The primary transport hubs for Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj include Gaggal (Kangra) Airport for flights and Pathankot Railway Station for trains. Within the destination, a network of local buses and taxis facilitates movement between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
The closest airport is Gaggal Airport (DHM), also known as Kangra Airport, located approximately 10-20 km from McLeod Ganj. Direct flights are available from major cities such as Delhi (around 1 hour 30-40 minutes, fares starting from ₹8,174) and Chandigarh (around 1 hour 5 minutes). Taxis from Gaggal Airport to McLeod Ganj typically take 20 minutes and cost ₹600-₹750. Buses are also available from Kangra station to McLeod Ganj, taking about 23 minutes and costing ₹150-₹220.
The nearest broad-gauge railway station is Pathankot (PTK or PTKC), situated about 85-90 km away. Trains from Delhi to Pathankot can take approximately 7-13 hours, with fares ranging from ₹205 to ₹770+ depending on the train type and class. From Pathankot, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj. There is also a narrow-gauge line to Kangra, about 35 km from McLeod Ganj, which takes around 6 hours from Pathankot.
Direct bus services connect McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala with major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. An overnight journey from Delhi to Dharamshala typically takes 9-13 hours, with ticket prices ranging from approximately ₹500 to ₹1500+. Both state-run (HRTC) and private operators offer these services.
The distance between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj is short, around 5-9 km. Regular local buses and shared taxis (Maxis/Jeeps) are readily available, with bus fares typically around ₹20 and shared taxis costing slightly more. Private taxis are also an option, costing approximately ₹170-₹210 for a one-way trip, taking about 8-20 minutes. A ropeway connecting Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj was inaugurated in January 2022, offering another travel option.
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