Are you planning a journey from the bustling city of Noida to the peaceful hills of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the ways to travel, making your trip easy and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is famous for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and calm atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can reach this lovely destination.
Noida to Almora Distance
The road distance between Noida and Almora is approximately 350 to 355 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Noida
You have several choices for getting from Noida to Almora. Each option has its own benefits, whether you prefer comfort, cost-effectiveness, or a quicker journey.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Travelling by road is a popular choice for this route, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you transition from the plains to the hills.
- Noida to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 350-355 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 8 hours to 8 hours and 30 minutes. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: You’ll typically head towards Uttar Pradesh highways, then connect to roads leading into Uttarakhand, possibly via Moradabad or Rampur, and then proceed through cities like Haldwani or Rudrapur before ascending to Almora. The initial part of the journey is on relatively flat highways, but as you approach the Kumaon region, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views of the mountains, requiring careful driving.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore small towns along the way. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It’s a long and potentially tiring drive for the person driving, especially on the winding mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: It’s a good idea to start very early in the morning from Noida to avoid city traffic and to cover a good portion of the distance during daylight hours. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Noida to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 350-355 km.
- Travel Time: Around 8 hours to 8 hours and 30 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Noida. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Goibibo, EaseMyTrip, or MakeMyTrip. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. You can expect one-way taxi fares for a hatchback to start from around ₹5,051, a sedan from ₹5,159, and an SUV from ₹7,613. Prices can go higher depending on the specific cab model and service.
- Pros: Very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It offers comfortable door-to-door service, and a professional driver handles the long and sometimes challenging mountain roads.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than public transport options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any extra charges like tolls or night driving fees, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical and practical way to travel from Noida to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Noida to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 350-355 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 9 to 12 hours. Some direct buses might take about 9 hours and 45 minutes, while others can take up to 12 hours and 15 minutes.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from boarding points within Noida (e.g., Noida Sector 44) or you might need to go to Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate for more options.
- Bus Types: You’ll find various buses, including AC Seater/Sleeper options, often operated by private companies like VGO Bus or Zingbus Plus. State transport corporations (like UPSRTC or Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) also operate on routes that connect to the Kumaon region, though they might be ordinary non-AC types.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel, with fares starting from around ₹655 (from Delhi) to ₹1,999 or ₹2,100 from Noida. Buses offer direct connectivity.
- Cons: The journey can be long and sometimes less comfortable, particularly on ordinary buses. Schedules can occasionally be delayed.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during festive seasons or holidays. For a more comfortable journey, inquire about AC or sleeper buses. Carry enough water and snacks for the trip.
3. By Train
While Almora doesn’t have its own railway station, you can take a train from a nearby station to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable option for covering a significant portion of the distance.
- Noida (via Delhi/Ghaziabad) to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
- Travel to Train Station: Noida doesn’t have a direct train station with long-distance trains. You’ll need to travel to a major railway station in Delhi (like New Delhi, Old Delhi, or Anand Vihar) or Ghaziabad. Ghaziabad (GZB) is the nearest major railway station to Noida.
- Train Travel Time (Ghaziabad to Kathgodam): Train journeys from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam typically take around 5 to 6 hours. For example, the KATHGODAM SHTBDI (12040) takes about 5 hours from Ghaziabad.
- Key Trains: Popular trains from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam include NDLS KGM SHT (12040), UTR SAMPRK KRTI (15035), and RANIKHET EXP (15013).
- Train Fare: Train tickets from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam can range from ₹105 for 2S (Second Seating) to ₹1,165 for 1A (First Class AC).
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing for longer journeys, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You’ll need to arrange for travel from Noida to your chosen train station (Delhi/Ghaziabad) and then for onward travel from Kathgodam to Almora.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, as popular trains and routes get booked up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam, you can easily find shared taxis, private cabs (taxi fares from Kathgodam to Almora start from around ₹1,312 for an AC Sedan), or local buses to Almora. The drive from Kathgodam to Almora is scenic and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
For those who prefer the fastest way to cover long distances, flying is an option, though it still involves a significant road journey to Almora.
- Noida (via Delhi – DEL) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora. While Noida doesn’t have its own commercial airport, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the closest major hub.
- Travel to Airport: You’ll need to travel from Noida to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
- Flight Options: There are direct flights from Delhi to Pantnagar, typically operated by airlines like IndiGo. The flight duration is usually around 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance by air.
- Cons: This is generally the most expensive option, with fares varying widely (starting from around ₹1,799 for one-way direct flights). The travel time from Noida to Delhi Airport, and then from Pantnagar Airport to Almora, adds significantly to the overall journey time.
- Tips: If you choose this option, carefully check the flight schedules and consider the time it takes to reach Delhi Airport from Noida. From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi to Almora (taxi fares start from around ₹1,312 for an AC Sedan to Kathgodam, and from Pantnagar Airport to Almora could be higher). The road journey from Pantnagar to Almora takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
The “best” way to reach Almora from Noida depends on your preferences:
- For budget travellers: The bus or a train to Kathgodam followed by a bus or shared taxi are generally the most economical choices.
- For a balance of comfort and efficiency: A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a private taxi is often recommended, as it breaks down the long journey into more manageable parts.
- For flexibility and a direct door-to-door experience: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is ideal, though it’s a very long drive.
- For the fastest overall travel time (if willing to pay more and manage connections): A flight from Delhi to Pantnagar followed by a taxi is technically the quickest for the air leg, but less direct from Noida itself and generally more expensive.
No matter which way you choose to travel, the journey from Noida to Almora will lead you to a beautiful and peaceful destination. Enjoy your trip to the Kumaon region!
