How to Reach Nainital from Haridwar

Nainital, often called the “Lake District of India,” is a charming hill station in Uttarakhand, famous for its beautiful Naini Lake, lush green hills, and pleasant weather. If you’re planning a trip from Haridwar to Nainital, the journey is scenic and offers a transition from the spiritual plains to the serene mountains.

Distance Between Haridwar and Nainital

The distance between Haridwar and Nainital is:

• By Road: Approximately 230-250 kilometers.

How to Reach Nainital from Haridwar

While there are no direct train or flight connections to Nainital from Haridwar, the journey is well-covered by road, with a popular option involving a train ride to a nearby railhead followed by a short drive.

1. By Road (Direct)

Traveling directly by road is a popular option, especially for those who prefer continuous travel. The journey involves a mix of highways and winding mountain roads as you get closer to Nainital.

• Journey Time: The drive typically takes between 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.

a. By Bus (Economical and Convenient)

Buses are a common and affordable way to reach Nainital from Haridwar. You can find both government-run and private bus services.

• Where to Find Them: Buses usually depart from the main Haridwar ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal).
• Operators: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and various private operators (e.g., Vijay Tour And Travels, Amika Travels, City Land Travels, Shree Mahaveer Travels Jaipur, Mahalaxmi Travels) offer services.
• Types of Buses: Options range from ordinary non-AC buses to more comfortable AC Seater/Sleeper and Volvo coaches.
• Journey Time: Bus journeys generally take 6 to 9 hours.
• Ticket Price Estimates: Fares vary based on the bus type, starting from around ₹650 for ordinary buses and going up to ₹1,500-₹2,000 for AC Volvo/luxury coaches.
• Pros: Direct connectivity, economical. Overnight buses are often available, allowing you to travel while you sleep.
• Cons: Can be tiring due to the long journey. Mountain roads might cause motion sickness for some passengers.
• Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Opt for AC or Volvo buses for a more comfortable ride. Carry water and snacks.

b. By Private Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Flexible)

Hiring a private taxi offers the most comfort, privacy, and direct travel, especially if you have luggage or prefer a more relaxed journey.

• Where to Find Them: You can find pre-paid taxi counters at Haridwar Railway Station or numerous private taxi operators and stands across Haridwar town.
• Pros: Door-to-door service, comfortable, and flexible. You can ask the driver to drop you directly at your hotel in Nainital. You can also make stops for refreshments or sightseeing along the way.
• Cons: The most expensive land travel option.
• Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹3,500 to ₹6,000, depending on the car type (sedan, SUV) and the taxi service. This usually includes fuel, driver’s allowance, and tolls.
• Tips: Negotiate the fare clearly beforehand, confirming what’s included (tolls, night charges, etc.). For a long journey, consider booking a comfortable SUV.

c. Self-Drive (Adventurous, Requires Experience)

If you enjoy long drives and are confident navigating mountain roads, self-driving can be an exciting option.

• Pros: Complete freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Cons: A very long drive (6-8+ hours), which can be tiring. The hilly terrain, especially closer to Nainital, requires experienced driving. Parking in Nainital can be challenging, particularly during peak tourist season.
• Tips: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained. Carry all necessary documents, a spare tire, and a basic toolkit. Start early in the day to avoid night driving in the hills. Use reliable navigation apps.

2. By Train + Road (Popular and Often Preferred)

This is a very popular and often preferred option as it breaks down the long journey, allowing you to cover a significant distance by train and then a shorter, scenic drive.

• Nearest Railway Station to Nainital: Kathgodam (KGM) is the closest major railway station to Nainital, approximately 34-40 kilometers away. Haldwani (HDW) is also very close to Kathgodam.

Step 1: Haridwar to Kathgodam by Train

• Trains Available: There are direct trains from Haridwar Junction (HW) to Kathgodam (KGM).
  • DDN KGM Express (14120): Runs daily, takes about 6 hours 11 minutes.
  • Janshatabdi Express (12091): Runs on specific days, takes about 6 hours 8 minutes, generally faster.
• Journey Time: Approximately 6 to 6.5 hours by train.
• Ticket Price Estimates: Fares vary by class (Sleeper, AC Chair Car, AC 3 Tier, etc.), typically ranging from ₹160 to ₹720.
• Pros: Train travel is generally more comfortable and less tiring than a long bus ride. It’s also budget-friendly.
• Cons: Limited train frequency compared to buses.

Step 2: Kathgodam to Nainital by Road

Once you reach Kathgodam, Nainital is just a short drive away.

• Options:
  • Shared Taxi/Jeep: Easily available outside Kathgodam Railway Station. They wait for passengers to fill up. This is a very economical and quick way to reach Nainital.
    • Time: Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours.
    • Cost: Around ₹150-₹300 per person.
  • Private Taxi/Cab: Readily available at the station.
    • Time: Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours.
    • Cost: Around ₹1,000-₹2,000 for a private taxi (depending on car type and negotiation).
  • Local Bus: Buses also operate from Kathgodam to Nainital, slightly slower than taxis.
    • Time: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours.
    • Cost: Very cheap, usually around ₹50-₹100 per person.
• Pros: Frequent availability, scenic drive up the hills.
• Cons: Shared options might require waiting.

3. By Air (Generally Not Recommended for this Route)

The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is about 70 kilometers away. However, direct flights from Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), the closest airport to Haridwar, to Pantnagar are infrequent and often involve layovers, making them impractical for this route.

• Overview: While there might be connecting flights, the total travel time (Haridwar to Dehradun Airport, flight, then Pantnagar to Nainital) and cost usually outweigh the benefits compared to road or train+road options. Flight cancellations due to weather in the hills are also possible.

For a balance of comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, the train journey to Kathgodam followed by a taxi or bus to Nainital is highly recommended. If you prefer a direct journey by road, an overnight AC Volvo bus is a good option.