How long does it take to travel from China to Leh?

By train: approximately 21 hrs 17 min. By road: approximately 18 hrs 25 min.

China to Leh — 912 km | Bus, Train & Flights

Q: What is the distance from China to Leh?

The aerial distance from China to Leh is approximately 912 km (567 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,383 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from China to Leh?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 21 hrs 17 min. Buses take about 27 hrs 40 min and are the most affordable.

China

Madhya Pradesh

Leh

Ladakh

912 km

aerial distance (straight line)

567 miles · Road distance: ~1,383 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,383 km

Road distance

18 hrs 25 min

Drive time

912 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from China to Leh

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 58 min

Fly from Gwalior (GWL), nearest to China

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

21 hrs 17 min

1,383 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

27 hrs 40 min

1,383 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

18 hrs 25 min

1,383 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

912 km (567 mi)

Road distance

~1,383 km

Recommended

Train (21 hrs 17 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 China to Leh distance overview

The straight-line distance from China to Leh is approximately 912 km (567 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,383 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Madhya Pradesh to Ladakh.

912 kmAerial distance

~1,383 kmBy road

21 hrs 17 minTrain

🚆 By train — China to Leh

21 hrs 17 min ~1,383 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects China and Leh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 21 hrs 17 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — China to Leh

27 hrs 40 min ~1,383 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the China to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 27 hrs 40 min covering ~1,383 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search China to Leh Buses

🚗 By car — China to Leh

18 hrs 25 min ~1,383 km

The drive from China to Leh is a long one — approximately 1,383 km taking around 18 hrs 25 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for China to Leh

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 18 hrs 25 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Leh

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Leh Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Leh

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from China to Leh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from China to Leh is approximately 912 km (567 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,383 km, which takes about 18 hrs 25 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from China to Leh? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 21 hrs 17 min. Buses take about 27 hrs 40 min and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from China to Leh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the China to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 27 hrs 40 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from China to Leh? ▼

The train from China to Leh takes approximately 21 hrs 17 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book China to Leh travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the China to Leh route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

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