Getting to the Golden Temple
Amritsar is easy to reach. The airport is the nearest for air travelers, and the railway station is the usual choice from Delhi. Both are close enough that the last stretch is a short ride. Distances below are rounded and are not taxi times.
If you would rather not organize the journey yourself, see our page on Golden Temple tours from Delhi. Otherwise this page covers the airport, the trains, the bus station and the walk to the temple.
Amritsar airport
Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport is the nearest airport, about 13 km from the temple. Its code is ATQ. Distances to the temple are road distances, so allow extra time for traffic. A free shuttle to the temple may be available. Ask at the arrivals hall, check that it runs for your arrival time and keep a taxi as the fallback.
Flight schedules and fares change often. Look up the current flights from your departure city before you plan around one.
Our pick: by private car from Delhi
A private car from Delhi to Amritsar and back, with a guide on arrival.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Golden Temple tours and transfers
Guided visits, day trips and transfers in Amritsar, with live prices and availability.
Trains from Delhi to Amritsar
Two timetable examples. Check the current timetable before you book.
| Train | From | Departs | Arrives Amritsar | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22487 Vande Bharat | Delhi Junction (DLI), Old Delhi | 15:15 | 20:45 | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| 12029 Swarn Shatabdi | New Delhi (NDLS) | 07:20 | 13:30 | 6 hours 10 minutes |
The Vande Bharat does not run on Fridays. The two trains leave from different Delhi stations, Delhi Junction in Old Delhi and New Delhi station, so check the station name on your ticket. For most visitors, the Shatabdi suits a daytime arrival, and the Vande Bharat suits an afternoon departure and an evening arrival. Look up fares, classes and booking rules when you book.
Amritsar Junction (ASR) is the nearest station, about 2 km from the temple.
The last stretch to the temple
The Town Hall and the Heritage Plaza are within walking distance of the temple. The Partition Museum, which is in the Town Hall, gives 5 to 7 minutes on foot to the temple and to Jallianwala Bagh. A paid car park is available near the Town Hall. Do not expect to drive up to the shrine itself, and do not count on a particular free space.
The Heritage Street runs for about 1 km from the Town Hall toward the temple. It was designed for pedestrians, but scooters and rickshaws also use it. The bus station is about 1.7 km from the temple.
Ways to arrive compared
Distances to the temple are rounded.
| Arrival point | Distance to the temple | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (ATQ) | About 13 km | A free shuttle may run, ask on arrival |
| Railway station (ASR) | About 2 km | Direct trains from Delhi |
| Bus station | About 1.7 km | – |
| Town Hall and Heritage Plaza | 5 to 7 minutes on foot | Paid parking nearby |
For most visitors from Delhi, the train is the simplest choice, because the station is close to the temple. For visitors from farther away, the airport saves a long overland leg. Shuttle times, bus routes and rickshaw or taxi fares change, so ask at your hotel or at the station for current options.
Planning your arrival day
Small choices that make the first hours easier.
Match the train to your plans
The Shatabdi arrives at 13:30, which leaves the afternoon free for the temple. The Vande Bharat arrives at 20:45, so most travelers go straight to their stay and visit the next morning.
Late arrival and hunger
The langar hall serves free meals 24 hours a day. A late train or flight does not mean going without dinner. The langar page explains how it works.
Leave bags at your stay
Ask on site about luggage storage at the temple. Leave your bags at your hotel and take only what you need, since you will take your shoes off at the entrance.
Allow a buffer
Distances here are rounded and are not taxi times. Add margin for traffic, especially on the way to the airport, and check your train or flight the day before.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages for before and after you arrive.
Getting there: frequently asked questions
How far is the Golden Temple from Amritsar airport?
About 13 km. The airport is Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport, code ATQ. Allow extra time for traffic.
How far is the railway station from the temple?
Amritsar railway station is about 2 km from the temple. The bus station is about 1.7 km away.
How long does the train from Delhi take?
The Vande Bharat 22487 takes 5 hours 30 minutes, from 15:15 to 20:45. The Swarn Shatabdi 12029 takes 6 hours 10 minutes, from 07:20 to 13:30. Check the current timetable before you book.
Which Delhi station do I leave from?
It depends on the train. The Vande Bharat 22487 leaves from Delhi Junction (DLI) in Old Delhi. The Swarn Shatabdi 12029 leaves from New Delhi (NDLS).
Can I drive up to the temple?
No. The last stretch is on foot. A paid car park is available near the Town Hall, about 5 to 7 minutes on foot away.
Is this the official Golden Temple website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the temple, the SGPC or Punjab Tourism, and it is not connected to any airline, railway or tour operator.