How to reach Vaishno Devi from Delhi?

Hello everyone on the forum, I am Vrinda from Delhi, a mother of two kids.
I want to take my kids to Vaishno Devi for darshan next month and as it will be my first time visiting I need to know how to reach Vaishno Devi from Delhi.

I know that there are buses which go, but I don't really like the feeling of traveling on a bus in the hilly areas, especially with it being a long distance journey.

I would like to know about other means of transport which would take me to Vaishno Devi. I am particularly interested in finding out about the train which goes to Katra (I am not sure if it has started operating yet or not).

I would also like to know how far Jammu is from Katra?

 

Hello as well, @Vrinda, welcome to the forum.

As you have already mentioned, your choices for transportation are either by bus or by train. Crossing out buses on the list, that leaves you with train journey. The good news is that, yes, there are now direct trains from Delhi to Katra, through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station. The trains depart from different railway stations in Delhi, here they are:

Direct Trains from Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra

Train Name and Number	Departing Station - Time	Arrival Time	Schedule/Days Operational
Himsagar Express Train No. 16317	Shakurbasti - 00:46	15:20	Mondays
Jammu Tawi Express Train No. 11449	Okhla - 22:07	15:20	Wednesdays
Andaman Express Train No. 16031	Okhla - 22:07	15:20	Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Navyug Express Train No. 16687	Shakurbasti - 00:46	15:20	Thursdays
Kota SVDK Express Train No. 19803	New Delhi - 00:10	15:20	Sundays
Swaraj Express Train No. 12471	New Delhi - 4:50	17:10	Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays
Sarvodaya Express Train No. 12473	New Delhi - 4:50	17:10	Sundays
Hapa Jammu Tawi Express Train No. 12475	New Delhi - 4:50	17:10	Thursdays
Jamnagar Jammu Tawi Express Train No. 12477	New Delhi - 4:50	17:10	Wednesdays
SVDK Premium Express Train No. 22679	New Delhi - 7:50	20:25	Mondays
Yesvantpur SVDK Suvidha Express Train No. 82651	New Delhi - 7:50	20:25	Mondays
Shri Shakti Express Train No. 22461	New Delhi - 17:30	5:10	Daily
Jammu Mail Train No. 14033	Delhi - 20:10	11:05	Daily
Uttar Sampark Kranti Train No. 12445	New Delhi - 20:50	8:40	Daily

Journey duration is around 10 hours to 14 hours. As you can see, there are several trains departing from the different stations around Delhi, so you can choose which one is the closest to you. But you also have to take into account that not all trains operate daily, apart from the last three trains posted above. Fares vary but a first class ticket is at Rs. 2,320, a second class ticket is at Rs. 1,375 and a third class ticket is at Rs. 955. If you have children with you, it's better to choose a more comfortable class though.

From the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, Katra is merely 1.6 kilometres away. You can either walk this distance or hire a vehicle to take you directly to Katra. With the latter, you have the options of either an auto rickshaw or a taxi. But since you have children with you, it's advisable to stay for a night in Katra, there are plenty of hotels and guest houses there, so you can rest and begin your pilgrimage the next day.

On the other hand, Jammu is about 46.2 kilometres away from Katra. It can take you around an hour or so to reach Katra from the Jammu Railway Station. There's no need anymore to reach Jammu and from there go to Katra. As what have been mentioned, Katra has its own railway station now and it's easier to reach the temple from there.

I hope this helps you and good luck on your yatra.