Traveling from Rohtak, a prominent educational and political hub of Haryana, to Ludhiana, Punjab’s industrial powerhouse, is a convenient and well-connected journey. Covering roughly 255 to 290 km depending on the route, it typically takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours by road via a mix of modern expressways and national highways. This guide brings together the available road, rail, and bus options, along with the practical details needed to plan a smooth trip.
Rohtak to Ludhiana at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 255–290 km |
| Road travel time | 4.5–5.5 hours |
| Fastest road route | NH 152D + NH 44 |
| Fastest train | Sarbat Da Bhala Express |
| Budget option | State buses or sleeper-class trains |
| Recommended overall | Private car via NH 152D |
Route One: The NH 152D and NH 44 Corridor
This is generally the fastest and most comfortable road option.
Path: Rohtak → NH 152D (Trans-Haryana Expressway) → Pehowa/Kurukshetra exit → Ambala → Rajpura → Khanna → Ludhiana
- Distance: Approximately 290 km
- Time: 4.5–5 hours
- Road conditions: This route combines the modern, access-controlled Trans-Haryana Expressway with the well-known NH 44 Grand Trunk Road, offering smooth driving with minimal congestion.
Taxi fares along this route typically run ₹3,500–₹4,200 for a sedan and ₹4,200–₹5,000 for an SUV. Convenient stops along the way include Ambala, known for its highway restaurants; Rajpura, which offers plenty of fuel stations and family dining; and Khanna, a useful spot for a final break before reaching Ludhiana.
Route Two: Via Jind and Sangrur
This is the geographically shorter of the two options, though not necessarily the faster one.
Path: Rohtak → Julana → Jind → Narwana → Patran → Sangrur → Malerkotla → Ludhiana
- Distance: Approximately 255 km
- Time: 5–5.5 hours
- Road conditions: This route largely follows NH 52 along with several state highways, passing through multiple towns and local markets, which tends to lower average driving speed despite the shorter distance.
The advantage here is lower toll costs and a more direct path through Punjab’s Malwa region, though traffic through towns like Jind, Sangrur, and Malerkotla can slow progress.
Comparing the Road Options
| Route | Key Waypoints | Distance | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via NH 152D | Trans-Haryana Expressway → Ambala → Ludhiana | ~290 km | 4.5–5 hrs | Fastest, safest option with modern expressway access |
| Via Jind and Sangrur | Jind → Narwana → Sangrur → Ludhiana | ~255 km | 5–5.5 hrs | Shorter distance, lower tolls, but slower through towns |
Train Travel Between the Two Cities
Rail travel is an efficient and budget-friendly option, with Rohtak Junction offering direct connectivity to Ludhiana Junction.
Notable trains include:
- Sarbat Da Bhala Express (22479) — departs 8:20 AM, arrives 12:25 PM, taking approximately 4 hours 5 minutes and standing as the fastest option on this route.
- Dhauladhar Express (14035) — departs 12:26 AM, arrives 4:55 AM, a reasonable overnight choice.
- Paschim Express (12925) — departs 11:50 AM, with a journey time of roughly 5 hours 49 minutes.
Fares by class:
- Sleeper Class: ₹140–₹195
- 3AC: ₹495–₹520
- 1AC: Around ₹1,190
Train travel avoids highway traffic entirely and tends to suit solo travelers and regular commuters well. It’s worth checking real-time seat availability and fares through official railway booking platforms ahead of departure.
Bus Services on This Route
Rohtak and Ludhiana are well served by both premium and budget bus operators.
Premium Volvo and private coaches
- Operators include Indo Canadian Express, Ram Dalal Holidays, and Kissan Travels, most of which use the NH 152D expressway for faster transit.
- Travel time: Approximately 4 hours 50 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
- Fares: AC semi-sleeper ₹650–₹950; AC sleeper Volvo ₹950–₹1,350
These services suit business travelers and others looking for a comfortable, overnight-friendly journey.
Haryana Roadways and state buses
- Route: Rohtak → Jind → Narwana → Sangrur → Ludhiana
- Travel time: Approximately 5.5–6 hours
- Fare: Typically under ₹400
These are best suited to budget travelers, students, and frequent commuters. It’s worth comparing schedules, boarding points, and operator ratings before booking.
Is Air Travel an Option?
Generally, no. While Ludhiana’s Sahnewal Airport serves the city, there are no direct commercial flights from Rohtak. Given the relatively short distance between the two cities, combining a road transfer with a connecting flight tends to be slower and more expensive than simply driving or taking a direct train — which is why most travelers opt for highway or rail options instead.
Comparing the Travel Modes
| Travel mode | Strategy | Travel time | Estimated cost | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal car/SUV | Via NH 152D Expressway | 4.5–5 hrs | Fuel and tolls | Families, professionals, flexible schedules |
| Direct train | Rohtak Junction to Ludhiana Junction | 4–5.5 hrs | ₹140–₹1,190 | Comfortable, economical long-distance travel |
| Premium bus | AC Volvo via expressway | ~5 hrs | ₹650–₹1,350 | Comfortable, hassle-free travel |
| State bus | Haryana Roadways via Jind | 5.5–6 hrs | Budget fares | The cheapest public transport option |
Things Worth Knowing Before You Travel
- Carry a valid government-issued ID.
