Trains to Kashmir — Jammu Tawi and USBRL Route Update
How to reach Kashmir by train. Trains to Jammu Tawi, the USBRL railway progress, Banihal-Baramulla line, and connecting to Srinagar by road.
Kashmir doesn't yet have a direct rail connection to the rest of India — the massive USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project is still under construction. Currently, you take a train to Jammu Tawi (JAT) and then travel by road to Srinagar (300 km, 8-10 hours). But there's also a functioning railway within the Kashmir Valley — from Banihal to Baramulla — that most travelers don't know about.
Trains to Jammu Tawi
| Train | Number | From | Departs | Arrives JAT | Duration | Fare Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajdhani Express | 12425/26 | NDLS | 20:30 | 06:30+1 | ~10h | ₹1,500–₹4,000 |
| Jammu Mail | 14033/34 | NDLS | 20:30 | 08:00+1 | ~11h 30m | ₹300–₹1,800 |
| Jhelum Express | 11077/78 | PUNE | Via | JAT | ~30h | ₹500–₹3,000 |
| Andaman Express | 16031/32 | MAS | Via | JAT | ~40h | ₹600–₹3,500 |
| Swaraj Express | 12471/72 | BCT | Via | JAT | ~24h | ₹500–₹3,000 |
Jammu Tawi to Srinagar by Road
From Jammu, the road to Srinagar via the NH44 takes 8-10 hours through spectacular mountain terrain:
Jammu → Udhampur → Patnitop → Ramban → Banihal Tunnel → Anantnag → Srinagar
Transport options:- JKSRTC Volvo/Deluxe bus: ₹500-1,000. Departs from Jammu bus stand (near railway station). Multiple morning departures.
- Shared taxi: ₹600-800/person. Faster, leaves when full from the taxi stand.
- Private taxi: ₹3,000-5,000. Most comfortable.
USBRL Project — The Missing Link
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is one of the most ambitious railway projects in the world. When complete, it will connect Jammu directly to Srinagar by rail through the Pir Panjal range.
The Chenab Bridge: At 359 meters above the river, this is the world's highest railway bridge. It's structurally complete and a marvel of engineering visible from the highway. Status: The Udhampur-Katra section is operational. The Katra-Banihal section (the challenging mountain section with the Chenab Bridge) is under construction. The Banihal-Baramulla section within the Valley is operational.When the full link opens, Delhi to Srinagar by train will become a reality — cutting through some of the most dramatic mountain terrain on Earth. Keep an eye on indianrail.app for updates.
Kashmir Valley Railway (Banihal to Baramulla)
Most tourists don't realize there's already a functioning railway within the Kashmir Valley. The Banihal-Baramulla line runs through the valley floor, passing through Anantnag, Srinagar, and Sopore to Baramulla.
Srinagar railway station exists and handles a few daily services. The train ride from Banihal to Baramulla (130 km, 3-4 hours) passes through rice paddies, walnut groves, and with the Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges on either side. In autumn, when the chinar trees turn red, this might be India's most beautiful rail ride.
Currently, you can't reach Banihal by mainline train from Jammu (the tunnel section isn't complete). But you can drive to Banihal (from Jammu, 4-5 hours) and take the Valley train from there.
Srinagar Essentials
- Dal Lake: Houseboats, shikara rides, floating vegetable market (early morning). Stay on a houseboat at least one night — it's the quintessential Kashmir experience.
- Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi. Built by Mughal emperors. Best in spring.
- Gulmarg (50 km): Asia's highest gondola ride (3,979m). Skiing in winter, flower meadows in summer.
- Pahalgam (90 km): Pine forests, Lidder River, and gateway to the Amarnath Yatra.
- Sonamarg (80 km): Golden meadow at the foot of the Zoji La pass. Stunning glaciers.
Best Season
April-June: Spring to early summer. Flowers, pleasant temperatures. Tulip Garden in bloom (April). September-November: Autumn. Chinar trees turn gold and red. Saffron harvesting. The best season. December-March: Winter. Snow everywhere. Gulmarg skiing. Cold but magical. July-August: Warm but monsoon affects some areas. Amarnath Yatra period.Tips
- The Jammu-Srinagar highway is prone to landslides, especially during monsoon. It can be closed for hours or even days. Keep buffer time.
- Carry warm clothes regardless of season. Kashmir nights are cold.
- Security situation varies. Check advisories before traveling. Tourist areas are generally safe and welcoming.
- Currency: ATMs work but carry cash as backup, especially outside Srinagar.