Traveling from Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, to Nainital, a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, is a journey through diverse landscapes—from the plains of Uttar Pradesh to the cool Himalayan foothills. This guide will help you understand all the available options, routes, distance details, and helpful travel tips for a smooth trip from Agra to Nainital.
Agra to Nainital Distance
The distance between Agra and Nainital by road varies between 320 to 360 kilometers, depending on the exact route chosen. Most commonly, travelers cover a road distance of about 350 to 360 km, which usually takes between 7 and 10 hours, depending on the route, road conditions, and traffic. The straight-line (aerial) distance is shorter, at around 256 to 283 km.
| Mode of Travel | Distance (approx.) | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| By Road (Car/Taxi) | 320-360 km | 7–10 hours |
| By Train (to Kathgodam or Ramnagar) | 330–410 km | 8–11 hours + 1–1.5 hrs road to Nainital |
| By Bus | 350–460 km | 9–13 hours |
| By Flight (via Pantnagar) | 256 km (aerial to Pantnagar), then 70 km by road | 6–10 hours (including transfers) |
How to Reach Agra to Nainital
Choosing the best route depends on your time, budget, and comfort preferences. Below are all the primary travel methods explained in detail.
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, Tempo Traveller)
Traveling by road is the most popular, flexible, and scenic way to reach Nainital from Agra.
- Most Direct Routes:
- Via SH33 & SH37: Agra – Aligarh – Moradabad – Rampur – Haldwani – Nainital (about 350 km, 7–8 hours)
- Via NH509 & SH13: Agra – Aligarh – Budaun – Bareilly – Haldwani – Nainital (about 337 km)
- Via Yamuna Expressway & NH9: Agra – Noida – Moradabad – Haldwani – Nainital (longer, around 461 km, about 8 hours 19 minutes)
- Travel Tips:
- Start early to avoid city traffic and reach Nainital before dark.
- Roads become winding and hilly after Haldwani or Rampur; drive slowly in these stretches.
- Carry essential items: snacks, water, a medical kit, and warm clothes (especially in winter).
- Taxis, cabs, and tempo travellers (for groups) can be hired from Agra for direct travel.
- Taxi fares generally range from ₹3,200–₹8,000 depending on car type and season.
2. By Train
Although Nainital does not have a railway station, the nearest major stations are Kathgodam (about 34 km from Nainital), Lal Kuan, and Ramnagar.
- Train Routes:
- Travel Time:
- Train journey: 8–11 hours to Kathgodam/Ramnagar/Lal Kuan.
- Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital: 1–1.5 hours by road.
- Popular Trains: AF RMR Express, BDTS RMR SFAST, and others (make sure to check latest schedules and book early).
Tip: Book onward taxi or shared cab from Kathgodam station for a direct trip to your hotel in Nainital.
3. By Bus
- Direct Buses: Limited direct buses from Agra to Nainital; more commonly, take a bus to Haldwani/Kathgodam, then local transport to Nainital.
- Via Delhi: Take a bus from Agra to Delhi (4–5 hours), then an overnight Volvo or government bus to Nainital/Haldwani/Kathgodam (8–9 hours).
- Travel time: Usually 10–13 hours with transfers.
- Fare: ₹550–₹1,600 depending on bus type and operator.
- Departure: Buses typically leave Agra or Anand Vihar ISBT in Delhi in the afternoon or evening.
4. By Flight (Agra – Pantnagar – Nainital)
- Nainital has no airport; the nearest is Pantnagar Airport (about 70 km from Nainital).
- No direct flights from Agra to Pantnagar; generally, you must change flights in Delhi.
- Steps:
- Fly from Agra to Delhi (1 hour).
- From Delhi, take a flight to Pantnagar (about 1 hour; flights are limited and seasonal).
- From Pantnagar, hire a taxi to Nainital (1.5–2 hours).
- Total journey duration: 6–10 hours with layovers.
- Tip: Check latest flight schedules and book ground transport from Pantnagar in advance.
Agra to Nainital: Example Itinerary
| Mode | Segment | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| By Car/Taxi | Agra – Haldwani – Nainital | 7–9 hours |
| By Train | Agra – Mathura/Bareilly – Kathgodam (train) + Kathgodam – Nainital (cab/bus) | 9–12 hours |
| By Bus | Agra – Delhi (bus) + Delhi – Nainital (bus) | 12–13 hours |
| By Air | Agra – Delhi (flight) + Delhi – Pantnagar (flight) + Pantnagar – Nainital (cab) | 7–11 hours |
Essential Travel Tips
- Advance bookings: Reserve buses, train tickets, or taxis during the tourist season for the best rates.
- Monsoon caution: July–September brings heavy rain and occasional landslides in the hills; check road/travel updates if traveling in this season.
- Driving: Avoid hill driving after sunset unless experienced with mountain roads.
- Onward travel: Arrange your drop-off point in Nainital conveniently (hotels, Mall Road, Tallital, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest way to reach Nainital from Agra?
A: The cheapest way is usually by train to Kathgodam and then by shared taxi/bus to Nainital.
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Nainital from Agra?
A: By car or taxi via Haldwani or Bareilly—the journey takes about 7 to 9 hours.
Q: Is there a direct Agra to Nainital bus?
A: No; most buses involve at least one change, either in Delhi or Haldwani/Kathgodam area.
Q: Is Nainital accessible by air from Agra?
A: There are no direct flights. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, which is about 70 km from Nainital, usually reached via a connecting flight through Delhi.
Conclusion
Traveling from Agra to Nainital is straightforward and can be tailored to suit comfort and budget. The road journey is flexible and scenic, the train offers a restful ride, and a combination of flight and road saves time if suitable connections are available. Whichever mode you choose, you’ll enjoy a dramatic change from city sights to mountain air, tranquil lakes, and the cool pine forests of Nainital.
