The road journey between Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, and Kanpur, the state’s industrial hub, is one of the most significant and frequently travelled corridors in the region. Used daily by commuters, business travellers, and students, knowing the driving distance and time from Lucknow to Kanpur is crucial for efficient travel planning. This comprehensive 2026 guide provides updated information on the best route, travel duration, road conditions, and other essential details for a smooth drive.
Lucknow to Kanpur Drive: Quick Facts
The driving distance between Lucknow and Kanpur is approximately 95 kilometres. Thanks to the well-maintained highway connecting the two cities, the journey is relatively short. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive can be completed in about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it an easy and convenient trip.
The Best Route: National Highway 27 (NH27)
The journey from Lucknow to Kanpur is straightforward, with one primary route that is almost exclusively used by travellers. This route is via National Highway 27 (NH27).
Route Description:
- Starting from Lucknow: The journey begins by heading out of Lucknow towards the Lucknow-Kanpur Road. You will pass through the Amausi area, near the airport.
- Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway (Part of NH27): A significant portion of this route is a modern, six-lane expressway. This ensures a fast, uninterrupted drive for most of the journey.
- Passing Unnao: The city of Unnao is the major town situated midway between Lucknow and Kanpur. The highway bypasses the main city, saving you from local traffic.
- Entering Kanpur: The highway leads you to the outskirts of Kanpur, near the Jajmau area, from where you can connect to the city’s main arterial roads to reach your destination.
Key Highlights of the Lucknow-Kanpur Highway:
- Excellent Road Infrastructure: The highway is a well-paved, six-lane road for most of its length, allowing for consistent speeds and a comfortable ride.
- Clear Signage: The route is well-marked with signboards in both Hindi and English, making navigation easy.
- Safety: Being a major highway, it has regular patrols and is considered safe for travel, even during the early morning or late evening hours.
Analysing the Driving Time from Lucknow to Kanpur
While a 2-hour drive is often possible, certain factors can influence your total travel time.
Factors Affecting Your Journey Duration:
- City Traffic (Lucknow and Kanpur): The most significant variable is the time it takes to navigate the city traffic at both ends. Exiting Lucknow, especially from the city centre, can take 30-45 minutes during peak hours. Similarly, entering Kanpur and reaching your specific location can also be time-consuming due to the city’s dense traffic.
- Time of Day: The stretch of highway near Unnao and the entry/exit points of both cities can see heavy traffic during peak business hours (9 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM).
- Heavy Vehicle Movement: As Kanpur is a major industrial city, the highway sees a lot of truck and commercial vehicle movement, which can sometimes slow down traffic.
- Weather Conditions: During winter, heavy fog in the mornings can reduce visibility and significantly slow down traffic. It’s advisable to delay your start on foggy days.
Estimated Time Breakdown:
| Segment | Estimated Time |
| Exiting Lucknow City Limits | 30 – 45 minutes |
| Highway Drive (Lucknow Outskirts to Kanpur Outskirts) | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Entering Kanpur to Destination | 30 – 45 minutes |
| Total Estimated Time | 2 – 2.75 hours |
Knowing the local holiday schedule can also be beneficial for planning your trip. You can refer to the list of bank holidays in Uttar Pradesh to avoid travelling on days with potential festive rushes.
Toll Charges on the Lucknow-Kanpur Highway
The Lucknow-Kanpur highway (NH27) is a toll road. There is one main toll plaza located between the two cities. As of early 2026, the one-way toll for a private car is approximately ₹100 – ₹110. FASTag is the mandatory mode of payment and ensures you can pass through the toll booth without any delay. Ensure your FASTag is active and has sufficient balance.
Places to Stop for Food and Refreshments
Given the short duration of the journey, most people travel non-stop. However, if you need a break, there are several options available along the highway, especially near Unnao.
Popular Pit Stops:
- Dhabas and Restaurants near Unnao: You will find numerous dhabas and local restaurants on either side of the highway. These offer everything from tea and snacks to full meals.
- Hotel Royal Cliff, Kanpur: Located just as you enter Kanpur, it’s a good option for a more comfortable and upscale dining experience.
- Street Food in Kanpur: Once you reach Kanpur, don’t miss out on its famous street food, including the ‘Thaggu ke Laddu’.
The Upcoming Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
It’s important to note that a new, elevated expressway is under construction between Lucknow and Kanpur. Once completed (expected in the coming years), this new expressway will run parallel to the existing highway and is projected to reduce the travel time to under one hour. This will be a game-changer for connectivity between the two cities. Keep an eye on news updates regarding its inauguration closer to your travel date in 2026.
Tips for a Smooth Drive
- Best Time to Travel: The best time to start is either early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) or in the late morning (after 11 AM) to avoid the peak office-hour rush at both ends.
- Fuel Check: It’s a short drive, but starting with a reasonable amount of fuel is always a good idea. There are plenty of petrol pumps along the way.
- Be Cautious of Fog: If travelling between December and February, be extremely cautious of morning fog. Drive slowly, use fog lamps, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Navigation: Use a GPS app like Google Maps for real-time traffic updates, which can be very helpful in navigating the city sections of the journey.
For those looking for travel ideas within Uttar Pradesh, exploring other historical forts in Uttar Pradesh can be a rewarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kanpur from Lucknow by road?
The road distance from Lucknow to Kanpur is approximately 95 kilometres via National Highway 27 (NH27). It is one of the shortest and busiest inter-city routes in Uttar Pradesh.
How long does it take to drive from Lucknow to Kanpur?
The drive typically takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. The actual time depends heavily on the traffic conditions within the city limits of both Lucknow and Kanpur, which can add significant time during peak hours.
What is the toll tax between Lucknow and Kanpur?
As of early 2026, the one-way toll tax for a private car is approximately ₹100 to ₹110. The toll is collected at a plaza located on the highway between the two cities, and payment is made via FASTag.
What is the condition of the Lucknow-Kanpur highway?
The condition of the Lucknow-Kanpur highway (NH27) is excellent. It is a well-maintained, six-lane road for the most part, which allows for a fast, safe, and comfortable journey.
Is the new Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway open?
The new elevated Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is currently under construction. While parts of it may be operational by 2026, it is advisable to check the latest status before your trip. Once fully open, it is expected to reduce travel time significantly.