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

By train: approximately 17 hrs 39 min. By road: approximately 18 hrs 7 min.

Leh to Joshimath: 442 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Leh to Joshimath?

The aerial distance from Leh to Joshimath is approximately 442 km (275 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,147 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 17 hrs 39 min. Buses take about 22 hrs 56 min and are the most affordable.

Leh

Ladakh

Joshimath

Uttarakhand

442 km

aerial distance (straight line)

275 miles · Road distance: ~1,147 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,147 km

Road distance

18 hrs 7 min

Drive time

442 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Leh to Joshimath

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Dehra Dun (DED)

🚆

By Train

17 hrs 39 min

1,147 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

22 hrs 56 min

1,147 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

18 hrs 7 min

1,147 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

442 km (275 mi)

Road distance

~1,147 km

Recommended

Train (17 hrs 39 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Leh to Joshimath distance overview

The straight-line distance from Leh to Joshimath is approximately 442 km (275 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,147 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Ladakh to Uttarakhand.

442 kmAerial distance

~1,147 kmBy road

17 hrs 39 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Joshimath by air

No direct airport

Joshimath does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Dehra Dun (DED). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Leh to Joshimath

17 hrs 39 min ~1,147 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Leh and Joshimath with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 17 hrs 39 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

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 — Leh to Joshimath

22 hrs 56 min ~1,147 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Leh to Joshimath route. The journey takes approximately 22 hrs 56 min covering ~1,147 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 Leh to Joshimath Buses

🚗 By car — Leh to Joshimath

18 hrs 7 min ~1,147 km

A road trip from Leh to Joshimath covers approximately 1,147 km and takes around 18 hrs 7 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Leh to Joshimath

📅

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 7 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Joshimath

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 Leh to Joshimath? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Leh to Joshimath is approximately 442 km (275 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,147 km, which takes about 18 hrs 7 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 17 hrs 39 min. Buses take about 22 hrs 56 min and are the most affordable. Joshimath doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Dehra Dun (DED).

Are there buses from Leh to Joshimath? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Leh to Joshimath route. The journey takes approximately 22 hrs 56 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 Leh to Joshimath? ▼

The train from Leh to Joshimath takes approximately 17 hrs 39 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Leh to Joshimath travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Leh

Leh to Joshimath Distance & How to Reach