How to Get to Ludhiana. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Ludhiana

While Ludhiana has a local airport (Sahnewal Airport - LUH), most international travelers arrive via larger hubs.

Main Gateways

Sahnewal Airport (LUH): Mainly domestic flights, limited connectivity.
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar (ATQ): 140 kilometers from Ludhiana, major international airport for Punjab.
Chandigarh International Airport (IXC): 100 km from Ludhiana, domestic and some foreign flights.

International Connectivity

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) serves as India's main international hub for global connectivity.

Direct Flight Options

DEL: Direct flights from numerous global hubs (North America, Europe, Australia).
ATQ: Direct flights from London, Birmingham, Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Kuala Lumpur (mainly serving Punjabi diaspora).
IXC: Limited international direct flights, mainly to the Middle East.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Higher prices during Peak Season (Oct-Mar), lower during Off-Season (May-Aug). Book 3-6 months in advance.

Airport Facilities

Major airports (DEL, ATQ, IXC) offer full services; Sahnewal Airport (LUH) offers basic facilities.

Best Time to Book

Booking flights 3-6 months prior generally secures the best prices regardless of the season. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Transfer Options to Ludhiana

From Delhi DEL

Train: Frequent rail services from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Ludhiana Junction (LDH), 4-5 hours.
Bus: Regular services, including Volvo AC buses, 6-7 hours from Delhi to Ludhiana.
Taxi/Private Car: 5-6 hour drive. Pre-paid taxis can be found at the airport.
Consider booking through services like DiscoverCars.com for car rentals if opting for self-drive (with driver recommended).

From Amritsar ATQ or Chandigarh IXC

Taxi/Private Car: Most convenient. 3-4 hours from ATQ, 2 hours from IXC.
Bus: Regular bus services connect Amritsar and Chandigarh to Ludhiana.
Train: Available from Amritsar Junction and Chandigarh railway stations to Ludhiana Junction.
Local transfers from from airports to city bus/railway stations might be necessary.

Airport Transfer Tips

Allow Extra Time

Factor in potential traffic congestion, especially around Delhi, and dense fog in winter months.

Pre-Book if Possible

For train journeys and long-distance buses, booking in advance is advisable, just for AC classes.

Confirm Details

Always confirm departure times and platform/bay numbers before heading to the station/terminal.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Ludhiana Junction (LDH) a major railway station, offering exceptional connectivity across India.

Routes & Types

Connectivity to Delhi (4-5 hrs via Shatabdi Express), Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu.
Types: Shatabdi (fast AC day trains), Rajdhani (fast AC overnight), Intercity, Mail/Express (various classes).
Booking: Book in advance, especially for AC classes, via IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) or authorized agents.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Ludhiana Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) serves as a main hub for extensive bus services.

Routes & Operators

Operators: Punjab Roadways, HRTC, Haryana Roadways, and private companies (Volvo AC luxury, AC, non-AC).
Routes: Major cities in Punjab (Amritsar, Chandigarh), neighboring states (Delhi, Shimla, Manali, Jammu).
Comfort: Volvo AC buses are more comfortable for extended trips.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving in India can be very challenging for foreign drivers. Hiring a car with a driver is often recommended.

Requirements & Challenges

Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license are required.
Traffic is often heavy and chaotic; aggressive driving is common, lane discipline is very little.
Road conditions vary. You will encounter vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and fauna.

Road Conditions & Safety

National and State Highways are generally in good condition. City roads can be congested and poorly maintained.

Driving Safety Tips

Be highly vigilant. Always expect the unexpected. Horns are for warning, not aggression.
Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals, as they share the road.
Avoid night driving due to poor lighting, unlit vehicles, and undisciplined drivers.

Border Crossing Information

Not applicable for Ludhiana itself. Ludhiana is a city not on the coast in India.
The Wagah Border (India-Pakistan crossing) is near Amritsar, for the most part a ceremonial crossing.
Travelers arriving in India typically use international airports as entrances.

No designated land entry points for international tourists traveling to Ludhiana directly.
Focus on air or domestic land travel for reaching Ludhiana after international arrival.
All visa and entry requirements are handled upon air arrival within India.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transportation in Ludhiana

Ludhiana is a landlocked city, situated far from any major sea or river ports that handle international passenger traffic.

No Applicable Water Arrivals

Sea or river arrivals are not a relevant mode of transportation for reaching Ludhiana.
While Buddha Nallah flows through the city, it is not used for recreational or commuter water transport.
No natural lakes or major rivers within the city support boat taxis or other forms of water transport for tourists.

Travel Focus for Ludhiana

International travelers will arrive by air, and domestic travelers mainly by air, train, or bus.

Main Travel Modes

Air travel to nearby major airports (Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh) is the main international approach.
Trains offer extensive domestic connectivity to Ludhiana Junction.
Buses connect Ludhiana to various cities within Punjab and adjoining states.

No River Cruises

The city's waterways are not developed for tourist boat services or passenger transport.

Inland Destination

Ludhiana's geography makes sea or major river access irrelevant for travelers.

Not Applicable

Sea/River arrivals are not a mode of transport for Ludhiana. Focus on air and land.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied directly on travelers departing India. Any airport fees or charges are included in your ticket price.

Airport Departures

Domestic Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure for check-in and security.
International Flights: Arrive 3-4 hours before departure for check-in, immigration, and security.
Have boarding pass (printed/mobile) and valid photo ID ready.

Travel to Airport & Station Departure

Account for travel time from Ludhiana to airports (Amritsar 3-4 hrs, Chandigarh 2 hrs, Delhi 5-6 hrs).

Station Departures

Railway Stations/Bus Stands: Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.
Keep confirmed ticket (digital/physical) and valid photo ID accessible.
Manage luggage efficiently in crowded stations.

Airport/Station Facilities

Ludhiana Junction & ISBT

Offer basic amenities: waiting areas, food stalls, restrooms, small shops.

Major Airports DEL, ATQ, IXC

Extensive facilities: dining, retail (duty-free for international), lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, clear signage.

Travel Contingency

Factor in potential traffic congestion, especially around Ludhiana and Delhi, and dense fog in winter. Check AirHelp if you faced delayed or canceled flights.

How to Get to Ludhiana