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HomeRoad TripsAsiaSouth AsiaIndiaTrunk Road
India Road

Trunk Road

Kolkata - Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Lucknow - Agra - New Delhi - Amritsar - Lahore - Islamabad - Peshawar

Expect on your itinerary

Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Trunk Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages9 km2,665 h/stage4.6

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Trunk Road in India?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,008EUR drive & more 363EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,249EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,257EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,512EUR drive & more 475EUR sleep & more 924EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,903EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,415EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,890EUR drive & more 650EUR sleep & more 1,848EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,170EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,060EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,150EUR drive & more 725EUR sleep & more 770EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,831EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,981EUR
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Trunk Road Road Trip Itinerary

The Trunk Road is an incredible road trip from Kolkata in India to Peshawar in Pakistan. This 2665km journey is best done in 14 days to get the most out of the experience. The best time to drive this route is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the views are at their best. The route passes through several towns, such as Bodhgaya, Lucknow, Delhi, and Lahore, each with their own unique attractions. Bodhgaya is home to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of great spiritual significance. In Lucknow, visitors can explore the Bara Imambara, a Mughal-era monument with a labyrinth of courtyards, mosques, and pavilions. Delhi is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Humayun's Tomb and Red Fort. Lahore is known for its vibrant culture and is home to the iconic Walled City of Lahore, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Trunk Road is suitable for every driver, although it is important to be aware of the poor road conditions and the need for a border crossing along the route. Despite this, the Trunk Road is an unforgettable journey that will provide a high level of experience and memories, and it can be done on a low budget.
number of days 14 number of days
route length 2,665 km route length
budget low budget
good for adventurer good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Kolkata

Distance 2,665 km Driving time 41.7 h Pace: fast 799.4 kWh Airports CCU
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Kolkata, the City of Joy, is located in the eastern part of India, on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Kolkata is one of the most important cities of India, with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. For those looking to start their adventure on the “Trunk Road”, Kolkata is the perfect starting point. Kolkata has a lot to offer for travelers. From the Howrah Bridge, which is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world, to the iconic Victoria Memorial and the Marble Palace, you will have plenty of amazing sights to explore. A visit to the Indian Museum is also a must. It is one of the oldest and largest museums in India, and it houses a collection of rare artifacts. When traveling to Kolkata, the closest international airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the city and start your road trip. Kolkata is an incredible place to visit and the perfect starting point for a road trip on the “Trunk Road”. With its incredible sights and rich cultural heritage, Kolkata is sure to make your journey even more memorable.

1 Kolkata - Bodhgaya

Distance 479 km Driving time 9.4 h Pace: modest 124.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Kolkata to Bodhgaya! This 479 km journey can be completed in fewer than 10 hours, making it the perfect weekend getaway. On this journey, you will pass through several iconic landmarks, each offering its own unique experience. Start your journey in Kolkata, the City of Joy, and explore its many attractions such as the Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum, and the Howrah Bridge. From here, drive to the historical city of Gaya, famous for its Vishnupad Temple. Make sure to also visit the Bodhi Tree, believed to be the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Continue your journey to Bodhgaya, the holy city of Buddhism. Here, explore the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Great Buddha Statue, the world's tallest monolithic statue of the Buddha. This is just one of the many stages of the larger tour. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

2 Bodhgaya - Varanasi

Distance 245 km Driving time 4.9 h Pace: modest 63.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on a fascinating road trip from Bodhgaya to Varanasi! This 245 km journey will take you fewer than 5 hours to complete and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Start off your trip in Bodhgaya, home to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest places in Buddhism. From there, you'll pass through small villages, lush green fields, and picturesque landscapes, before arriving in Varanasi, a city steeped in history and culture. On the way, make sure to visit the Nalanda University Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Rajgir, a city with a rich Buddhist and Jain heritage. These places will give you an insight into India's ancient history and culture. You'll also get to experience the beauty of the Ganges River, which is one of the holiest rivers in India. This road trip is only one part of a larger tour, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

