If you’re planning to travel from Rewari, the industrial hub of southern Haryana, to Patiala, the former princely city of Punjab known for its forts and food, you’ve got several solid ways to get there. Thanks to newer expressways cutting through Haryana, this trip has become noticeably quicker over the past few years than it used to be.
This guide walks through every practical option — driving, train, bus, taxi, and why flying doesn’t make sense here — along with real distance and time estimates so you can pick what works best for your budget and schedule.
Quick Overview
The road distance between the two cities runs anywhere from about 260 km to 310 km depending on which route you take, with driving times ranging from roughly 4.5 hours on the quickest expressway route to over 7 hours if you go the long way through Delhi.
Driving From Rewari to Patiala
Road travel is, hands down, the most flexible and generally fastest way to make this trip. Here are four route options worth considering.
Option 1: Rohtak → NH 152D Trans-Haryana Expressway → Pehowa (Fastest Route)
Route: Rewari → Jhajjar → Rohtak → NH 152D Expressway → Pehowa → Patiala
- Distance: ~260–265 km
- Time: 4.5–5 hours
This is the route most drivers should default to. Once you reach Rohtak via NH 352, you can merge onto the access-controlled NH 152D expressway, which cuts out most of the stop-and-go city traffic that slows down older highway routes. From Pehowa, it’s a quick, easy stretch into Patiala.
Good for: Anyone prioritizing speed and a smoother drive — families, business travelers, or anyone who just wants to get there without unnecessary detours.
Option 2: Rohtak → Jind → Narwana → Patran (Traditional Route)
Route: Rewari → Jhajjar → Rohtak → Jind → Narwana → Patran → Patiala
- Distance: ~275–285 km
- Time: 5.5–6 hours
This older route runs through NH 52 and connecting state highways, passing through several central Haryana towns. Road quality is decent overall, though you’ll hit some slower patches near town centers.
Good for: Worth choosing if you have business in Jind or Narwana, or simply prefer more food and fuel stops along the way
Option 3: Via Delhi and NH 44 (NCR Route)
Route: Rewari → Gurugram → Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Rajpura → Patiala
- Distance: ~300–310 km
- Time: 6.5–7.5 hours
This follows the well-known NH 44 / Grand Trunk Road corridor. The highway itself is excellent, but Delhi and Gurugram traffic can eat up a lot of time, especially if you’re not traveling early morning or late at night.
Good for: Only worth it if you specifically need to stop in Delhi or Gurugram along the way
Option 4: Via Charkhi Dadri and Kaithal (Balanced Alternative)
Route: Rewari → Charkhi Dadri → Kaithal → Pehowa → Patiala
- Distance: ~270–280 km
- Time: 5–5.5 hours
A middle-ground option that skips both Delhi traffic and the busier stretches near Jind, using a mix of state highways with generally moderate traffic.
Good for: A solid backup, especially useful if the expressway is closed
Route Comparison at a Glance
| Route | Key Stops | Distance | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH 152D Expressway | Rohtak, Pehowa | ~265 km | 4.5–5 hrs | Fastest overall trip |
| Jind & Patran | Jind, Narwana | ~280 km | 5.5–6 hrs | Central Haryana stops |
| Via Delhi (NH 44) | Gurugram, Delhi, Ambala | ~310 km | 6.5–7.5 hrs | NCR stopovers |
| Kaithal & Pehowa | Charkhi Dadri, Kaithal | ~275 km | 5–5.5 hrs | Avoiding both Delhi and Jind traffic |
Traveling by Train
There’s no direct train connecting Rewari and Patiala, so rail travel here means one transfer along the way.
- Departure: Rewari Junction (RE)
- Arrival: Patiala Railway Station (PTA)
- Via Ambala Cantt: Rewari to Ambala takes roughly 5–6.5 hours, followed by about an hour more to Patiala — the more straightforward of the two transfer options.
- Via Delhi: worth considering if you’re already planning a Delhi stop. Connecting trains include the DLI FKA Express and CSMT ASR Express.
Approximate fares:
| Class | Fare Range |
|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | ₹250–₹450 |
| AC 3 Tier | ₹600–₹1,000 |
| AC 2 Tier | ₹1,000–₹1,500 |
Train travel is comfortable, budget-friendly, and avoids driving fatigue entirely — a solid choice for overnight trips.
Traveling by Bus
Direct premium bus services between the two cities are limited, so most bus travelers take a two-leg journey.
Typical strategy:
- Take a Haryana Roadways bus from Rewari toward Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Rohtak, or Chandigarh.
- From there, switch to a PEPSU, Punjab Roadways, or private Volvo service heading to Patiala.
- Operators to look for: Haryana Roadways, PRTC, and PUNBUS.
- Total travel time: Roughly 8–9.5 hours.
