Route: Faridabad (Haryana / NCR) ➔ Chandigarh (UT)
Approx. Distance: 260 – 280 km
Drive Time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
Best Time to Travel: Early morning (before 7 AM) to avoid NCR congestion
For residents of Faridabad, reaching Chandigarh once meant battling Delhi traffic for hours before even touching the highway. Today, the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) has transformed this journey by allowing travelers to bypass Delhi entirely.
Whether you are travelling for business, heading towards Himachal Pradesh, or planning a Tricity weekend break, the route from Faridabad to Chandigarh is now faster, smoother, and far less stressful. This guide covers the best road routes, train options, bus connectivity, and air travel—helping you choose the smartest way to travel.
🚗 Option 1: By Road (Best & Most Flexible)
Driving remains the most preferred option, offering door-to-door convenience, flexible departure times, and access to iconic highway food stops.
Route A: The “Delhi Bypass” (Via Eastern Peripheral Expressway)
Best for: Fastest travel, zero Delhi traffic, stress-free driving
Route:
Faridabad (Neharpar / Bypass Rd) ➔ Maujpur / Chhainsa Toll ➔ Eastern Peripheral Expressway ➔ Sonipat (Rai Cut) ➔ NH 44 ➔ Panipat ➔ Karnal ➔ Ambala ➔ Chandigarh
How it works:
Enter the EPE from Faridabad and stay on the 6-lane access-controlled expressway for nearly an hour. Exit at Sonipat (Rai) and merge onto NH 44 (GT Road) towards Chandigarh.
Why choose this route?
- Completely avoids Delhi bottlenecks (Ashram, Ring Road, Mukarba Chowk)
- Smooth expressway driving with consistent speeds
- Best option for families and first-time travelers
Drive Time: 4.5 – 5 hours
Route B: The “City” Route (Via Central Delhi)
Best for: North Faridabad residents travelling very early
Route:
Faridabad ➔ Badarpur Border ➔ Ashram Chowk ➔ Ring Road ➔ Mukarba Chowk ➔ NH 44 ➔ Chandigarh
Why avoid this route?
Traffic conditions are highly unpredictable. Even minor congestion can add 1–2 hours to the journey.
Drive Time: 5.5 – 7 hours (variable)
Route C: The “Western Loop” (Via KMP Expressway)
Best for: Backup option when the EPE is congested
Route:
Faridabad ➔ Palwal ➔ Manesar ➔ KMP Expressway ➔ Kundli ➔ Sonipat ➔ NH 44 ➔ Chandigarh
Why choose this route?
If traffic or accidents block the eastern side, the Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (KMP) expressway offers an equally smooth western bypass.
🚗 Faridabad Chandigarh: Route Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Route A: The “Delhi Bypass” (Via Eastern Peripheral Expressway) | Route B: The “City” Route (Via Central Delhi) | Route C: The “Western” Loop (Via KMP Expressway) |
| Best Strategy |
Undisputed Best Choice.
Standard for most travelers. |
North Faridabad Only.
Only if leaving before 6:00 AM. |
Backup Route.
Use only if Route A (EPE) is jammed. |
| The Path | Faridabad (Neharpar) → EPE → Sonipat (Rai Cut) → NH 44 (GT Road) | Badarpur Border → Ashram → Ring Road → Mukarba Chowk → NH 44 | Faridabad → Palwal → Manesar → KMP → Kundli → NH 44 |
| Drive Time | 4.5 – 5 Hours | 5.5 – 7 Hours (Unpredictable) | Varies (Generally longer) |
| Why Choose? | Fastest & smoothest. Skips Ashram, Ring Road & Mukarba Chowk completely. | Shorter distance if you live near Sarai/Badarpur. | Good alternative if Google Maps shows red on the Eastern side. |
| Major Risk | None significant. | Getting stuck between Ashram and Mukarba (can lose 1-2 hrs). | Longer distance; strictly a detour option. |
🚂 Option 2: By Train (Comfortable & Reliable)
Train travel is ideal if you prefer relaxing journeys without driving fatigue.
Strategy 1: Direct Trains from Faridabad (FDB)
12925 | Paschim Express
- Departs: ~11:00 AM
- Arrives Chandigarh: ~04:00 PM
- Best direct option
14217 | Unchahar Express
- Departs: ~04:00 AM
- Arrives Chandigarh: ~09:15 AM
- Slower but early arrival
Strategy 2: Metro + Premium Trains (Faster)
- Take the Violet Line Metro from Faridabad to New Delhi Railway Station
- Board premium trains from NDLS:
- Vande Bharat (22447): 05:50 AM ➔ 08:40 AM
- Shatabdi (12045): 07:15 PM ➔ 10:35 PM
IRCTC Train: https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search
🚌 Option 3: By Bus (Metro + ISBT Combination)
There are very limited direct buses from Faridabad. The Delhi ISBT route is the most efficient.
