Getting Around Chandigarh: A Visitor's Guide
Chandigarh, a meticulously planned city in northwestern India, offers visitors several practical ways to navigate its streets and reach nearby towns. Whether you're arriving by air, train, or road, or moving around the city itself, you'll find a mix of modern and traditional transport options suited to different budgets and preferences.
Arriving at the Airport
Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC) is located about 8 kilometers from the city centre. Major Indian airlines serve the airport, and it is described as attractive and pleasant. From the airport, you can reach the city by taxi, ride-hailing services, or the UT administration's air-conditioned cab service, which stations vehicles at the airport and operates throughout Chandigarh and the satellite towns of Panchkula and Mohali.
Arriving by Train
Chandigarh Railway Station sits 8 kilometers east of the city centre and is well connected with local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Frequent train services link Chandigarh to New Delhi, including the popular Kalka (Chandigarh) Shatabdi Express, which runs twice daily. The Chandigarh Jan Shatabdi Express offers a more economical option. For other destinations, regular services connect to cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Lucknow, and Jaipur. If you plan to travel on the Shatabdi Express, it is advisable to book your ticket 2–3 days in advance.
Arriving by Road
Chandigarh sits about 260 kilometers from New Delhi via National Highway 1, a drive of 4–5 hours on well-maintained roads. Road connectivity is good, and numerous car rental companies operate in the city. Many travel agencies and cab services offer pre-arranged vehicles for the Delhi route, typically smaller sedans. During the summer months, car travel is comfortable; however, the winter months (December to February) bring heavy fog to the region, which can reduce visibility significantly and should be avoided for long drives.
Two bus terminals serve long-distance coach services. The New Inter State Bus Terminus in Sector 43 offers connections to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jammu, and limited Delhi services. The Inter State Bus Terminus in Sector 17 provides connections to Haryana towns (except those on the Himachal route) and Delhi. Delhi is extensively connected with frequent bus services every 15 minutes, operated by various state and private bus companies including Volvo air-conditioned services.
Local Bus Network
The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) operates the primary local bus service, running 6 AM to 10 PM throughout the city and extending to the satellite towns of Panchkula and Mohali. With 45 routes across Chandigarh, buses are frequent and efficient, with fares starting from ₹20. A journey from the railway station to the New Inter State Bus Terminus costs ₹25. During morning and evening peak hours, some routes experience crowding, but travel is generally hassle-free.
For sightseeing, Chandigarh Tourism runs a special Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus service that visits major attractions including Sukhna Lake, Punjab University, and the Secretariat. With a single ticket, you can board and disembark as many times as you wish throughout the day, allowing you to spend flexible time at each location. This service departs from Hotel Shivalik view in Sector 17 near the Bus Terminal.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Multiple taxi and ride-hailing options operate in Chandigarh for both local and longer journeys:
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and inDrive offer bookings through mobile applications for city and outstation travel. Ola Cabs also provides service via website and app.
- UT Administration Cab Service: A fully air-conditioned cab service operates throughout Chandigarh and the satellite towns. Vehicles are stationed at key locations including the railway station and airport, driven by uniformed drivers, monitored via GPS, and equipped with complaint mechanisms. Fares are ₹15 for the first kilometre and ₹15 for each subsequent kilometre, with no charge for the first kilometre beyond the meter down charge.
- Private Taxi Companies: Services like Mahajan Taxi Service offer local and outstation cabs through website and app bookings.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are widely available at bus terminals, railway stations, and auto stands in commercial markets throughout the city. Chandigarh pioneered the Radio Auto service, with distinctive pink autos charging ₹10 for the first kilometre and ₹8 for subsequent kilometres. This service, branded "tuk-tuk," operates round the clock and can be summoned by phone at +91 172 4242424. Most privately operated auto-rickshaws do not use meters; negotiate your fare before boarding.
Bicycles
SmartBike offers a bike-sharing service accessible through Android and iOS apps. Bicycles can be rented for ₹10 per half hour, with e-cycles available at the same rate for riders who prefer not to pedal.
Walkability
Chandigarh's planned layout and design make exploration on foot possible in many areas, particularly in the commercial sectors and around major attractions. However, the distances between some areas can be substantial, so combining walking with local transport is practical for most visitors.