How to Arrive in Agra

1. By Air

  • Closest Airport: Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport (Agra Airport)
    • Located about 12 km from the city center.
    • Limited domestic connectivity with flights mainly from Delhi and Mumbai.
  • Alternative Airports:
    • Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (4-hour drive to Agra).

Tip: If flying internationally, consider landing in Delhi and traveling to Agra by train or road.

2. By Train

  • Agra is well-connected by Indian Railways, with three major stations:
    • Agra Cantt (AGC): Main railway station, about 5 km from the Taj Mahal.
    • Agra Fort (AF): Close to key tourist sites.
    • Raja Ki Mandi: Convenient for local access.

Recommended Trains:

  • Gatimaan Express: India’s fastest train, connects Delhi to Agra in 1 hour 40 minutes.
  • Shatabdi Express: Another fast option from Delhi (2 hours).
  • Taj Express: Budget-friendly, ideal for day trips from Delhi.

3. By Road

  • Agra is accessible via national highways and expressways:
    • Yamuna Expressway: A 6-lane, smooth highway from Delhi (about 3.5 hours).
    • NH44: Connects Agra with Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities.

Modes:

  • Private car or taxi.
  • Buses: Government-run and private buses are available from major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow.

4. By Bus

  • Agra is well-connected to Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow by state and private bus operators.
  • Key Bus Terminals:
    • Idgah Bus Stand (main terminal).
    • ISBT Agra.

Types of Buses:

  • Volvo, AC Sleeper, and regular buses.

Getting Around in Agra

1. Battery-Operated Vehicles

  • Eco-friendly and available near tourist sites like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
  • Affordable and avoids the need for long walks from parking areas.

2. Auto Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws

  • Widely available and inexpensive for short distances.
  • Negotiate fares beforehand or insist on using a meter.

3. Private Taxis and Cabs

  • Ideal for tourists visiting multiple attractions in a day.
  • Options:
    • Book through hotel services or local travel agencies.
    • Use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola.

4. Tourist Buses

  • Many private operators offer guided city tours by bus.
  • Includes key sites like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

5. Walking and Bicycle Rentals

  • Walking: Convenient within the Taj Mahal complex or nearby areas.
  • Bicycle Rentals: Affordable and available through local shops.

6. E-Rickshaws

  • Specifically available around heritage sites to promote green tourism.

Tips for Getting Around:

  • Plan visits to nearby attractions like Mehtab Bagh and Agra Fort in clusters to save time.
  • Avoid traveling during the midday heat (especially in summer).
  • Keep small change for local transport fares.