- Make sure FASTag is active for toll payments.
- Keep emergency contact numbers within easy reach.
- Confirm train or bus schedules ahead of time.
- Start early to avoid city traffic, and take breaks every 2–3 hours on long drives.
- Keep drinking water and basic medication on hand, and monitor weather updates during the monsoon season.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (March–June): Generally favorable weather and smooth road conditions.
- Monsoon (July–September): Allow extra travel time due to possible waterlogging and reduced visibility.
- Winter (December–February): Morning fog can affect visibility, particularly along NH 44.
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| National Emergency Helpline | 112 |
| Ambulance | 108 |
| Police | 100 |
| Highway Assistance | Contact your service provider |
Making the Right Choice for Your Trip
- Best Overall Route: NH 152D Expressway via Ambala and Khanna
- Fastest Public Transport: Sarbat Da Bhala Express
- Most Budget-Friendly Option: Haryana Roadways buses or sleeper-class trains
- Most Comfortable Option: Private SUV or premium AC Volvo coach
For most travelers, the NH 152D expressway route offers the best combination of speed, comfort, and safety, while train travel remains the smartest low-cost alternative for stress-free commuting between Haryana and Punjab.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Rohtak to Ludhiana Travel Guide
1. What is the distance between Rohtak and Ludhiana?
The road distance between Rohtak and Ludhiana ranges between approximately 255 to 290 kilometers, depending on the route chosen.
2. How long does it take to travel from Rohtak to Ludhiana by road?
A continuous road journey usually takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the selected highway route.
3. Which is the best route from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
The best and fastest route is via NH 152D (Trans-Haryana Expressway) and NH 44 through Ambala, Rajpura, and Khanna.
4. Is the NH 152D Expressway route safe for travel?
Yes, the Trans-Haryana Expressway is one of the safest and smoothest highway corridors in Haryana, offering controlled-access driving and reduced traffic congestion.
5. Are there direct trains from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
Yes, several direct trains operate between Rohtak Junction Railway Station and Ludhiana Junction Railway Station.
6. Which is the fastest train from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
The Sarbat Da Bhala Express (22479) is among the fastest trains, taking approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes.
7. What is the train ticket price from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
Train fares generally start from:
- Sleeper Class: ₹140 – ₹195
- 3AC: ₹495 – ₹520
- 1AC: Around ₹1,190
Prices may vary depending on booking availability and season.
8. Are Volvo buses available from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
Yes, several private operators run premium AC Volvo and sleeper buses between Rohtak and Ludhiana daily.
9. How much does a bus ticket cost from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
- Haryana Roadways buses: Usually under ₹400
- Private AC buses: ₹650 – ₹1,350
10. Is a taxi available for this route?
Yes, one-way and round-trip taxis are easily available from Rohtak to Ludhiana.
Typical fare range:
- Sedan: ₹3,500 – ₹4,200
- SUV: ₹4,200 – ₹5,000
11. Which is the shortest road route from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
The route via Jind, Narwana, Sangrur, and Malerkotla is geographically the shortest route at approximately 255 kilometers.
12. Which route has the best road conditions?
The NH 152D and NH 44 expressway route offers the best road quality and fastest average travel speed.
13. Is night travel safe on this route?
Yes, both the expressway and NH 44 corridors are generally safe for night driving. Travelers should still drive carefully near town sections and maintain highway safety precautions.
14. Are food plazas and petrol pumps available on the route?
Yes, multiple fuel stations, dhabas, restaurants, and food plazas are available throughout the journey, especially on NH 44 near Ambala, Rajpura, and Khanna.
15. Which is the cheapest way to travel from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
State transport buses and sleeper-class train tickets are the most economical travel options.
16. Is air travel available between Rohtak and Ludhiana?
No practical direct commercial flight connectivity exists between the two cities, and air travel is not recommended for this route.
17. Which is better: train or road travel from Rohtak to Ludhiana?
- Train travel is better for affordability and comfort without traffic stress.
- Road travel is ideal for flexibility, family trips, and direct door-to-door connectivity.
18. What are the major cities and towns on the Rohtak to Ludhiana route?
Major transit points include:
- Jind
- Narwana
- Sangrur
- Ambala
- Rajpura
- Khanna
- Malerkotla
19. Do buses operate daily between Rohtak and Ludhiana?
Yes, both private and state-run buses operate daily with multiple departures throughout the day and night.
20. What is the best travel option for families?
Traveling by private car or SUV via the NH 152D Expressway is generally the most convenient and comfortable option for families.
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Disclaimer: Travel times, fares, train schedules, and bus availability mentioned in this guide are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual conditions may vary due to traffic, seasonal demand, infrastructure work, weather, and service provider updates. Travelers are encouraged to verify the latest information through official sources before making travel arrangements.