How to reach Kashmir by train for under ₹1,700
I travelled from Hyderabad to Kashmir by train, bus, and auto for less than ₹1,700. That one reel crossed 11 million views, and the most common question since then has been, “How do I do this myself?”
This guide answers that. By the end, you’ll be able to plan your budget trip to Kashmir from any city in India.
Why not just fly?
Flights to Srinagar get costly in winter. A basic ₹5,000 ticket often jumps to ₹15,000, and once the snow starts falling, fares of ₹16,000 to ₹22,000 are common. Trains cost a fraction of that.
The good news: if you’re wondering how to reach Kashmir by train, it’s much simpler than when I made that reel. There’s a direct Vande Bharat from Jammu to Srinagar, so you no longer need the bus and shared-cab part of my journey.
The route I took (from my reel)
This is exactly how I got from Hyderabad to Srinagar, step by step. My total came to ₹1,665.
| Step | From → To | Mode | Fare | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyderabad → Delhi | Train | ₹900 | 26 hrs |
| 2 | Delhi → Udhampur | Train | ₹400 | 10 hrs |
| 3 | Udhampur railway station → Udhampur bus stand | Auto | ₹150 | Short ride |
| 4 | Udhampur bus stand → Banihal bus stand | Bus | ₹180 | 4 hrs |
| 5 | Banihal → Srinagar | Train | ₹35 | 2 hrs |
| Total | ₹1,665 | About 42 hrs |
It was long, but it worked, and it cost about a tenth of a winter flight.
How to Reach Kashmir by Train Now: 3 Trains, No Buses
If you’re wondering how to reach Kashmir by train today, it’s just three trains from any city in India, with no buses or shared cabs needed.
- Your city → Delhi. Take a direct train from Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or wherever you live.
- Delhi → Jammu Tawi. Many trains run overnight on this route every day.
- Jammu Tawi → Srinagar. Board the Vande Bharat Express, which takes you straight to Srinagar in under 5 hours.
That’s it. No auto to the bus stand, no 4-hour bus ride, no hunting for a shared cab.
Tip: If your city has a direct train to Jammu Tawi, you can skip Delhi completely. Search “your city to JAT” on IRCTC before booking.
Delhi → Jammu Tawi trains to consider:
| Train | From | Departs | Reaches Jammu | Connects to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12445 Uttar Sampark Kranti | New Delhi | 8:50 PM | 6:15 AM | 1:20 PM Vande Bharat |
| Galta Dham Pooja SF Express | Old Delhi | 10:10 PM | 7:30 AM | 1:20 PM Vande Bharat |
| 12425 Jammu Rajdhani (AC only) | New Delhi | 8:40 PM | 5:45 AM | 6:20 AM Vande Bharat (tight) |
For Hyderabad to Kashmir by train, the Telangana Express (12723) leaves at 6:00 AM and reaches New Delhi at 8:00 AM the next day. That leaves you the whole day in Delhi before an evening train to Jammu.
Timings change, so check IRCTC before booking.
Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat (Timings, Fare, Booking)
The Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat train started in May 2026. Two trains run each way, six days a week, covering the route in 4 hours 50 minutes and crossing the Chenab rail bridge.
| Train no. | From → To | Departs | Arrives | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26401 | Jammu Tawi → Srinagar | 6:20 AM | 11:10 AM | Daily except Tuesday |
| 26403 | Jammu Tawi → Srinagar | 1:20 PM | 6:00 PM | Daily except Wednesday |
| 26404 | Srinagar → Jammu Tawi | 8:00 AM | 12:40 PM | Daily except Wednesday |
| 26402 | Srinagar → Jammu Tawi | 2:00 PM | 6:50 PM | Daily except Tuesday |
Stops: Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, Banihal.
Fare: about ₹665–₹715 in AC Chair Car. Executive Chair Cars cost more. Check the current fare on IRCTC when you book.
Booking tips:
- Book on IRCTC as soon as your Delhi → Jammu ticket is confirmed. These trains run close to full.
- If you’re coming from Katra after visiting Vaishno Devi, board at SMVD Katra (SVDK) instead.
- If you’re planning a trip to Kashmir, it’s best to book your travel in advance. Tatkal fares can be higher, and availability can be uncertain, so planning ahead can help you keep the trip within budget.
Timings are as of October 2026. Railways change schedules, so confirm before travelling.
Tips for a winter trip to Kashmir
- Book early. Trains to Jammu and the Vande Bharat both fill up in December and January.
- Carry warm layers in your bag, not just your suitcase. Jammu is mild, but Srinagar can be below zero.
- Get a postpaid SIM. Prepaid SIMs from other states don’t work in J&K. If you only have prepaid, buy a local tourist SIM at Jammu railway station (about ₹300).
- Carry cash. ATMs in Gulmarg and Pahalgam can run dry, and small shops prefer cash.
- Keep a buffer day. Snowfall can delay road travel to Gulmarg or Sonamarg.
What to pack
- Thermal innerwear (top and bottom)
- Down jacket or heavy woollen jacket
- Waterproof shoes with good grip
- Woollen cap, gloves, and socks
- Moisturiser, lip balm, and sunscreen (snow glare is strong)
- Power bank (cold drains batteries fast)
- Photo ID and printed tickets
FAQ
How to reach Kashmir by train from any city?
Take a train from your city to Delhi, then an overnight train to Jammu Tawi, then the Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat straight into the Kashmir valley.
What is the cheapest way to reach Kashmir from Hyderabad?
Hyderabad to Kashmir by train. Take a sleeper train to Delhi, then to Jammu Tawi, and then the Vande Bharat to Srinagar. It costs about ₹2,000 one way.
Is there a direct train to Srinagar?
Not from most cities. But from Jammu Tawi or Katra, the Vande Bharat Express runs directly to Srinagar.
How long does it take to reach Srinagar from Hyderabad by train?
About 2 to 2.5 days door-to-door. That includes roughly 26 hours from Hyderabad to Delhi, a day’s layover in Delhi, an overnight train to Jammu, and about 5 hours on the Vande Bharat to Srinagar.
Does the Vande Bharat run in winter?
Yes. The Jammu–Srinagar rail line is designed to run year-round, so it’s usually more reliable than the highway, which can close after heavy snow. Check for delays before you travel in peak winter.
Can I do this route from Pune, Kolkata, or Mumbai?
Yes. The route is the same: get to Delhi (or directly to Jammu Tawi), then take the Vande Bharat to Srinagar.
Will my prepaid SIM work in Kashmir?
No. Prepaid connections from outside J&K don’t work there. Carry a postpaid SIM, or buy a local tourist SIM at Jammu railway station for about ₹300.
Plan your Kashmir trip
Kashmir doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Skip the overpriced winter flights, take the train, and spend that money on experiences instead.
Want help planning your route? Send me your travel details, and I’ll help you map it out. For more budget routes, follow me on Instagram @gullytrotter.
