The journey from Ludhiana, Punjab’s industrial powerhouse often called the Manchester of India, to Chandigarh, the well-planned “City Beautiful,” is one of the most frequently traveled routes in North India.
Whether you are a daily office commuter, student, business traveler, or weekend visitor, connectivity between Ludhiana and Chandigarh is excellent by road, rail, and bus.
The distance between Ludhiana and Chandigarh ranges from 100 to 115 km, depending on the route chosen.
A typical journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
Despite the short distance, traffic congestion at Samrala Chowk, Kharar, or Sirhind can cause delays. This guide explains the fastest driving routes, best trains, frequent buses, and insider travel tips to help you reach Chandigarh smoothly.
🚗 Traveling by Road (Car or Taxi)
Driving offers door-to-door convenience and flexibility. There are two main highway routes depending on where you want to enter Chandigarh.
Route A: Via Samrala & Kharar (NH 5) – Fastest Route
Best for:
North & Central Chandigarh (Sector 17, PGI, PU) and Mohali
Route Path:
Ludhiana(Samrala Chowk) → Samrala → Khamano → Kharar → Chandigarh
Distance: ~100 km
Travel Time: 2 – 2.25 hours
Road Conditions:
- Fully developed 4-lane NH-5
- Shortest and most direct route
Traffic Advisory:
The Kharar flyover has eased congestion, but entry into Chandigarh can still slow during 9–11 AM office hours.
Verdict:
✅ Fastest route
✅ Ideal for daily commuters
Route B: Via Sirhind & Rajpura (GT Road) – Smoother Entry
Best for:
Zirakpur, Chandigarh Airport, South Chandigarh
Route Path:
Ludhiana → Khanna → Sirhind → Rajpura → Banur → Zirakpur → Chandigarh
Distance: ~115 km
Travel Time: ~2.5 hours
Why choose this route?
- Wide GT Road (NH-44) up to Rajpura
- Avoids Kharar–Mohali congestion
- Plenty of dhabas and rest stops
Verdict:
✅ Smoother drive
❌ Slightly longer distance
🗺️ Road Route Comparison Table
| Route Name | Key Waypoints | Approx Distance | Est. Time | Verdict |
| Route A: Via Samrala (NH 5) | Samrala → Khamano → Kharar → Mohali | ~100 km | 2h – 2h 15m | Fastest. Best for North/Central Chandigarh. Direct connectivity. |
| Route B: Via Rajpura (GT Road) | Khanna → Sirhind → Rajpura → Zirakpur | ~115 km | 2h 30m | Smoother. Best for Zirakpur or Airport access. More food options (Dhabas). |
🚆 Traveling by Train – Comfortable & Time-Saving
Trains often match or beat road travel time since they bypass traffic completely.
Major Stations:
- Ludhiana Junction (LDH)
- Chandigarh (CDG)
Best Train Options
- 12242 Amritsar–Chandigarh Superfast
- LDH → CDG | Morning
- Ideal for business travelers
- 12926 Paschim Express
- Reliable daytime option
- 12412 Intercity Express
- Evening return favorite
Travel Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Fare Range: ₹140 (2S) – ₹500 (Chair Car)
Verdict:
✅ Highly recommended
✅ Comfortable and punctual
🚌 Traveling by Bus – Highest Frequency Option
Buses are ideal if you want a no-planning, walk-in option.
