How do I combine Dhuhr and Asr when traveling?

The basis

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ "used to offer the Zuhr and 'Asr prayers together on journeys" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1107). Anas described how he did it: if he set off before noon, he delayed Dhuhr to Asr's time and prayed them together when he stopped; if the sun had already passed its peak before he left, he prayed Dhuhr and then rode on (Sahih Muslim 704; see also Sahih al-Bukhari 1111). So you pick whichever timing fits your trip.

Two ways to combine

• Early combining (jam' taqdim): in Dhuhr's time, pray Dhuhr, then Asr straight after. Good when you're about to leave and will be on the road all afternoon.
• Late combining (jam' ta'khir): let Dhuhr's time pass, then in Asr's time pray Dhuhr first, then Asr. Good when you're on the road at midday and will stop in the afternoon.

Step by step

1. Intend to combine. For early combining, have the intention before you finish Dhuhr. For late combining, decide during Dhuhr's time that you'll delay it.
2. Pray Dhuhr first, 2 rakat if shortening, 4 if not. Keep the order: Dhuhr, then Asr.
3. Go straight to Asr. A short gap for the iqama is fine; don't stop for a meal or long chat in between. Skip the regular sunnah prayers between them.
4. Pray Asr, again 2 rakat if shortening.

The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools set out these conditions most clearly. Maliki scholars allow combining mainly when you're actively on the move. Once you've reached your destination and settled, check whether you're still a traveler. See Can I study abroad as a Muslim?

The Hanafi approach

The Hanafi school allows real combining only at Arafah and Muzdalifah during Hajj. On other trips, Hanafis can still make life easier with "formal combining": pray Dhuhr near the end of its time, then Asr as soon as its time begins. Each prayer is in its own time, but they're back to back. The same idea is explained in Can I combine prayers because of my class schedule?

Combining is about timing; shortening is about the number of rakat. You can do one, both, or neither. On a plane, the same rules help you avoid praying in a cramped seat. See Can I pray on a plane?