A Same Day Taj Mahal Tour means leaving Delhi very early and returning the same night, while an Overnight Agra Tour includes a night in Agra. A same-day trip is fast and cheaper, but it can be tiring with a very early start. An overnight trip lets you see the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset and visit more sites, but it costs more. Each option has its own advantages and fits different travel plans.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Same Day Tour | Overnight Tour |
| Travel time | ~3–4 hours by car (one-way) or ~2h by train | ~3–4 hours (same route) plus overnight rest |
| Itinerary | Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in one day; Mehtab Bagh optional | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri over 2 days |
| Accommodation | No overnight stay | 1 night hotel stay in Agra |
| Pace | Fast-paced, early start | Relaxed, split over 2 days, time for sunrise/sunset visits |
| Best for | Tight schedules, budget travelers | Leisure trips, photography, families, honeymooners |
Same Day Taj Mahal Tour
A Same Day Taj Mahal Tour starts with an early-morning drive or train from Delhi. Agra is about 222 km from Delhi, a 3–4 hour drive via the Yamuna Expressway. Tourists often leave around 4–5 AM to reach the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Popular trains include the Gatimaan Express (Delhi 8:10–Agra 9:50), Shatabdi, and the new Vande Bharat. The Gatimaan Express chair-car fare is about ₹860 one-way.
Once in Agra, you can visit the Taj Mahal first. The morning light makes the white marble glow, and crowds are smaller. After the Taj, a guide or driver usually takes you to Agra Fort and sometimes Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj). A quick stop at Mehtab Bagh (across the river) is possible for sunset views. If time allows, some even visit Fatehpur Sikri (40 km away) on the return. Finally, you drive back to Delhi and arrive by late evening.
- Itinerary Example:
- 5:00 AM: Depart Delhi by car/train.
- 8:00 AM: Arrive Agra; visit Taj Mahal at sunrise.
- 10:30 AM: Tour Agra Fort.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in Agra.
- 2:00 PM: (Optional) Visit Mehtab Bagh or Baby Taj.
- 4:00 PM: Begin return journey to Delhi.
- 7:00–8:00 PM: Reach Delhi hotel or airport.
- 5:00 AM: Depart Delhi by car/train.
This tour requires a very early start (around 2–3 AM if you want sunrise). It is a long, packed day but saves time and money by not booking a hotel. A private sedan taxi for the day costs about ₹5,500 (round trip). Trains can be cheaper, but you must match train schedules. For many travelers on a tight schedule (like layovers or only one day free), a Same Day Tour lets you see the Taj quickly.
Overnight Agra Tour
An Overnight Agra Tour spreads the trip over two days. On Day 1, you leave Delhi (by car or train) and reach Agra around afternoon. You may visit Agra Fort and the Baby Taj that evening, and check into a hotel. Some choose to see the Taj Mahal at sunset or enjoy Mehtab Bagh in the cool evening light. Agra has nice hotels and restaurants near the Taj.
On Day 2, you wake up early to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which is very popular. This peaceful view is a highlight for photographers and couples. After sunrise, you have plenty of time for a relaxed breakfast and perhaps a walk in the garden or local market. Before returning to Delhi, many tours include a stop at Fatehpur Sikri (40 km away) on the way back.
- Itinerary Example:
- Day 1:
- Morning: Depart Delhi by car or train.
- Midday: Arrive Agra, visit Agra Fort.
- Evening: Check into hotel, visit Taj Mahal at sunset or stroll Mehtab Bagh.
- Morning: Depart Delhi by car or train.
- Day 2:
- Early Morning: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal.
- Late Morning: Breakfast and relax.
- Afternoon: (Optional) Visit Fatehpur Sikri en route to Delhi.
- Evening: Arrive back in Delhi.
- Early Morning: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal.
- Day 1:
This tour is more relaxing. You avoid the middle-of-the-night drive and split sightseeing into two half-days. It costs more because of the hotel stay (typically ₹2,000–₹5,000+ for a decent one-night stay). But you get to enjoy the Taj Mahal in softer light and have time to explore Agra beyond just one day.
