How to Reach Katra
Complete guide to reaching the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi — Katra — by air, train, and road from major Indian cities.
Choose Your Mode of Travel
By Air ✈️
FastestNearest Airport — Jammu Airport (IXJ)
Jammu Airport (Satwari) is the nearest airport to Katra, approximately 50 km away. Direct flights operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and other major cities daily.
Airport to Katra
From Jammu Airport take a pre-paid taxi (₹900–₹1,200) or book JKSRTC / private buses from the Jammu Bus Stand (6 km from the airport). Journey time is approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Alternative — Amritsar Airport (ATQ)
Amritsar International Airport is ~220 km from Katra. Taxis and direct JKRTC buses connect Amritsar to Katra in ~5–6 hours.
💡 Book flights 2–3 weeks in advance during Navratri
💡 Pre-book airport taxis online to avoid surge pricing
By Train 🚂
RecommendedNearest Railway Station — Katra (SVDK)
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station is the direct railhead, just 2 km from the Yatra Registration counters. Trains run directly from Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Chennai, and many other cities.
Key Express Trains
Vande Bharat Express (Delhi–Katra), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, Uttar Sampark Kranti Express, Jammu Rajdhani. Check IRCTC for current schedules.
Via Jammu Tawi Station (JAT)
If your train terminates at Jammu Tawi (a larger junction), take a local shared taxi or government bus to Katra Bus Stand — journey is approximately 50 km / 1.5 hours.
💡 Book Tatkal quota if travelling during peak season
💡 SVDK station is much closer — always prefer trains terminating here
By Road 🚌
Budget OptionFrom Delhi (~700 km)
Take NH-44 via Jalandhar–Jammu–Katra. JKRTC and private Volvo buses depart from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate daily overnight. Journey: ~12–14 hours. Private taxi: ₹5,000–₹8,000.
From Jammu (~50 km)
Shared taxis (₹150–₹200 per seat) and JKRTC buses depart frequently from Jammu Bus Stand throughout the day. Journey takes 1–1.5 hours on the mountain highway.
From Amritsar (~220 km)
Direct JKRTC buses from Amritsar ISBT. Private taxis available. Journey ~5 hours via NH-44.
From Chandigarh (~380 km)
Overnight HRTC and JKRTC deluxe buses from Sector-43 Bus Stand. Journey ~7 hours.
💡 Own vehicles can be parked at the Shrine Board's designated parking lot in Katra (paid)
💡 Traffic is very heavy during Navratri — start journey at night to avoid jams
Distance & Travel Time Reference
Approximate travel times from major cities to Katra
| City | Distance | 🚂 Train | 🚌 Road | ✈️ Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 700 km | 10–12 hrs | 12–14 hrs | 1 hr (to Jammu) |
| Jaipur | 730 km | 12–14 hrs | 13–15 hrs | 1.5 hrs (via Delhi) |
| Jammu | 50 km | 1 hr | 1.5 hrs | — |
| Amritsar | 220 km | 4 hrs | 5 hrs | 1 hr (to Jammu) |
| Chandigarh | 380 km | 6 hrs | 7 hrs | — |
| Mumbai | 1,900 km | 36+ hrs | — | 1.5 hrs (to Jammu) |
| Ludhiana | 270 km | 5 hrs | 5.5 hrs | — |
🚖 At Katra — Local Transport
Once you arrive at Katra, the Yatra starts from Banganga checkpost (~2 km from Katra Bus Stand). Here are your options to reach the starting point.
Auto-Rickshaws
₹30–₹50 per person. Widely available from Katra Bus Stand to Banganga gate.
Shared Taxis
₹40–₹60 per seat. Faster than autos, available near the railway station exit.
On Foot
The walk from Katra market to Banganga is ~1.5 km. Recommended for fit pilgrims with light bags.
Ready to plan your Yatra? Check the other travel guides: