Traveling from Bareilly to Nainital by train is convenient and budget-friendly. With multiple trains running to Kathgodam and Lal Kuan—the nearest railheads to Nainital—the journey is easy, and the last mile to the hill station can be completed comfortably by taxi, bus, or shared jeep.
Bareilly to Nainital Distance by Train
- Rail Distance (Bareilly to Kathgodam): 104–122 km (via Kathgodam or Lal Kuan)
- Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital (by road): 34–40 km
- Total Typical Travel Time: 4–6 hours (including train and last-mile road journey)
Train Options from Bareilly to Nainital
While Nainital does not have its own railway station, you can travel easily by train to Kathgodam (KGM) or Lal Kuan (LKU), and then travel by road to Nainital.
Major Bareilly–Kathgodam/Lal Kuan Trains
| Train Name & No. | Departs (From/Time) | Arrives (To) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12353 HWH LKU Express | BE 04:45 AM | LKU 06:55 AM | 2h 10m | Daily, Fast |
| 13019 Bagh Express | BE 05:10 AM | KGM 09:15 AM | 4h 04m | Daily |
| 15043 LJN KGM Express | BE 04:13 AM | KGM 08:05 AM | 3h 52m | Several days/week |
| 12209 KGM Garib Rath | BE 11:32 AM | KGM 03:55 PM | 4h 23m | Weekly, Comfortable |
| 22975 BDTS RMR SFAST | BRY 03:38 AM | LKU 05:40 AM | 2h 02m | Several days/week |
| 15013 Ranikhet Express | BLQR 02:50 AM | KGM 05:05 AM | 2h 15m | Fast, Overnight |
Boarding: Trains depart from Bareilly Junction (BE) or nearby stations such as Bareilly City, BRY (Bareilly Mg), and BLQR (Bilaspur).
Arrivas: Disembark at Kathgodam (KGM) for the most direct road connection to Nainital; Lal Kuan (LKU) is another major option, about 40 km from Nainital.
Booking & Timings
- Trains operate daily and selectively on certain days of the week. The fastest trains for most travelers are the HWH LKU Express and Bagh Express.
- For the current schedule and seat availability, check IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, or other leading platforms before booking.
Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital (Last Mile)
Once you reach Kathgodam or Lal Kuan:
- Distance: 34 km from Kathgodam, 40 km from Lal Kuan to Nainital
- Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours by road
- Transport Options:
- Taxi (Private/Shared): Easily available at station exit, ₹200–₹1,000 (private), ₹150–₹300 (shared)
- Bus: Frequent service outside the stations, fare ₹70–₹200, operates daytime hours
Example Itinerary
- Bareilly to Kathgodam by Train
- Board at Bareilly Junction as per your preferred timing.
- Journey time: 2–4 hours, depending on train.
- Kathgodam to Nainital by Taxi or Bus
- Step out of Kathgodam station and board a taxi or bus to Nainital.
- Ride up the hills to reach Nainital in 1–1.5 hours.
Quick Reference Table
| Segment | Distance | Time | Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bareilly–Kathgodam/Lal Kuan | 104–122 km | 2–4.5 hours | ₹75–₹800+ |
| Kathgodam/Lal Kuan–Nainital | 34–40 km | 1–1.5 hours | ₹150–₹1,000 |
Practical Tips
- Advance Booking: Reserve your train tickets 2–4 weeks ahead in peak seasons.
- Light Luggage: Easier for transfers, especially if using shared cabs or buses.
- Early Travel: Morning or midday trains give you a daytime arrival in Nainital.
- Weather: Check for possible rail or hill road delays in monsoon or winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a direct train to Nainital?
A: No. The journey requires getting down at Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, then connecting by taxi or bus to Nainital.
Q: Which is the fastest train?
A: The HWH LKU Express and BDTS RMR SFAST are among the fastest, taking just over 2 hours.
Q: Are last-mile taxis and buses easily available?
A: Yes, both are frequently available during the day at Kathgodam and Lal Kuan stations.
Conclusion
To reach Nainital from Bareilly by train, board a direct train to Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, and then continue by taxi or bus for the scenic uphill ride. Multiple daily trains ensure flexibility, and onward local transport is reliable and affordable—making this the preferred budget and comfort option for travelers to the lake town.
