Katra is about 41 km from Jammu by road, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. Trains also run directly to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station. Katra is the base town; the shrine itself is reached from there on foot, by pony or by other services.
How do you go from Jammu to Katra by road?
Buses and shared taxis run from Jammu's bus stand and railway station to Katra through the day. A private taxi is quicker if you are arriving by air.
Is there a train from Jammu to Katra?
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station has direct trains from several cities, so many pilgrims skip Jammu altogether.
Which is the nearest airport?
Jammu airport is the nearest, about 50 km from Katra.
Planning tips
- The track from Katra to the Bhawan is about 12 to 13 km uphill. Plan your energy and the weather, and start early.
- Yatra registration and all services on the track are run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board — use only its official channels.
- Nights at the Bhawan are cold for much of the year; carry a warm layer even in summer.
Temples to plan around
- Mata Vaishno Devi BhawanKatra (Vaishno Devi)
Distances are measured by road between the city centre or main shrine, and times assume normal traffic. Festivals, weekends, weather and road works can change both. Train timings change too — please check current schedules close to your travel date.