Delhi intercity bus bookings projected to rise 28 per cent between 1 May and 2 June 2026, led by pilgrimage demand and summer travel patterns
Intercity bus travel from Delhi is witnessing strong growth ahead of the pilgrimage travel window, with young travellers accounting for 60 per cent of total seat share, according to data from Redbus.
The platform expects bus bookings from Delhi to increase by 28 per cent between 1 May and 2 June 2026, compared with the same period last year. The period coincides with Ganga Dussehra, Nirjala Ekadashi and the peak summer travel season, which together are driving short-duration travel demand across key pilgrimage routes.
The data indicates that pilgrimage-led travel continues to shape intercity mobility patterns from the capital, with strong spikes recorded around specific religious observances in previous years. In 2025, bookings on routes to Varanasi around Ganga Dussehra were about 40 per cent higher than average, while travel to Khatushyamji during Nirjala Ekadashi was nearly two times higher than typical summer booking levels.
This year, Khatushyamji has emerged as a key destination, reflecting sustained demand during Nirjala Ekadashi and reinforcing its role as a major pilgrimage hub influencing travel flows from north India.
Key routes seeing strong demand include Delhi-Rishikesh, Delhi-Haridwar, Delhi-Varanasi, Delhi-Khatushyamji and Delhi-Katra in Jammu and Kashmir.
Major boarding points across Delhi include ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham Metro Station, Mori Gate, Anand Vihar and Karol Bagh, indicating continued reliance on established intercity transport hubs during peak travel periods.
In terms of travel preference, seater buses account for 54 per cent of bookings, while sleeper services account for 46 per cent, reflecting balanced demand across day and overnight journeys.
The demographic split shows that travellers in the 18–30 age group account for 60 per cent of total seat share. Male travellers make up 72 per cent of bookings, of which 60 per cent fall in the 18–30 age category. Female travellers account for 28 per cent of bookings, with 60 per cent also in the younger age group.
The data underscores the growing importance of pilgrimage-led travel in shaping seasonal demand patterns from Delhi, supported by advance bookings and increasing preference for organised bus travel. Redbus said it continues to strengthen connectivity across key pilgrimage corridors to support rising demand during high-traffic religious travel periods.
