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How to Reach

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How to Reach

How to Reach

Kathua, known as the "Gateway to Jammu & Kashmir," is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from major cities in India. Here’s how you can reach Kathua from different parts of the country.

 

 By Air (Fastest Option)

The nearest airport to Kathua is Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport - IXJ).

 Distance from Kathua: 85 km
 Travel Time to Kathua: ~2 hours by road
 Transport Options from Jammu Airport:

  • Prepaid taxis & private cabs (₹1,500–₹2,500 depending on season).
  • Buses & shared cabs available from Jammu city.

 Flights to Jammu Available From:

  • Delhi (DEL) – 1.5 hours (Direct)
  • Mumbai (BOM) – 2.5 hours (via Delhi)
  • Chandigarh (IXC) – 1 hour (Direct)
  • Amritsar (ATQ) – 40 minutes

 Best Option from Jammu Airport to Kathua:

  • Taxi (₹1,500–₹2,500) – Best for a comfortable ride.
  • Jammu Bus Stand (for Buses to Kathua) – Budget-friendly option.

 

 By Train (Most Convenient Option)

Kathua has its own railway station (Kathua Railway Station - KTHU), which is a major stop on the Jammu-Pathankot-Delhi rail route.

Major Trains to Kathua:

Train Name

Route

Travel Time

Jammu Mail

Delhi - Pathankot - Kathua - Jammu

~10 hours

Shalimar Express

Delhi - Kathua - Jammu

~9 hours

Himgiri Express

Howrah - Kathua - Jammu

~24 hours

Swaraj Express

Mumbai - Delhi - Kathua - Jammu

~30 hours

 Distance from Kathua Railway Station to City Center: 5 km
 Local Transport from Station: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and shared cabs available.

 Trains to Pathankot (Alternative Option)
If direct trains to Kathua are unavailable, take a train to Pathankot (30 km away) and continue by road (45-minute drive).

 

 By Road (Scenic Journey)

Kathua is well-connected via NH44 (Jammu-Pathankot Highway), making it easily accessible from Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and other major cities.

Major Road Routes to Kathua:

Route

Distance

Travel Time

Jammu → Kathua

85 km

2 hours

Pathankot → Kathua

30 km

45 minutes

Amritsar → Kathua

115 km

2.5 hours

Chandigarh → Kathua

340 km

6-7 hours

Delhi → Kathua

560 km

10-11 hours

Bus & Taxi Options:

 JKSRTC Buses – Government-run buses available from Jammu, Pathankot & Amritsar.
 Private Taxis & Shared Cabs – Easily available from Jammu & Pathankot.
 Fare Range: ₹500-₹3,000 (depends on route & vehicle type).

 Best Road Route:

  • Jammu → Kathua via NH44 – Smooth highway, scenic views.
  • Pathankot → Kathua – Best for quick access from Punjab.

 

 By Helicopter (For Special Permits & VIP Travel)

There are no direct helicopter services to Kathua, but charter flights can be arranged from Jammu to nearby areas.

 Helicopter Route (For VIP Travelers):

  • Jammu → Basohli → Kathua
  • Travel Time: 30-minute flight + 1-hour drive

 Booking: Available through private charters & government permits.

 

 Best Travel Option Based on Your Preference

✅ Fastest Way: Flight to Jammu + Taxi to Kathua
✅ Most Convenient: Train to Kathua (or Pathankot, then road)
✅ Most Scenic Route: Road trip via NH44 (Jammu → Kathua)
✅ Budget-Friendly: Train to Pathankot + Shared cab to Kathua

 

 Final Travel Tips

✔️ Book Flights & Trains Early (especially during peak tourist & pilgrimage season).
✔️ Check Weather & Road Conditions (monsoon & winter may affect travel).
✔️ Carry Warm Clothes in Winter (especially for Basohli & hilly areas).
✔️ Choose Shared Cabs or Public Transport for budget-friendly travel.