Traveling from Delhi to Agra is a popular journey, whether you’re a tourist heading to see the iconic Taj Mahal or a frequent traveler commuting for business or leisure. This 240-kilometer stretch offers multiple route options, each with its own toll taxes, travel times, and fuel considerations. With rising fuel prices, toll charges, and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), planning your trip efficiently can save both time and money. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the toll taxes, diesel and petrol costs for all vehicle segments, total distance, travel timings, fares, and route options—including the cheapest, fastest, longest, and shortest routes. We’ll also cover one-side trips, return journeys, and toll passes, compare them in detail, and provide insights into EV charging stations along the way. Whether you’re a new traveler or a seasoned road-tripper, this guide has everything you need to make an informed decision.
All toll-related data in this post has been verified using the TollGuru website (tollguru.com), a reliable tool for calculating tolls and fuel costs across India. Fuel prices for diesel and petrol are sourced from government-based websites like the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to ensure accuracy. We’ve also included official helpline numbers from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other government sources. Let’s embark on this journey together and explore every aspect of traveling from Delhi to Agra by road.
Understanding the Delhi to Agra Route: An Overview
The journey from Delhi to Agra spans approximately 233–240 kilometers, depending on the route you choose. The most common route is via the Yamuna Expressway, a six-lane, 165.5-kilometer controlled-access highway connecting Greater Noida to Agra. However, alternative routes like NH 44 (old NH 2) and other state highways offer different experiences in terms of cost, time, and scenery. Each route has its own toll plazas, fuel stations, and travel dynamics, making it essential to understand your options.
Vehicle segments in India typically include two-wheelers (motorcycles), light motor vehicles (LMVs) like cars and jeeps, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), buses, trucks, and multi-axle vehicles (MAVs). Toll rates and fuel consumption vary across these segments, and we’ll break them down for diesel, petrol, and electric vehicles. The travel time ranges from 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the chosen route.
Fuel Prices: Diesel and Petrol Rates in Delhi and Agra (April 2025)
To calculate fuel costs accurately, we need the latest fuel prices. As of April 5, 2025, the prices for diesel and petrol in Delhi and Agra are sourced from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) website (iocl.com), a government-backed entity providing real-time fuel rates.
- Delhi Fuel Prices (as of April 5, 2025):
- Petrol: ₹94.72 per liter
- Diesel: ₹87.62 per liter
- Agra Fuel Prices (as of April 5, 2025):
- Petrol: ₹94.65 per liter
- Diesel: ₹87.55 per liter
These prices are subject to daily fluctuations based on global crude oil rates and government policies. For this blog, we’ll use an average of Delhi and Agra rates for fuel cost calculations:
- Average Petrol Price: ₹94.68 per liter
- Average Diesel Price: ₹87.58 per liter
Fuel efficiency varies by vehicle segment. For simplicity, we’ll assume the following mileage figures (kilometers per liter) based on typical Indian road conditions:
- Two-wheeler: 50 km/l (petrol)
- Car (LMV): 15 km/l (petrol), 20 km/l (diesel)
- LCV: 10 km/l (diesel)
- Bus/Truck: 5 km/l (diesel)
- MAV: 4 km/l (diesel)
Total Distance and Route Options
The distance from Delhi to Agra varies slightly depending on the route. Here are the primary options, verified using TollGuru:
- Yamuna Expressway (Fastest Route):
- Distance: 233 km
- Travel Time: ~3 hours (at 80 km/h average speed)
- Toll Plazas: 3 (Jewar, Mathura, Agra)
- NH 44 via Faridabad and Palwal (Cheaper Route):
- Distance: 240 km
- Travel Time: ~4.5 hours (at 50–60 km/h due to traffic)
- Toll Plazas: 2 (Sohna, Palwal)
- NH 19 via Mathura (Longest Route):
- Distance: 250 km
- Travel Time: ~5 hours (slower due to urban stretches)
- Toll Plazas: 3 (variable based on segments)
- SH 62 via Nuh (Shortest Distance, Scenic Route):
- Distance: 210 km
- Travel Time: ~4 hours (narrow roads, slower speeds)
- Toll Plazas: 1 (minimal tolls)
Each route caters to different priorities—speed, cost, or experience. The Yamuna Expressway is the fastest and most popular, while NH 44 offers a cheaper alternative with fewer tolls. NH 19 is longer but passes through historic towns, and SH 62 is shorter but less developed.
Toll Taxes for All Vehicle Segments
Toll rates depend on vehicle type and are updated annually by the NHAI. Below are the one-side toll charges for the Yamuna Expressway and NH 44 routes, sourced from TollGuru as of April 2025. Return trip rates are typically 1.5 times the one-side fare, and monthly passes are available for frequent travelers.
