How To Reach

Transportation & Getting Around

Uttar Pradesh, being India’s largest state by population, has a well-connected transportation network that makes traveling across cities efficient and convenient. Whether you’re arriving from another state or exploring different destinations within UP, here’s a complete guide on how to get around.

1. Getting to Uttar Pradesh

By Air (Domestic & International Flights)

Uttar Pradesh has four major international airports and several domestic airports.

 International Airports:

• Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow - LKO) – Best for Lucknow, Ayodhya, Kanpur.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi - VNS) – Best for Varanasi, Sarnath, Prayagraj.
• Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport (Agra - AGR) – Best for Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri.
• Kushinagar International Airport (Kushinagar - KBK) – Best for Buddhist tourism & Gorakhpur.

 Major Domestic Airports:

• Prayagraj Airport (PRG)
• Gorakhpur Airport (GOP)
• Bareilly Airport (BEK)
• Kanpur Airport (KNU)

 Best Option:

• For international travelers, Lucknow & Varanasi are the best entry points.
• For domestic travelers, flights to Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur provide good connectivity.

By Train (Indian Railways Network)

Uttar Pradesh has one of the busiest railway networks in India, with multiple superfast trains, Rajdhani Express, and Shatabdi Express services.

 Major Railway Stations:

• Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station (LKO) – The central hub of UP railways.
• Varanasi Junction (BSB) – Best for travelers visiting Varanasi & Sarnath.
• Agra Cantt (AGC) – The main station for Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri.
• Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) – Best for Kumbh Mela & Triveni Sangam.
• Gorakhpur Junction (GKP) – Home to India’s longest railway platform.
• Mathura Junction (MTJ) – Best for Mathura & Vrindavan.

 Fast Trains:

• Vande Bharat Express – Connects Varanasi to Delhi and Lucknow to Delhi in record time.
• Rajdhani Express – Connects Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi to Delhi.
• Shatabdi Express – Best for fast travel between Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Delhi.

 Best Option:

• Trains are affordable, comfortable, and well-connected to most cities in UP.
• For shorter distances, opt for intercity express trains or Jan Shatabdi.

By Road (Buses, Taxis & Highways)

 Government & Private Bus Services
UP has a strong road network with state-run and private bus services.

 State Transport (UPSRTC) Buses

• Volvo AC Buses – Best for long-distance travel (Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi).
• Ordinary & Deluxe Buses – Budget-friendly option for intercity travel.
• JNNURM City Buses – Available in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Agra.

 Private Bus Operators

• RedBus & VRL Travels operate luxury sleeper & AC buses across UP.
• Buses to Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh are easily available.

 Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps

• Ola & Uber – Available in major cities like Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
• Local taxis & private cab services – Easily available for outstation travel.

 Car Rentals & Self-Drive Options

• Zoomcar & Revv – Self-drive car rental services in Lucknow, Agra, and Varanasi.
• Chauffeur-driven car hire – Available for day trips & city tours.

 Major Highways in UP

• Yamuna Expressway (Delhi – Agra) – Best way to reach the Taj Mahal from Delhi in 3 hours.
• Agra-Lucknow Expressway – Connects Agra, Kanpur & Lucknow in 4 hours.
• Purvanchal Expressway – Links Lucknow with eastern UP cities like Azamgarh & Ballia.

 Best Option:

• Expressways make road travel between Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi very smooth.
• For budget travel, UPSRTC buses & shared cabs are the best.

2. Getting Around Within Cities

 Taxis & Ride-Sharing

• Uber & Ola – Available in Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, and Kanpur.
• Rapido (Bike Taxis) – Best for short-distance travel in cities.

 Auto Rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws

• Best way to explore local markets & short city rides.
• Prepaid Auto Booths are available in Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Varanasi.
• E-Rickshaws are common in Varanasi, Mathura, and small towns.

 Metro & Local Transport in Cities

• Lucknow Metro – Fastest way to travel across Lucknow.
• City Buses (JNNURM) – Available in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
• Tonga Rides – Available in Mathura & Vrindavan for a traditional experience.

 Bicycle Rentals & Walking Tours

• Varanasi, Agra, and Lucknow offer heritage walking & cycle tours.
• YOLO Bikes & Smart Bike Rentals available in Lucknow & Varanasi.

 Best Option:

• Metro & taxis (Uber/Ola) are best in big cities like Lucknow & Agra.
• Auto-rickshaws & e-rickshaws are better for short local rides.

3. Best Ways to Travel Between Cities in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh offers a variety of transportation options, making travel easy and accessible. Whether you’re flying into Lucknow, taking a train to Varanasi, or driving on the expressways, getting around UP is convenient and well-connected.