Step 1: Reach ISBT Kashmere Gate
- Violet Line Metro ➔ Kashmere Gate
- Exit directly into ISBT
Step 2: Bus to Chandigarh
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes (24×7)
- Volvo / Scania: ₹700 – ₹900
- Haryana Roadways: ₹300 – ₹400
Direct Options:
- Haryana Roadways Ticket Booking: https://ebooking.hrtransport.gov.in/
- Haryana Roadways Bus Time Table: https://mis.hrtransport.org/timetable
- Redbus Ticket Booking: https://www.redbus.in/bus-tickets/faridabad-to-chandigarh
- Use a referral code red0xf889410 to sign up. Use code FIRST to get 20% upto Rs 150 off & Rs 100 Cashback on your first bus booking!
- Abibus Ticket Booking: https://www.abhibus.com/buses/308819/Faridabad-Chandigarh
- Use a referral code DMIJIIC to sign up on AbhiBus app to get 20% upto 250 instant off 250 cashback on your very first bus booking!
- Offers for signing up may change according to Redbus and AbhiBus terms and policies.
Travel Time: 4.5 – 5 hours from Delhi
✈️ Option 4: By Air (Not Recommended)
Route: Taxi ➔ IGI Airport ➔ Chandigarh Airport
Verdict:
Avoid air travel. Total time including airport formalities exceeds 5–6 hours, making it slower and more expensive than road or rail.
📊 Comparison Table: Which Mode is Best?
| Feature | Private Car (Via EPE) | Train (Paschim Exp – Direct) | Metro + Bus (Via ISBT) |
| Cost (Approx) | ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 (Fuel + Tolls) | ₹150 – ₹600 | ₹60 (Metro) + ₹700 (Volvo) |
| Travel Time | 4.5 – 5 Hours | 5 Hours | 6+ Hours (Inc. transfers) |
| Comfort | High (Door-to-Door) | High | Moderate |
| Convenience | Leave anytime | Fixed Schedule | High Frequency |
| Stress Level | Low (Cruising) | Low | Moderate (Changing modes) |
| Best For… | Families, Groups | Relaxed Travel | Solo / Budget Travelers |
🛑 Essential Travel Tips
- Fastag Balance: Keep at least ₹500 balance for EPE and NH 44 tolls
- Food Stops:
- Murthal: Amrik Sukhdev, Gulshan Dhaba
- Karnal: Haveli, Savoy Greens
- Speed Cameras: Speed limits strictly enforced (80–90 km/h)
- Fog Advisory: Avoid early morning driving in Dec–Jan due to dense fog
✅ Final Verdict
For most travelers, driving via the Eastern Peripheral Expressway is the fastest and least stressful way to reach Chandigarh from Faridabad. Trains offer excellent comfort, while buses work best for solo or budget travelers.
FAQs: Faridabad to Chandigarh Travel Guide
1. What is the distance from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
The distance from Faridabad to Chandigarh is approximately 260–280 km, depending on the route taken. The most commonly used route via the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and NH 44 is around 270 km.
2. How long does it take to travel from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
Travel time usually ranges between 4.5 to 5.5 hours by road. Train journeys take around 5 hours, while bus travel can take 6 hours or more including transfers.
3. What is the best route from Faridabad to Chandigarh by road?
The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) → Sonipat → NH 44 route is the best option as it completely bypasses Delhi traffic and offers smooth, fast expressway driving.
4. Does the Faridabad to Chandigarh route pass through Delhi?
If you take the EPE route, you do not enter Delhi at all. The older city route passes through central Delhi but is not recommended due to congestion.
5. Is the Eastern Peripheral Expressway better than going via Delhi?
Yes, the Eastern Peripheral Expressway is much faster and more predictable than driving through Delhi, saving up to 1–2 hours during peak traffic.
6. Are there direct trains from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
Yes, there are direct trains such as the Paschim Express and Unchahar Express that run from Faridabad Railway Station (FDB) to Chandigarh (CDG).
7. Which is the fastest train from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
The Paschim Express (12925) is the fastest direct train option, taking approximately 5 hours to reach Chandigarh.
8. Is there a Vande Bharat train from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
There is no direct Vande Bharat from Faridabad. However, travelers can take the Metro to New Delhi Railway Station and board the New Delhi–Chandigarh Vande Bharat.
9. Are buses available from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
Direct buses are limited. Most travelers take the Metro to ISBT Kashmere Gate, from where Volvo and Haryana Roadways buses run frequently to Chandigarh.
10. What is the cheapest way to travel from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
The cheapest option is:
- Train (general or sleeper class) or
- Metro + Haryana Roadways bus
Both cost around ₹300–₹400.
11. Is air travel a good option from Faridabad to Chandigarh?
No, flying is not practical. Airport travel time, security checks, and transfers make air travel slower and more expensive than road or rail.
12. What is the best time to start from Faridabad for Chandigarh?
The best time to start is before 7:00 AM to avoid NCR traffic. In winter, starting after 9:00 AM is safer due to fog.
13. Are there tolls on the Faridabad to Chandigarh route?
Yes, tolls apply on:
- Eastern Peripheral Expressway
- NH 44 (GT Road)
Ensure your FASTag has sufficient balance.
14. Where can I stop for food on the way?
Popular food stops include:
- Murthal (Amrik Sukhdev, Gulshan Dhaba)
- Karnal (Haveli, Savoy Greens)
15. Is it safe to drive from Faridabad to Chandigarh at night?
Yes, the route is generally safe, but:
- Watch for truck traffic
- Maintain speed limits due to speed cameras
- Avoid late-night driving in foggy winter months