Top 10 Road Trips from Delhi in 2026: Routes, Costs & Travel Guide

Delhi sits at the crossroads of some of India's most spectacular road trips. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the golden deserts of Rajasthan, the spiritual ghats of Varanasi to the lakes of Udaipur - epic adventures await in every direction. Here are the top 10 road trips from Delhi for 2026, with complete route details, cost estimates, and expert tips. Book an outstation cab with Triveni Cabs for any of these journeys.

1. Delhi to Manali - The Classic Himalayan Escape

Detail	Information
Distance	540 km via Chandigarh
Duration	12-14 hours
Best Season	March-June (summer), Dec-Feb (snow)
Cab Cost	₹6,500-9,000 one-way
Toll Charges	₹800-1,000

The Delhi to Manali road trip is North India's most popular mountain drive. The route passes through Chandigarh, the Himalayan foothills of Bilaspur, the Pandoh Dam, and the scenic Kullu Valley before reaching Manali. Stop at Murthal (50 km) for legendary paranthas, and Chandigarh (250 km) for the Rock Garden. Explore our Manali tour packages.

Highlights: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Old Manali, Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, river rafting on Beas.

2. Delhi to Jaipur - The Royal Rajasthan Drive

Detail	Information
Distance	280 km via NH48
Duration	4.5-5.5 hours
Best Season	October-March
Cab Cost	₹3,500-5,000 one-way
Toll Charges	₹600-700

The Delhi-Jaipur Expressway has made this one of the smoothest drives from Delhi. The 6-lane highway cuts through Haryana and Rajasthan with excellent road surface throughout. Neemrana Fort (120 km) makes a perfect mid-way stop for photos. Browse our Jaipur sightseeing tours.

Highlights: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort sunset, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar.

3. Delhi to Rishikesh - The Spiritual Adventure

Detail	Information
Distance	240 km via NH58
Duration	5-6 hours
Best Season	Sep-Nov, Feb-May
Cab Cost	₹3,500-5,000 one-way
Toll Charges	₹400-500

Combine spirituality with adventure on this drive to the Yoga Capital of the World. Stop at Haridwar (20 km before Rishikesh) for the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri - one of India's most powerful spiritual experiences. View our Rishikesh tour packages.

Highlights: River rafting, bungee jumping, Lakshman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat Aarti, yoga retreats, camping.

4. Delhi to Agra - The Mughal Heritage Trail

Detail	Information
Distance	230 km via Yamuna Expressway
Duration	3-3.5 hours
Best Season	October-March
Cab Cost	₹3,500 (same-day return)
Toll Charges	₹735 one-way

India's most popular day trip from Delhi. The Yamuna Expressway makes this a quick, comfortable drive. Perfect as a same-day Agra tour or extend to a 2-day trip including Fatehpur Sikri.

Highlights: Taj Mahal (sunrise), Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Fatehpur Sikri, local Mughlai cuisine.

5. Delhi to Shimla - The Queen of Hills

Detail	Information
Distance	350 km via Chandigarh
Duration	7-8 hours
Best Season	March-June, Dec-Feb (snow)
Cab Cost	₹5,000-7,000 one-way
Toll Charges	₹500-600

The scenic drive to Shimla takes you through the foothills of Himachal Pradesh with stunning valley views. The last 100 km of mountain road winds through pine forests and tiny hill villages. View our Shimla tour packages.

Highlights: Mall Road, Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Kufri (skiing in winter), Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge.

6. Delhi to Jim Corbett - The Wildlife Safari

Detail	Information
Distance	260 km via NH9
Duration	5.5-6.5 hours
Best Season	November-June (park open)
Cab Cost	₹4,000-5,500 one-way
Toll Charges	₹400-500

India's oldest national park and the best place in North India to spot a Bengal tiger. The drive through the sal forests and along the Ramganga River is beautiful. Book safari permits well in advance - they sell out quickly for Dhikala and Bijrani zones.

Highlights: Tiger safari, elephant ride, Garjia Temple, Corbett Waterfall, river rafting at Marchula.

7. Delhi to Udaipur - The City of Lakes

Detail	Information
Distance	660 km via NH48
Duration	10-11 hours
Best Season	September-March
Cab Cost	₹8,500-12,000 one-way
Toll Charges	₹1,200-1,400

The Venice of the East is a longer drive but absolutely worth it. Break the journey at Jaipur (280 km) or Chittorgarh (470 km) to make it a multi-day road trip. View Udaipur tour packages.

Highlights: City Palace, Lake Pichola sunset boat ride, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon ki Bari, Monsoon Palace.

8. Delhi to Amritsar - The Golden Temple Run

Detail	Information
Distance	450 km via NH44
Duration	7-8 hours
Best Season	October-March
Cab Cost	₹5,500-7,500 one-way
Toll Charges	₹800-1,000

The NH44 to Amritsar is one of India's best highways - flat, fast, and dotted with dhabas serving legendary Punjabi food. Stop at Murthal and Karnal for highway food. Explore Amritsar tour packages.

