Traveling from Kathgodam to Nainital by bus is straightforward and offers regular, economical service. Here is a comprehensive guide with schedule details, fares, booking tips, and travel essentials.
Distance and Duration
- Distance: 17–20 km by road
- Usual Bus Journey Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 50 minutes (average: 1.5 hours).
- Route: Winding uphill via Bhowali Road, offering scenic Himalayan views
Bus Timings and Frequency
- First Bus Departure: 04:50 AM
- Last Bus Departure: 11:15 AM
- Frequency: About 18–26 buses daily, with most departures between early morning and late forenoon.
- Typical Operating Hours: Buses run mainly in the morning; afternoon/evening buses are rare. Check the booking portal for the latest schedule.
Boarding & Dropping Points
- Kathgodam Boarding Points:
- Kathgodam Bus Stand
- Opp Sagar Ratna
- Kathgodam Bus Parking
- Other travel agency stops
- Nainital Dropping Points:
- Nainital Mall Road
- Nainital Bus Stand (Tallital)
- Near New Bus Stand
Bus Operators
Popular bus operators on this route include:
- V Dhanraj Travels
- Laxmi Holidays Pvt Ltd
- Shri Krishna Travels
- Shiv Bhole Tour and Travels
- Ram Dalal Holidays Pvt Ltd
- U K India Tours & Travels
Both private and government (UTC) buses are available.
Bus Types & Onboard Facilities
- AC Seater/Sleeper
- Non-AC Deluxe
- Volvo AC Buses (select premium operators)
- Ordinary Minibuses
Amenities vary; AC and Volvo buses may offer charging points, water bottles, reading lights, and comfortable reclining seats.
Fares
| Bus Type | Fare Range (₹) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary/Non-AC | 449–625 |
| AC/Deluxe/Seater-Sleeper | 483–1,000+ |
| Premium (Volvo/multi-axle) | Up to 3,000+ |
- Average fare: ₹433–₹625 for most services
- Lowest fare found: ₹433–₹449
- Maximum premium fare: Up to ₹3,000–₹5,000 for luxury services
Booking Tickets
- Major booking portals: RedBus, MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo, AbhiBus, EaseMyTrip, Paytm, Yatra.
- Advance booking: Recommended, especially for AC/Volvo or during tourist seasons.
- On-the-spot tickets: Available at Kathgodam Bus Stand, but may risk seat unavailability in high season.
Sample Bus Options
| Departure Time | Duration | Operator | Fare (₹) | Bus Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:05 AM | 1h 35m | V Dhanraj Travels | 562–625 | AC Seater/Sleeper |
| 05:45 AM | 1h 50m | Laxmi Holidays Pvt Ltd | 629 | AC Seater/Sleeper |
| 06:20 AM | 1h 30m | Laxmi Holidays Pvt Ltd | 483 | AC Seater/Sleeper |
| 06:00 AM | 1h 50m | Ram Dalal Holidays | 999 | AC Sleeper (Bharat Benz) |
Note: Timings and fares may change. Check your booking platform for latest availability and pricing.
Essential Tips
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before scheduled departure to secure your seat and settle luggage.
- Travel light, as hill buses may have limited luggage space.
- Carry snacks and water, especially for morning departures.
- Be prepared for a short and scenic hillside journey with winding curves—ideal for early-day travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the bus take from Kathgodam to Nainital?
A: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on traffic and bus type.
Q: Are buses available all through the day?
A: The majority depart in the morning. The last direct bus is generally around 11:15 AM.
Q: Can I buy tickets at the bus stand?
A: Yes, but online booking is preferred in high season.
Q: Will buses drop me in central Nainital?
A: Yes—common drop points are Mall Road and Nainital Bus Stand (Tallital).
Traveling from Kathgodam to Nainital by bus is hassle-free, affordable, and offers multiple convenient departures every morning. Whether you’re connecting from a train or staying overnight in Kathgodam, bus services provide an easy last-mile solution to reach the hills of Nainital.
