Traveling from Surat in Gujarat to Nainital in Uttarakhand can be accomplished by flight, train, road, or a combination of these modes. Here’s a comprehensive, practical guide for 2025, including all major options, travel times, fares, and booking tips.
Surat to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 1,284–1,537 km (approximate driving distance, depending on route)
- By Air (Aerial): 1,110–1,148 km (to Pantnagar Airport, closest to Nainital)
- Typical Fastest Journey: 8–12 hours (flight + road combo)
- Cheapest: 22–27 hours (train + taxi/bus combo).
Travel Options from Surat to Nainital
1. By Flight + Taxi (Fastest & Most Comfortable)
Step 1:
Book a flight from Surat (STV) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH, Uttarakhand)—Nainital’s nearest airport (about 70 km away).
- No direct flights—majority connect via Delhi.
- Total flight time (including layover): 6–9 hours.
- Fare range: ₹8,000–₹13,000 for economy tickets (typically).
- Major airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Alliance Air, Akasa Air.
Step 2:
After landing in Pantnagar, take a taxi to Nainital.
- Distance: 70 km
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Fare: ₹1,500–₹2,500
Booking Advice:
Book flight tickets well in advance for best prices and availability, especially in peak tourist season (March–June, October–November).
2. By Train (Budget-Friendly Option)
Step 1:
Take a direct train from Surat to Kathgodam (KGM) or Lal Kuan (LKU)—the nearest railheads to Nainital.
- Bandra Terminus–Ramnagar SF Express (22975): Departs Surat at 08:35 AM, arrives Lal Kuan (LKU) next day at 05:40 AM; Duration: 21 hr 5 min
- Mumbai Central–Kathgodam SF Special (09075): Departs Surat at 02:43 PM, arrives Kathgodam next day at 02:30 PM; Duration: 23 hr 47 min
- Fare: Sleeper from ₹1,235, AC classes up to ₹16,000.
Step 2:
From Kathgodam (34 km) or Lal Kuan (55 km), take a taxi, shared jeep, or bus to Nainital.
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Fare: ₹200–₹1,000 (shared/private options)
Booking Advice:
- Reserve train tickets 2–4 weeks ahead, especially in summer and holiday rush.
- Use IRCTC or major third-party travel platforms for ticketing.
3. By Road (Car/Taxi/Bus)
- Driving Distance: 1,284–1,537 km (approx. 20–28 hours)
- Taxi Fare: ₹13,000–₹21,000 for one-way trip (varies by vehicle/class/operator)
- Self-drive option: Only for experienced drivers; best for groups wanting to explore en route.
By Bus:
- No direct public bus Surat–Nainital. Best option: Surat to Delhi bus (or Vadodara/Jaipur/Agra), then transfer to Nainital-bound buses or hire a cab.
- Total travel time: 28–36 hours
- Approximate bus fare: ₹3,000–₹5,800 (across segments).
Summary Table: Surat to Nainital Travel Options
| Mode | Route Details | Duration | Fare Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight+Taxi | Surat–Pantnagar (via Delhi)–Nainital | 8–12 hrs | ₹9,000–₹15,500 | Fastest, most comfortable |
| Train+Taxi | Surat–Kathgodam/Lal Kuan–Nainital | 22–27 hrs | ₹1,235–₹16,000+ | Cheapest, budget travel |
| Road (Car) | Surat–Nainital (via NH48/NH9/NH109) | 20–28 hrs | ₹13,000–₹21,000 | Flexible, tiring for solo travelers |
| Bus/Combo | Surat–Delhi/Jaipur–Nainital (bus+taxi) | 28–36 hrs | ₹3,000–₹5,800 | Best for experienced, budget travelers |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book all tickets (flight/train/bus) early—especially for summer/holiday/festival periods.
- Check for seasonal offers and multi-stop combos on major ticketing platforms for the best rates.
- Pack light for easy transfers, especially for train/bus routes.
- Snacks & Water: Carry essentials for long journeys, especially on trains or buses.
- Weather: Monsoon/winter may affect hill driving—allow for extra travel time.
- Last Mile: Taxis, buses, and shared vehicles are easily available at Kathgodam, Lal Kuan, and Pantnagar Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Nainital from Surat?
A: By flight to Pantnagar (via Delhi), then a taxi to Nainital.
Q: What is the cheapest way?
A: By direct train to Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, then by shared taxi or bus to Nainital.
Q: Is there a direct flight from Surat to Nainital?
A: No. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (PGH), about 70 km from Nainital; flights connect via Delhi.
Q: Are taxis and buses available at rail/air stops?
A: Yes, both are easily available at all hours from Kathgodam, Lal Kuan stations, and Pantnagar Airport.
In summary:
Nainital can be reached most quickly from Surat by a combination of flight to Pantnagar and a short taxi ride. Budget travelers benefit most by booking a direct train to Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, then transitioning to a shared vehicle or local bus for the hill climb to Nainital. Early planning and booking ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
