Traveling from Guwahati to Nainital is a long but rewarding journey, taking you from Assam’s vibrant city in the northeast to Uttarakhand’s iconic hill station in the north. With no direct train or flight to Nainital, the journey combines air or rail travel with a short but scenic drive up to the lake town. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide covering all major routes, modes, duration, and fares.
Guwahati to Nainital Distance
- Aerial (straight-line) distance: Approximately 1,236–1,330 km
- By road: ~1,250–1,710 km
- Typical journey time (fastest): 8–12 hours (by air and car), 24–45 hours (by train, bus, or mixed modes).
Main Travel Options
1. By Flight and Taxi (Fastest & Most Comfortable)
A. Guwahati to Pantnagar by Flight (Nearest Airport)
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the closest airport to Nainital, about 70 km away.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India (the main options)
- Flight duration: Guwahati–Pantnagar usually requires a connection (commonly via Delhi), with a shortest total air time of 4.5–7 hours (including layover).
- Fare: Starts around ₹7,500–₹13,000 (one-way, depends on booking time and season).
- From Pantnagar: Take a taxi to Nainital (70 km, 1.5–2 hours, ₹1,500–₹2,500).
B. Guwahati to Delhi by Flight, then Train/Taxi/Bus
- Plenty of daily direct flights: Multiple daily flights (2.5 hours air time) by IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet.
- Fare: ₹4,999–₹6,249+ (one way, as of July 2025).
- From Delhi to Nainital:
- By taxi: Delhi to Nainital ~315 km, 6–8 hours by car.
- By train: Delhi to Kathgodam (nearest major station, 34 km below Nainital) in 5–7 hours; onward by taxi or bus.
- By bus: Overnight government or private luxury buses from Delhi to Haldwani/Kathgodam/Nainital (7–9 hours).
Recommended Steps for Fastest Air Route
| Step | Time/Fare Estimate |
|---|---|
| Flight: Guwahati → Pantnagar | 4–7 hrs, ₹7,500–13,000+ |
| Taxi: Pantnagar → Nainital | 1.5–2 hrs, ₹1,500–₹2,500 |
| Total (incl. layovers): | 8–11 hours, ₹9,000–15,500+ |
If direct Pantnagar flights are unavailable, opt for Guwahati–Delhi–Kathgodam/Nainital combo.
2. By Train (Cheapest, Longest Duration)
There’s no direct train to Nainital. The journey involves:
- Step 1: Take a train from Guwahati to Kathgodam (or Lalkuan); usually requires train change at Delhi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, or Shahjahanpur.
- Step 2: From Kathgodam or Lalkuan (nearest stations), take a taxi or bus to Nainital (34–55 km, 1–1.5 hours).
Travel Time: 33–45 hours (including transfers and wait time)
Fare: ₹3,000–₹9,000 (depending on class, train, and season)
3. By Bus (Not Recommended for Entire Route)
- No direct bus; involves multi-segment travel via major cities (e.g., Guwahati–Delhi–Nainital), taking more than 40 hours. Not practical for most travelers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Route/Connecting Points | Total Duration | Fare (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | Guwahati–Pantnagar–Nainital | 8–11 hrs | ₹9,000–15,500+ | Fastest, most comfortable |
| Flight + Train/Bus | Guwahati–Delhi–Kathgodam/Nainital | 10–14 hrs | ₹6,500–13,000+ | Flexible, many connections |
| Train | Guwahati–Delhi–Kathgodam–Nainital | 33–45 hrs | ₹3,000–9,000 | Cheapest, multiple changes needed |
Additional Tips
- Book flights 1–2 months in advance for best fares, especially in high season.
- If traveling by train: Plan train changes carefully; long waiting periods for rail connections are common.
- For final leg (Pantnagar/Kathgodam to Nainital): Taxis are easily available at the airport and railway stations; buses/shared jeeps are a budget option.
Sample Itinerary
Fastest Route (Air):
- Morning flight from Guwahati to Pantnagar (layover may be required in Delhi)
- Afternoon arrival at Pantnagar
- Taxi to Nainital (1.5–2 hours)
- Check in to hotel by early evening
Budget Route (Train):
- Train from Guwahati to Kathgodam (with potential change at Delhi/Lucknow)
- Arrive at Kathgodam
- Taxi or bus to Nainital
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a direct flight from Guwahati to Nainital?
A: No, Nainital has no airport. Fly to Pantnagar (nearest, 70 km away) via Delhi if needed, then use a taxi.
Q: Which is the fastest way?
A: Flight to Pantnagar is fastest, then a direct taxi to Nainital.
Q: Is there a direct train?
A: No; reach Kathgodam/Lalkuan by train, then go by taxi/bus.
Q: What’s the cheapest travel option?
A: Train to Kathgodam, then a shared jeep or bus.
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Guwahati is fastest and most comfortable by booking a flight to Pantnagar (with a possible layover in Delhi), then completing the last leg by taxi. Alternative routes are available by train for budget travelers, though these take considerably longer and require more connections. With good planning and early bookings, you can ensure a smooth transition from the Brahmaputra’s banks to Nainital’s misty lakes.