Boarding Point:
Ludhiana ISBT (Amar Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar Bus Stand)
Drop Point:
ISBT Sector 43, Chandigarh
Bus Operators
- Punjab Roadways / PUNBUS / PRTC – Every 10–15 minutes
- PUNBUS Ticket Booking: https://www.punbusonline.com/
- PRTC Ticket Booking: https://www.pepsuonline.com/
- Private Operators – Zingbus, Libra, Orbit, Jujhar (AC/Volvo)
- Zingbus Ticket Booking – https://www.zingbus.com/bus-tickets/ludhiana-to-chandigarh-bus-route
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- Redbus Ticket Booking: https://www.redbus.in/bus-tickets/ludhiana-to-chandigarh
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- Abibus Ticket Booking: https://www.abhibus.com/buses/601/Ludhiana-Chandigarh
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Fare:
- Ordinary: ₹140 – ₹180
- AC / Volvo: ₹250 – ₹400
Travel Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Verdict:
✅ Most frequent
✅ Best budget option
✈️ Traveling by Air – Not Practical
- Ludhiana (Sahnewal) Airport has very limited flights
- No direct flights to Chandigarh
- Connecting via Delhi takes 6+ hours
Verdict:
❌ Flying is not recommended
📊 Overall Travel Options Comparison Table
| Travel Mode | Strategy | Travel Time | Est. Cost (One Way) | Best For |
| Personal Car / Taxi | Via Samrala (NH 5) | 2 – 2.5 Hours |
Fuel: ₹1,000
Taxi: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
Families. Door-to-door convenience. |
| Train (Intercity) | Morning or Evening | 2 – 2.5 Hours | ₹140 (2S) – ₹500 (CC) | Comfort. Stress-free travel for solo/couples. |
| Bus (Ordinary) | PRTC / PUNBUS | 2.5 – 3 Hours | ₹140 – ₹180 | Budget. Unbeatable frequency. |
| Bus (Volvo/AC) | Private Operators | 2.5 Hours | ₹250 – ₹400 | Comfortable Commute. |
🚦 Final Pro Tip
Samrala Chowk Alert:
If driving via NH-5, try to cross Samrala Chowk before 9:00 AM or after 11:00 AM. This junction alone can add 15–20 minutes to your journey during peak hours.
✅ Best Recommendation Summary
- Fastest Route: Via Samrala & Kharar (NH-5)
- Smoothest Entry: Via Rajpura & Zirakpur
- Most Comfortable: Train (Intercity or Superfast)
- Most Frequent: Punjab Roadways buses
FAQs: Ludhiana to Chandigarh Travel Guide
1 What is the distance between Ludhiana and Chandigarh?
The distance between Ludhiana and Chandigarh is approximately 100 to 115 kilometers, depending on the route taken.
2 How long does it take to travel from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
Travel time from Ludhiana to Chandigarh is usually 2 to 2.5 hours by road or train under normal traffic conditions.
3 What is the best route from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
The best and fastest route is via Samrala and Kharar (NH-5). It is the shortest route and ideal for reaching North and Central Chandigarh.
4 Which route is better: via Kharar or via Rajpura?
- Via Kharar (NH-5): Shorter and faster, but can be busy during peak hours.
- Via Rajpura (GT Road): Slightly longer but smoother, ideal for reaching Zirakpur or the airport.
5 Is the Ludhiana to Chandigarh road safe for night driving?
Yes, both NH-5 (via Samrala) and NH-44 (via Rajpura) are safe for night driving, with good road conditions and regular traffic.
6 Are there direct trains from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
Yes, several direct trains run daily between Ludhiana Junction and Chandigarh, including Intercity Express and Superfast trains.
7 Which train is best from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
The Intercity Express and Amritsar–Chandigarh Superfast are considered the best options due to their speed, comfort, and timing.
8 Is traveling by train faster than driving from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
Train travel is often as fast as or faster than driving, as trains avoid road traffic and usually take around 2 to 2.5 hours.
9 Are buses frequently available from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
Yes, buses are available every 10–15 minutes from Ludhiana ISBT to ISBT Sector 43, Chandigarh.
10 What is the bus fare from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
- Ordinary buses: ₹140 – ₹180
- AC / Volvo buses: ₹250 – ₹400
11 What is the cheapest way to travel from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
The cheapest option is traveling by ordinary Punjab Roadways or PUNBUS bus, costing around ₹140–₹180.
12 Is there an airport in Ludhiana?
Yes, Ludhiana (Sahnewal) Airport exists, but it has limited flights and no direct connectivity to Chandigarh.
13 What is the best time to travel from Ludhiana to Chandigarh?
The best time to travel is early morning or late morning (after 11 AM) to avoid congestion at Samrala Chowk and Kharar.
14 Is Chandigarh closer to Ludhiana than Mohali?
Yes, Central and North Chandigarh are slightly closer via NH-5, while Mohali and Zirakpur are easier to reach via the Rajpura route.