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From the Ganges ghats of Haridwar, with incense in the air and temple bells at dusk, you travel to the golden dome of Amritsar's Golden Temple. The route crosses the plains of Uttarakhand, Haryana and Punjab, a link between two of North India's great pilgrimage cities. The smell of Punjabi food and the calm of the Golden Temple's pool are waiting at the end.
Haridwar to Amritsar by Train
The Jan Shatabdi Express (12053/12054) is a direct train between Haridwar and Amritsar.[1] Indian Railways long-distance trains offer seated AC chair cars for daytime trips and sleeper berths in 3A, 2A and 1A classes for overnight runs. Book early, as seats sell out on busy dates.
Haridwar to Amritsar by Bus
Overnight buses are the budget choice and save a night's hotel. On booking platforms, AC sleeper and AC seater buses leave Haridwar in the evening and take about 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes, with tickets from about $7 to $15 (October 2026).[2] They stop at highway dhabas for chai and parathas, and you arrive in Amritsar in time for the early morning prayers at the Golden Temple.
Haridwar to Amritsar by Private Transfer
A private car is the fastest way for groups, families and anyone with plenty of luggage. On booking platforms, the drive takes from about 6 hours, longer with traffic, and prices start at about $81 (October 2026).[2] Vehicle options range from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and vans.
Tips for the Journey
- Pick the overnight bus to save time: You arrive early, with a whole day in Amritsar ahead of you.
- Visit the Golden Temple early: The morning prayers are the best moment to see it.
- Carry a light layer: Night buses can be chilly with the air conditioning on.
Timetable
| Bus Haridwar - Amritsar $ 7.42–14.95 8h 45m – 9h 30m | |
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| Taxi Haridwar - Amritsar $ 80.56–397.13 6h 5m – 6h 51m | |
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| Train Haridwar - Amritsar $ 6.40–12.86 10h 33m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Haridwar to Amritsar, including current prices and schedules.
The overnight bus is the budget option. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $7 (October 2026).
A private car is the fastest, taking from about 6 hours on booking platforms, longer with traffic.
The bus takes about 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes.
Yes. The Jan Shatabdi Express (12053/12054) links Haridwar and Amritsar.
AC sleeper buses have berths so you can lie down, while AC seater buses cost less. For an overnight trip, the sleeper is the more comfortable choice.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways: Trains at a Glance 2022-23. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Haridwar to Amritsar. Retrieved October 27, 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.
