Before my Agra travel plans took shape, I’ll be honest—I only really knew about the Taj Mahal. Like most people, I knew Agra as home to one of the wonders of the world, but I didn’t know what else there might be to see in Agra. After some research, though, I ended up enjoying the city quite a lot! Its beautiful monuments and history made Agra worth more than just a day trip to see the Taj for me.
I ended up spending almost exactly 24 hours in Agra, and I found it to be the perfect amount of time. I was able to see everything I wanted to in the city, but there are also more exciting city stops on a Golden Triangle or Rajasthan itinerary. So make sure you don’t spend all your time here!
For me, Agra works best as a focused, impactful stop—one unforgettable sunrise, a handful of standout sights, and then it’s onward to places like Jaipur and Udaipur, where the vibes are completely different! You absolutely need to hit Agra, but one day is the Goldilocks sweet spot. So here’s the one-day Agra travel guide that’ll tell you everything you need!
Is 24 Hours in Agra Enough?
Actually, I think 24 hours in Agra is perfect! Agra is fairly compact and the major sights are very well-defined. To be honest, the rest of the city isn’t that noteworthy compared to other parts of this region. With a well-planned Agra travel itinerary, one full day is just right.
If you can swing it, I highly recommend arriving in the evening and leaving the following night. This’ll let you have one sunrise to see the Taj Mahal early in the morning, which is super nice! The light is dreamy soft and the crowds are thinner, making the experience much lovelier overall.
💡 Tip: Another nice bonus of doing everything in one day…you only pay the ADA (Agra Development Authority) tax once if you purchase your monument tickets together. It’s both cheaper and more efficient!
Best Time of Year to Visit Agra
The best time to visit Agra is during the cooler months, which also coincide with the dry and tourist season. The high season runs from October to March and boasts the best weather, warm and dry. Avoid the summer months (April to June) because the weather is unbearably hot, sometimes soaring past an insane 40°C! The monsoon season (July to September) is lush and green and has fewer crowds and lower prices, but of course you have to be prepared for heavy rain, mud, and some closed outdoor attractions.
How to Get to Agra
If you’re visiting Agra, you’re likely traveling to or from New Delhi and possibly around other cities in the Rajasthan area. If you want a full 9-day guide to Rajasthan that hits 3 cities including Agra, read my Rajasthan itinerary here!
To or From Delhi ↔ Agra
🚃 Taking the train from Delhi to Agra is the fastest and most convenient option for most travelers. The Gatemaan Express or Shatabdi Express are both popular trains that run in less than 2 hours to Agra Cantt station. The fare is typically ₹600–₹1,500 ($7-$18 USD). Trains are frequent, but I highly recommend booking in advance—though booking a train online in India can be a terrible experience for foreigners.
🚗 For a more convenient door-to-door option without the hassle of booking online, you can hire a private driver. The drive from Delhi to Agra will take around 4 hours depending on traffic and typically costs around ₹4,500–₹7,000 ($55–$85 USD) for a sedan.
We ended up getting a driver because it was more flexible and we just could not figure out how to book the train online—it’s a bit more expensive and yes, a longer drive, but after flying for so many hours we just wanted to hop in a car, nap, and wake up when we got to the hotel!
To or From Agra ↔ Jaipur
Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is one of the prettiest places in the country and it’s very easy to get here from Agra. I really recommend adding it on as another stop in Rajasthan if you can! Read my guide to Jaipur, the Pink City of India, here.
🚗 I recommend hiring a private driver to take you from Agra to Jaipur, especially if you have fellow travelers. Having a private driver makes transportation more convenient, especially with luggage. Plus, you’ll get to make a stop en route at the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri!
🥻 Read more: 9-Day Rajasthan Itinerary: Colors of Agra, Jaipur, & Udaipur
Transportation Around Agra
Once you’re in Agra, the easiest way to move around is honestly just by using Uber. It’s affordable, reliable, and removes the stress of negotiating prices every time you hop between sights. A lot of people also recommend Ola (India’s version of Uber), but the iPhone app has been glitchy since around 2024, so I wouldn’t rely on it. Uber is super affordable in India and very popular—we never had trouble getting a ride right away in Agra.
The attractions in the city are fairly spread out, so I do not recommend walking except in markets or on shopping streets. The sun is extremely strong and sidewalks aren’t always consistent (or existent, for that matter).
For anything beyond 10-15 minutes, I really recommend grabbing an Uber or tuk tuk. It’s cheap, it’s quick, and it’ll save you a lot of energy!
Where to Stay in Agra
When it comes to Agra travel, I recommend staying as close as possible to the Taj Mahal so you can easily get there for sunrise (or at least before the crowds settle in). Staying near the Taj also puts you squarely in the center of Agra, which makes it a great place to spend one night!
Luxury Hotels in Agra
- The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra: Easily the most iconic place to stay in Agra, with uninterrupted Taj Mahal views from many rooms and Mughal-inspired design. It’s expensive, but the sunrise-from-your-balcony experience is unforgettable. It’s also the closest property to the Taj itself.
- ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra: A beautiful, heritage resort that’s perfect for relaxing. Don’t miss the spa!
Mid-Range Hotels in Agra
- Trident Agra: A well-run hotel with beautiful gardens, a large pool, and a relaxing atmosphere that feels more upscale than mid-range.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra: A popular and familiar mid-range hotel choice. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay with good amenities, close to major sights.
