How long does it take to travel from McLeodganj to Banihal?

By train: approximately 9 hrs 29 min. By road: approximately 7 hrs 47 min.

McLeodganj to Banihal: 171 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from McLeodganj to Banihal?

The aerial distance from McLeodganj to Banihal is approximately 171 km (106 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 522 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from McLeodganj to Banihal?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 9 hrs 29 min. Buses take about 11 hrs 36 min and are the most affordable.

McLeodganj

Himachal Pradesh

Banihal

Jammu and Kashmir

171 km

aerial distance (straight line)

106 miles · Road distance: ~522 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

522 km

Road distance

7 hrs 47 min

Drive time

171 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from McLeodganj to Banihal

🚆

By Train

9 hrs 29 min

522 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

11 hrs 36 min

522 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

7 hrs 47 min

522 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

171 km (106 mi)

Road distance

~522 km

Recommended

Train (9 hrs 29 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 McLeodganj to Banihal distance overview

The straight-line distance from McLeodganj to Banihal is approximately 171 km (106 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 522 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Jammu and Kashmir.

171 kmAerial distance

~522 kmBy road

9 hrs 29 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Banihal by air

No direct airport

Banihal does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Srinagar (SXR). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — McLeodganj to Banihal

9 hrs 29 min ~522 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects McLeodganj and Banihal with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 9 hrs 29 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 — McLeodganj to Banihal

11 hrs 36 min ~522 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the McLeodganj to Banihal route. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 36 min covering ~522 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 McLeodganj to Banihal Buses

🚗 By car — McLeodganj to Banihal

7 hrs 47 min ~522 km

A road trip from McLeodganj to Banihal covers approximately 522 km and takes around 7 hrs 47 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for McLeodganj to Banihal

📅

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 7 hrs 47 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Banihal

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 McLeodganj to Banihal? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from McLeodganj to Banihal is approximately 171 km (106 miles). The road distance is approximately 522 km, which takes about 7 hrs 47 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from McLeodganj to Banihal? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 9 hrs 29 min. Buses take about 11 hrs 36 min and are the most affordable. Banihal doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Srinagar (SXR).

Are there buses from McLeodganj to Banihal? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the McLeodganj to Banihal route. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 36 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 McLeodganj to Banihal? ▼

The train from McLeodganj to Banihal takes approximately 9 hrs 29 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book McLeodganj to Banihal travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from McLeodganj

McLeodganj to Banihal Distance & How to Reach