How to Reach Gurgaon To Ranikhet

Given the distance and the nature of the terrain, a combination of road and rail, or a direct road trip, are the most common and practical ways to travel from Gurgaon to Ranikhet.

1. By Road: The Most Flexible Option

Driving or hiring a taxi offers the most flexibility and convenience for this route, allowing you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the changing landscapes.

a. Private Taxi or Car Rental

Hiring a private taxi is the most comfortable and hassle-free option. You can book a cab from various online aggregators or local taxi services in Gurgaon.

Journey Details: The route typically involves driving from Gurgaon towards Delhi, then taking NH9 (formerly NH24) towards Moradabad, Rampur, and then ascending into the Kumaon hills via Haldwani/Kathgodam and Bhimtal/Nainital, finally reaching Ranikhet. The initial part of the journey through the NCR and Uttar Pradesh plains will be on highways. As you enter Uttarakhand, especially after Haldwani, the roads become winding and scenic. The entire journey takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops.

Benefits: This option provides maximum comfort, privacy, and flexibility. You can depart at your preferred time, stop for meals, refreshments, or photo breaks at picturesque spots. It’s highly recommended for families, groups, or those with significant luggage.

Cost: Taxi fares for this long journey can vary significantly based on the type of vehicle (sedan, SUV), the taxi service, and the season. You can expect fares to range from approximately ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 or more for a one-way trip. Always confirm the total fare, including any potential toll charges and driver allowances, before starting your journey.

b. Bus Services (Connecting)

While direct long-distance buses from Gurgaon to Ranikhet are less common, you can find bus services to major Uttarakhand gateways like Haldwani or Kathgodam, and then take a connecting local transport.

Journey Details:

Gurgaon to Delhi: First, you’ll need to travel from Gurgaon to Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) or Kashmere Gate ISBT, which are major departure points for buses heading to Uttarakhand. You can use local city buses, metro, or taxis for this segment.
Delhi to Haldwani/Kathgodam: From Anand Vihar or Kashmere Gate, you can find numerous overnight or day buses (both government-run Uttarakhand Roadways and private operators) to Haldwani or Kathgodam. This journey typically takes around 6-8 hours.
Haldwani/Kathgodam to Ranikhet: Once you reach Haldwani or Kathgodam (which is the last railway station and a major bus hub), you will find frequent local buses and shared taxis (Sumos, Boleros) that can take you directly to Ranikhet. This final leg is approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Benefits: This is a more economical option, especially for solo travelers.

Considerations: This involves multiple transfers and can be more time-consuming and less comfortable than a private taxi. Bus schedules can vary, and shared transport may involve waiting for the vehicle to fill up. An early start from Gurgaon is essential to complete the journey comfortably within daylight hours.

2. By Train: A Convenient Combination

While Ranikhet does not have its own railway station, you can take a train from Gurgaon or nearby Delhi to Kathgodam, which is the closest railhead to Ranikhet.

Nearest Railway Station to Ranikhet: Kathgodam (KGM), approximately 75-80 kilometers from Ranikhet.

How to Travel by Train:

Gurgaon to Kathgodam: There is one direct daily train, the Ranikhet Express (15013), that originates from Gurgaon and goes to Kathgodam. It’s an overnight journey taking about 9 hours. Alternatively, you can travel from Gurgaon to New Delhi (NDLS) or Old Delhi (DLI) or Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT) and then catch other trains like the Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040) or Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express (15035) to Kathgodam. These trains from Delhi take 5.5 to 7 hours.
Kathgodam to Ranikhet: Upon reaching Kathgodam railway station, you can easily hire a private taxi or find a shared taxi/bus to Ranikhet. This final road journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours through the scenic hills.

Benefits: Train travel can be comfortable and is a good option for avoiding long hours of driving. Overnight trains allow you to save on accommodation for one night.

Considerations: Booking train tickets, especially during peak season, should be done well in advance. From Kathgodam, you still need to cover the remaining distance by road.

3. By Air: An Indirect and Less Practical Option

Neither Gurgaon nor Ranikhet has its own airport. Using air travel for this route is generally not recommended due to the indirect connections and significant road travel involved.

Nearest Airport to Ranikhet: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-120 kilometers from Ranikhet. This is a small domestic airport with limited flight connectivity.

How to Travel by Air:

You would first need to travel from Gurgaon to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi.
From Delhi, you might find a direct flight to Pantnagar. IndiGo operates daily flights from Delhi to Pantnagar, taking about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Upon arrival at Pantnagar Airport, you would then need to hire a private taxi to Ranikhet, which is a scenic road journey of about 3 to 4 hours.

Benefits: The flight duration itself is short.

Considerations: This is generally the most expensive option when factoring in travel to/from airports and taxi fares from Pantnagar. The total travel time, including transfers and waiting times, often does not significantly save time compared to a direct road trip or train-plus-taxi option.

Important Tips for Your Journey

Road Conditions: The journey from the plains to the hills involves different road conditions. Highways are generally good, but mountain roads are winding. During the monsoon season (July to September), be aware of potential landslides, foggy conditions, and slippery roads. It’s always wise to check local road conditions and weather forecasts before you travel.

Start Early: If traveling by road, especially by private taxi or bus, starting early in the morning from Gurgaon is highly recommended. This helps you avoid city traffic and allows you to cover most of the journey in daylight, which is safer and more scenic on mountain roads.

Carry Essentials: Keep warm clothing handy, as the weather in Ranikhet can be significantly cooler than in Gurgaon, even in summer. Also, pack basic medicines (especially for motion sickness on winding roads), snacks, and sufficient water.

Book in Advance: Especially if traveling during peak tourist seasons (e.g., long weekends, school holidays, or around Shivratri festival), it’s advisable to book your taxis, train tickets, or bus tickets well in advance to ensure availability and better fares.

In summary, for a comfortable and flexible journey from Gurgaon to Ranikhet, a private taxi is highly recommended. Alternatively, an overnight train to Kathgodam followed by a taxi is a popular and convenient option. Choose the mode of transport that best suits your budget, time, and comfort preferences for a memorable trip to Ranikhet.

How to Reach Gurgaon To Ranikhet

Gurgaon to Ranikhet Distance