Travel plans to explore North India’s rich cultural and historical heritage are set for a major boost. The Noida International Airport (NIA), scheduled to be inaugurated on 30 October 2025, is expected to dramatically cut travel times to several iconic destinations.

Strategically located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, near the Yamuna Expressway, the airport will be a game-changer for both domestic and international tourists. Here are five must-visit places that will become easier to reach once NIA opens.

# Agra

Famous worldwide as the home of the Taj Mahal, Agra will soon be much more accessible via NIA. At present, visitors land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and endure a road journey of over four hours. With NIA located just 700 metres from the Yamuna Expressway, the travel time to this Mughal marvel will be reduced to under two hours.
Distance from NIA: 130 km

# Mathura

Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is a prominent pilgrimage site that draws devotees year-round to its temples, ghats, and divine ambience. Currently, the journey from IGI Airport takes around 3.5 hours (160 km). Once NIA is operational, travellers can reach Mathura in just about 90 minutes, ensuring a faster and smoother experience.
Distance from NIA: 91 km

# Vrindavan

Located near Mathura, Vrindavan holds deep spiritual significance as the land of Lord Krishna’s early life. With the new airport, reaching Vrindavan’s revered temples—like the Banke Bihari Temple and ISKCON Vrindavan—will become far easier. The current 3.5-hour journey from IGI Airport will shrink to under two hours, making day trips from NIA highly convenient.
Distance from NIA: 89 km

# Aligarh

Renowned for the Aligarh Muslim University, this city also boasts historical landmarks such as the Aligarh Fort and the Maulana Azad Library. Nature lovers can visit the Shekha Bird Sanctuary nearby. Presently, it takes around 3 hours (140 km) to reach Aligarh from IGI. From NIA, it will be within a two-hour drive, making it an ideal stop for cultural and academic travellers alike.
Distance from NIA: 70 km

# Kushinagar

A sacred destination for Buddhists, Kushinagar is believed to be where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. The city’s peaceful monasteries, the Mahaparinirvana Temple, and the Ramabhar Stupa attract visitors seeking spiritual solace. At present, most travellers access Kushinagar via Lucknow or Gorakhpur airports, which are about five hours and one hour away, respectively. With NIA, this globally revered site will become more accessible to both domestic and international pilgrims.
Distance from NIA: 839 km