Budget-Friendly Stays in Agra
- Luxury Penthouse with Taj Mahal View: Despite the name, this property is surprisingly affordable and offers exactly what it promises: a stunning, straight-on view of the Taj from the balcony. It’s less than a 10-minute drive from the Taj Mahal east gate and comes with a housekeeper who handles breakfast, too!
- Hotel Taj Resorts: A comfortable and affordable stay near the Taj East Gate—which is my recommended Taj entrance!
What to Do and See in Agra
Sari and Lehenga Shops
I highly recommend dressing up in a sari or lehenga for your visit to the Taj Mahal—it looks beautiful against the white marble and it’s a fun way to appreciate the culture!
Ideally, you’d be able to do your shopping the night before you go to the Taj Mahal so you can go to the Taj as early as you’d like in the morning, but feel free to amend this so it works with your schedule.
Agra has plenty of rental and purchase shops near the East Gate that can help you pick something traditional, colorful, and photogenic. Prices vary widely depending on fabric and embroidery, but we paid around ₹2500 for our lehengas.
The Taj Mahal
For any Agra travel itinerary, the Taj Mahal is obviously the star. Cars and motorbikes aren’t allowed within 500 meters of the Taj grounds, so your Uber will drop you at the gate, and then you’ll take a free electric golf cart to the actual entrance. Bags must be very small—I brought a circular purse under 1 foot in diameter and it was fine, but I’d bring as little as possible.
Security is strict: no sharp objects, no food, no books, no power banks, no extra batteries, no selfie sticks, and no hand sanitizer (yes, even that). If you accidentally bring anything on the banned list, you’ll have to store it in a locker and re-enter. For more thorough information on Taj Mahal rules and how to make the most of your visit, read my Taj Mahal guide.
As you approach through the red-sandstone gateway, the mausoleum gradually reveals itself—a gleaming vision in white marble, perfectly symmetrical, floating above its gardens like a mirage. The history of the Taj is a beautiful and tragic love story, created by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Make sure to get your tickets in advance!
🕌 Going to the Taj Mahal? You’ll want to read my guide, which includes lots of critical information—like avoiding Fridays!
Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah (The Baby Taj)
The Baby Taj is one of my favorite places in Agra: quiet, intricately carved, and beautifully symmetrical. The inlay work here actually inspired the Taj Mahal, and you can see the design resemblance immediately. Personally, I actually prefer the marble work at the Baby Taj because it’s more visible and has a little more color! It’s open roughly 6 AM to 6 PM, though they sometimes stop admitting visitors around 4:30 PM.
You either need to remove your shoes or put on shoe covers before entering the tomb site, and I highly recommend the shoe cover route. They’re definitely not a fashion statement, but I went barefoot and the sun-baked red clay of the exterior tomb’s floors burned my feet pretty badly!
The interior of the tomb is peaceful, cool, and beautiful, with even more marble inlay work and lovely patterns. I recommend coming here after your Taj Mahal visit, because it’s not very crowded and beautiful at all times of day.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is the city’s second major UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-do for anyone interested in Mughal history. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, and tickets for foreign visitors are usually around ₹650–700. The fort is massive, so give yourself at least 1.5–2 hours.
Highlights include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the elegant Khas Mahal, and the Mussamman Burj, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned and spent his final days gazing at the Taj Mahal across the river.
Hearing this story always makes me so sad, but it’s also kind of romantic in a messed up way? At least he was able to see his wife even in prison until he passed away.
1-Day Agra Travel Itinerary
What’s the best way to fit all these legendary sights into one day of Agra travel? Here’s my suggested itinerary and route:
If possible, pick up your sari or lehenga the first evening, so you can get to the Taj Mahal gates first thing in the morning. Then, start the next day with sunrise at the Taj Mahal. The early light is soft, flattering, and much better temperature-wise than the rest of the day! Plus, it’s the best chance you’ll get for photos without enormous crowds (though the Taj is crowded all hours of the day).
In the midday, have lunch somewhere air-conditioned before making your way to the Baby Taj. It’s peaceful here and much quieter, a nice contrast after the morning rush. In the late afternoon, head from the Baby Taj to Agra Fort for golden hour. The warm light makes the red sandstone of the fort glow magically, and you’ll also be able to spy great views of the Taj from inside the fort complex.
Return your sari or lehenga if you rented one, then end your day with dinner somewhere near your hotel. If you’re staying near the Taj, there are plenty of nice rooftop options to wind down and enjoy your last views before leaving Agra.
Agra Travel FAQ: What to Know Before You Go
- Where is Agra located in India? Agra is located in Uttar Pradesh in northern India, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) southeast of Delhi.
- Is Agra worth visiting? Yes! Agra is absolutely worth visiting, even if you only have 24 hours. Beyond the Taj Mahal, the city has impressive Mughal architecture, riverside gardens, and historic forts.
- How many days do you need in Agra? I recommend setting aside 1 full day or 24 hours in Agra. This is enough time to visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the Baby Taj.
- What is Agra best known for? Agra is best known for its Mughal-era monuments like the Taj Mahal. The city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire.
- Is Agra safe for tourists? Agra is generally safe for tourists and I never experienced trouble. Keep common sense and watch out for scams.
- Can you visit Agra as a day trip from Delhi? Yes, Agra is one of the most popular day trips from Delhi. However, I really recommend staying at least one night if you can!
