Taj Mahal: Day Trips and Tours from Delhi

When you think of India, the Taj Mahal is often the first thing that springs to mind. This great icon is the country’s most visited attraction, and for good reason. The marble mausoleum is an exquisite example of Mughal architecture – it’s been named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Day trips to the Taj Mahal from Delhi are a hassle-free way of experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage site. Here’s what to expect.

How to get to the Taj Mahal from Delhi?

The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the River Yamuna near Agra city about 200 kilometers from the Indian capital. There are several types of day tours from Delhi to the Taj Mahal to choose from.

From Delhi to the Taj Mahal by car

The journey to the Taj Mahal from Delhi takes 3 hours by car using the Yamuna Expressway. Bear in mind that road conditions can be poor in some areas so experience driving abroad is advised.

From Delhi to the Taj Mahal by train

If you fancy an adventure, then take a day trip to the Taj Mahal from Delhi by train. The journey lasts less than 2 hours on the Gatimaan Express.

Guided tour to the Taj Mahal from Delhi

Traveling with a local guide is by far the smoothest option for day tours from Delhi to the Taj Mahal. You will journey by either car or train, with hotel pickups for convenience. The trips last a full day.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Taj Mahal cost?

There is a fee to enter the Taj Mahal complex. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the entry gate if you don’t mind standing in line. Prices are as follows:

• Adult: INR1,100 (US$14)
• Child (14 years and under): Free

If you wish to visit the main mausoleum there is an additional charge of INR200 (US$3).

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Taj Mahal from Delhi?

Day trips to the Taj Mahal from Delhi begin with a pickup at your hotel. You’ll then be driven by air-conditioned car or minivan to the Taj Mahal. On some excursions, you’ll travel between Delhi and Agra by train instead.

On arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Taj Mahal, with some free time to explore afterward. If you’ve chosen an early excursion, you’ll see the sunrise at the mausoleum.

Then you’ll continue your Agra visit, which takes you to the Agra Fort, and sometimes the Baby Taj as well. Breakfast or lunch can also be found in Agra before your return to Delhi.

What kind of tours are available to go to the Taj Mahal?

Tours to the Taj Mahal from Delhi are usually private, giving you flexibility as well as exclusivity during your day out.

Private car day trip to the Taj Mahal plus Agra Fort from Delhi

Enjoy some VIP treatment as you set out on a private guided tour to the Taj Mahal. You’ll be collected from your hotel by car or minivan and driven to the Taj Mahal for door-to-door service.

A personal guide will accompany you throughout the visit. Both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort feature on these itineraries. Some excursions also include lunch, before you’re driven back to Delhi at the end of the day.

Private train day tour to the Taj Mahal plus Agra Fort from Delhi

These trips run in a similar way to the car tour, but you’ll be journeying between Delhi and Agra by train instead.

The tour includes early morning hotel transfers to the train station for your convenience. After the train ride, you’ll be met by your guide for onward travel to the Taj Mahal.

2-day private tour to the Taj Mahal plus Agra Fort from Delhi

These overnight two-day trips from Delhi to the Taj Mahal also include a guided tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi. Excursions are on a private basis with your own driver and guide throughout.

After exploring Delhi on your first day, you’ll travel to Agra during the night. This means you can catch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal without having a 3-hour drive from Delhi the same morning.

How much does a tour to the Taj Mahal from Delhi cost?

Private day trips to the Taj Mahal from Delhi by car start at around US$35 per person. This includes transfers and a guide. Entry fees are extra.

For the Taj Mahal day tour from Delhi by train, expect to pay US$75. To ride on the Gatimaan Express train, the cost will be US$115.

The private 2-day tour with an overnight stay in Agra costs roughly US$90. This includes transport, guide, entrance fees and water. You can add accommodation and meals for an additional charge.

What will you see and do at the Taj Mahal?

The mausoleum

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world – millions of people visit it each year. Constructed in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this imposing structure can be seen for miles. The mausoleum was built to honor the emperor’s beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. He was later buried here too.

The sunrise

A highlight of your Taj Mahal jaunt will be seeing the sunrise, with the mausoleum silhouetted against the orange sky. The white marble façade is luminescent in the sun, making for great photos.

The gardens and outbuildings

You can pose for photos beside the iconic bench in front of the building before exploring the rest of the complex. Take a stroll around the formal gardens and see the Taj Mahal from some unique angles.

There are plenty of elaborate side hallways to discover, as well as several smaller buildings around the central mausoleum. Check out the theatrical calligraphy on the marble walls as you wander by.

Don’t miss the Taj Museum, which is home to Mughal artifacts like jade vases, manuscripts and paintings.

What are the Taj Mahal opening times?

Day tours from Delhi to the Taj Mahal are possible throughout the year. The mausoleum opens half an hour before sunrise and closes half an hour before sunset.

Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

When is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?

It’s possible to enjoy excursions from Delhi to the Taj Mahal at any time of year. However, be aware that in winter, the monument may be enshrouded in fog, so this is not the best time to visit.

The Taj Mahal is spectacular at any time of day, but sunrise tours add an extra touch of magic. Crowds are smaller first thing in the morning, and on weekdays.

Are there any tours to the Taj Mahal from other cities in India?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in India:

• Taj Mahal day tours from Ahmedabad
• Taj Mahal day trips from Bangalore
• Day tours to the Taj Mahal from Goa
• Taj Mahal day tours from Hyderabad
• Day trips to the Taj Mahal from Jaipur
• Day tours to the Taj Mahal from Kolkata
• Day trips to the Taj Mahal from Pune

Travel tips

• There are separate entrance gates for foreign and domestic tourists. Your guide will direct you to the correct one.
• It’s a good idea to book your day trip from Delhi to the Taj Mahal in advance. This is probably India’s most popular tour and tickets can sell out during peak periods.
• Take some water with you to prevent getting dehydrated in the heat.
• Wear comfortable footwear and dress respectfully – loose clothing helps keep your temperature down too.