Delhi now has its first leisure cruise on the Yamuna. The Namo Yamuna River Safari was launched on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, giving tourists and families a new way to see the city from the river. Here is everything you need to know before you go: ticket price, timings, route, booking and what to expect on board.
Yamuna cruise at a glance
| Name | Namo Yamuna River Safari |
| Launched | 10 November 2026 |
| Route | Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur, upstream of Wazirabad barrage |
| Distance | About 5 to 6 km |
| Ride time | About 35 to 40 minutes |
| Ticket price | ₹500 per person |
| Entry fee (without ride) | ₹50 for the ghat area |
| Boat | Electric, air-conditioned, up to 30 passengers |
| Booking | Online through the Delhi Tourism website |
Who launched the Yamuna cruise?
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launches the Recreational Yamuna River Cruise Service with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
— IANS (@ians_india) November 2026
The service was launched by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, according to Outlook Traveller. Business Upturn reported that Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu was also present. The project was developed with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Delhi Development Authority and Delhi Tourism. IWAI and the Delhi government signed an agreement for it in March 2025, and trial runs took place in October 2026.
Route: Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur
The boat runs between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur in north-east and north Delhi, on a stretch of the Yamuna above the Wazirabad barrage. This part of the river is calmer and cleaner than the stretch that flows through central Delhi, which is why it was chosen for the first leisure service. Boarding is at the Sonia Vihar jetty.
Yamuna cruise timings
Reports differ on the timings. Outlook Traveller says the service is expected to run daily from 9 am to 9 pm, while Business Upturn, citing local reports, says 9 am to 7 pm. Operators are required to run at least four trips a day. Timings may change with river levels, weather and safety conditions, and the service may pause during extreme heat or floods. Check the latest slots on the Delhi Tourism website before you travel.
Ticket price and how to book
- Boat ride: ₹500 per person.
- Ghat entry only: ₹50, if you want to visit the riverside area without taking the ride.
- Booking: online through the official Delhi Tourism website. Book early for weekends and holidays, since each trip takes only 30 people.
Use only the official website to book. Be careful with social media pages or WhatsApp messages selling cruise tickets.
What is the boat like?
The cruise uses an electric, air-conditioned boat with two decks, according to Outlook Traveller:
- a lower air-conditioned cabin with cushioned seats and round windows
- an open upper deck with a canopy, for views of the river
- life jackets for all passengers and a public announcement system
- bio-toilets on board with zero discharge into the river
Facilities at the Sonia Vihar ghat
The riverside area near the jetty has food outlets, shops, a children’s play zone and gaming facilities. Skating, rock climbing, a musical fountain and an evening light and sound show based on the Kaliya Daman story are planned, as reported by Outlook Traveller.
Is the Yamuna cruise worth it?
For ₹500, you get a short, comfortable ride and a rare chance to see Delhi from the river, which is especially nice for families and visitors. Go in the morning or close to sunset for the best light. One thing to keep in mind is air quality: early November has seen very poor AQI in Delhi after Diwali, so check our Delhi AQI update and consider a mask if pollution is high.
What’s next?
Officials plan to add more trips and boats and to extend timings based on demand. The Delhi government also plans recreational facilities along a 5 to 7 km stretch of the riverfront. If the first service does well, it could become one of Delhi’s top weekend outings.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Yamuna cruise ticket?
₹500 per person for the boat ride.
How long is the ride?
About 35 to 40 minutes.
Where does it start?
At the Sonia Vihar jetty.
Questions to think about
- Can river tourism help push for a cleaner Yamuna?
- Is ₹500 the right price for a 40-minute ride, or should there be family or student rates?
- Would you like the service extended to other stretches of the river, such as near the Red Fort?
