The Lucknow to Delhi distance is approximately 556 km by road, 511 km by train, and just 430 km by air. Whether you are a student heading back to college, a professional traveling for work, or a family planning a weekend getaway — this route is one of the most traveled in North India. And honestly, I have made this journey so many times that I could probably drive it with my eyes closed (not recommended, obviously).
In this complete guide, I will break down every possible way to cover the Lucknow to Delhi distance — by train, bus, flight, and car — along with costs, travel times, the best routes, food stops, and insider tips that you will not find in any generic travel article. Let us get started.
Before we dive into the details, here is a quick snapshot of the Lucknow to Delhi distance by different modes of transport:
The most popular and fastest road route today is via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway + Yamuna Expressway, which has completely changed the game. What used to be a grueling 10-12 hour drive is now a smooth 6-7 hour journey on world-class highways.
The Lucknow to Delhi travel time varies significantly depending on how you choose to travel:
My personal recommendation? If you are in a hurry, take a flight. If you want comfort at a reasonable price, the Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas Express is the sweet spot. And if you love road trips (like I do), the expressway drive is absolutely beautiful.
There are primarily two road routes to cover the Lucknow to Delhi distance:
This is the fastest and safest route. The journey goes like this:
Total distance: ~556 km. Total time: 6-7 hours. Road condition: Excellent — this is one of the best highway drives in India. Speed limit is 120 kmph on the expressway, and the road surface is buttery smooth. Toll charges are approximately Rs 1,200-1,500 one way.
There are well-maintained rest areas every 50-60 km with clean washrooms, food courts, and fuel stations. I usually stop at the Food Mall near Unnao (about 80 km from Lucknow) for a quick chai break.
This is the older, shorter route (510 km) but it is significantly slower due to smaller roads, city traffic, and truck congestion. The route goes through Lucknow → Sitapur → Bareilly → Moradabad → Ghaziabad → Delhi. I would only recommend this if you want to visit Bareilly or Moradabad on the way. Otherwise, stick to the expressway.
Trains are the most popular way to cover the Lucknow to Delhi distance. Here are the best options:
You can book tickets on IRCTC or through apps like Paytm and MakeMyTrip. Pro tip: book Tatkal tickets at 10:00 AM sharp (for AC classes) if you need last-minute travel — they sell out in minutes.
Bus travel is another popular option for covering the Lucknow to Delhi distance, especially for budget travelers.
Most buses depart from Alambagh Bus Station in Lucknow and arrive at ISBT Kashmere Gate or Anand Vihar in Delhi.
If time is your priority, flying is the obvious choice to cover the Lucknow to Delhi distance.
Book through MakeMyTrip, Skyscanner, or directly on airline websites. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are usually cheapest. Check our Lucknow flight booking page for more options.
A Lucknow to Delhi road trip on the expressway is genuinely one of the best driving experiences in India. Here is my personal road trip guide:
Here is a quick comparison to help you choose the best option for your Lucknow to Delhi journey:
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 430 km | 1h 10m | Rs 2,500-6,000 |
| Train (Tejas) | 511 km | 6h 15m | Rs 1,100-1,500 |
| Train (Rajdhani) | 511 km | 7h | Rs 1,200-3,500 |
| Car (Expressway) | 556 km | 6-7h | Rs 3,000-4,000 (fuel+toll) |
| Bus (Volvo AC) | 556 km | 8-9h | Rs 800-1,500 |
| Bus (Ordinary) | 556 km | 10-12h | Rs 400-600 |
After making this journey dozens of times, here is my honest recommendation based on your situation:
Once you have covered the Lucknow to Delhi distance, here are some things to explore in the capital:
If you are visiting Delhi from Lucknow for the first time, check out our guide to things famous in Lucknow to know what to tell your Delhi friends about your city!
Heading the other way? The Delhi to Lucknow distance is the same — 556 km by road, 511 km by train. All the trains, buses, and flights operate in both directions with similar timings and fares. The Tejas Express departs from New Delhi at 3:35 PM and reaches Lucknow by 9:55 PM — perfect for an after-lunch departure.
For a detailed guide about exploring Lucknow after arriving from Delhi, read our 1-day Lucknow itinerary or 2-day Lucknow guide. And definitely do not miss our 5 famous foods of Lucknow guide — because let us be honest, the food is the real reason to visit.
The Lucknow to Delhi distance by road is approximately 556 km via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Yamuna Expressway. This is the fastest route and takes about 6-7 hours by car.
The fastest train (Tejas Express) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The Rajdhani takes around 7 hours. Regular mail/express trains take 8-10 hours to cover the Lucknow to Delhi distance by rail.
The cheapest option is UPSRTC ordinary bus at Rs 400-500 or Sleeper class train at Rs 350-400. For slightly more comfort, Volvo buses at Rs 800-1,200 are a great value.
Lucknow to Delhi flights cost between Rs 2,500-6,000 depending on the airline and booking date. Book 2-3 weeks in advance for the best fares. The flight takes just 1 hour 10 minutes.
The Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas Express is widely considered the best train on this route. It offers AC chair car with complimentary meals, WiFi, entertainment screens, and reaches Delhi in 6 hours 15 minutes.
Driving on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway at night is generally safe as it is well-lit and patrolled. However, avoid driving in dense fog (December-January) and always maintain speed limits. The old NH-24 route is not recommended for night driving.
Total toll charges from Lucknow to Delhi via the expressway route are approximately Rs 1,200-1,500 one way. Make sure you have a working FASTag as all toll plazas are cashless now.
The Lucknow to Delhi distance of 556 km is one of the most traveled routes in India, and thankfully, we now have some of the best infrastructure to make this journey comfortable. Whether you choose the lightning-fast flight, the comfortable Tejas Express, the budget-friendly bus, or the scenic expressway road trip — each option has its own charm.
My personal favorite? An early morning Tejas Express ride with a cutting chai from the Charbagh Station platform before boarding. There is something magical about watching the UP countryside fly past at 130 kmph while eating complimentary breakfast.
Whatever you choose, safe travels! And if you are visiting Lucknow for the first time, remember — do not leave without trying the Tunday Kababi kebabs. Trust me on this one.
Leave a Reply