By train
Fast trains from Delhi reach Agra Cantt in under 2 hours; there are direct trains from most major cities.
Uttar Pradesh · North India
Agra travel guide
Home of the Taj Mahal, plus two more World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort and the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Photo: Jovyn Chamb / Unsplash
Quick facts
- Best time
- October to March
- How long
- 1–2 days
- Daily budget
- ₹1,500–2,500 backpacking
- Getting in
- Agra Cantt station (under 2 hours from Delhi by fast train)
Costs are typical per-person ranges in Indian rupees, reviewed September 2026. Check current prices and conditions before you book.
The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, is as extraordinary in person as in photographs, especially at sunrise when the marble turns pink and gold. But Agra has more: the red sandstone Agra Fort, the delicate 'Baby Taj', and Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's short-lived capital nearby.
It's easy to reach from Delhi by fast train, and most people come for a day. Staying overnight lets you see the Taj at sunrise and sunset without the crowds of a day trip.
When to go
Best time to visit Agra
- Oct–MarBest
Pleasant days. December and January mornings are often foggy, which can hide the Taj at sunrise and delay trains.
- Apr–JunAvoid
Very hot, often above 40°C; visit only at sunrise.
- Jul–SepMixed
Monsoon humidity and some rain, with fewer visitors.
Getting there
How to reach Agra
By road
The Yamuna Expressway from Delhi takes about 3–4 hours by car or bus.
By air
Agra's airport has only a few flights; most visitors fly into Delhi.
Budget
Agra trip cost per day
| Per day | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse or hostel) | ₹600–1,200 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food | ₹400–700 | ₹800–1,400 |
| Local transport (auto, app cab) | ₹300–600 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Monument tickets | ₹200–600 | ₹200–600 |
Ticket prices for Indian citizens are low; foreign nationals pay much more, and the Taj's main mausoleum has an extra fee. Check current ASI prices and book online to skip queues.
Itinerary
2-day Agra itinerary
- 1
Day 1: The Taj and the fort
The Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort in the late morning, the 'Baby Taj' (Itimad-ud-Daulah) in the afternoon, and sunset over the Taj from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
- 2
Day 2: Fatehpur Sikri
A half-day trip to Fatehpur Sikri, about 40 km away, then an evening train back to Delhi or onward.
Don't miss
Top things to do in Agra
Taj Mahal
The white marble mausoleum, best at sunrise before the crowds.
Agra Fort
A red sandstone fort-palace where Shah Jahan spent his last years looking out at the Taj.
Fatehpur Sikri
Akbar's abandoned capital of palaces and a grand mosque.
Mehtab Bagh
A garden across the Yamuna with a quiet sunset view of the Taj.
Before you go
Practical tips
- Taj Mahal rules
- The Taj is closed on Fridays. Food, tripods, and large bags aren't allowed; carry only essentials and ID.
- Touts
- Ignore unofficial guides and 'shortcuts' at the gates; buy tickets online or at the official counters.
- Winter fog
- Fog can hide the Taj on December and January mornings; keep a second morning free if the view matters to you.
Questions
Agra FAQs
What day is the Taj Mahal closed?
Fridays, when it's open only for prayers at the mosque.
Can I visit Agra as a day trip from Delhi?
Yes, by early fast train, but staying overnight lets you see the Taj at sunrise with far fewer people.
What's the best time of day to see the Taj Mahal?
Sunrise, for soft light and smaller crowds. Sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the river is a good second view.
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