rickshaws, HRTC buses, walking tours, horse riding, and scooter rentals, making it easy to explore nearby attractions like Khajjiar and Chamera Lake.

Final Thoughts

So, now you know all the ways to reach Dalhousie from Delhi—by train, bus, road, or flight.

• Choose Train if you want affordability and comfort.
• Choose Bus/Volvo if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a long journey.
• Choose Road Trip if you love driving and scenic views.
• Choose Flight if you want to save time and travel in comfort.

Whichever option you pick, the journey itself is as beautiful as the destination. Once you arrive, Dalhousie’s fresh air, pine valleys, and colonial charm will welcome you with open arms.

👉 Plan your trip now with our complete Dalhousie Travel Guide