How To Get From Delhi to Agra: 2026 Guide
Entry fees, opening times and fares in India change often. Please check before you travel.
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Option 1: Vande Bharat or Gatimaan Express (Recommended)
Two trains cover Delhi to Agra in 1 hour 40 minutes, and both leave from Hazrat Nizamuddin. The Vande Bharat Express is the best day-trip choice: it leaves earliest and returns latest, so you get the most time in Agra. The Gatimaan Express, one of the fastest trains in India, is the later start.
Schedule
| Train | Direction | Departs | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat (22470) | Delhi to Agra | Hazrat Nizamuddin, 6:00 AM | Agra Cantt, 7:40 AM | 1h 40min |
| Vande Bharat (22469) | Agra to Delhi | Agra Cantt, 9:00 PM | Hazrat Nizamuddin, 11:10 PM | 2h 10min |
| Gatimaan (12050) | Delhi to Agra | Hazrat Nizamuddin, 8:10 AM | Agra Cantt, 9:50 AM | 1h 40min |
| Gatimaan (12049) | Agra to Delhi | Agra Cantt, 5:35 PM | Hazrat Nizamuddin, 7:30 PM | 1h 55min |
The Vande Bharat does not run on Mondays. The Gatimaan does not run on Fridays (the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays anyway).
The Vande Bharat gives you around 13 hours in Agra. The Gatimaan gives you roughly 7.5 hours; subtract travel time between Agra Cantt station and the Taj Mahal (20-30 minutes by auto-rickshaw) and you have about 6 solid hours for sightseeing. That's comfortable for the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and lunch.
Fares
Gatimaan fares run roughly as follows. Check IRCTC for current Vande Bharat fares.
| Class | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | roughly ₹700 | Air-conditioned reclining seats, decent legroom |
| Executive Class (EC) | roughly ₹1,600 | Wider seats, meal included onboard, less crowded |
Executive Class is worth the upgrade. The meal is a full Indian breakfast (poha or upma, bread, butter, tea/coffee), and the carriage is quieter with fewer passengers.
How to Book
Book through IRCTC (irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Rail Connect app). You'll need to create an account. If you get stuck, ask your hotel: most front desks will assist with IRCTC bookings.
Book 3-5 days ahead during October-March (peak tourist season). These trains frequently sell out. If a train is full, check for Tatkal (last-minute) tickets, which open at 10:00 AM the day before travel. They cost a premium but are often available when regular tickets are sold out.
Tip: Hazrat Nizamuddin station is in South Delhi, not the same as New Delhi Railway Station. Budget 30-45 minutes to reach Nizamuddin from central Delhi by metro or taxi. The nearest metro station is Sarai Kale Khan-Nizamuddin (Pink Line).
At the Station
Hazrat Nizamuddin is a medium-sized station. Both trains depart from regular platforms, so check the display boards for the platform number when you arrive. There's a basic waiting room, food stalls, and usable toilet facilities. Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure. The trains leave on time.
Option 2: Shatabdi Express
The Shatabdi Express is the Gatimaan's older sibling on this route.
| Direction | Departs | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Agra (12002) | New Delhi station, 6:00 AM | Agra Cantt, 7:50 AM | 1h 50min |
| Agra to Delhi (12001) | Agra Cantt, 9:25 PM | New Delhi, 11:50 PM | 2h 25min |
The Shatabdi is slightly slower but departs from New Delhi Railway Station (Paharganj side), which is more central for visitors staying in Connaught Place or Paharganj. The return is late (9:25 PM), so you get a full day in Agra, though you'll be back in Delhi close to midnight.
Fares: in the same range as the Gatimaan; check IRCTC when booking. Meals included in both classes.
Book through IRCTC, same process as the Gatimaan. The Shatabdi runs daily.
Gatimaan vs Shatabdi: Which One?
| Factor | Gatimaan Express | Shatabdi Express |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1h 40min | 1h 50min |
| Departure station | Hazrat Nizamuddin | New Delhi |
| Return arrives Delhi | 7:30 PM | 11:50 PM |
| Time in Agra | ~7.5 hours | ~13.5 hours |
| Best for | Day trippers who want to be back early | Visitors who want more time in Agra |
If you only want the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, the Gatimaan's schedule is ideal. If you want to add Fatehpur Sikri or Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), the Shatabdi's later return gives you breathing room, and the Vande Bharat does the same from Nizamuddin.
Option 3: Private Car with Driver
Hiring a car with driver is the flexible option: it picks you up from your hotel, drops you at the Taj Mahal gate, waits while you sightsee, and drives you back whenever you're ready.
Details
- Route: Yamuna Expressway (the fastest road route)
- Distance: 233 km
- Travel time: 3-4 hours each way (the variable is Delhi traffic getting onto the expressway)
- Cost: ₹3,000-5,000 for a round trip with driver, including tolls and parking
- Vehicle: Typically a Toyota Innova or similar AC sedan/SUV
How to Book
- Through your hotel: Most Delhi hotels arrange cars for ₹3,500-5,000. Convenient but slightly more expensive.
