Every year, thousands of travellers arrive at Agra Cantt Railway Station with one dream – to see the majestic Taj Mahal. For most visitors, the first question after stepping off the train is simple: “How far is the Taj Mahal from Agra Cantt and how do I reach there?”
The answer is easy – the Taj Mahal is just 6 km away from Agra Cantt. But here’s the interesting part: the route from the station to the Taj is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s a journey full of heritage sites, bustling bazaars, and hidden gems.
If you plan well, you can turn your short ride into a mini Agra tour, exploring places that many travellers miss.
Agra Cantt to Taj Mahal Distance
- Distance: 6 km approx.
- Travel time: 15–20 minutes by car or auto.
- Walking: Not recommended due to traffic.
- Eco options: Cycle-rickshaw or e-rickshaw for short rides.
Best Travel Options
1. Auto Rickshaw / E-Rickshaw
- Cheapest option.
- Easily available at the station.
- Great for small groups and backpackers.
2. Prepaid Taxi / Cab
- Available at prepaid counters inside Agra Cantt.
- Comfortable and safe, especially for families.
- Recommended if you are visiting other sites along the way.
3. Guided Cab Tours
- A private cab with a guide can cover Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, and Taj Mahal in one half-day trip.
- Saves time and gives cultural insights.
Local Sightseeing Between Agra Cantt and Taj Mahal
Here are the top attractions you can explore on the way:
1. Agra Fort (2.5 km from Agra Cantt)
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Built by Emperor Akbar in red sandstone.
- Stories of Shah Jahan’s last days, when he gazed at the Taj Mahal from here.
- Must-visit for history lovers.
2. Jama Masjid
- Located near Agra Fort Railway Station.
- Built in 1648 by Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara Begum.
- Known for its massive dome and Mughal-era architecture.
3. Kinari Bazaar
- Close to Jama Masjid.
- A colorful, chaotic market.
- Perfect for buying handicrafts, leather items, jewelry, and marble souvenirs.
- A great place to taste Agra’s famous petha (sweet).
4. Mehtab Bagh (Behind Taj Mahal, across Yamuna River)
- Offers a stunning back view of the Taj Mahal.
- Known as the “Moonlight Garden.”
- Best for photography and sunset views.
5. Mankameshwar Temple
- One of the oldest temples in Agra.
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- A peaceful spiritual stop before heading to the Taj.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
If you arrive at Agra Cantt in the morning, here’s how you can plan:
- 8:00 AM – Arrive at Agra Cantt Railway Station.
- 8:30 AM – Hire a prepaid cab or rickshaw.
- 9:00 AM – Explore Agra Fort.
- 10:30 AM – Visit Jama Masjid and stroll around Kinari Bazaar.
- 12:00 PM – Head to Taj Mahal (spend 2–3 hours inside).
- 3:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 4:30 PM – End the day at Mehtab Bagh for sunset views of the Taj.
- 6:00 PM – Return to Agra Cantt or continue shopping.
Travel Tips – Agra Station to Taj
- Book tickets online for Taj Mahal and Agra Fort to save time.
- Always use prepaid taxis or online cab booking apps from Agra Cantt.
- Keep small cash handy for local autos and rickshaws.
- Avoid touts offering “cheap guides” at the station.
- Carry water bottles and wear comfortable shoes.
- For photography, early morning or late evening gives the best light.
Why Local Sightseeing Matters
Most tourists rush directly from Agra Cantt to Taj Mahal, missing the hidden gems of Agra. By taking a few extra hours, you can:
- Experience Mughal history at Agra Fort.
- Shop in local markets like Kinari Bazaar.
- Capture breathtaking views at Mehtab Bagh.
- Taste Agra’s street food and sweets.
This makes your trip more authentic and memorable.
FAQs About Agra Cantt to Taj Mahal
Q1. What is the cheapest way to reach Taj Mahal from Agra Cantt?
Shared auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are the most budget-friendly options.
Q2. How much does a taxi cost from Cantt to Taj Mahal?
A prepaid taxi costs around ₹200–₹300 depending on the type of car.
Q3. Can I cover Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in one day from Agra Cantt?
Yes. Both are close to each other, and you can easily explore them in a single day.
Q4. What is the distance between Agra Cantt and Taj Mahal?
Approximately 6 km. It takes 15–20 minutes by taxi.
Q5. Is Mehtab Bagh worth visiting?
Absolutely. It offers one of the best sunset views of the Taj Mahal.
Q6. Is it safe for solo travellers to go from Cantt to Taj Mahal?
Yes, it is safe if you use prepaid taxis or trusted cab services.
Conclusion
Your journey from Agra Cantt to Taj Mahal can be much more than just a short ride. By exploring Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Kinari Bazaar, and Mehtab Bagh along the way, you turn a simple transfer into a mini sightseeing tour.
So next time you arrive at Agra Cantt, don’t rush directly to the Taj Mahal. Take the scenic route, explore the city’s treasures, and let the journey become as memorable as the destination itself.
