How Far Is Moradabad from Delhi and Which Route Is Best?
Summary
Moradabad is roughly 165 to 170 km from Delhi by road, and the drive typically takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. The best and most direct route is NH-9 (the Delhi–Lucknow highway, the old NH-24), which runs from Delhi through Ghaziabad, Hapur and Gajraula to Moradabad – a largely four-to-six-lane highway that is the natural choice for this journey. Many travellers use the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to get cleanly out of the city before joining NH-9. The main variable is getting past the Delhi–Ghaziabad traffic at the start; once on the open highway, the run is smooth. Moradabad, famous as the “Brass City” (Peetal Nagri), is a popular trip for business and family travel alike. This guide covers the distance, the best route and alternatives, travel time, and driving tips. Distances and times are approximate and depend on your exact start point and traffic, so check live conditions before you travel.
Key Takeaways
- Distance: roughly 165–170 km from Delhi to Moradabad (approximate).
- Travel time: about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, traffic-dependent.
- Best route: NH-9 (Delhi–Lucknow highway) via Ghaziabad, Hapur and Gajraula.
- Tip: use the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to clear the city, then join NH-9.
- Main variable: Delhi–Ghaziabad traffic at the start; the highway is smooth after.
- Moradabad is the famous Brass City (Peetal Nagri).
Delhi to Moradabad: distance and time
The road distance from Delhi to Moradabad is approximately 165 to 170 km, and in reasonable traffic the drive takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. It is a comfortable half-day journey on a good highway, making Moradabad an easy day trip or overnight from Delhi and the NCR.
As with most trips out of Delhi, the time depends heavily on how quickly you clear the city and the Ghaziabad stretch at the start. Once you are on the open NH-9, the highway is fast and straightforward. Planning your departure to avoid the worst of the Delhi–Ghaziabad rush is the single biggest thing you can do to keep the journey short.
The best route: NH-9
The best and most direct route is NH-9 (the Delhi–Lucknow highway, formerly NH-24). It is the main corridor to Moradabad and beyond, largely a wide, four-to-six-lane highway. Here is the broad sequence:
| Stage | Via | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Ghaziabad | Delhi–Meerut Expressway / NH-9 | Clear the city; often the slowest part |
| Ghaziabad → Hapur | NH-9 | Open highway begins |
| Hapur → Gajraula | NH-9 | Smooth highway run; halt options |
| Gajraula → Moradabad | NH-9 | Final stretch into the Brass City |
A common tip is to take the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to get out of the city quickly and then continue on NH-9 towards Moradabad. Factor in tolls along the highway. When you book a Delhi to Moradabad cab service, a driver who knows this route handles the city exit and the highway for you, so the trip is smooth from start to finish.
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Alternative routes and when to consider them
NH-9 is the clear best route for almost all Delhi–Moradabad trips, but it is worth knowing your options if the highway is disrupted:
- Delhi–Meerut Expressway + NH-9: the recommended combination – fast city exit, then the main highway.
- Straight NH-9 through Ghaziabad: the traditional route if you are not using the expressway.
- Diversions via Hapur / bypasses: a driver may adjust locally to avoid a jam or roadwork.
There is rarely a reason to take a completely different highway – NH-9 is the direct spine of this route. The value of a local driver is in the small choices: the best way out of the city, when to use the expressway, and how to skirt any congestion or roadwork on the day.
Travel time by time of day
Here is how the delhi to moradabad travel time tends to vary through the day. Treat these as approximate and check live traffic before leaving.
| When you travel | Traffic (Delhi exit) | Approx. total time |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | Light | ~3.5 hrs |
| Mid-morning | Moderate | ~4 hrs |
| Morning / evening peak | Heavy at city end | ~4.5 hrs or more |
| Late evening / night | Light | ~3.5–4 hrs |
| Rain / roadwork | Variable | Add extra buffer |
An early start makes the biggest difference, since it clears the Delhi–Ghaziabad stretch before the rush builds. Once past the city, the NH-9 highway keeps the rest of the drive predictable.
About Moradabad: the Brass City
Moradabad, in western Uttar Pradesh, is famously known as Peetal Nagri – the “Brass City” – for its centuries-old brass and metal handicrafts industry, which exports worldwide. It is a major hub for traders, exporters and buyers, which is why the Delhi–Moradabad route sees steady business travel alongside family and personal trips.
Whether you are visiting for the brass and handicrafts trade, family, or passing through on the way further east towards Bareilly and Lucknow, the city is well connected by NH-9. Its proximity to Delhi – a half-day drive – makes it an easy and frequent journey for NCR travellers.
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Stops and things to know on the way
NH-9 is a well-developed highway with plenty of options for a break:
- Highway dhabas and restaurants around the Hapur–Gajraula stretch for meals and tea.
- Fuel and rest stops are frequent along the corridor.