- Savaari (savaari.com): Reliable online car rental. Book 24 hours ahead. Prices from ₹3,000.
- Uber Intercity: Available for one-way trips, but not ideal for day trips since you'd need to book a separate return.
When Driving Makes Sense
A car is the better choice when:
- You're a group of 3-4 people (the per-person cost drops to ₹750-1,250, comparable to a train ticket)
- You want to stop at Sikandra (Akbar's Tomb, 10 km before Agra) or Mathura (Krishna's birthplace, on the way)
- You missed the train booking window
- You have mobility issues and want door-to-door service
- You want to visit Fatehpur Sikri (40 km west of Agra), which is difficult to reach by train
When Driving Doesn't Make Sense
- Solo travellers or couples (the train is cheaper and faster)
- During monsoon season (July-September) when the expressway can have waterlogging
- If you need to be back in Delhi by a specific time (traffic is unpredictable)
Option 4: Bus (Not Recommended)
Government and private buses run between Delhi and Agra from the Anand Vihar ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) and Sarai Kale Khan terminal. The journey takes 4-6 hours depending on stops, traffic, and the condition of the bus.
Why we don't recommend it: The buses are slow, often uncomfortable, and stop frequently. The Yamuna Expressway AC Volvo buses are slightly better (₹600-900, 3.5-4 hours), but they still can't match the train for speed, reliability, or comfort. The only advantage is that bus tickets are available last-minute when trains are sold out.
If you're stuck, the UP State Roadways AC bus from Anand Vihar is the least bad option.
Complete Comparison Table
| Method | Time | Cost (per person) | Cost (total) | Comfort | Book ahead? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | 1h 40min | see IRCTC | see IRCTC | Excellent | 3-5 days |
| Gatimaan Express | 1h 40min | roughly ₹700-1,600 | roughly ₹700-1,600 | Excellent | 3-5 days |
| Shatabdi Express | 1h 50min | similar to Gatimaan | similar to Gatimaan | Excellent | 3-5 days |
| Private car (group of 4) | 3-4 hours | ₹750-1,250 | ₹3,000-5,000 | Good | 24 hours |
| Private car (solo) | 3-4 hours | ₹3,000-5,000 | ₹3,000-5,000 | Good | 24 hours |
| Bus | 4-6 hours | ₹400-900 | ₹400-900 | Poor | Not needed |
Getting from Agra Cantt Station to the Taj Mahal
If you take the train, you'll arrive at Agra Cantt station, which is about 6 km from the Taj Mahal.
- Prepaid auto-rickshaw: ₹150-200. Look for the prepaid booth outside the station, which avoids haggling.
- Uber or Ola: ₹100-200. Both work reliably in Agra.
- Prepaid taxi: ₹300-400.
Avoid touts who offer "free" rides in exchange for visiting marble or carpet shops. Use the prepaid booth or ride-hailing apps exclusively. For more on this, see our guide on avoiding scams.
Practical Tips for the Journey
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Plan your trip for any other day of the week.
Carry cash in Agra. Many auto-rickshaws, street food vendors, and smaller attractions don't accept cards or UPI. Bring ₹3,000-5,000 in small denominations.
Return timing matters. If you're taking the 5:35 PM Gatimaan back, leave the Taj Mahal area by 4:15 PM. If driving, leave Agra by 4:00-5:00 PM to avoid arriving in Delhi too late.
Combining with other stops. If you're driving, you can combine Agra with a stop at Mathura and Vrindavan (Krishna's birthplace, 58 km north of Agra) on the way. This turns a day trip into a 12-14 hour excursion, ambitious but doable. See our Mathura and Vrindavan guide for details.
Luggage: If you're continuing from Agra to Jaipur (the classic Golden Triangle route) instead of returning to Delhi, trains connect Agra to Jaipur in 3-4 hours. Book through IRCTC.
For the full Agra day trip itinerary, what to see, entry fees, and timing, read our Delhi to Agra day trip guide. For an overview of all day trips from Delhi, including Neemrana, Mathura, and Jaipur, see our main page. And for help navigating Delhi's own transport options, our getting around Delhi guide covers the metro, taxis, and rickshaws.
What Is the Fastest Train From Delhi to Agra?
The Vande Bharat Express and the Gatimaan Express are the fastest trains from Delhi to Agra, each covering the distance in 1 hour 40 minutes. Both depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi and arrive at Agra Cantt station: the Vande Bharat at 6:00 AM (not Mondays), the Gatimaan at 8:10 AM (not Fridays). Gatimaan fares are roughly ₹700 for AC Chair Car and ₹1,600 for Executive Class, which includes a meal onboard. Book through IRCTC at least 3-5 days ahead during peak season (October-March).
How Much Does a Taxi From Delhi to Agra Cost?
A hired car with driver from Delhi to Agra and back costs ₹3,000-5,000 for a return trip, including tolls, parking, and the driver's waiting time while you sightsee. The trip takes 3-4 hours each way via the Yamuna Expressway. Book through your hotel or Savaari. A one-way Uber Intercity ride is also available but isn't ideal for day trips.