Jaipur, often called the “Pink City” for its distinctive colored buildings, is a vibrant historical city in Rajasthan, known for its grand forts, palaces, and bustling markets. If you’re planning a trip from the sacred city of Haridwar to Jaipur, you have several travel options to choose from, each offering a unique experience.
Distance Between Haridwar and Jaipur
The distance between Haridwar and Jaipur is significant, making it an overnight journey by road or train:
- By Road: Approximately 450-520 kilometers.
- By Train: Around 535-575 kilometers.
- By Air (via Dehradun Airport): The aerial distance between Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun, near Haridwar) and Jaipur Airport is about 410 kilometers.
How to Reach Jaipur from Haridwar
Here’s a detailed look at your travel options:
1. By Train (Recommended for Comfort and Value)
Train travel is a popular and comfortable way to cover the distance between Haridwar and Jaipur, especially for overnight journeys.
- Journey Time: Direct trains typically take around 10 hours 50 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes.
- Train Stations:
- From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is your departure point.
- To Jaipur: Jaipur Junction (JP) is the main arrival station.
- Frequency: There are a few direct trains connecting these cities, including popular options like the Yoga Express (19032), Uttaranchal Express (19566), and Udaipur Express (19610). Some trains run daily, while others operate on specific days of the week.
- 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) or AC 3 Tier Economy (3E).
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range from approximately ₹320-₹340 (Sleeper Class) to ₹870-₹920 (AC 3-tier) and ₹1230-₹1305 (AC 2-tier).
- Pros: Comfortable, especially for overnight travel where you can sleep. It’s generally economical and avoids road traffic.
- Cons: Tickets, especially in higher classes, can get booked quickly, so plan and book well in advance.
- Tips: Book your tickets online through the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or other reputable travel platforms like MakeMyTrip, RedRail, or ConfirmTkt. Check the latest schedules as train timings can change.
2. By Bus (Economical and Flexible)
Bus services are a very common and budget-friendly option for traveling from Haridwar to Jaipur, with many operators offering different types of buses.
- Journey Time: Bus journeys usually take around 9 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the bus type, number of stops, and road conditions.
- Operators: You’ll find a mix of government and private operators, including RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation), Mahalaxmi Travels, Laxmi Holidays, Shri Krishna Travels, and Zingbus.
- Types of Buses: Options range from ordinary non-AC buses to comfortable AC Seater/Sleeper, Semi-Sleeper, and luxurious Volvo/Bharat Benz multi-axle buses.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are quite affordable, starting from around ₹500-₹700 for non-AC/basic AC buses and going up to ₹1000-₹1500 or more for premium AC/Volvo buses.
- Pros: Very economical, with frequent departures throughout the day and night. Wide range of choices to fit various budgets and comfort preferences.
- Cons: Journeys can be long and sometimes tiring, especially in non-AC buses during warmer months. Comfort levels can vary significantly between operators.
- Tips: For a more comfortable journey, especially overnight, consider booking an AC sleeper or Volvo bus. Check reviews of bus operators before booking. You can book tickets online via platforms like MakeMyTrip, RedBus, EaseMyTrip, or Paytm. Pay attention to boarding points in Haridwar, which might include Pantdeep Parking, Har Ki Pauri area, or near the main bus stand.
3. By Road (Flexible, but a Long Drive)
Driving from Haridwar to Jaipur offers the most flexibility, allowing you to stop whenever and wherever you like. However, it’s a relatively long drive.
- Distance: Approximately 450-520 kilometers.
- Journey Time: A direct drive typically takes around 8-10 hours, not including breaks.
- Routes: The most common route involves taking NH334, connecting to NH44 (Delhi-Jaipur Highway), and then continuing towards Jaipur. The roads are generally in good condition, especially the national highways.
- Self-Drive:
- Pros: Complete freedom to set your own pace and explore.
- Cons: Can be tiring for the driver. Involves fuel costs and tolls.
- Hiring a Taxi/Cab:
- Pros: Convenient door-to-door service. You can relax and enjoy the journey without driving stress. Ideal for families or groups.
- Cons: The most expensive land travel option.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹5,500 to ₹9,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type (sedan, SUV) and service.
- Pros: Flexibility and privacy. You can plan your stops, and the journey offers diverse scenery.
- Cons: Long driving duration. Subject to traffic, especially around Delhi NCR. Fuel and toll charges add to the cost.
- Tips: Start early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic, especially if passing through Delhi. Ensure your vehicle is serviced and well-maintained. If hiring a taxi, confirm the total fare including tolls and taxes beforehand.
4. By Air (Fastest, but Involves Transfers)
While there are no direct flights from Haridwar itself, you can fly from the nearest airport in Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) to Jaipur. This is the fastest way to travel but involves ground transfers at both ends.
- Flight Time: Direct flights from Dehradun (DED) to Jaipur (JAI) take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Airport Transfers:
- Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (DED): About 37-41 km, taking 1 to 1.5 hours by taxi.
- Jaipur Airport (JAI) to Jaipur City: A short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride of about 10-15 km to the city center.
- Total Journey Time (approx.): Including transfers and airport formalities, the total travel time would be around 4-6 hours.
- Airlines: IndiGo is a major airline operating direct flights on this route.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares typically start from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 for a one-way ticket, but can go higher depending on booking time and demand.
- Pros: Significantly faster travel time compared to road or rail.
- Cons: Most expensive option. Requires transfers to and from airports, which adds to the overall cost and time.
- Tips: Book flights well in advance for better fares. Consider the cost and time of airport transfers when comparing options.
For most travelers, trains or buses offer a good balance of cost and convenience for the Haridwar to Jaipur route. If speed is your top priority and budget allows, flying is an option, provided you factor in the airport transfers.