Traveling from Ghaziabad to Nainital is a scenic and manageable trip, taking you from the bustling outskirts of Delhi NCR to the calm lakeside town in the Kumaon hills. Here’s a detailed guide on distance, routes, travel options, costs, and tips for a smooth journey.
Ghaziabad to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 258–282 km (common range cited)
- By Train (to Kathgodam): 217–258 km (plus 34 km road to Nainital)
- Aerial (Straight Line): 211–216 km
The usual travel time by road is 5.5 to 7 hours, with train and bus journeys taking similar or a bit longer durations depending on connections and stops.
How to Reach Nainital from Ghaziabad
There are several efficient ways to travel—choose the one that matches your comfort, convenience, and budget.
1. By Road (Car or Taxi)
- Distance: 258–282 km (varies by route)
- Travel Time: About 5.5 to 7 hours
- Main Route: Ghaziabad → Moradabad (NH9) → Rampur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Nainital (NH109). Alternative is via Hapur and Rampur; some prefer the more scenic Kaladhungi route.
- Taxi Fare: ₹3,200–₹6,000+, depending on the car type and season.
- Cab Booking: Book via local cab aggregators, tourism companies, or apps.
- Self-Drive: Roads are in good condition but become windy after Haldwani, so drive carefully.
Advantages: Direct, flexible, great for families or groups, choice of stops (e.g., Garh Mukteshwar for views or Bhowali for snacks).
2. By Train
- Nearest Railway Station to Nainital: Kathgodam (KGM), about 34 km from the town.
- Popular Trains from Ghaziabad (GZB):
- KGM Shatabdi Express (12040): 5 hours, morning departure.
- Ranikhet Express (15013): Overnight train, ~6 hours.
- ANVT–LKU Express (15060): ~6 hours to Lal Kuan, then short taxi/bus ride.
- Fare: From ₹110 (Sleeper) to ₹640 (AC Chair Car) in most classes.
- After Kathgodam: Hire a taxi or shared cab (1–1.5 hours, ₹200–₹1,000), or board a local bus to Nainital.
Tips:
- Book trains early, especially during holiday and peak tourist seasons.
- Enjoy views of the hills on the last road segment.
3. By Bus
- Direct Buses: Several government and private operators provide daily direct service from Ghaziabad to Nainital.
- Departure Locations: Ghaziabad Bus Stands or private pick-up points; morning until late night departures available.
- Travel Time: 6–9 hours (depends on bus type, stops, and traffic).
- Fare: ₹299–₹1,500 depending on type (ordinary, deluxe, AC sleeper).
- Online Booking: Popular via RedBus, MakeMyTrip, Abhibus, Paytm, and others.
Advantages: Comfortable for solo/budget travellers; variety of seat and fare options; reach straight to Tallital (Nainital bus stand).
4. By Air (Indirect, Not Recommended)
- No airport in Nainital. The nearest is Pantnagar (~70 km away).
- No direct flights from Ghaziabad (Delhi is closest major airport).
- If you choose to fly: Reach Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), take a flight to Pantnagar, then taxi to Nainital. Expensive, longer duration, and limited daily flights.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Distance (km) | Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Route Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Taxi | 258–282 | 5.5–7 hrs | ₹3,200–₹6,000+ | Moradabad, Haldwani, Kathgodam |
| Train + Taxi | 217–258 | 6–8 hrs (rail+road) | ₹110–₹640 (train) + ₹200–₹1,000 (cab) | Kathgodam (last leg by road) |
| Bus | 258–282 | 6–9 hrs | ₹299–₹1,500 | Direct to Nainital (Tallital) |
| Air + Taxi | >211+70 | 6–10 hrs | Expensive | Pantnagar (limited, indirect) |
Practical Travel Tips
- Peak seasons: March–June and October; always book in advance.
- For families: Private car is most comfortable.
- For solo travelers: Train or bus is most budget-friendly.
- Monsoon: July–September can bring delays due to rain; check weather updates.
- Luggage: Pack light if taking bus, as storage is limited in hill stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Nainital from Ghaziabad?
A: By personal car or Shatabdi Express train to Kathgodam, then taxi.
Q: Cheapest travel option?
A: State or private bus, or sleeper class train to Kathgodam, then shared jeep.
Q: Are there direct trains?
A: Yes, several direct trains run daily from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam.
Q: Can I find direct buses?
A: Yes, multiple daily direct buses—including Volvo, AC sleeper—run from Ghaziabad to Nainital.
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Ghaziabad is straightforward and offers convenient choices: car/taxi for comfort, train plus short hill drive for speed and views, or a budget-friendly direct bus. Whichever you pick, enjoy a journey from city bustle to lakeside calm in Uttarakhand’s hills.
