To get around in Agra, you can use a variety of transportation options including taxis, ride-hailing apps, buses, and trains, as well as auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws for shorter distances.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Agra is strategically located near the national capital, New Delhi, and is well-connected to other major cities in India. The main airport serving Agra is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, which is about 230 kilometers away from Agra. You can take a taxi, bus, or train from the airport to reach Agra. Direct flights to Delhi are available from major cities around the world, including London, New York, and Singapore. From Delhi, you can take a domestic flight to the Agra Airport (AGR), which is a smaller airport that receives flights from Delhi and other nearby cities.
If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a bus or train from nearby cities like Delhi, Jaipur, or Varanasi. The main overland entry points to Agra are the National Highway 2 (NH2) from Delhi and the National Highway 11 (NH11) from Jaipur. You can also take a taxi or drive from these cities to reach Agra. The journey by road takes around 4-5 hours from Delhi, depending on traffic conditions.
Domestic Flights
Agra has a domestic airport that receives flights from Delhi and other nearby cities. You can take a domestic flight from Delhi to Agra, which takes around 1 hour. The main domestic airlines operating in India are IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. These airlines offer frequent flights from Delhi to Agra, with prices starting from around $50-$100 per person for a one-way ticket. You can book your tickets online through the airlines' websites or through a travel agent. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance to get the best prices.
Trains & Rail
Agra has an extensive rail network, with three main railway stations: Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort, and Raja Ki Mandi. The rail network connects Agra to other major cities in India, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi. You can take a train from these cities to reach Agra, with journey times ranging from 4-10 hours depending on the type of train and the route. The main train routes include the Taj Express from Delhi to Agra, which takes around 4 hours, and the Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Agra, which takes around 2 hours. You can book your train tickets online through the Indian Railways website or through a travel agent.
Buses & Coaches
Agra has a well-developed bus network, with buses connecting the city to other major cities in India. You can take a bus from Delhi, Jaipur, or Varanasi to reach Agra, with journey times ranging from 4-10 hours depending on the route and the type of bus. The main bus companies operating in Agra are UPSRTC and RSRTC, which offer deluxe and ordinary buses to nearby cities. The cost of a bus ticket ranges from $5-$20 per person, depending on the type of bus and the route.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Bus | Agra | $0.20-$0.50 | Ordinary and deluxe buses available |
| Taxi | Agra | $1-$2 per km | Available at taxi stands and through ride-hailing apps |
| Ride-Hailing | Agra | $2-$5 | Available through Uber and Ola |
| Tuk-tuk/Rickshaw | Agra | $1-$2 | Available for short distances |
| Auto-Rickshaw | Agra | $1-$2 | Available for short distances |
| Cycle-Rickshaw | Agra | $0.50-$1 | Available for short distances |
Driving
- To drive in Agra, you need to have a valid Indian driving license or an international driving permit.
- The road quality in Agra is moderate, with some roads being well-maintained and others being in poor condition.
- The fuel cost in Agra is around $1-$2 per liter, depending on the type of fuel.
- You can rent a car in Agra through local car rental companies, with prices starting from around $20-$50 per day.
- Be careful of traffic hazards such as potholes, pedestrians, and animals on the road.
- It is recommended to hire a driver or take a taxi instead of driving yourself, especially if you are not familiar with the local roads and traffic conditions.
Transport Tips
- Be careful of scams and overcharging by taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers.
- Always use a metered taxi or a ride-hailing app to avoid overcharging.
- Download the Ola and Uber apps to book taxis and ride-hailing services.
- Carry a map or use a GPS device to navigate the city.
- Be respectful of local traffic rules and regulations.
- Avoid traveling during peak hours to avoid traffic congestion.
- Keep your valuables safe and secure while traveling.
- Learn some basic Hindi phrases such as "kahaan hai" (where is) and "kitna hai" (how much is) to communicate with locals.