Yamuna Expressway Toll Charges (One-Side)
| Vehicle Type | Toll Cost (₹) | Return Trip (₹) | Monthly Pass (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | 120 | 180 | 3,600 |
| Car/Jeep (LMV) | 245 | 367 | 7,350 |
| LCV | 385 | 577 | 11,550 |
| Bus/Truck | 790 | 1,185 | 23,700 |
| MAV (Multi-Axle) | 1,130 | 1,695 | 33,900 |
NH 44 Toll Charges (One-Side)
| Vehicle Type | Toll Cost (₹) | Return Trip (₹) | Monthly Pass (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | 80 | 120 | 2,400 |
| Car/Jeep (LMV) | 165 | 247 | 4,950 |
| LCV | 260 | 390 | 7,800 |
| Bus/Truck | 540 | 810 | 16,200 |
| MAV (Multi-Axle) | 780 | 1,170 | 23,400 |
Note: SH 62 has minimal tolls (₹50–₹100), and NH 19 tolls vary but average around ₹200–₹300 for cars.
Fuel Costs Across Routes
Using the average fuel prices and mileage assumptions, here’s the fuel cost breakdown for a one-side trip:
Yamuna Expressway (233 km)
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Type | Fuel Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | Petrol | 440 |
| Car (LMV) | Petrol | 1,470 |
| Car (LMV) | Diesel | 1,020 |
| LCV | Diesel | 2,040 |
| Bus/Truck | Diesel | 4,080 |
| MAV | Diesel | 5,100 |
NH 44 (240 km)
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Type | Fuel Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | Petrol | 454 |
| Car (LMV) | Petrol | 1,514 |
| Car (LMV) | Diesel | 1,050 |
| LCV | Diesel | 2,100 |
| Bus/Truck | Diesel | 4,200 |
| MAV | Diesel | 5,250 |
NH 19 (250 km)
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Type | Fuel Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | Petrol | 473 |
| Car (LMV) | Petrol | 1,578 |
| Car (LMV) | Diesel | 1,094 |
| LCV | Diesel | 2,188 |
| Bus/Truck | Diesel | 4,375 |
| MAV | Diesel | 5,469 |
SH 62 (210 km)
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Type | Fuel Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | Petrol | 397 |
| Car (LMV) | Petrol | 1,326 |
| Car (LMV) | Diesel | 920 |
| LCV | Diesel | 1,840 |
| Bus/Truck | Diesel | 3,680 |
| MAV | Diesel | 4,600 |
Route Comparison: Cheapest, Fastest, Longest, Shortest
Let’s compare the total cost (toll + fuel) and timings for a car (LMV) on each route:
| Route | Distance (km) | Time (hrs) | Toll (₹) | Fuel (Petrol, ₹) | Fuel (Diesel, ₹) | Total (Petrol, ₹) | Total (Diesel, ₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamuna Expressway | 233 | 3 | 245 | 1,470 | 1,020 | 1,715 | 1,265 |
| NH 44 | 240 | 4.5 | 165 | 1,514 | 1,050 | 1,679 | 1,215 |
| NH 19 | 250 | 5 | 250 | 1,578 | 1,094 | 1,828 | 1,344 |
| SH 62 | 210 | 4 | 50 | 1,326 | 920 | 1,376 | 970 |
- Cheapest Route (SH 62): ₹970 (diesel), ₹1,376 (petrol). Minimal tolls but slower due to narrow roads.
- Fastest Route (Yamuna Expressway): 3 hours, ₹1,265 (diesel), ₹1,715 (petrol). Higher tolls but time-efficient.
- Longest Route (NH 19): 250 km, 5 hours, ₹1,344 (diesel), ₹1,828 (petrol). Scenic but costly and slow.
- Shortest Route (SH 62): 210 km, ₹970 (diesel), ₹1,376 (petrol). Less distance but not the fastest.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
For EV travelers, charging infrastructure is improving along the Delhi-Agra corridor. Here are key charging stations (verified via government and TollGuru data):
- Yamuna Expressway:
- Jewar Toll Plaza: 50 kW DC fast charger
- Mathura Rest Area: 30 kW DC charger
- Agra Toll Plaza: 60 kW DC fast charger
- NH 44:
- Faridabad (Km 20): 30 kW DC charger
- Palwal (Km 60): 50 kW DC charger
- NH 19:
- Mathura (Km 140): 40 kW DC charger
- SH 62:
- Limited options; nearest at Nuh (20 kW AC charger)
Charging costs average ₹15–₹20 per kWh. For a typical EV (50 kWh battery, 5 km/kWh range), a full charge costs ₹750–₹1,000, covering 250 km. Partial charging (20–30 kWh) is sufficient for one-side trips.
Important Helpline Numbers
- NHAI Toll-Free Helpline: 1033 (for road emergencies, toll disputes)
- Delhi Traffic Police: 1095
- UP Police Emergency: 112
- Ambulance/Fire: 108
- IOCL Fuel Price Query: 1800-233-3555
Awareness for Frequent and New Travelers
For Frequent Travelers:
- FASTag Mandatory: Ensure your vehicle has a FASTag to avoid double toll charges on highways.