3 Varanasi - Lucknow

Distance 320 km Driving time 5.5 h Pace: modest 83.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Varanasi to Lucknow! This 320 km-long journey takes fewer than 6 hours and is one of the most interesting stages of a larger tour. Start your adventure in Varanasi, one of the most sacred cities in India. Visit the iconic ghats of the Ganges, explore the rich culture of the city, and admire the mesmerizing architecture. Continue your journey to Sarnath, a city of great religious importance. Here, you can visit the Dhamek Stupa, an ancient Buddhist monument, and the Chaukhandi Stupa, a 5th-century monument. Next, head to Jaunpur, located on the banks of the Gomti River. Here, you can explore the Atala Mosque and the Jama Masjid, two of the most iconic monuments of the city. Finally, you will reach Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Visit the iconic Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara, two of the most popular monuments in the city. Admire the grand architecture of the Rumi Darwaza and explore the unique culture of the city. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Lucknow - Agra

Distance 328 km Driving time 4.1 h Pace: fast 98.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for a road trip from Lucknow to Agra? This beautiful journey of 328km will take you fewer than 5 hours to complete. You will get to explore some of India's most fascinating historical sites and UNESCO Heritage sites along the way. Start your journey at the Bara Imambara, a grand Mughal monument in Lucknow, and then head to the famous Chota Imambara. As you drive through the countryside, you will pass through Fatehpur Sikri and the ancient city of Sikandra. Once you reach Agra, be sure to visit the iconic Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Both of these monuments are renowned for their architectural beauty and are a must-see for any traveler. On your way back, you can also make a stop at the Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th century Mughal city, and the ancient city of Sikandra. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

5 Agra - New Delhi

Distance 218 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: fast 65.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you planning a road trip in India? Then you must include the Agra-Delhi stage in your itinerary! This 218-km route is one of the most fascinating stages of a larger tour, with driving time of fewer than 4 hours. Start your journey in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural masterpiece and a must-see for any traveler. You can also visit the Agra Fort, a 16th-century Mughal fortress, and Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful garden complex. Continue your journey to Delhi, India's capital. Here, you can explore iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and India Gate. Another must-see is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar with a variety of shops and eateries. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

6 New Delhi - Amritsar

Distance 467 km Driving time 7.6 h Pace: fast 140.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome to the Delhi - Amritsar road trip! This incredible 467 km journey is the perfect way to explore the vibrant culture, history and beauty of India. With an estimated driving time of less than 8 hours, you can easily fit in a few exciting stops along the way. Begin your adventure in Delhi, India's capital and the heart of its culture. Here, you can explore the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, two of India's most iconic monuments. Take a stroll through the bustling Chandni Chowk bazaar or visit the Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple for a spiritual experience. Continue your journey to Amritsar, the spiritual home of the Sikh religion. Here, you can visit the iconic Golden Temple and explore the Jallianwala Bagh memorial, the site of a massacre by British troops in 1919. Along the way, you'll have the chance to enjoy stunning views of the countryside and experience the unique culture of India. Be sure to take plenty of photos to capture your memories! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!

7 Amritsar - Lahore

Distance 45 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 11.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options border crossing
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Amritsar to Lahore! This 45 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you'll cross the border of India and Pakistan, and have the chance to explore some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Golden Temple of Amritsar to the breathtaking Lahore Fort, you'll be amazed by the architectural wonders and cultural gems you'll find along the way. Don't forget to take a stroll through the famous Wagah Border Ceremony to experience the unique atmosphere of the region. Make sure to take some time to explore the many bazaars and markets of Lahore, where you can find unique souvenirs and gifts. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

8 Lahore - Islamabad

Distance 377 km Driving time 3.7 h Pace: fast 113.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Experience the best of Pakistan on your road trip from Lahore to Islamabad! This journey of 377 km will take you approximately 4 hours, and you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most interesting places in the country. Start your trip in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan. Here you can visit the iconic Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, the Lahore Fort, a marvel of Mughal architecture, and the Shalimar Gardens, a stunning example of Mughal horticulture. Next, make your way to the city of Taxila, an ancient archaeological site that is home to some of the oldest ruins in the world. Here you can explore the ruins of Bhir Mound, Sirkap, and Jandial. Continue your journey to the city of Rawalpindi, where you can visit the Rawalpindi Arts Council and the Ayub National Park. Finally, you will arrive in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Here you can visit the majestic Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, and the Lok Virsa Museum. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

