Dharamshala, McLeodganj and Kangra sit together at the foot of the Dhauladhar range in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh. There is no single obvious way in — it depends on where you start and how much of the journey you want in the air, on the rails, or on the road. Here is the honest rundown of every option, with the real drive times, so you can pick what suits your group and your budget.
By air — Gaggal (Kangra) airport, the closest
The nearest airport is Gaggal — Kangra Airport (code DHM), often listed as “Dharamshala airport”. It is about 15 km from Dharamshala and 10 km from Kangra town, roughly a 20–30 minute drive. Flights connect from Delhi and, seasonally, other metros. It is a small airport, which is its charm: you are out with your bags in minutes. We meet every flight, track the arrival so a delay costs you nothing, and run drops across the valley — see our Gaggal airport taxi page for how the pickups work, or the broader airport & railway transfers service.
By train — Amb Andaura (Vande Bharat) or Pathankot
There are two sensible rail options. The fastest is the Vande Bharat to Amb Andaura, the broad-gauge railhead in Una district — about 75 km and two hours from Kangra, and the quickest rail route from Delhi. The older option is Pathankot, the nearest full broad-gauge junction, about 85–90 km and two and a half hours out; most trains from across India that don’t go to Amb Andaura go here. From either station we run a train-timed pickup — we track the train and the driver is on the platform road when it actually arrives, midnight included.
By road — the drive from the plains
Plenty of travellers simply drive, or take a one-way taxi from the city. From Chandigarh it is about 245 km and six hours through Una and Ropar; from Delhi about 500 km and eleven to twelve hours, which many split with a night halt or do overnight for a morning arrival. We run these as one-way drops and round trips in both directions — see Dharamshala to Chandigarh and Dharamshala to Delhi. Pilgrims often combine the drive up with a Devi Darshan halt, since Naina Devi and Chintpurni sit close to the road from Punjab.
Which should you choose?
Short on time and flying from Delhi? Gaggal airport, every time. Coming with an elderly group or a big family, or want the cost lower? The Vande Bharat to Amb Andaura and a car from the station is smooth and easy. Driving your own trip or want to see temples on the way? A one-way taxi from Chandigarh or Delhi gives you the halts you want. Whichever you pick, tell us your arrival details on WhatsApp and we will have the right car waiting.