Traveling from Patna to Nainital is easy with multiple travel modes: train, flight plus taxi, taxi, or bus. Below is a step-by-step guide covering all the trusted, comfortable, and budget-friendly options for 2025.
Patna to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 870–940 km (route-dependent), usually 15–19 hours of travel time
- By Train (to Kathgodam): 890–900 km; then 34 km by road to Nainital
- By Air: About 670–700 km (Patna–Pantnagar, then by road to Nainital)
- Aerial distance: About 670–700 km
Main Travel Options from Patna to Nainital
1. By Train (Most Popular & Economical)
Direct trains are not available to Nainital, but you can comfortably reach Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, the nearest railheads.
- Key Train:
- Alternative Route:
- Patna → Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn. → Kanpur → Kathgodam; or via Lal Kuan
Last Mile to Nainital:
- Distance: 34 km from Kathgodam, 55 km from Lal Kuan
- Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours by taxi or bus
- Transport: Taxis, shared jeeps (₹200–₹1,000), frequent government/private buses (₹70–₹250)
| Segment | Distance | Time | Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patna → Kathgodam (Train) | 890 km | ~22 hr | ₹1,300–₹12,000+ |
| Kathgodam → Nainital | 34 km | ~1–1.5 hr | ₹200–₹1,000 |
Booking: IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Yatra
2. By Flight + Taxi (Fastest)
No direct flights to Nainital. Fly to Pantnagar (nearest airport, ~70 km from Nainital), then take a taxi.
- Route:
- Pantnagar → Nainital:
- Distance: 70 km
- Transport: Taxi/Pre-booked cab (₹1,500–₹2,500)
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
| Segment | Distance | Time | Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patna → Pantnagar (Air) | ~670 km | 4–8 hrs | ₹7,700–13,500 |
| Pantnagar → Nainital (Taxi) | 70 km | 1.5–2 hrs | ₹1,500–2,500 |
3. By Road (Car/Taxi/Self-Drive)
- Direct Route: Patna → Lucknow → Bareilly/Haldwani → Nainital
- Distance: 870–900+ km (depending on route)
- Travel Time: 15–19 hours by car or taxi
- Taxi Fare: ₹8,000–₹13,000+ (one way)
- Self-Drive/Group: Good for families, can stop as needed
4. By Bus (Budget, but Slowest)
- No single direct bus Patna–Nainital; use Patna–Delhi/Lucknow/ Bareilly bus, then change to Nainital-bound service
- Bus Travel Time (total): 19–23 hours (with transfers)
- Fare: ₹1,000–₹2,500 (variable; lower for non-AC, higher for AC/Volvo)
- Booking: Online platforms or local agents; best for budget and solo travelers
Practical Travel Tips
- Book ahead: Trains and flights fill quickly, especially during busy seasons.
- Travel light: Especially for hill roads and shared cabs.
- Timings: Night trains allow next-day arrival; for flights, ensure ample layover for connections.
- Weather: Monsoon and winter can slow hill travel; check local advisories.
- Snacks and water: Carry essentials for the long journey, especially by train or bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a direct train from Patna/North Bihar to Nainital?
A: No direct train to Nainital, but daily services to Kathgodam or Lal Kuan are available (then short road journey).
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Nainital from Patna?
A: By flight to Pantnagar (via Delhi), then taxi to Nainital—~7–9 hours.
Q: What is the cheapest way?
A: Train to Kathgodam, then shared taxi/bus to Nainital—~22–23 hours.
Q: Can I book taxis at Kathgodam at night?
A: Yes, but it’s advised to arrive during the day or pre-book during holidays.
Summary Table
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Taxi | 22–24 hours | ₹1,500–₹13,000 | Most affordable, scenic, daily departures |
| Flight + Taxi | 8–11 hours | ₹8,000–₹16,000 | Fastest, via Delhi & Pantnagar |
| Car/Taxi | 15–19 hours | ₹8,000–₹13,000 | Direct family/group travel |
| Bus | 19–23 hours | ₹1,000–₹2,500+ | Budget, may need changes |
In summary:
To reach Nainital from Patna, the most popular choice is to take the Bagh Express (or another connecting train) to Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, then hail a taxi/bus for the last stretch. For speed, book a flight to Pantnagar via Delhi and finish with a short taxi ride. Road trips are long but doable for groups or road trip lovers. Early bookings, travel light, and flexible connections ensure a hassle-free journey up to Nainital’s hills.