- Gajraula is a common mid-point halt, roughly partway to Moradabad.
- Tolls apply on the highway, so keep FASTag active.
For a family trip, a short break around the mid-point keeps everyone comfortable. The highway’s good facilities are one reason the Delhi–Moradabad drive is an easy one to plan.
Tips for a smooth Delhi–Moradabad drive
A few simple steps keep the trip easy and on time.
- Start early to clear the Delhi–Ghaziabad stretch before the rush builds.
- Use the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to get out of the city, then join NH-9.
- Check live traffic before leaving and let the driver adjust the city exit.
- Keep FASTag active for the highway tolls.
- Plan a mid-point break around Gajraula for meals or rest.
- Leave a buffer for anything time-critical like a meeting or a train.
None of this is complicated, but together it makes the drive predictable – the highway itself is fast, so it is really just the city exit and your timing that shape the day.
Time-critical trip to Moradabad?
For a meeting or a train, book a cab with a buffer – we’ll plan the timing and route to get you there on time.
Why a pre-booked cab is the easy option
For the Delhi–Moradabad trip, a pre-booked cab offers comfort and certainty: door-to-door pickup, a driver who knows the NH-9 route and the best way out of the city, room for luggage, and no worrying about parking or the return. It suits business travellers wanting a reliable, on-time journey and families who prefer to relax rather than drive the highway themselves.
A dependable Cab Rental Hub Faridabad service can arrange one-way or round-trip travel for the route, sized to your group. And if your plans extend to other destinations – say a pilgrimage or hill trip like a Faridabad to Haridwar cab – the same operator can handle those too, so you have one reliable point of contact for all your outstation travel.
Conclusion
Moradabad is about 165 to 170 km from Delhi, a comfortable 3.5 to 4.5 hour drive, and the best route is NH-9 – the Delhi–Lucknow highway via Ghaziabad, Hapur and Gajraula – ideally joined via the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to clear the city quickly. The main variable is the Delhi–Ghaziabad traffic at the start, so an early departure keeps the journey short and smooth. Whether you are visiting the Brass City for business or family, check live traffic before you leave, plan a mid-point break, and consider a pre-booked cab so a driver who knows the route handles the whole trip. Confirm current distances and conditions before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far is Moradabad from Delhi?
Moradabad is roughly 165 to 170 km from Delhi by road. The drive typically takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic, mainly via NH-9 (the Delhi–Lucknow highway). It is a comfortable half-day journey, making Moradabad an easy day trip or overnight from Delhi and the NCR. Exact distance depends on your start point in Delhi, so treat it as approximate.
Which is the best route from Delhi to Moradabad?
The best and most direct route is NH-9 (the Delhi–Lucknow highway, formerly NH-24), running from Delhi through Ghaziabad, Hapur and Gajraula to Moradabad. A common tip is to take the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to get out of the city quickly, then continue on NH-9. It is a largely four-to-six-lane highway and the natural spine of this route, with tolls along the way.
How long does it take to drive from Delhi to Moradabad?
In light traffic – early morning or late evening – the drive is about 3.5 hours; mid-day around 4 hours; and during the morning or evening peak, about 4.5 hours or more, mostly due to the Delhi–Ghaziabad stretch at the start. Rain or roadwork can add delay. An early start is the most reliable way to keep the journey short, as the open NH-9 highway is fast once you are past the city.
What is the main variable in Delhi to Moradabad travel time?
The biggest variable is getting out of Delhi and past the Ghaziabad stretch at the start of the journey – this is where most delay occurs. Once you are on the open NH-9 highway, the run to Moradabad is smooth and predictable. Using the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to clear the city quickly, and leaving before the peak hours, both help keep the total time down.
Are there good stops on the Delhi to Moradabad highway?
Yes – NH-9 is a well-developed highway with frequent fuel stops, dhabas and restaurants, particularly around the Hapur–Gajraula stretch. Gajraula is a common mid-point halt, roughly partway to Moradabad, good for a meal or tea break. For a family trip, a short break around the mid-point keeps everyone comfortable. Keep your FASTag active, as tolls apply along the route.
What is Moradabad known for?
Moradabad, in western Uttar Pradesh, is famously known as Peetal Nagri, the “Brass City,” for its centuries-old brass and metal handicrafts industry, which exports worldwide. It is a major hub for traders, exporters and buyers, so the Delhi–Moradabad route sees steady business travel alongside family and personal trips. It also lies on the way further east towards Bareilly and Lucknow on NH-9.
Is it better to take a cab or drive myself to Moradabad?
For many travellers a pre-booked cab is the easier option: door-to-door pickup, a driver who knows the NH-9 route and the best way out of the city, room for luggage, and no parking or return worries. It suits business travellers wanting reliability and families who prefer to relax over the 3.5–4.5 hour drive. A dependable operator can arrange one-way or round-trip travel sized to your group.
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