| Option | Time (approx.) | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Varies by train | Jammu Tawi station | Via Udhampur to SVDK Katra station |
| Bus | About 2 hours | SRTC bus stand (ordinary), outside Jammu railway station (luxury) | Every 10–15 minutes according to the Shrine Board |
| Shared taxi | 70–80 minutes | Jammu railway station, airport | Pay per seat |
| Private taxi | 70–80 minutes | Jammu railway station, airport | Check the officially approved rate |
Times are from the Shrine Board and vary with traffic and security checks.
Tips
- Touts: the Shrine Board warns that taxi drivers often approach passengers at the airport and station. Insist on the approved rate.
- Travel sickness: the road is hilly and winding. Sit facing forward and avoid a heavy meal just before.
- Stopping in Jammu? Shrine Board accommodation is available near Jammu railway station — see Shrine Board stay — and Jammu's temples and palaces are worth a visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport to Vaishno Devi?
Jammu Airport, about 50 km from Katra by road. Taxis take about 70–80 minutes according to the Shrine Board.
How do I get from Jammu to Katra?
By train from Jammu Tawi to SVDK Katra, by bus (every 10–15 minutes according to the Shrine Board, about 2 hours), or by taxi (about 70–80 minutes). See Jammu to Katra.
Can I combine Vaishno Devi with Kashmir by train?
Yes. Since June 2025 trains run from Katra to the Kashmir valley across the Chenab bridge, including the Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express (about three hours).
Timings, fares, rules and routes can change at short notice. Please confirm time-sensitive details with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or the relevant authority before you travel. Page last reviewed: 4 October 2026.