Srinagar (SXR): the prepaid counter, the union rates, and Form C
The prepaid counter assigns a licensed taxi at a fixed rate. Buses run but rarely. Foreign nationals fill in a Form C on arrival.
- The prepaid taxi counter is inside the terminal near the arrival gate.
- You pay at the counter, take a token, and are assigned a licensed driver. There is no negotiating.
- Lal Chowk is about 600 to 1,000 rupees by sedan, depending on the source and the season.
- Dal Lake and Boulevard Road are 700 to 1,100 rupees.
- Gulmarg is 2,200 to 2,800 by sedan and more by SUV.
- Pahalgam is 2,800 to 3,400 and Sonamarg 2,600 to 3,000.
- Walking up to the counter costs 20 to 35 per cent more than pre booking.
- These are taxi union rates, adjusted by season and fuel price rather than fixed by tariff.
- JKSRTC buses run between the airport and the city, but infrequently and with little luggage room.
- All foreign nationals complete a Form C at the airport, declaring where they are staying.
The prepaid counter
- The counter sits inside the terminal near the arrival gate.
- Pay first, take a token, and a licensed driver is assigned to you.
- This is the way to arrive in Srinagar. It fixes the price before you meet the driver, which is worth a great deal here.
- Walk up rates run 20 to 35 per cent above what the same journey costs pre booked, so if you know your destination, book ahead.
What things cost
- Lal Chowk, the city centre: about 600 to 1,000 rupees by sedan. Sources differ within that band.
- Dal Lake and Boulevard Road: 700 to 1,100 rupees.
- Gulmarg: 2,200 to 2,800 by sedan, 3,200 to 3,800 by SUV.
- Pahalgam: 2,800 to 3,400 by sedan, 3,800 to 4,500 by SUV.
- Sonamarg: 2,600 to 3,000 by sedan, 3,500 to 4,200 by SUV.
- These are union rates rather than a government tariff. They move with the season and with fuel prices, and the quoted figure is what you pay.
Buses
- JKSRTC runs buses between the airport and the city.
- They are infrequent and have little space for luggage.
- For most arrivals they are not a practical option, which is unusual to have to say, but Srinagar's taxi trade is organised and the bus network is not built around the airport.
Paperwork
- Every foreign national completes a Form C at the airport, declaring their place of stay and contact details.
- Some nationalities have further reporting requirements to the Foreigners Registration Office within a set period after arrival.
- Have your accommodation address written down before you land. The form asks for it and a booking reference on a phone with no signal is not an answer.
- Kashmir's security situation changes. Check your own government's current travel advice before booking, and again before flying.
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