Traveling from Udaipur, Rajasthan to Nainital, Uttarakhand is straightforward with several options by road, rail, air, or a combination. Here’s a clear guide tailored for all traveler needs.
Udaipur to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 850–1,025 km (routes and estimates vary)
- By Train (Udaipur to Kathgodam): 800–900+ km, plus 34 km by road to Nainital
- By Air (Udaipur to Pantnagar): 739–1,100+ km (by air plus last road leg)
- Typical Travel Time:
- Fastest: 10–13 hours (flight + car)
- Train: 18–22 hours (including transfers)
- Direct road: 13–17 hours
Main Travel Options from Udaipur to Nainital
1. By Air + Taxi (Fastest and Most Comfortable)
- Step 1: Fly from Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR, Udaipur) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH, nearest to Nainital, 70 km away) with a layover at Delhi.
- Note: No direct flights; all flights to Pantnagar are via Delhi.
- Flight Duration (including layover): 6–9 hours
- Approx. Fare: ₹7,000–₹13,000
- Step 2: Take a taxi from Pantnagar Airport to Nainital.
- Distance: 70 km | Time: 1.5–2 hours | Fare: ₹1,100–₹2,500
Alternative: If Pantnagar flights aren’t available, fly to Delhi, then continue by train or bus.
2. By Train (Most Budget-Friendly)
- Step 1: Take a train from Udaipur to Kathgodam (KGM), the nearest major station to Nainital (34 km away).
- Step 2: From Kathgodam, take a taxi, bus, or shared jeep to Nainital.
- Distance: 34 km | Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Fare: ₹200–₹1,200
Booking platform suggestions: IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo for the smoothest ticketing experience.
3. By Road (Self-Drive, Cab, or Bus)
- Distance: 850–1,025 km by car, via NH48/NH9 through Jaipur and Delhi or Agra
- Travel Time: 13–17 hours by car or private taxi; up to 18 hours by bus
- One-way taxi fare: ₹8,500–₹13,000 (varies by operator/vehicle type)
- Direct Bus: Not common; multi-leg bus options are available with connections at Delhi, Jaipur, or Ajmer.
4. By Combination (Train + Bus/Car)
- Take a train from Udaipur to Delhi, then a train/bus to Kathgodam or Haldwani.
- Complete the journey by taxi/bus to Nainital.
Udaipur to Nainital: Route and Mode Comparison Table
| Mode | Route Description | Duration | Fare (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | Udaipur–Delhi–Pantnagar–Nainital | 8–11 hrs | ₹8,000–₹15,500 | Fastest, few flights/day |
| Train + Taxi | Udaipur–Kota/Mathura–Kathgodam–Nainital | 18–22 hrs | ₹800–₹13,000 | Most affordable, scenic last leg |
| Road (Car/Taxi) | Direct Udaipur–Jaipur/Delhi–Nainital | 13–17 hrs | ₹8,500–₹13,000 | Flexible for groups |
| Bus (Multi-leg) | Udaipur–Delhi/Jaipur–Nainital | 20–22 hrs | ₹1,000–₹3,000 | Budget, with connections |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book flights/trains weeks ahead, especially for holidays or weekends.
- Plan transfers: No direct train/bus—plan for transfers at major junctions.
- Travel light for easy transition, especially on shared jeeps/buses to Nainital.
- Weather: Check monsoon/winter advisories for possible delays on hill roads.
- Last mile to Nainital: Taxis, buses, and shared jeeps are always available at Kathgodam and Pantnagar.
- Buses: Multi-stop journeys are long but cost-effective; private car or taxi is best for families or comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Nainital from Udaipur?
A: Flight to Pantnagar via Delhi, then taxi to Nainital (8–11 hours total).
Q: What is the cheapest way?
A: Train to Kathgodam (via Kota, Mathura, or Ajmer) and then shared jeep or bus to Nainital.
Q: Can I self-drive?
A: Yes. The route is approximately 900–1,000 km, best split over two days if solo; check car rental or taxi platforms.
Q: Are taxis and buses available for the last stretch?
A: Yes, from both Kathgodam (34 km) and Pantnagar (70 km), with frequent departures during the day.
In summary:
The easiest route is to fly to Pantnagar or take a train to Kathgodam, followed by a short drive to Nainital. Travel is flexible for both budget-conscious and comfort-driven travelers—simply plan connections and book in advance for the smoothest experience.
