Traveling from Pune to Nainital is a journey that mixes city buzz with mountain calm. While Nainital doesn’t have its own airport, flying is still the best way to make the long trip quickly and comfortably. Here’s a detailed guide to help you reach Nainital from Pune using flights and connecting road transport.
Pune to Nainital Distance
- Aerial distance: About 1,300–1,400 km
- Travel by air + road: 1,550–1,800 km
- Total journey time: 8–13 hours (varies with connections and wait times)
How to Reach Nainital from Pune by Flight
You must combine a flight with a short road journey, since Nainital isn’t served by its own airport.
Step 1: Take a Flight from Pune
There are two main strategies:
Option 1: Flight to Pantnagar (Nearest Airport to Nainital)
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the closest to Nainital (about 70 km away).
- No direct flights from Pune—flights usually involve a layover in Delhi.
- Most common airline combinations fly Pune → Delhi → Pantnagar.
- Total air time: 5–9 hours including layover.
Option 2: Flight to Delhi (More Frequent, Flexible)
- Fly from Pune (PNQ) to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)—multiple direct flights daily.
- Flight time: 2–2.5 hours.
Step 2: Travel from Airport to Nainital
From Pantnagar
- Distance: 70 km to Nainital
- By taxi: 1.5–2 hours. Taxis available at the airport. Cost: ₹1,500–₹2,500 approx.
- Buses are limited but sometimes available.
From Delhi
- By train: Take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam (the main railhead near Nainital, 34 km away). Popular trains: Kathgodam Shatabdi Express, Ranikhet Express. Journey: 5–7 hours. Then take a taxi/bus to Nainital (1–1.5 hours).
- By taxi/private car: Hire a cab directly from Delhi to Nainital (315 km, about 7–8 hours).
- By bus: Overnight government or private buses run from Delhi to Haldwani/Kathgodam/Nainital (7–9 hours).
Summary Table: Flight Options to Reach Nainital from Pune
| Route | Flight Duration | Road Distance & Time | Total Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pune → Pantnagar → Nainital | 5–9 hours (with layover) | 70 km (1.5–2 hrs) | 8–11 hours |
| Pune → Delhi → Nainital | 2–2.5 hours | 315 km (7–8 hrs by taxi/road, or 5–7 hrs by train + 1–1.5 hr road) | 10–13 hours |
Key Tips for the Journey
- Book early: Pantnagar flights are limited and get full in peak months.
- Check layover times: Pantnagar flights often have long waits in Delhi; sometimes it’s quicker to fly only to Delhi and complete the journey by train or road.
- Pantnagar Airport: Small regional airport, check latest schedules and confirm onward taxi availability.
- Luggage: Pack light if you plan to use shared taxis/buses for the Nainital stretch.
- Road transfer from Pantnagar/Delhi/Kathgodam: Pre-book taxis for a stress-free arrival, especially during tourist season.
- Weather: Winter flights may face fog delays in North India.
Sample Itinerary
- Morning: Fly Pune to Delhi (direct, early morning).
- Mid-day/Noon: Take connecting flight to Pantnagar, or head to New Delhi Railway Station for a train to Kathgodam, or hire a taxi.
- Afternoon: Land in Pantnagar, taxi to Nainital.
OR
Arrive at Kathgodam, taxi/bus to Nainital. - Evening: Arrive in Nainital; check in and enjoy the mountain air.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct flight from Pune to Nainital?
No, Nainital does not have an airport. The closest is Pantnagar, reachable from Pune by connecting flights (usually via Delhi).
2. What’s the fastest way?
Pune to Pantnagar by air (via Delhi layover), then a 1.5–2 hour taxi to Nainital. If no suitable Pantnagar flights, fly to Delhi and continue the journey by taxi or train.
3. Which is cheaper—Delhi or Pantnagar route?
Delhi usually offers cheaper and more frequent flights, but adds hours to the final road/rail transfer. Pantnagar flights are less frequent and tend to be pricier, but save time on the final leg.
4. How much does the whole trip cost?
- Flights: ₹5,100–₹17,600 (Pantnagar or Delhi, depends on route/season)
- Taxi from Pantnagar: ₹1,500–₹2,500
- Taxi from Delhi: ₹7,000–₹10,000 (Delhi to Nainital)
- Train (Delhi–Kathgodam): ₹400–₹1,600 (plus onward taxi/bus)
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Pune by flight is simple, with a little planning for connections. The flight-to-Pantnagar route is fastest; otherwise, Delhi offers more travel flexibility. Either way, the combination of air and road ensures your journey from Pune’s bustle to Nainital’s calm is as smooth as possible.
