Getting to Haridwar by train is an excellent choice for many travelers, offering a comfortable and often quicker journey compared to road travel, especially from distant cities. Haridwar is a very important railway hub, connecting it well with most parts of India.
Haridwar Junction Railway Station (HW)
The primary railway station serving the city is Haridwar Junction (HW). It is a major station under the Northern Railway zone of Indian Railways and is designed to handle a large number of pilgrims and tourists.
- Location: The station is conveniently located on the south side of Haridwar town, making it easily accessible to hotels, the main market, and about a 2 km walk to the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat.
- Facilities: Haridwar Junction is well-equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers. You’ll find:
- Multiple platforms (9 platforms in total)
- Waiting rooms and retiring rooms (including AC options, some with hourly charges)
- Food stalls and small canteens
- Drinking water facilities
- Toilets and restrooms
- Ticketing counters and computerized reservation facilities
- Escalators and lifts for easy movement, especially helpful for senior citizens and those with luggage.
- Prepaid taxi and auto-rickshaw stands outside the station for easy onward travel.
- Enhanced security with RPF and GRP stations and upgraded CCTV surveillance.
How to Reach Haridwar by Train
Haridwar Junction is directly connected to numerous major cities across India. Here’s a breakdown of how to reach it by train:
1. Direct Trains from Major Cities
You’ll find direct trains to Haridwar from almost every corner of India, catering to both daily commuters and long-distance travelers.
- From Delhi: This is one of the most popular routes with frequent trains.
- Shatabdi Express (e.g., 12017 DDN SHTBDI EXP): A superfast, fully air-conditioned daytime train that offers a quick and comfortable journey. It’s a great option for those who prefer to travel during the day.
- Jan Shatabdi Express (e.g., 12055 DDN JANSHTBDI): Another popular daytime option, generally faster than regular express trains.
- Vande Bharat Express (e.g., 22457 VANDE BHARAT EXP): A premium, high-speed option offering the shortest travel time.
- Various Express Trains (e.g., 18477 UTKAL EXPRESS, 19031 YOGA EXPRESS, 12401 KOTA DDN AC EXP): Many other express and superfast trains connect different Delhi railway stations (New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar Terminal, Old Delhi) to Haridwar. These offer various class options (Sleeper, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, AC First Class) and timings, including overnight journeys.
- Travel Time from Delhi: Typically ranges from 3.5 to 7 hours, depending on the type of train and its stops.
- From Mumbai:
- Trains like LTT HW AC EXP (12171/12172) and BDTS HW SF EXP (22917/22918) offer direct connectivity, often taking around 24-28 hours. These are usually overnight journeys.
- From Kolkata (Howrah/Sealdah):
- Trains like Doon Express (13009) and Upasana Express (12327) provide direct links, with journey times often exceeding 24 hours.
- From Ahmedabad:
- The Yoga Express (19031/19032) is a popular option connecting Ahmedabad directly to Haridwar.
- From Southern India (e.g., Chennai, Bengaluru):
- While direct trains might be less frequent or take longer, there are connecting trains or trains that pass through Haridwar. You might connect via major hubs like Delhi or Mumbai.
- From Other Major Cities: Haridwar also has good train connectivity with cities like Amritsar, Jammu Tawi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi, etc.
2. Types of Trains & Classes
Indian Railways offers a wide range of train types and classes to suit different budgets and comfort levels:
- Vande Bharat Express: Premium, fastest, fully AC chair car.
- Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi Express: Fast, fully AC chair car, ideal for day journeys.
- AC Express/Superfast Trains: Offer various AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 3E – economy AC) with comfortable berths/seats, generally faster than ordinary express trains.
- Sleeper Class (SL): Non-AC, economical, with berths for overnight travel.
- General/Unreserved (UR/2S): The most economical option, usually crowded, with basic seating.
3. Booking Train Tickets
- Online Booking: The most convenient way to book train tickets is through the official IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website or app. Other popular online travel agencies like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, RedBus (for trains), etc., also offer train ticket booking services.
- Offline Booking: You can purchase tickets directly at any railway station’s ticket counter or at authorized railway booking agents.
- Advance Booking: It’s highly recommended to book your tickets well in advance, especially for popular trains, AC classes, or during peak travel seasons (festivals like Shivratri, Kumbh Mela, or during summer vacations) as tickets tend to sell out quickly.
Tips for Train Travel to Haridwar
- Check Schedule: Always verify train timings and platform numbers closer to your travel date using the IRCTC website, NTES app (National Train Enquiry System), or other reliable railway information platforms.
- Food: While pantry car services are available on many long-distance trains, you can also order food from e-catering services through IRCTC or various food delivery apps that partner with railways at specific stations. Alternatively, pack your own meals and snacks.
- Arrival at Haridwar: Upon arrival at Haridwar Junction, you’ll find plenty of auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws outside the station to take you to your hotel or desired destination in the city.
Traveling by train to Haridwar offers a unique and convenient experience, allowing you to begin your spiritual journey or peaceful retreat even before you arrive in the holy city.
