How to Get from Chandigarh to Delhi
Compare buses, the Shatabdi train and flights from Chandigarh to Delhi. See CTU bus departures, IndiGo flight times and Shatabdi timings.
Contents
Leaving behind the grid-like precision and modernist architecture of Le Corbusier's Chandigarh for the sprawling, historical chaos of Delhi is a journey through the heart of North India's industrial and agricultural belt. While Chandigarh prides itself on order and greenery, Delhi offers a high-energy immersion into India's capital, where ancient monuments stand shoulder-to-shoulder with gleaming glass skyscrapers.
Buses, a Shatabdi train and flights all connect the two cities, so you can pick the mode that fits your schedule. Whether you head to Delhi for a flight connection at Indira Gandhi International Airport or to explore the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, you have several reliable ways to make the trip.
Chandigarh to Delhi by Bus
The bus is the most flexible way to travel from Chandigarh to Delhi. The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) runs 24 departures a day from ISBT-17 Chandigarh to Delhi, from 03:50 until 19:30, and 24 departures from Delhi to ISBT-17 Chandigarh, from 00:05 until 23:30. Many of them are air-conditioned, including night services, and four AC buses leave Chandigarh ISBT-17 for Indira Gandhi International Airport at 04:50, 06:00, 15:00 and 16:00.[1]
AC buses
AC buses are the most common choice for travelers on this route. They are modern, have reclining seats and give you a climate-controlled environment, which is essential during the blistering North Indian summer.
Non-AC buses
The most budget-friendly option is the non-AC bus. These are government-run buses that leave early in the morning and in the evening.[1] They can be dusty and loud, as windows are kept open for ventilation, so they suit short-notice travel or the cooler winter months.
Chandigarh to Delhi by Train
The Chandigarh Shatabdi 12046 leaves Chandigarh at 12:00 and reaches New Delhi at 15:25, and the return train 12045 leaves New Delhi at 19:15 and reaches Chandigarh at 22:45.[2] It drops you at the heart of the capital without the highway traffic near the Delhi border.
Chandigarh to Delhi by Flight
If you are looking for the fastest possible way to reach the capital, flying is the clear winner. IndiGo flies five direct flights a day, leaving Chandigarh at 07:05, 10:30, 13:05, 15:35 and 18:55, and the flights take from 1 hour to 1 hour 50 minutes.[3]
Chandigarh International Airport lies 18 km north of the city centre, and Delhi Airport (DEL) is 15 km from New Delhi Railway Station.[3] This is a particularly convenient option if you have an international connection in Delhi.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Departures from Chandigarh |
|---|---|
| Bus (CTU, ISBT-17) | 24 a day, 03:50 to 19:30[1] |
| Train (Shatabdi 12046) | 12:00, arrives 15:25[2] |
| Flight (IndiGo) | 07:05, 10:30, 13:05, 15:35, 18:55[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Chandigarh to Delhi
- Book in Advance: For the best prices on flights and AC buses, book a few days ahead, especially if you travel on a Friday or Sunday when demand peaks.
- Traffic Awareness: Traffic near the Delhi border can be unpredictable. If you have a flight to catch from Delhi airport and take the bus, allow plenty of buffer time or take one of the AC airport buses.
- Pick-up Points: Chandigarh has two main bus terminals, ISBT-17 and ISBT-43.[1] Double-check your ticket for the exact boarding point.
- Luggage: Buses generally have plenty of space in the under-carriage for large suitcases. On IndiGo flights you can check 15 kg and carry 7 kg as hand baggage.[4]
- Hydration and Snacks: Carry your own water bottle and some light snacks for the bus journey.
Timetable
| Flight Chandigarh - Delhi $ 31.99โ94.63 55m โ 1h 15m | |
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| Bus Chandigarh - Delhi $ 4.02โ60.16 3h 55m โ 6h 31m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chandigarh to Delhi, including current prices and schedules.
Flying is the fastest way: IndiGo flies five direct flights a day, and the flights take from 1 hour to 1 hour 50 minutes.
The Shatabdi 12046 takes 3 hours 25 minutes from Chandigarh at 12:00 to New Delhi at 15:25. A flight takes from 1 hour to 1 hour 50 minutes. By bus the time depends on the service and the traffic.
The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking runs 24 departures a day from ISBT-17 Chandigarh to Delhi, from 03:50 until 19:30.
Yes. Four AC buses leave ISBT-17 Chandigarh for Indira Gandhi International Airport at 04:50, 06:00, 15:00 and 16:00.
Yes. The Chandigarh Shatabdi 12046 leaves Chandigarh at 12:00 and reaches New Delhi at 15:25.
Yes. The CTU timetable lists night AC services from Chandigarh at 14:30 and 16:30, and Delhi to Chandigarh departures run until 23:30.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Chandigarh Transport Undertaking: Time table of ISBT-17 and 43 Chandigarh, CTU bus services on inter-state routes (amended 22.04.2026). Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways (CRIS): Shatabdi Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [3] IndiGo: Chandigarh to Delhi Flights. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [4] IndiGo: Chennai to Hyderabad Flights. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.