Delhi is the undisputed inter-state bus hub of North India. The national capital is served by its own bus corporation — DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) — plus six major government bus operators from neighbouring states, all operating from three ISBTs. Whether you're travelling to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, or J&K, a government bus departs from Delhi daily.
- February 2026: DTC launched its first interstate electric bus route on Delhi–Panipat (87 km, ₹129 fare), flagged off at Ramlila Maidan.
- February 2026: Sarai Kale Khan RRTS station opened, seamlessly linking Namo Bharat rail passengers to the Sarai Kale Khan ISBT.
- June 2025: 400 DEVi (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) mini electric buses were launched for robust first and last-mile connectivity.
- October 2025: HRTC Him Bus Card (RFID) launched — now mandatory for Himachal resident women to claim a 50% fare concession.
DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation)
Founded on 1 May 1948, DTC operates 4,359 buses (3,109 CNG and 1,250 electric), standing as the world's largest CNG operator and the largest electric bus operator in India. DTC handles city routes and specific NCR extensions like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.
Launched in June 2025, DEVi buses provide essential last-mile connectivity to areas not served by main trunk routes. These 23-seater electric buses operate on 12 km routes, charging ₹10 to ₹25. Women travel free on these routes with a pink ticket.
DTC Interstate Electric Expansion: After focusing on city transit for years, DTC reintroduced interstate routes utilizing electric buses in July 2025 to Agra, Jaipur, and Dehradun. In February 2026, the Delhi-Panipat electric route was officially launched.
HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation)
HRTC is the sole operator providing direct government buses to all major Himachal Pradesh destinations (Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala). All HRTC buses depart exclusively from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Passengers can choose from Ordinary, Himmani Deluxe, or the highly popular Himsuta Volvo AC buses.
Peak season advisory: Volvo buses on Delhi–Manali and Delhi–Shimla routes sell out 7–10 days in advance during the summer rush (May–Sept). Book online at hrtchp.com.
Punjab & Haryana Connections
Both operators run regular services from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Punjab destinations like Patiala, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. Both offer premium Volvo/HVAC AC options alongside ordinary fleets.
Operating the highest frequency of inter-state buses out of Delhi. They boast a dedicated depot within ISBT Kashmiri Gate. The Saarthi Volvo service on the Chandigarh–Delhi–Gurugram route even connects to the IGI Airport.
RSRTC (Rajasthan)
RSRTC operates heavily out of ISBT Kashmiri Gate (permanently relocated from Bikaner House in 2018). With 33 buses daily on the Delhi–Jaipur route alone, RSRTC remains the backbone of Rajasthan connectivity from the capital. Boarding points also include Sarai Kale Khan, Dhaula Kuan, and IFFCO Chowk.
Fares & Women's Concessions
Women travel entirely free on all DTC and DIMTS cluster buses (including DEVi routes) within Delhi NCR borders using a pink ticket issued by the conductor. Interstate operators follow their own respective state domicile concession rules (e.g., Punjab residents travel free on PRTC/PUNBUS ordinary buses).