How to Reach Roorkee To Ranikhet

Roorkee, a prominent city in Uttarakhand, is known for its prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Roorkee) and as a significant engineering hub. It serves as a crucial transit point for travelers heading to various parts of Uttarakhand, including the spiritual centers of Haridwar and Rishikesh, and the scenic hill stations. Ranikhet, on the other hand, is a serene and picturesque hill station in the Kumaon region, celebrated for its tranquil environment, lush pine forests, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. The journey from Roorkee to Ranikhet offers a pleasant transition from the plains to the refreshing mountain air.

Roorkee to Ranikhet Distance

The approximate road distance between Roorkee and Ranikhet is around 250 to 290 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken. The journey typically takes about 6 to 8 hours by road, which means it’s a full-day trip that requires an early start.

How to Reach Roorkee To Ranikhet

Road travel is the most practical and convenient way to get from Roorkee to Ranikhet. A combination of train and road is also a good option.

1. By Road: The Most Flexible Option

Driving offers the most flexibility and is a common choice for this route.

a. Private Taxi or Car Rental

Hiring a private taxi is the most comfortable and convenient option for traveling from Roorkee to Ranikhet. You can find local taxi services in Roorkee or book through online aggregators.

• Journey Details: There are a few possible routes from Roorkee to Ranikhet. A common one involves heading towards Haridwar, then on to Najibabad, and then ascending into the Kumaon hills via Ramnagar or Kashipur to Haldwani/Kathgodam, and then onwards to Ranikhet. Another route could be via Moradabad. The initial part of the journey will be on national/state highways, which are generally well-maintained. Once you enter Uttarakhand and start the ascent after cities like Ramnagar, Kashipur, or Haldwani, the roads become winding, and the ascent begins, offering increasingly scenic views. The entire journey will take approximately 6 to 8 hours.
• Benefits: This option offers maximum flexibility. You can decide your departure time, stop for breaks, meals, or photo opportunities at scenic spots. It’s ideal if you are traveling with family or a group, ensuring a comfortable and direct transfer.
• Cost: Taxi fares for this inter-state journey can vary based on the type of vehicle (e.g., hatchback, sedan, SUV) and the taxi service provider. You can expect one-way fares to range from approximately ₹5,500 to ₹7,500. It’s always advisable to confirm the total fare, including any potential toll charges and driver allowances, before starting your journey.

b. Bus Services

Direct bus services from Roorkee to Ranikhet might be available, though they might not be very frequent. However, you can easily use buses for a combined journey.

• Journey Details:
  • Roorkee to Haldwani/Kathgodam: You can take a bus from Roorkee to major transit points like Haldwani or Kathgodam. Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) operates buses on various routes, including those connecting to cities like Haridwar and Delhi, from where you can find connections towards the Kumaon region. It’s best to check at the Roorkee bus stand for direct buses or the most convenient connecting routes to Haldwani or Kathgodam. Some buses from Roorkee go via Haridwar.
  • Haldwani/Kathgodam to Ranikhet: From Haldwani or Kathgodam, frequent local buses operated by Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) and Kumaon Motor Owners Union (KMOU) as well as shared jeeps are readily available to take you directly to Ranikhet. This final mountain leg is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
• Benefits: This is typically the most budget-friendly option.
• Considerations: This option might involve multiple changes and can be more time-consuming and less comfortable, especially with luggage. Bus schedules might require some waiting time for connections.

2. By Train + Road: A Comfortable Combination

Taking a train for the longer part of the journey and then switching to road transport is a popular and often more comfortable option.

• Nearest Railway Station to Ranikhet: Kathgodam (KGM), approximately 75-80 kilometers from Ranikhet.
• How to Travel by Train:
  • Roorkee to Kathgodam: While there are no direct trains from Roorkee (RK) to Kathgodam (KGM) that originate from Roorkee, several trains pass through nearby major junctions like Laksar (LRJ) or Haridwar (HW) that connect to Kathgodam. You might need to take a short taxi or local train from Roorkee to Laksar or Haridwar first.
    • Some trains like DDN KGM EXP (14120) or KGM GARIB RATH (12208) connect to Kathgodam, often with a change at Laksar or passing through Haridwar. It’s crucial to check current train schedules and availability on IRCTC or other railway booking platforms, as routes and timings can change. The train journey to Kathgodam can take around 5 to 7 hours.
  • Kathgodam to Ranikhet: Upon arrival at Kathgodam railway station, you will find numerous private taxis, shared taxis, and local buses readily available to take you directly to Ranikhet. The scenic road journey from Kathgodam to Ranikhet takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
• Benefits: Train travel provides a comfortable journey for a significant portion of the distance, allowing you to relax. The Kathgodam to Ranikhet leg is also very scenic.
• Considerations: It requires an extra step of transferring trains (potentially) and then from the railway station to Ranikhet by road. Train tickets, especially for popular trains, should be booked in advance during peak travel seasons.

By Air: Not a Practical Option

Neither Roorkee nor Ranikhet has its own airport for commercial flights.

• Nearest Airport to Ranikhet: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-120 kilometers from Ranikhet.
• How to Travel by Air: While Pantnagar is the nearest airport, there are no direct flights from Roorkee to Pantnagar. You would have to travel by road from Roorkee to Pantnagar (which itself is a significant drive), and then hire a taxi to Ranikhet. This would be a highly inefficient and expensive option compared to direct road or train+road travel.

Important Tips for Your Journey

• Road Conditions: The roads from Roorkee into the Kumaon hills are a mix of plains highways and winding mountain roads. While generally well-maintained, conditions can vary. During the monsoon season (July to September), be aware of potential landslides, especially on hill sections, and check road conditions before traveling.
• Start Early: For a smooth mountain journey, starting very early in the morning (by 6-7 AM) is highly advisable. This allows you to complete most of your travel during daylight hours, avoid potential traffic, and ensures you reach your destination comfortably before evening.
• Carry Essentials: Keep warm clothing handy, as Ranikhet’s weather is much cooler than Roorkee’s, even in summer. Also, carry basic medicines (especially for motion sickness, if you’re prone to it on winding roads), snacks, and sufficient water.
• Booking: During peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to book your train tickets or taxis in advance to ensure availability.

In conclusion, the most practical and efficient ways to travel from Roorkee to Ranikhet are by a direct private taxi or by combining a train journey to Kathgodam with a subsequent taxi or bus ride to Ranikhet. Choose the option that best suits your comfort level, budget, and time preferences for a pleasant trip to the scenic hills of Ranikhet.