How to Reach Lucknow To Ranikhet

Since Ranikhet is located in the hills, it doesn’t have its own airport or major railway station. Therefore, getting there from Lucknow usually involves a combination of travel methods, often including a train or bus ride to a base station, followed by a road trip into the mountains.

1. By Train and Road (Recommended for Comfort and Value)

This is often considered one of the most balanced and comfortable ways to travel, especially for a long journey, as it breaks down the trip into manageable parts.

Train from Lucknow to Kathgodam (KGM):

Kathgodam is the closest major railway station to Ranikhet, located about 75-80 kilometers away. It’s a key entry point to the Kumaon region.
Train Options: There are several direct trains from Lucknow (Lucknow Junction – LJN or Lucknow Charbagh – LKO) to Kathgodam.
- The Kathgodam Garib Rath (12209) is a popular option, taking around 7 hours 45 minutes.
- The Bagh Express (13019) also runs daily, taking about 9 hours.
- The LJN KGM Express (15043) is another direct train option.
Fares: Train fares vary by class (e.g., AC 3-tier, Sleeper). Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular trains and during busy travel periods.

From Kathgodam to Ranikhet by Road:

Once you arrive at Kathgodam railway station, you’ll find plenty of taxis (private and shared) and local buses waiting outside.
The drive from Kathgodam to Ranikhet is very scenic, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours as you ascend into the hills.
Cost: A private taxi from Kathgodam to Ranikhet can cost roughly ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. Shared taxis are a more budget-friendly option.

2. By Road (Direct but Long)

Traveling entirely by road offers a direct approach but is a longer continuous journey.

a. Private Taxi or Car Rental

Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car provides the most flexibility.

Journey Details: The road trip takes approximately 9 to 12 hours. Common routes involve taking major highways from Lucknow towards Uttar Pradesh (e.g., via Bareilly, Moradabad, or through other connecting routes like NH34 or NH730C) and then entering Uttarakhand to reach Haldwani and further up to Ranikhet. The plains section of the journey involves good highways, but once you enter the hills, the roads become winding and require careful driving.

Benefits: This offers maximum convenience, allowing you to stop whenever and wherever you like, and provides a direct door-to-door service.

Cost: Private taxi fares from Lucknow to Ranikhet can range from ₹5,500 to ₹10,000 or more, depending on the type of vehicle, the taxi service, and inclusions like tolls and driver allowances.

b. Bus Services

Several bus operators, including Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and private companies, offer bus services from Lucknow.

To Haldwani/Kathgodam: Most direct buses from Lucknow will go to Haldwani or Kathgodam, which are the main entry points to the Kumaon hills. You can find buses from Lucknow’s major bus stand (e.g., Alambagh, Transport Nagar).

Duration: The bus journey to Haldwani or Kathgodam can take around 7 to 9 hours. Some overnight sleeper buses are also available.
Cost: Bus fares are generally economical, ranging from a few hundred rupees depending on the bus type (ordinary, AC, sleeper).

From Haldwani/Kathgodam to Ranikhet: From these towns, you’ll need to take a local bus or shared taxi for the remaining 2-3 hours to Ranikhet.

Considerations: Bus journeys can be tiring for such a long route. It’s advisable to check schedules and book tickets in advance, especially for more comfortable AC or sleeper buses.

3. By Air and Road (Fastest but Costly and Indirect)

While there’s no airport directly in Ranikhet, you can consider flying to the nearest airport, Pantnagar, and then taking a taxi.

Flight from Lucknow (LKO) to Pantnagar (PGH):

Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the closest airport to Ranikhet, located about 115-120 kilometers away.
Flights: There are connecting flights from Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) to Pantnagar (PGH), often with a layover in Delhi. Direct flights are limited. The shortest flight duration with one stop can be around 4.5 to 7 hours depending on the layover.
Fares: Airfares can vary significantly and are generally the most expensive option, starting from around ₹5,500 and going much higher.

From Pantnagar to Ranikhet by Road:

From Pantnagar Airport, you can easily find taxis (private and shared) to Ranikhet.
The road journey from Pantnagar to Ranikhet takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, winding through scenic mountain roads.

Benefits: This is potentially the fastest way to reach the vicinity of Ranikhet, drastically cutting down on actual travel time for the major part of the journey.

Considerations: It’s the most expensive option, and flight schedules, especially with connections, can sometimes lead to long waiting times.

Important Tips for Your Journey

Best Time to Visit: Ranikhet is lovely year-round, but spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather and clear views of the Himalayas.

Road Conditions: While major highways from Lucknow are generally good, the hill roads leading to Ranikhet are winding and can be narrow in some sections. Drive carefully. During the monsoon season (July to September), be aware of potential landslides or road blockages, which can cause delays.

Booking in Advance: For trains and comfortable buses, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays, it’s highly advisable to book your tickets well in advance. For taxis, consider booking through reputable tour operators.

Local Transport in Ranikhet: Ranikhet is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances or exploring nearby areas, local taxis are available.

Choosing the best way to travel depends on your budget, how much time you have, and your preference for comfort. The train-and-taxi combination is often a good balance, offering a comfortable ride for most of the distance before a scenic road trip into the mountains.

How to Reach Lucknow To Ranikhet

Lucknow to Ranikhet Distance