If you are wondering how to reach Kashmir by train, travel to Jammu Tawi or Katra and then take a Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar. For travellers coming from other parts of India, Jammu Tawi is now the main rail gateway to Srinagar, while Katra also has Vande Bharat services to Srinagar. The journey takes about 3 hours from Katra and roughly 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours from Jammu Tawi.
The Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat service began regular operations on 2 May 2026 after being extended from Katra to Jammu Tawi. The two Vande Bharat pairs run through the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link.
Traveler Notice: Updated for October 2026. Fares and timetables cross-verified with official IRCTC & NTES data.
Is There a Direct Train From Delhi to Srinagar?
There is currently no separate New Delhi–Srinagar Vande Bharat service listed in the Railway Ministry’s current train-service information. The railway network provides New Delhi–Katra Vande Bharat services and Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat services, so travellers from Delhi can travel towards Jammu Tawi or Katra and continue to Srinagar by train.
How to Reach Kashmir by Train, Step by Step
1. Take a train to Jammu Tawi or Katra. Jammu Tawi has a wide choice of long-distance trains from across India. Katra also works if your train goes there directly, because the Srinagar leg from Katra takes about 3 hours.
From Delhi, Vande Bharat 22439 leaves New Delhi at 6:00 AM, reaches Jammu Tawi at about 12:43 PM and reaches Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at about 2:20 PM. From other cities, search for Jammu Tawi (JAT) or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) as your destination on IRCTC.
2. Board the Vande Bharat to Srinagar. Two Vande Bharat services operate from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar. They have Chair Car and Executive Chair Car classes and operate six days a week, with different weekly off-days for the two services. Seats must be reserved in advance. The route crosses the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
3. Arrive at Srinagar Railway Station and continue to your hotel. Srinagar Railway Station is your rail arrival point for Srinagar. From the station, you need onward road transport to reach your hotel or other destination in the city.
Choosing Your Plan From Delhi
- Same-day plan: Take Delhi–Katra Vande Bharat 22439 to Jammu Tawi, arriving at about 12:43 PM, then the 1:20 PM Vande Bharat 26403 to Srinagar, arriving at 6:00 PM. The scheduled connection at Jammu Tawi is only about 37 minutes, so a delay on the first train could cause you to miss the second train.
- Overnight plan: Take an overnight train that reaches Jammu Tawi or Katra early enough to connect with a morning Vande Bharat to Srinagar. Allow sufficient time between the two trains.
- Break-the-journey plan: Reach Jammu or Katra during the day, stay overnight, and take the Vande Bharat to Srinagar the following day.
If you book the journey as separate tickets, leave enough connection time because a delay on the first train can affect your second booking.
Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Timetable (2026)
| Train | From | Departure | To | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26401 | Jammu Tawi | 6:20 AM | Srinagar | 11:10 AM |
| 26403 | Jammu Tawi | 1:20 PM | Srinagar | 6:00 PM |
Train 26401 stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal before reaching Srinagar. It runs six days a week except Tuesday.
Train 26403 stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal before reaching Srinagar. It runs six days a week except Wednesday.
Same-day Connection Risk: Taking Vande Bharat 22439 from Delhi (arrives Jammu Tawi at ~12:43 PM) to catch Vande Bharat 26403 at 1:20 PM leaves a tight 37-minute buffer. If Train 22439 runs late, you risk missing the Srinagar leg. A minimum 90-minute buffer or an overnight break in Jammu/Katra is recommended.
Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Timings
If you board at Katra, the published timings are:
| Train | From | Departure | To | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26401 | Katra | 8:10 AM | Srinagar | 11:10 AM |
| 26403 | Katra | 2:55 PM | Srinagar | 6:00 PM |
The Katra–Srinagar journey takes about 3 hours on the first service and about 3 hours 5 minutes on the second. Check the current schedule on IRCTC or NTES for your travel date.
Vande Bharat Fares to Srinagar
| Train | AC Chair Car | Executive Chair Car |
|---|---|---|
| 26401 (Jammu Tawi–Srinagar) | ₹855 | ₹1,585 |
| 26403 (Jammu Tawi–Srinagar) | ₹1,020 | ₹1,780 |
These are reported fares for the Jammu Tawi–Srinagar services. Railway fares can change, so check the final fare shown by IRCTC before booking.
How to Book Train Tickets for Kashmir
Book your train ticket through the IRCTC website or Rail Connect app. For the Jammu Tawi–Srinagar journey, search for the relevant train number and travel date before booking.
General reservation currently opens 60 days before the journey date, while Tatkal booking opens one day before departure, subject to IRCTC’s current booking rules.
Carry the photo ID that matches the passenger details on your ticket.
Arriving at Srinagar Railway Station
Srinagar Railway Station is located at Nowgam, roughly 13 km (30–45 minutes) from Dal Lake. Prepaid taxis are available outside the main exit.
Need pre-arranged hotel pickup or customized Valley transport? Local Kashmir tour operators like Panda Tours and Travels offer station transfers aligned with incoming Vande Bharat arrival times.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
- Check your train number, boarding station and departure time carefully before leaving.
- Reach Jammu Tawi or Katra with enough time for security checks and boarding.
- Check NTES or IRCTC on the day of travel for delays, cancellations or schedule changes.
- If you are changing trains at Jammu Tawi, leave sufficient connection time between the two tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach Kashmir by train?
Yes. You can reach Kashmir by train by travelling to Jammu Tawi or Katra and taking a Vande Bharat service to Srinagar. Jammu Tawi–Srinagar services now provide a direct rail connection into the Kashmir Valley.
Is there a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar?
There is currently no separate New Delhi–Srinagar Vande Bharat service listed in the Railway Ministry’s current train-service information. Travellers from Delhi can take a train towards Jammu Tawi or Katra and then continue to Srinagar by the available Vande Bharat service.
How long does the train from Jammu to Srinagar take?
The Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat services take about 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours from Jammu Tawi, based on their published departure and arrival times.
How long does the train from Katra to Srinagar take?
The journey takes about 3 hours from Katra to Srinagar, depending on the service you take.
Does the train to Kashmir run in winter?
Yes. The Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat services operate according to their published weekly schedules, although railway services can be affected by severe weather or operational disruptions. Check NTES or IRCTC before travelling.
Which class should I choose, Chair Car or Executive?
Both Chair Car and Executive Chair Car are available on the Vande Bharat services. Chair Car is suitable for most passengers, while Executive Chair Car provides more spacious seating. Check the fare difference and availability when booking.
Can I get picked up at Srinagar Railway Station?
Yes. Share your train number and arrival time with us, and we can arrange a pickup from Srinagar Railway Station to your hotel or stay. Train tickets themselves are booked by you through IRCTC.
Plan Your Kashmir Trip After Arriving by Train
Panda Tours and Travels is a Srinagar-based local tour operator that can help arrange transportation after you arrive by train. Once your Srinagar train ticket is confirmed, share your arrival time and train details with us so we can plan your railway-station pickup and onward Kashmir travel arrangements.