How to Reach Mathura & Vrindavan – Routes, Travel Tips & Options

Mathura and Vrindavan, the sacred twin cities in Uttar Pradesh, are among the holiest pilgrimage destinations in India. Revered as the birthplace and leela bhoomi (divine playground) of Lord Krishna, these towns attract millions of devotees and tourists year-round, especially during festivals like Janmashtami and Holi. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons, cultural exploration, or simply to admire their heritage, getting to Mathura and Vrindavan is easier than you think.

This comprehensive travel guide offers all the information you need on how to reach Mathura and Vrindavan, including by train, road, and air, along with local travel tips, recommended routes, and insider advice to make your trip seamless.

Mathura & Vrindavan: A Quick Overview

• Mathura: Located on the banks of River Yamuna, this ancient city is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
• Vrindavan: Just 11 km from Mathura, Vrindavan is where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and is known for its countless temples, ghats, and spiritual vibe.

Location & Distance from Major Cities

Reaching Mathura & Vrindavan by Train

Nearest Railway Stations

• Mathura Junction (MTJ) – One of the busiest stations in North India, connected to all major cities.
• Vrindavan Railway Station (BDB) – A small local station connected only to Mathura and nearby towns.

Major Trains to Mathura Junction

1. From Delhi:

• • Gatimaan Express (Fastest option to Agra, with halt at Mathura)
  • Taj Express
  • Shatabdi Express

2. From Mumbai:

• • Golden Temple Mail
  • Punjab Mail

3. From Varanasi / Lucknow:

• • Marudhar Express
  • Ganga Gomti Express

Local Travel from Mathura to Vrindavan

Once you reach Mathura Junction, you can:

• Hire an auto-rickshaw (₹100–150)
• Book an Ola/Uber
• Take local buses or e-rickshaws (budget-friendly options)

Pro Tip: Mathura Junction is the most reliable and convenient station for accessing both towns.

Reaching Mathura & Vrindavan by Bus

From Delhi

• Direct UPSRTC Buses: Operate from ISBT Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar to Mathura
• Private Buses: Available from various operators with stops at Vrindavan as well

From Agra

• Local state buses or shared tempos available every 30 minutes
• Travel time: ~1.5 hours

From Jaipur

• Direct buses to Mathura, some halt at Vrindavan
• Travel time: ~5–6 hours

Ticket Booking: Book through UPSRTC official website or third-party platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, etc.

Budget Tip: Government buses are cheaper but slightly slower and less comfortable than private buses.

Reaching Mathura & Vrindavan by Air

Nearest Airports

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi – 170 km from Mathura
• Agra Airport (AGR) – 60 km away, limited flights
• Jaipur International Airport (JAI) – 230 km away

From the Airport to Mathura/Vrindavan

• From Delhi:
  • Hire a prepaid taxi (~₹2,500–₹3,000)
  • Book a train or bus from New Delhi Railway Station
• From Agra:
  • Hire a cab (~₹1,500)
  • Take a local train or bus

Travel Tip: Flying into Delhi offers the most flight options and easiest onward connections to Mathura/Vrindavan.

Reaching by Car or Taxi (Self-Drive or Rental)

From Delhi to Mathura & Vrindavan by Car

• Route: Delhi → Faridabad → Palwal → Mathura (via NH-19 / Yamuna Expressway)
• Distance: ~182 km
• Time: 3.5–4 hours

Benefits:

• Flexible stops
• Scenic drive on Yamuna Expressway
• Convenient for family or group travel

Toll Charges: Approx. ₹200–250

From Agra to Mathura & Vrindavan

• Route: Agra → Mathura via NH2 (Now NH19)
• Distance: ~58 km
• Time: 1.5 hours

Car Rentals

• Self-drive car rental apps: Zoomcar, Revv
• Chauffeur-driven taxi: Savaari, MakeMyTrip, or local cab services

Taxi & Ride-Hailing Options

• Ola/Uber: Available in Mathura, less frequent in Vrindavan
• Local Taxis: Book through hotels or taxi stands
• Auto Rickshaws: Great for short-distance temple hopping
• E-Rickshaws: Ideal for eco-friendly rides around Vrindavan