Fares:
| Bus Type | Approx Fare |
|---|---|
| State Bus (Haryana/Punjab) | ₹500–₹800 |
| Private AC/Volvo | ₹900–₹1,400 |
It’s the slowest option by a good margin, but it’s also the cheapest, and buses run frequently enough that flexibility isn’t usually an issue.
Taxi and Cab Services
A private cab is probably the most convenient door-to-door option if budget isn’t the main concern.
| Vehicle Type | Approx Fare |
|---|---|
| Sedan | ₹4,176–₹5,000 |
| SUV/Innova | ₹5,500–₹6,500 |
This works especially well for families, senior citizens, or anyone traveling with a lot of luggage, since you skip the hassle of transfers entirely. Prices will shift a bit depending on the season, vehicle availability, and which operator you book with.
What About Flying?
Neither city has its own commercial airport — the closest major ones are in Delhi and Chandigarh. Given that the entire road trip only takes 4.5–7.5 hours depending on route, flying adds cost and hassle (airport transfers, security lines, layover risk) without saving meaningful time. It’s not a practical option here.
Good Places to Stop Along the Way
Rohtak, Pehowa, Ambala, and Rajpura all offer fuel stations, restaurants, and cafés suitable for a short break during the drive
Which Travel Option Is Best for You?
| Mode | Approach | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car/SUV (self-drive) | NH 152D Expressway | 4.5–5 hrs | Fuel + tolls | Families, business travel |
| Private Taxi | Direct transfer | 4.5–5 hrs | ₹4,176–₹6,500 | Comfortable door-to-door travel |
| Train (with transfer) | Via Ambala or Delhi | ~7 hrs | ₹250–₹1,500 | Budget-conscious rail travelers |
| Bus | Via Delhi/Chandigarh | 8–9.5 hrs | ₹500–₹1,400 | Cheapest option overall |
| Flight | Not applicable | — | High, impractical | Not recommended |
Best Time of Year to Travel
This route is accessible year-round, though October to March offers the most pleasant conditions, with comfortable temperatures and favorable roads. Winter drivers should watch for early-morning or late-night fog across Haryana and Punjab.
A Few Travel Tips
- Leave early. Getting out of Rewari and past Rohtak before rush hour saves real time.
- Keep a FASTag handy so toll stops don’t slow you down on the expressway.
- Pack water and snacks for the long stretches between towns.
- Check the forecast before driving in monsoon season or winter fog conditions.
- Top off your fuel tank before entering the quieter rural stretches of the route, where stations can be spaced further apart.
- Good rest stops along the way include Rohtak, Pehowa, Ambala, and Rajpura — all have fuel stations, dhabas, and highway restaurants.
Final Thoughts
For most people, the Rohtak → NH 152D Expressway → Pehowa → Patiala route is the best default choice — it’s the fastest, has the least traffic, and the road quality is excellent throughout.
That said:
- Pick the Jind–Patran route if you need a stop in central Haryana.
- Take the Delhi route only if NCR is already on your itinerary.
- Go by train if you’d rather save money and skip the driving fatigue.
- Choose a state bus if cost is your main concern and time isn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance between Rewari and Patiala?
Roughly 250 to 310 km by road, depending on the route.
How long does the road trip take?
Typically 4.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and the highway chosen.
Which is the fastest route?
Rewari → Rohtak → NH 152D Expressway → Pehowa → Patiala.
Is the NH 152D Expressway good for long-distance driving?
Yes — it’s access-controlled, smooth, and considerably less congested than the alternatives.
Are there direct trains?
No — travelers typically transfer at Ambala Cantt or Delhi.
Which transfer point is more convenient?
Ambala tends to be the simpler option for reaching Patiala by rail.
How long does train travel take overall?
Around 7 hours or more, once you factor in the transfer.
What does the train cost?
Sleeper class ₹250–₹450, AC 3 tier ₹600–₹1,000, and AC 2 tier ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Are direct buses available?
Not really — most travelers connect through Delhi, Chandigarh, or Ambala on Haryana and Punjab state services.
Is taxi service available?
Yes — one-way and round-trip cabs are readily available for direct travel.
What’s the cheapest way to travel?
State buses and sleeper-class trains are usually the most economical.
What’s the most comfortable option?
A private car or taxi, especially for families and business travelers.
Is this route safe for night travel?
Generally yes, though extra caution is wise during winter fog.
Are fuel stations and restaurants available along the way?
Yes — plenty near Rohtak, Pehowa, Ambala, and Patiala itself.
Can this trip be done in a single day?
Yes, easily, by road.
Is air travel an option?
Not really — there’s no practical flight connectivity, and it wouldn’t save meaningful time anyway.
Travel times, fares, and route conditions can change due to traffic, weather, construction, or seasonal demand. Always check current conditions with official transport providers before you travel. This guide is for general planning purposes only.