Traveling from Gaya (Bihar) to Nainital (Uttarakhand) is straightforward, with options by train, flight, taxi, or a road combination. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide covering all main transport modes, times, costs, and planning tips.
Gaya to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 850–1,051km (route-dependent; actual distance varies)
- By Rail: ~721km (up to nearest major railhead, then by road)
- Aerial (straight-line): 749–850km
Main Travel Options from Gaya to Nainital
1. By Train (Most Economical & Direct)
Nainital does not have its own railhead; the nearest major stations are Lal Kuan (LKU) and Kathgodam (KGM). From there, Nainital is reached by taxi, shared jeep, or bus (34–55km, 1–2 hours).
Recommended Train
- 12353 – HWH LKU Express
- Departs: Gaya Junction (GAYA) at 2:45PM
- Arrives: Lal Kuan (LKU) at 6:55AM next day
- Duration: 16 hours 10 minutes
- Frequency: Runs daily
- Fare: Starts from ₹585 (sleeper), higher for AC classes
Last Leg:
- Lal Kuan to Nainital: 55km by road; 1.5–2 hours by taxi/bus.
- Taxi/Shared Jeep Fare: ₹300–₹1,200 (private/shared).
Alternative
- Reach Kathgodam (using connecting trains if direct not available), then continue 34km by road to Nainital by taxi/bus.
2. By Flight (Fastest Option, with 1–2 Stops + Taxi)
- Step 1: Fly from Gaya (GAY) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH, the nearest airport to Nainital).
- No direct flights—requires change at Delhi or Kolkata.
- Flight Duration: 7–11 hours (depending on layover)
- Typical Fare: ₹7,500–₹27,000 (one-way, varies by airline)
- Step 2: Taxi from Pantnagar to Nainital (70km, 1.5–2 hours, ₹1,100–₹2,500).
Alternative:
- Fly from Gaya to Delhi, then board a train/bus to Kathgodam or Haldwani, and proceed by taxi/bus to Nainital.
3. By Road (Car, Cab, or Multi-Leg Bus)
- Driving Distance: ~909–1,050km (via Varanasi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Haldwani)
- Time: 13–19 hours by car/taxi
- Taxi Fare: ₹9,191–₹15,000 (approximate, varies by operator/type)
- Direct Bus: Uncommon for the full route; you’ll need to break the journey via key cities like Lucknow or Bareilly and transfer to Nainital-bound services.
4. By Combination (Train + Bus or Shared Jeep)
- Take a train to Lal Kuan or Kathgodam, then use shared jeeps or local buses for the final leg to Nainital. This is the most cost-effective option for solo or budget travelers.
Gaya to Nainital: Options at a Glance
| Mode | Segment(s) | Duration | Fare Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Taxi | Gaya–Lal Kuan–Nainital | 17–18 hr | ₹600–₹2,500+ | Most direct, best value |
| Flight + Taxi | Gaya–Pantnagar–Nainital | 7–12 hr | ₹8,500–₹29,500+ | Fastest, with layover |
| Road (Car/Taxi) | Gaya–Nainital | 13–19 hr | ₹9,200–₹15,000+ | Flexible, less common |
| Combo (Train+Bus) | Gaya–Kathgodam/Lal Kuan–Nainital | 18–20 hr | ₹600–₹1,500+ | Budget, journey split |
Practical Tips
- Train tickets fill quickly: Book 2–4 weeks ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Travel light: Makes final hill leg easier by shared cab or bus.
- Weather: Allow buffer time during monsoon or winter, as hill roads can experience delays.
- Onward from Lal Kuan/Kathgodam: Taxis, jeeps, and buses are regularly available. Most hotels offer pickup if arranged in advance.
- Snacks/Water: Essential for the long train or road journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Gaya to Nainital?
No. The HWH LKU Express is the most efficient option, connecting Gaya to Lal Kuan, with a short scenic road transfer to Nainital.
What is the fastest route?
Fly (via Delhi/Kolkata) from Gaya to Pantnagar, then take a taxi to Nainital (7–12 hours total).
Are buses available?
No direct bus; use train/car to a key Uttarakhand city (Haldwani/Kathgodam), then change to bus/shared cab.
Traveling from Gaya to Nainital is best done by train to Lal Kuan and then by taxi or bus, or by flight (via major cities) to Pantnagar plus a short taxi ride. Book in advance and prepare for a scenic entry into the Himalayas.
