Traveling from Bhopal to Nainital brings you from the heart of Madhya Pradesh to the peaceful Himalayan lake town in Uttarakhand. There are no direct flights or trains for the entire journey, but you can reach easily by combining air, train, and road travel. Here’s a practical guide to help you choose the best route for your preferences, time, and budget.
Distance Overview
- By Road: ~800–900 km (varies by actual route)
- By Rail: ~750–850 km (Bhopal to Kathgodam, then short drive)
- Aerial (flight): ~673–756 km
- Typical Fastest Journey Time: 8–12 hours (air/road)
- Typical Cheapest Journey Time: 15–21 hours (train/bus combos)
Best Ways to Travel from Bhopal to Nainital
1. By Flight + Taxi/Bus (Fastest & Easiest)
Step 1:
Take a direct flight from Bhopal (Raja Bhoj Airport, BHO) to Delhi (Indira Gandhi Airport, DEL, ~1.5 hours; several flights daily).
Step 2:
From Delhi, continue towards Nainital by one of these options:
- By Taxi/Private Car: Most comfortable, direct from Delhi Airport to Nainital (315 km; 7–8 hours; ₹6,000–₹12,000)
- By Train: Board a train from Delhi to Kathgodam (nearest major railhead, 34 km below Nainital); then take a taxi/bus to Nainital.
- By Bus: Multiple overnight government and private Volvos/AC coaches run to Haldwani/Kathgodam/Nainital (7–9 hours).
Combined total time (flight + onward):
9–13 hours (including transfer times).
Alternatively:
Some flights (with layovers, mainly via Delhi or Mumbai) may connect from Bhopal to Pantnagar Airport (PGH, closest to Nainital, 70 km away). From Pantnagar, hire a taxi (1.5–2 hours) to Nainital.
2. By Train (Cheapest, Longer Duration)
Step 1:
Take a train from Bhopal Junction to New Delhi or Lucknow (no direct trains to Kathgodam; change required).
Step 2:
From New Delhi, take a direct train to Kathgodam (Trains such as Ranikhet Express, Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express, Kathgodam Shatabdi). Travel time varies between 16–18 hours for the full journey.
Step 3:
From Kathgodam, take a taxi or bus for the hilly last stretch to Nainital (34 km, 1–1.5 hours).
Estimated Cost:
3. By Road (Car, Bus)
Step 1:
Drive directly from Bhopal to Nainital (~850–900 km; 13–15 hours by private car). Route options usually go through Agra or Lucknow then towards Haldwani.
Step 2:
Alternatively, take a bus from Bhopal to Delhi (12–14 hours), and onward bus to Nainital (8–9 hours).
Estimated Cost:
Quick Reference Table
| Route Type | Connections | Time | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | Bhopal–Delhi–Nainital | 9–13 hrs | ₹6,000–₹15,000+ | Fastest, flexible, comfortable |
| Train + Taxi | Bhopal–Delhi–Kathgodam–Nainital | 16–19 hrs | ₹1,400–₹4,000 | Most affordable, scenic last leg |
| Bus | Bhopal–Delhi–Nainital | 20–23 hrs | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Budget-friendly, basic comfort |
| Flight + Taxi | Bhopal–Pantnagar–Nainital | 8–11 hrs | ₹8,000–₹20,000 | Fast, limited flights, small airport |
Travel Tips
- Book early for best fares, especially in peak/summer seasons.
- If using Pantnagar Airport, pre-arrange your taxi to Nainital for convenience.
- Train tickets between Delhi and Kathgodam are in high demand; secure them in advance.
- Choose Delhi as a break point if you want maximum flexibility in travel combinations.
- Carry snacks and water for all long-distance journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way from Bhopal to Nainital?
A: Flight from Bhopal to Delhi, then taxi or train to Nainital (total time ~9–13 hours).
Q: Cheapest way to reach Nainital from Bhopal?
A: By train: Bhopal–Delhi (or Lucknow)–Kathgodam, then taxi/bus up to Nainital.
Q: Are there direct flights/trains to Nainital?
A: No direct flights or trains; Pantnagar is the nearest airport, Kathgodam the nearest major railhead.
Sample Itinerary (Recommended)
Option 1 (Flight + Taxi):
- Morning flight: Bhopal to Delhi (~1.5 hours)
- Taxi from Delhi Airport to Nainital (~7–8 hours)
Option 2 (Train):
- Evening/night train from Bhopal to Delhi
- Morning train Delhi–Kathgodam
- Taxi/bus Kathgodam to Nainital
Traveling from Bhopal to Nainital is straightforward, combining the convenience of frequent flights and trains with comfortable last-mile road options. Plan connections for smooth travel—and enjoy the quick shift from city heartland to Himalayan calm.
