Jabalpur, a major city in Madhya Pradesh known for its natural beauty and marble rocks, is a considerable distance from the sacred city of Haridwar. Making this journey requires careful planning, with flights being the fastest option and trains offering a more traditional and often budget-friendly choice.
Distance Between Haridwar and Jabalpur
The approximate distance between Haridwar and Jabalpur varies depending on how you travel:
- By Air (via Dehradun Airport): The aerial distance between Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun, the closest to Haridwar) and Dumna Airport (Jabalpur) is about 774 kilometers.
- By Train: Approximately 1,050-1,070 kilometers.
- By Road: Around 960-1,065 kilometers.
How to Reach Jabalpur from Haridwar
Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:
1. By Air (Fastest Option, with a layover)
While there are no direct flights, connecting flights significantly reduce travel time compared to other modes.
- Steps:
- Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): Start your journey by taking a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This road trip is about 37-41 km and usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from ₹1,250 to ₹2,800.
- Dehradun (DED) to Jabalpur (Dumna Airport – JLR): From Dehradun, you can catch a connecting flight to Jabalpur, usually with a layover in New Delhi.
- Flight Duration: Connecting flights typically take between 4 hours 50 minutes and 15 hours or more, depending on the layover duration.
- Airlines: IndiGo and Alliance Air are major airlines operating flights on this route with connections.
- Ticket Price Estimates: One-way flight fares can vary significantly based on how far in advance you book and the layover time. As of July 2025, one-way connecting flights can start from around ₹4,800 to ₹7,000, but prices can go higher during peak travel times or for last-minute bookings.
- Jabalpur Airport (JLR) to Jabalpur City: Dumna Airport is located about 20-25 km east of Jabalpur city center. You can easily find taxis or app-based cabs (like Ola/Uber) to reach your final destination. Travel time can be 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including road travel to Dehradun airport, flight time with a layover, and transfer within Jabalpur, can be completed in approximately 7 to 18 hours depending on the connection.
- Pros: Significantly faster than train or road travel.
- Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Involves transfers and potential waiting times at airports.
- Tips: Book your flights well in advance for better prices. Check the layover times to choose a convenient option.
2. By Train (Popular and Economical Option)
Train travel is a widely chosen and often more economical way to cover long distances in India, offering a chance to experience the journey comfortably.
- Journey Time: This is a long train journey. The only direct train from Haridwar to Jabalpur, the Haridwar Jn Jabalpur Special (01702) or similar special/holiday trains (like JBP SUMMER SPL 02192), typically takes between 19 hours and 21 hours 40 minutes.
- Train Stations:
- From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main station.
- To Jabalpur: Jabalpur Junction (JBP) is the main railway station.
- Frequency: Direct train services might be limited (e.g., weekly or special trains). It’s crucial to check the latest schedule. You might also find options with a changeover in a major city like New Delhi or Agra if direct trains are not convenient.
- Types of Trains: You can choose from various classes, including Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and sometimes AC First Class (1A).
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can vary based on the class: from approximately ₹500-₹700 (Sleeper Class) to ₹1,400-₹3,500 (AC classes) or more.
- Pros: Generally more economical than flying. Allows for comfortable overnight travel. You can see diverse landscapes during the journey.
- Cons: Long journey duration. Direct trains might be less frequent. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular classes.
- Tips: Always check the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or reliable travel platforms (like MakeMyTrip, ixigo) for the most current train schedules, availability, and fare options. Book as early as possible.
3. By Road (Long and Challenging Drive)
Driving from Haridwar to Jabalpur is a very long journey and is generally not recommended as the primary mode of travel unless you are planning a multi-day road trip with multiple drivers.
- Distance: Approximately 960-1,065 kilometers.
- Journey Time: A continuous drive would take at least 16-20 hours, not including significant stops for food, rest, and sleep. This trip would realistically require at least one overnight stop.
- Routes: The common route involves driving south from Haridwar, connecting to major national highways towards New Delhi, then heading south through states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to Jabalpur. Using GPS navigation with real-time traffic updates is essential.
- Self-Drive:
- Pros: Ultimate flexibility to stop anywhere and anytime. Can be cost-effective for a group if vehicle running costs are shared.
- Cons: Extremely long and tiring drive. Requires multiple drivers. High fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Risk of fatigue.
- Hiring a Taxi/Cab:
- Pros: Convenient as you don’t have to drive. Door-to-door service.
- Cons: Very expensive due to the long distance and the need for the driver to return or be compensated for the return journey. Can be very tiring even as a passenger.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost upwards of ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type, service provider, and whether the fare includes driver’s allowance, tolls, etc.
- Tips: If choosing this option, plan your stops carefully, ensure you have multiple drivers, and factor in sufficient rest periods. Check road conditions and safety advisories for all states you will pass through.
4. By Bus (Least Recommended for Direct Journey)
Due to the significant distance, a direct bus service from Haridwar to Jabalpur is not a common or comfortable option. You would likely need to take multiple buses with long layovers.
- Journey Time: If available, a direct bus could take 24-30 hours or even more. More commonly, you would need to take multiple buses, perhaps via cities like New Delhi or Agra, making the journey fragmented and highly inconvenient.
- Operators & Types: Limited private operators might offer connecting services. Comfort levels would vary greatly.
- Pros: Potentially the most economical option if you piece together very cheap bus segments.
- Cons: Extremely long travel time. Very uncomfortable for such a long distance. Frequent stops and potential for significant delays. Not ideal for travelers with much luggage.
- Tips: This mode is generally not recommended for such a long journey due to the discomfort and time involved. Consider it only if other options are not feasible and you are prepared for a very long and challenging journey.
In summary, for a journey from Haridwar to Jabalpur, train travel offers a good balance of cost and comfort, while flying (with a layover) is the fastest option if time is your main priority.