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How to Get to Meerut

How to Get to Meerut

Meerut Uttar Pradesh, India Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Meerut does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest major international airport is located in Delhi.

Indira Gandhi International Airport DEL

  • Main gateway for international and domestic travelers to Meerut.
  • Approximately 80-100 kilometers (50-62 miles) to the southwest of Meerut.
  • DEL serves nearly all major airlines worldwide with numerous direct flights.

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Domestic airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India connect DEL to other Indian cities. Consider services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for deals.

Seasonal Pricing & Services

  • Flight prices generally increase during India's peak tourist season (Oct-Mar) and major festivals.
  • DEL offers duty-free shopping, executive lounges, diverse restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, and car rentals.
  • The airport has comprehensive medical facilities.

Taxi/Ride-sharing

Pre-paid taxis, Ola, and Uber services are available from DEL to Meerut. The the voyage is typically 2-3 hours.

Bus Transfer

Direct bus services run from ISBT Anand Vihar in Delhi to Meerut. This option is economical but requires a getting from DEL.

Train Connection

Take the Delhi Metro from DEL to New Delhi Train Terminal or Ghaziabad, then connect to a train to Meerut.

Private Car Hire

Comfort & Convenience

  • Arrange a private car with a driver through your hotel or a reputable travel agency.
  • This approach has the most comfortable and convenient transfer.
  • The driver meets you at the airport, making arrival smooth.
  • Costs generally range from ₹2000-₹3500 (approx. $24-$42).

Why Hire a Driver?

  • Navigating Indian traffic can be very challenging for those unfamiliar with local conditions.
  • Aggressive road behavior, lack of lane discipline, pedestrians, and animals are common.
  • A driver handles these complexities, permitting you to relax.
  • It reduces travel stress significantly.

Airport Visual Aid

DEL Terminal 3

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi.

Modern Facilities

The airport is modern and well-equipped for international and domestic passengers, with extensive services.

Connectivity

Well-connected to the Delhi Metro and various ground transportation options for onward travel.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Meerut has two main railway stations: Meerut City Junction (MTC) and Meerut Cantonment (MUT). These terminals are well-connected to Delhi, Ghaziabad, Saharanpur, and other major cities across Uttar Pradesh and the northern part of India.

Booking & Journey Time

  • Book train tickets through the Indian Railways (IRCTC) site or at railway stations.
  • The Delhi-Meerut journey typically lasts approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.
  • Advance booking is highly recommended for AC classes and during peak travel seasons.

Long-Distance Bus Options

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates frequent and extensive bus services, connecting Meerut to various cities within Uttar Pradesh and to Delhi.

Operators & Terminals

  • Numerous private bus operators also offer services, often with more comfortable options like air-conditioned buses.
  • The main bus terminals in Meerut are Bhainsali Bus Stand and Garh Road Bus Depot.
  • Purchase bus tickets directly at the bus stands or through online booking platforms.

Self-Driving Considerations

If you plan to self-drive, you will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with a valid driving license from your home country. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Driving in India

  • Driving in India can be very challenging for those unfamiliar with local traffic conditions.
  • Expect reckless driving, a lack of lane discipline, and the presence of pedestrians and animals.
  • Self-driving is not recommended for most international tourists due to these complexities.

Meerut City Station

Indian Railways has extensive connectivity for travelers. Meerut City Junction is a central hub for rail travel.

Train Travel Visual

  • Indian Railways provides extensive connectivity.
  • Book early for best availability, especially for popular routes and classes.
  • Check train schedules and platform information.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

  • Roads connecting Meerut to Delhi (e.g., NH58, now NH334) are generally well-maintained, with expressway sections.
  • Within Meerut, road conditions can vary; expect heavy traffic, potholes, and congestion during peak hours.
  • Exercise caution due to rash driving, specifically by buses and trucks.
  • Avoid night driving outside of well-lit, major highways, as visibility and road hazards increase significantly.
  • Driving laws include mandatory seatbelts for front passengers and helmets for two-wheeler riders.
  • India drives on the left side of the road.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transportation Not Applicable

Meerut is a landlocked city, so sea or river travel is not applicable for direct arrival. There are no ferry services or cruise ports serving Meerut directly.

No River Transport

  • Whereas the Kali Nadi river flows near Meerut, and the Upper Ganga Canal passes through, these are not used for commercial passenger transportation.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for Meerut travel.
  • Direct connections to land transportation from sea/river points are not applicable for Meerut.

Landlocked Destination

Meerut's geographical position means that all inbound and outbound travel involves land-based routes or flying to Delhi, followed by land transfer.

Travel Planning Focus

  • Concentrate on planning air, train, or bus travel for access.
  • All travel details will relate to road and rail networks connecting to Delhi or other major North Indian cities.
  • This simplifies the travel planning process by removing water things to consider when traveling.

Ferry Services

Not available. Meerut lacks access to sea or major navigable rivers for ferry services.

River Transportation

Not available for public passenger transport to or from Meerut.

Immigration at Seaports

Not applicable for travel to Meerut, as it is inland.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing India by air from Delhi (DEL); these charges are typically included in your airfare.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • International Flights from DEL: Arrive at least 3-4 hours prior to scheduled departure.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, immigration procedures, and security screening.
  • Domestic Flights from DEL: Arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

For train or bus leaving from Meerut, arrive at the respective station at least 30-60 a few minutes before it's due to leave.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

  • Delhi (DEL): Offers comprehensive facilities including duty-free, lounges, food courts, currency exchange, and other amenities.
  • Meerut Railway/Bus Stations: Provide more basic facilities like waiting rooms, food stalls, and ticket counters.
  • These stations do not offer the extensive amenities found at international airports.

Meerut City Junction

Station Overview

Meerut City Junction is a busy railway hub.

Connectivity

Connects to major cities across North India.

Passenger Services

Basic amenities for travelers including food stalls.

Departure Tip

Meerut City Junction, a central hub for rail travel.
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