9 Islamabad - Peshawar

Distance 184 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: fast 55.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Take a road trip from Islamabad to Peshawar, a journey of 184km that takes less than 3 hours. Start off your trip in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan and visit the famous Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia. From there, head to the Rawal Lake, a man-made reservoir and a popular picnic spot in the city. Take a stroll along the lake and enjoy the views of the Margalla Hills. On the way to Peshawar, you will pass through the beautiful city of Taxila, home to many historical sites like the ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and the archaeological museum. Make sure to visit the Taxila Museum to learn more about the history of the region. Once you reach Peshawar, you can explore the city's many attractions like the Peshawar Museum, the old city walls, the historic Qissa Khawani Bazaar, and the Mahabat Khan Mosque. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for a memorable road trip from Islamabad to Peshawar!

  Peshawar

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Peshawar is the end point of the famous Trunk Road, a well-known route that passes through several cities in Pakistan. It is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. The city of Peshawar is situated in the northwest region of the country, and it is home to many historic sites and ancient monuments. The old city is full of narrow alleyways and bazaars, and it is a great place to explore and learn about the traditional culture of the region. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, where locals gather to buy and sell goods. For those looking for some outdoor activities, the Peshawar Zoo is a great place to visit. The city is also home to some of the finest restaurants in the region, where visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes. Additionally, Peshawar is known for its traditional handicrafts and jewelry, making it a great place to shop. For those looking to travel further, the Bacha Khan International Airport (IATA: PEW) is the closest international airport to Peshawar. It is served by several major airlines and offers direct flights to several destinations around the world. Peshawar is an exciting destination for travelers, offering a unique combination of culture, history, and cuisine. From the vibrant bazaars to the ancient monuments, it is sure to make for an unforgettable journey.

Trunk Road Road Trip at a glance

Surely, the presented itinerary idea has become a superb inspiration for your future holidays.
We’ve presented you with a bunch of useful pieces of advice that can be readily expanded with your own creative travel ideas.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a bunch of things to bear in mind to make your journey smooth. The following road rules will surely become useful for all drivers considering renting a car or camper rental.
In India, there are a number of road regulations to be followed while sightseeing. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any price if India is your road trip destination. Holidaymakers ought to remember that the permitted level of alcohol in blood is extremely low and is only 0.3‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 70km/h, when travelling around the the city streets may lead to a speeding ticket. In rural areas, tourists can travel at the maximum allowed speed of 80km/h. On motorways, avoid exceeding the maximum speed of 120km/h. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to increase the safety.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. The total cost of the whole adventure may vary depending on the budget option that you select. A wide range of budget options is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 2,665km across India may amount to 363 EUR. Within the economy offer, accommodation will cost about 550 EUR. The travel expenses connected with restaurants and food within this option will cost up to about 336 EUR. If you also choose the cheapest rental car option, you will pay around 1,008 EUR. Thus, going for car rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from more or less 1,249 EUR to about 2,257 EUR.
Drivers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 475 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 924 EUR can be expected by all tourists who are looking for standard overnight stays. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost more or less 504 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of roughly 1,512 EUR. Generally, those who are interested in a standard option without car rental will pay around 1,903 EUR and approximately 3,415 EUR for an option with a vehicle.
Drivers who would like to take advantage of the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 5,060 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle hire and 1,903 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the itinerary in a premium rental car should expect a cost of around 1,890 EUR. When it comes to the premium configuration of the tour, the fuel cost will equal as much as 650 EUR. Travellers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay more or less 1,848 EUR for accommodation options and roughly 672 EUR for food and restaurants.
Our adventure will also be excellent for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. The cost of camper rental is around 3,150 EUR. Camper fans will spend about 725 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Drivers who choose camper rental should expect to pay around 770 EUR for accommodation and roughly 336 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The months between September and May offer the greatest opportunities when it comes to driving aroundthis part of the India. There are plenty of intriguing road trips that are available on our website if you like Trunk Road . The great variety of road trips will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.

Facts for safer driving in India

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.3
max speed urban max speed urban 70 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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