Highlights: Golden Temple, Wagah Border ceremony, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, Amritsari kulcha.

9. Delhi to Nainital - The Lake District

Detail	Information
Distance	300 km via NH9
Duration	6-7 hours
Best Season	March-June, September-November
Cab Cost	₹4,500-6,000 one-way
Toll Charges	₹500-600

A favorite weekend getaway from Delhi, Nainital offers serene lakes surrounded by pine forests. The drive through Haldwani and up the winding Nainital road offers dramatic views. Browse Nainital tour packages.

Highlights: Naini Lake boating, Mall Road, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top trek, Bhimtal, Sattal.

10. Delhi to Varanasi - The Spiritual Odyssey

Detail	Information
Distance	800 km via NH19
Duration	12-14 hours (best split into 2 days)
Best Season	October-March
Cab Cost	₹10,000-14,000 one-way
Toll Charges	₹1,500-1,800

The longest drive on our list but deeply rewarding. Break the journey at Agra (230 km) or Lucknow (500 km). The highway passes through the heartland of Uttar Pradesh. Explore Varanasi tour packages.

Highlights: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, boat ride at sunrise, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, silk weaving workshops.

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Road Trip Comparison Chart

Destination	Distance	Time	Best For
Agra	230 km	3 hrs	Day trip, history
Rishikesh	240 km	5 hrs	Adventure, spirituality
Jim Corbett	260 km	6 hrs	Wildlife, nature
Jaipur	280 km	5 hrs	Culture, history
Nainital	300 km	7 hrs	Lakes, relaxation
Shimla	350 km	7 hrs	Hills, colonial charm
Amritsar	450 km	7 hrs	Spiritual, food
Manali	540 km	12 hrs	Mountains, adventure
Udaipur	660 km	10 hrs	Romance, lakes
Varanasi	800 km	12 hrs	Spiritual, cultural

Related Reading

Heading to Rajasthan? Also check our top 10 road trips from Jaipur. Before you go, read our complete road trip packing checklist and toll charges guide for Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. For first-time outstation travelers, our outstation cab booking tips guide is essential. Traveling with family? Read our family trip to Jaipur with kids guide. For summer escapes, check summer hill station trips from Delhi. You can also explore our weekend getaways from Delhi by car, 5-day Rajasthan road trip, and 10-day North India road trip itinerary.

Road Trip Planning Tips

• Start early: Leave Delhi by 5-6 AM to beat the city traffic
• FASTag: Ensure your vehicle has FASTag for seamless toll payment
• Fuel up: Fill up in Delhi where fuel is cheaper than highway stations
• Snacks and water: Always carry water and dry snacks for the journey
• Phone charge: Carry a car charger; Google Maps drains battery fast
• Rest stops: For drives over 6 hours, take a proper break every 2-3 hours
• Night driving: Avoid driving on Indian highways after dark if possible

Why Choose a Pre-Booked Cab Over Self-Drive?

Long-distance road trips from Delhi involve navigating toll plazas, state borders, mountain hairpins, and unfamiliar city roads at the destination. Having an experienced driver who knows the routes intimately transforms the experience from stressful navigation to relaxed sightseeing from the backseat.

Since 2015, Triveni Cabs has completed over 500+ outstation trips on each of these routes. Our drivers know the best dhaba stops on the Murthal stretch, the safest night-driving segments, the mountain sections that require extra caution, and the local parking at every tourist spot. Every vehicle carries comprehensive insurance, active FASTag, and GPS tracking. Our Agra office at 366 Dandupura coordinates trips across the entire Golden Triangle region.

For group road trips of 8-20 people, a tempo traveller is the most economical option - a 12-seater to Manali costs just ₹1,800 per person one-way when split across the group. For couples and small families, our AC sedans start at just ₹9 per kilometre with no hidden charges. Check our transparent pricing page for exact rates, and read our customer reviews to see what other road trippers say.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for road trips from Delhi?

October to March is ideal for Rajasthan destinations (Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur). April to June is best for hill stations (Manali, Shimla, Nainital). July-September monsoon is perfect for Udaipur and offbeat destinations like Valley of Flowers. Year-round destinations include Rishikesh and Agra (avoid Agra in peak summer).

How much does a road trip from Delhi typically cost?

A weekend road trip (2-3 days) for a couple in a sedan typically costs ₹5,000-12,000 for transport depending on distance, plus ₹1,000-3,000 in tolls. A week-long Rajasthan circuit for a family in an SUV runs ₹25,000-35,000 for transport. Group trips in a tempo traveller can bring per-person costs below ₹3,000 for a 4-day trip. We provide detailed cost breakdowns with every quote - no hidden charges.

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