How to Get from McLeod Ganj to Delhi
McLeod Ganj to Delhi by overnight bus (from about 9 hours 30 minutes), flight from Kangra airport or private car. Stations, booking and tips.
Contents
From the cedar forests and Tibetan prayer flags of McLeod Ganj, the road drops through the Kangra Valley and across the plains of Punjab and Haryana to Delhi. Most travellers take an overnight bus, and a flight from nearby Kangra is the quick alternative.
McLeod Ganj to Delhi by Bus
Public and private buses run regularly between Dharamshala and Delhi.[1] HRTC has advance reservation counters at the Dharamshala and McLeodganj bus stands and takes bookings 1 month ahead.[2] Overnight A/C semi-sleeper coaches make the run, and the ride takes from about 9 hours 30 minutes, longer with traffic.[3] The seats recline but are not flat beds, and the bus stops at roadside dhabas for dinner.
McLeod Ganj to Delhi by Flight
Kangra airport at Gaggal is 14 km from Dharamshala and has regular flights to Delhi.[1] Take a taxi down the hill to the airport.
McLeod Ganj to Delhi by Private Transfer
A car picks you up at your McLeod Ganj hotel and takes you straight to your Delhi address or the airport. On booking platforms, private transfers from McLeod Ganj to Delhi cost about $156 to $313 (November 2026).[3] It is a long day on the road, with stops for photos and chai whenever you like.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (A/C semi-sleeper) | From about 9 h 30 min[3] | Overnight A/C semi-sleeper coaches |
| Flight from Kangra (Gaggal) | Regular flights[1] | Airport 14 km from Dharamshala[1] |
| Private car | A full day's drive | About $156 to $313 (November 2026)[3] |
Tips for Traveling from McLeod Ganj to Delhi
- Motion sickness: The first stretch is full of sharp bends, so take medication before you leave if you need it.
- Dress in layers: Delhi is much warmer than McLeod Ganj, so you can shed your mountain gear on the way.
- Book ahead: Buses fill up in peak season, so reserve your seat at the HRTC counter or online.
- Snacks: Carry water and light snacks for the long highway stretches.
Timetable
| Bus Dharamshala - Delhi $ 7.38โ21.00 9h 25m โ 13h 15m | |
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| Taxi Dharamshala - Delhi $ 104.57โ187.34 6h 45m โ 7h 39m | |
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| Bus McLeod Ganj - Delhi $ 11.02 10h 30m โ 10h 40m | |
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| Taxi McLeod Ganj - Delhi $ 153.58โ309.92 6h 50m โ 7h 42m | |
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| Bus Dharamkot - Delhi $ 8.83 10h 45m โ 10h 55m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from McLeod Ganj to Delhi, including current prices and schedules.
The bus. Public and private buses run regularly between Dharamshala and Delhi.
A flight from Kangra airport at Gaggal, 14 km from Dharamshala, has regular connections to Delhi.
The bus takes from about 9 hours 30 minutes, longer with traffic.
Overnight A/C semi-sleeper coaches run on this route. Their seats recline but are not flat beds.
HRTC has an advance reservation counter at the McLeodganj bus stand and another at Dharamshala. Bookings open 1 month ahead.
HRTC takes bookings for any bus from either counter, so book wherever is closer. Taking the bus from Dharamshala saves a transfer down the hill if you are already there.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Himachal Pradesh Tourism: Dharamshala - Himachal Tourism Official Website. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
- [2] Himachal Road Transport Corporation: Locate Booking Counters. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable Dharamshala - Delhi. Retrieved November 4, 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.