Price Comparison
| Tour Option | By Car (Sedan, 2 people) | By Train (per person) |
| Same Day Tour | ~₹5,500 (round-trip car) | ~₹2,000 (express train + local transport) |
| Overnight Tour (1 night) | ~₹8,000 (car + basic hotel) | ~₹6,000 (train + hotel + local transport) |
Approximate costs for two people (summer 2026 prices). By car, a private sedan day tour is about ₹5,500. A train trip (chair car or executive) is cheaper but requires transfers. Overnight adds hotel cost (budget Agra hotel ≈₹2,000–₹3,000). Prices vary by car type, train class, hotel, and season.
Pros & Cons
- Same Day Tour Pros:
- No hotel cost; lower price.
- Fits tight schedules (e.g. short Delhi visit or flight layover).
- See key sights (Taj, Agra Fort) in one day.
- No hotel cost; lower price.
- Same Day Tour Cons:
- Very early start (often 2–4 AM).
- Long, tiring day (10+ hours of travel).
- Limited sightseeing time; may have to skip Fatehpur Sikri.
- Very early start (often 2–4 AM).
- Overnight Tour Pros:
- Relaxed pace with one night rest.
- Experience Taj at sunrise or sunset.
- Time to visit Fatehpur Sikri and local markets.
- Better for photography and those who hate rushing.
- Relaxed pace with one night rest.
- Overnight Tour Cons:
- Higher cost (hotel + more meals).
- Requires booking a hotel and possibly more planning.
- If only limited time, one extra day may not be available.
- Higher cost (hotel + more meals).
Who Should Choose Which
- Choose a Same Day Tour if:
- You have only one day or limited time in Delhi.
- You are traveling alone or on a budget (no hotel needed).
- You are okay with an early morning and a long day.
- You have only one day or limited time in Delhi.
- Choose an Overnight Tour if:
- You want a more relaxed experience and to see the Taj at sunrise.
- You are traveling with family, kids, or as a couple.
- You want to include Fatehpur Sikri or more sights.
- You enjoy photography (dawn/dusk views).
- You want a more relaxed experience and to see the Taj at sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from Delhi to Agra?
By road via the Yamuna Expressway it is about 3–4 hours. The fastest trains (like Gatimaan Express) take ~2 hours.
Can I do the tour by train instead of a car?
Yes. Trains like the Gatimaan, Shatabdi, or Vande Bharat run daily between Delhi and Agra. A one-way Gatimaan chair-car ticket is about ₹860. You’ll need a local taxi in Agra for sight-seeing.
What are the opening hours of the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset (sunset around 6–7 PM) every day except Friday. A morning visit (sunrise) is recommended to avoid crowds.
Is staying overnight in Agra worth it?
Many travelers find it worthwhile. Staying overnight lets you see the Taj Mahal in calm morning light without waking at 2 AM. It also gives time for other attractions like Fatehpur Sikri and local culture.
How much does a Same Day tour cost?
A private car for a Same Day tour costs about ₹5,500 (two people). If taking trains, factor in train tickets (~₹860 one-way) plus taxis in Agra. Tour packages vary, so always check current prices.
Can I customize the tour?
Yes, whether by car or train, tours can be customized. You can often add Fatehpur Sikri or remove stops. If driving, you can stop at highway rest points or dhabas along the Yamuna Expressway.
Conclusion
Both tour options let you see the beautiful Taj Mahal and Agra’s heritage. If your time is short and you don’t mind an early start, a Same Day tour from Delhi is efficient and cost-effective. If you prefer a leisurely trip with a sunrise at the Taj and extra sights, go for an Overnight tour. Consider your schedule, budget, and travel style. In either case, plan ahead, book tickets early, and carry water and sun protection. Enjoy your trip to Agra and the magic of the Taj Mahal!