Getting Around Locally

Mathura

• Use autos and rickshaws to visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi, Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat
• Taxis available for longer excursions like Govardhan or Gokul

Vrindavan

• Best explored on foot or e-rickshaw
• Popular spots: Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, Prem Mandir
• Avoid bringing large vehicles into the town due to narrow lanes

Best Routes Summary

Travel Tips for Visiting Mathura & Vrindavan

1. Best Time to Visit

• Janmashtami: Grandest celebration in August
• Holi: The most colorful in the world – March
• Pleasant Weather: October to March

2. Avoid Rush Hours

• Early morning or evening trains are often packed
• Weekends see higher crowds – plan on weekdays for a peaceful experience

3. Book in Advance

• Train tickets via IRCTC or apps like ConfirmTkt
• Hotels and guides during festivals

4. Safety & Dress Code

• Wear traditional or modest clothes when visiting temples
• Avoid flashy jewelry or valuables

5. Mobile & Internet

• Jio, Airtel, and Vi work well
• Public Wi-Fi is limited

Nearby Attractions to Explore

In Mathura:

• Gokul: 10 km – Krishna’s early childhood village
• Govardhan Hill: 25 km – Mythical hill lifted by Krishna
• Barsana & Nandgaon: 40 km – Associated with Radha’s life

In Vrindavan:

• Prem Mandir: Stunning white-marble temple
• Seva Kunj: Serene forest garden
• Yamuna Ghats: Ideal for evening aarti

What to Pack for Your Trip

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light cotton clothes (summer)
• Woolens (winter nights get chilly)
• Reusable water bottle
• Power bank and travel apps
• A physical map or downloaded Google map for areas with poor signal

Sample 2-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1 – Mathura

• Morning: Krishna Janmabhoomi visit
• Afternoon: Dwarkadhish Temple + Lunch
• Evening: Vishram Ghat aarti

Day 2 – Vrindavan

• Morning: Banke Bihari Temple + ISKCON
• Afternoon: Lunch + Nidhivan
• Evening: Prem Mandir light show

Conclusion

Reaching Mathura and Vrindavan is no longer a pilgrimage only for the determined—it’s now a comfortable, accessible journey for all types of travelers. Whether you’re riding a train through the plains of North India, cruising down the Yamuna Expressway, or flying in from afar, these sacred destinations await you with open arms and a spiritual charm that never fades.

Now that you know how to get there, the only thing left is to pack your bag and begin your journey into the heart of Krishna’s land.

• Places to See in Mathura & Vrindavan
• Mathura & Vrindavan Top 5 Luxury Hotels
• List of Famous Temples in Mathura
• Barsana Destinations to See & Important Temples
• What is Lathmar Holi? Date, Why & How is it celebrated?
• Best Places to See in Uttar Pradesh
• About Nidhivan Vrindavan – Story & Mysterious Facts
• Places for Spiritual Enlightenment in India
• Top 20 Destinations to Visit in Uttar Pradesh
• Places to See in Uttar Pradesh in March 2026
• Shri Radha Rani Temple, Barsana: History, Entry, Timings & Tips

FAQs – How to Reach Mathura & Vrindavan

Q1. What is the fastest way to reach Mathura from Delhi?
A1. The fastest way is by Gatimaan Express (train), which takes around 2 hours.

Q2. Is there a direct train to Vrindavan?
A2. Only local shuttle trains operate between Mathura and Vrindavan; no long-distance direct trains to Vrindavan.

Q3. Can I travel to Mathura and Vrindavan in a single day?
A3. Yes, if you start early from Delhi or Agra, both towns can be covered in a day.

Q4. Is Yamuna Expressway safe to travel at night?
A4. Yes, it’s well-maintained and safe, but avoid late-night solo drives.

Q5. Are Ola/Uber available in Vrindavan?
A5. Limited availability – use local autos or taxis instead.

Q6. Which airport is closest to Mathura?
A6. Agra Airport is closest (60 km), but Delhi Airport has more flight options.

Q7. Are roads from Delhi to Vrindavan good for self-driving?
A7. Yes, the Yamuna Expressway offers a smooth and scenic drive.