- Monthly Passes: Opt for passes if traveling more than 5 times a month—saves up to 50% on tolls.
- Fuel Planning: Refuel in Delhi or Agra for competitive rates; highway stations may charge extra.
For New Travelers:
- Route Familiarity: Use GPS apps like Google Maps or TollGuru for real-time navigation.
- Toll Receipts: Keep receipts or use FASTag apps to track expenses.
- Safety: Avoid night travel on SH 62 due to poor lighting; stick to Yamuna Expressway for 24/7 patrolling.
Detailed Route Analysis
Yamuna Expressway: The Fastest Route
The Yamuna Expressway is a marvel of modern engineering, designed for speed and efficiency. Starting from Greater Noida, it bypasses congested towns like Faridabad and Palwal, delivering you to Agra in just 3 hours at an average speed of 80 km/h. The road is well-maintained, with rest areas, fuel stations, and food courts at Jewar, Mathura, and Agra. However, the toll cost is higher—₹245 for a car one-way—and fuel expenses add up due to the 233 km distance. For diesel users, the total cost is ₹1,265, while petrol users pay ₹1,715. Return trips cost ₹367 in tolls, making it ₹1,632 (diesel) and ₹2,082 (petrol). Monthly passes at ₹7,350 are ideal for frequent commuters.
NH 44: The Cheaper Alternative
NH 44, the old Delhi-Agra highway, takes you through Faridabad, Palwal, and Hodal. At 240 km, it’s slightly longer than the expressway, and travel time stretches to 4.5 hours due to traffic and urban stretches. Toll costs are lower at ₹165 for a car, with a total of ₹1,215 (diesel) and ₹1,679 (petrol) one-way. Return trips cost ₹247 in tolls, totaling ₹1,462 (diesel) and ₹1,926 (petrol). This route is budget-friendly but sacrifices speed and comfort.
NH 19: The Longest Journey
NH 19 offers a 250 km scenic route via Mathura, passing through historic towns and rural landscapes. It’s the longest option, taking 5 hours due to slower speeds (50 km/h average). Toll costs average ₹250 for a car, with fuel expenses pushing the total to ₹1,344 (diesel) and ₹1,828 (petrol) one-way. Return trips cost ₹375 in tolls, totaling ₹1,719 (diesel) and ₹2,203 (petrol). This route suits travelers who enjoy a leisurely drive with cultural stops.
SH 62: The Shortest Distance
SH 62 via Nuh is the shortest at 210 km, but its narrow, single-lane stretches make it a 4-hour journey. Toll costs are minimal (₹50 for a car), resulting in the cheapest total: ₹970 (diesel) and ₹1,376 (petrol) one-way. Return trips add ₹75 in tolls, totaling ₹1,045 (diesel) and ₹1,451 (petrol). It’s a cost-effective option for budget travelers willing to navigate less-developed roads.
Cost-Benefit Analysis for Frequent Travelers
For those traveling weekly, monthly passes offer significant savings. On the Yamuna Expressway, a car pass costs ₹7,350, covering unlimited trips for 30 days. At ₹245 per one-way trip, the pass breaks even after 15 trips (7.5 round trips). On NH 44, the ₹4,950 pass breaks even after 15 trips as well. Frequent travelers should weigh their trip frequency against pass costs to maximize savings.
Electric Vehicles: A Growing Trend
EVs are gaining traction in India, and the Delhi-Agra route is adapting. The Yamuna Expressway offers the best charging infrastructure, with fast chargers at Jewar, Mathura, and Agra. A 30 kWh charge (₹450–₹600) covers the 233 km trip, making EVs cheaper than diesel (₹1,265) and petrol (₹1,715) for cars. NH 44 and NH 19 have fewer stations, requiring careful planning. SH 62 lags in EV support, with only basic AC chargers available.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Timing: Depart early (6–7 AM) to avoid peak traffic, especially on NH 44 and NH 19.
- Documents: Carry vehicle registration, insurance, and FASTag details.
- Emergency Kit: Pack water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a spare tire.
- Weather Check: Monsoons can slow travel on SH 62 and NH 19; the expressway is more reliable year-round.
FAQs
- What’s the cheapest route from Delhi to Agra?
- SH 62 via Nuh, costing ₹970 (diesel) and ₹1,376 (petrol) for a car one-way.
- How long does the fastest route take?
- The Yamuna Expressway takes 3 hours at 80 km/h.
- Are toll passes worth it?
- Yes, if you travel more than 15 times a month on the same route.
- Where can I charge my EV?
- Key stations are at Jewar, Mathura, and Agra on the Yamuna Expressway.
- What’s the toll-free helpline?
- Dial 1033 for NHAI assistance.
Disclaimer: All toll-related data in this blog has been sourced from TollGuru (tollguru.com) as of April 5, 2025, and is subject to change based on NHAI updates. Fuel prices are from IOCL (iocl.com) and may vary daily. Route distances and timings are approximate and depend on traffic, road conditions, and driving speed. Always verify real-time data before traveling.
