The best road trip from Delhi with kids keeps driving to four to six hours a day, starts early to beat traffic, and includes a stop every 90 minutes. Popular family routes include Agra, Jaipur, Rishikesh, Landour and Shimla. Use a proper child car seat, pack snacks and entertainment, and plan rest days.
Road trips are one of the easiest ways for Delhi families to escape the city. You set your own timing, pack as much as the boot allows and stop whenever someone needs a break. With children, a little extra planning turns a long drive into part of the holiday rather than something to survive.
Where can you go on a road trip from Delhi with kids?
Distances and drive times below are approximate and depend heavily on traffic, route and stops.
| Destination | Approx. distance | Good for | Ideal length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agra | 230 km | History, a first road trip | 1–2 nights |
| Jaipur | 280 km | Forts, palaces, colourful markets | 2–3 nights |
| Rishikesh | 240 km | River views, cafes, gentle walks | 2–3 nights |
| Landour and Mussoorie | 290 km | Cool weather, quiet walks | 3 nights |
| Nainital | 310 km | Lakes, boating, hill air | 3 nights |
| Shimla | 350 km | Mall Road, pine forests | 3–4 nights |
| Amritsar | 450 km | Golden Temple, Punjabi food | 2–3 nights, or break the journey |
For first-timers, start with a plains destination like Agra or Jaipur before attempting hill roads. For more short-break ideas, see our list of weekend getaways from Delhi, and for a quieter hill escape, our Landour travel guide.
How long should you drive in a day with young children?
Aim for four to six hours of total travel time, including stops. Toddlers and young kids struggle beyond that, and so do the adults. If a destination is further, split the journey with an overnight stop or plan to reach in the evening and rest the next day.
Leave early. Starting around dawn helps you clear Delhi traffic, lets little ones sleep through the first stretch and gets you to your destination before afternoon fatigue sets in.
How do you keep kids safe in the car?
- Use a child car seat suited to your child's age, weight and height, installed correctly, every single trip.
- Keep child locks on and windows controlled from the front.
- Secure loose items; bags and bottles can become hazards when braking.
- Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even for a minute.
- Carry a first-aid kit with motion-sickness basics, plasters, a thermometer and any medicines your child takes.
- Drive in daylight on hill roads and avoid rushing bends.
What should you pack in the car for kids?
Within arm's reach
- Water bottles, simple snacks like fruit, makhana, crackers and sandwiches
- Wet wipes, tissues, a change of clothes and a few spare diapers if needed
- Sick bags, a small towel and a zip-lock bag for soiled clothes
- A light blanket and a neck pillow
Entertainment
- Downloaded songs, stories and a few favourite shows for the hardest stretch
- Sticker books, a magnetic drawing board, small toys rotated every hour
- Car games: spot the colour, count the trucks, I spy
Heading to the hills? Our hill station packing list covers layers and essentials for cooler weather.
How do you plan stops on a family road trip?
Stop roughly every 90 minutes to two hours, before anyone is cranky. Choose stops with clean washrooms and a bit of space to stretch. Use stops for nappy changes, snacks and a short walk, not long meals. Plan your main meal at the halfway point or after arrival, so the drive does not drag.
How do you handle motion sickness on hill roads?
Many children feel queasy on winding roads. A few habits help: a light meal before leaving, sitting where they can see out of the front window, fresh air, and avoiding screens on bends. Keep the drive steady and take breaks. If your child regularly gets very unwell, speak to a paediatrician before the trip.
How do you choose a stay for a road trip with kids?
On a road trip, where you sleep matters as much as where you drive. Look for a property with parking on site, a ground-floor or lift-accessible room, and a restaurant that serves simple food early in the evening. In the hills, check whether the final approach involves steep, narrow lanes or a walk with luggage. A quick call to the property to confirm these details is worth it on any road trip from Delhi with kids.
What should you check before leaving Delhi?
- Car service: tyres, spare tyre, brakes, coolant and wipers.
- Documents: licence, registration, insurance and pollution certificate in the car.
- Weather and road updates for your route, especially in monsoon and winter fog.
- Offline maps downloaded in case of patchy network.
- FASTag balance and some cash for small stops.
- Phone chargers and a power bank for every adult.
How do you make the road trip itself fun?
Involve the kids. Show them the route on a map, let them choose the playlist for a stretch, and give them a small "road trip bag" to open at the halfway point. Older children can keep a little travel journal of what they spot. As a mom, I have found that the drive feels shorter for everyone when the kids feel part of it rather than just passengers.
For more on how we approach travelling as a family, browse our family travel content and collaborations.