Are you arriving at Delhi Airport and planning to head straight to the sacred city of Haridwar? While Haridwar doesn’t have its own airport, reaching it from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is quite easy with several convenient transport options. This guide will help you understand the best ways to complete your journey smoothly.
Delhi Airport to Haridwar Distance & Travel Time
The road distance from Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport – DEL) to Haridwar is approximately 200 to 230 kilometers. The travel time typically ranges from 4 to 7 hours, depending on the mode of transport you choose, current traffic conditions in and around Delhi, and any stops along the way.
How to Travel from Delhi Airport to Haridwar
You have several good options to travel from Delhi Airport to Haridwar, each with its own benefits regarding comfort, cost, and speed.
1. By Taxi/Cab (Most Convenient)
Hiring a taxi or a private cab is often the most direct and convenient way to get from Delhi Airport to Haridwar, especially if you have luggage or are traveling with family.
- Convenience: Taxis offer door-to-door service, picking you up directly from the airport terminal and dropping you off at your destination in Haridwar. This avoids the hassle of transfers.
- Travel Time: The journey usually takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic. Starting early in the morning can help you avoid Delhi’s peak traffic.
- Cost Estimates: Prices vary based on the type of car (sedan, SUV, etc.) and the service provider. You can expect fares to range from ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 for a one-way trip. Some services include tolls and taxes in their fare, while others might charge extra.
- Booking: You can easily book pre-paid taxis right at the airport counters. Alternatively, you can use popular ride-sharing apps like Uber or Ola (for outstation trips) or book through online cab service providers like Savaari, Chiku Cab, or Goibibo.
- Pros: Comfortable, private, flexible for stops, and reduces travel stress after a flight.
- Cons: Can be the most expensive option, especially for solo travelers.
- Tips: Always confirm the total fare, including all tolls and taxes, before you start your journey.
2. By Bus (Most Economical)
Taking a bus is a very affordable option for reaching Haridwar from Delhi. However, there are no direct bus services from Delhi Airport itself, so you’ll need to transfer to a major bus terminal first.
- Getting to the Bus Terminal:
- From Delhi Airport (DEL) to ISBT Kashmiri Gate: You can take the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line from Terminal 3 to New Delhi Metro Station, and then change to the Yellow Line to Kashmere Gate Metro Station (ISBT Kashmiri Gate is right there). This is generally the fastest way. Taxis or auto-rickshaws are also available but can get stuck in traffic.
- From Delhi Airport (DEL) to Anand Vihar ISBT: This bus terminal is better accessed by taxi or auto-rickshaw from the airport.
- Bus Services: Both government-run bus corporations (like UPSRTC from Uttar Pradesh and UTC from Uttarakhand) and many private operators run frequent buses between Delhi’s ISBTs and Haridwar.
- Bus Types: You’ll find a variety of buses, including basic non-AC, AC seater, semi-sleeper, and comfortable Volvo/luxury coaches.
- Travel Time: The bus journey from the ISBTs to Haridwar typically takes about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the bus type, traffic, and number of stops.
- Cost Estimates: Fares are quite economical, ranging from ₹250 for ordinary non-AC buses to ₹1,000 or more for premium AC luxury buses.
- Booking: You can buy tickets directly at the bus terminals or book online through platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or the respective state transport corporation websites.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Frequent services.
- Cons: Requires an additional transfer from the airport to the bus terminal. Can be less comfortable and take longer than a taxi.
- Tips: Book tickets in advance, especially for popular AC buses or during peak travel seasons. Check the exact boarding point and route before booking.
3. By Train (Comfortable & Reliable)
While there are no direct trains from Delhi Airport, connecting to a train from a major Delhi railway station is a comfortable and reliable option.
- Getting to the Railway Station:
- From Delhi Airport (DEL) to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS): The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line is the best option, connecting directly from Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20-25 minutes. Taxis are also available.
- Other Major Stations: You might also find trains to Haridwar from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), Old Delhi (DLI), or Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT). You can reach these by metro or taxi from the airport.
- Train Services: Several daily trains connect Delhi’s major railway stations to Haridwar Junction (HW). Popular options include:
- Shatabdi Express/Jan Shatabdi Express: These are faster, all-seating, AC trains (e.g., Dehradun Shatabdi which stops at Haridwar). They complete the journey in around 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
- Other Express/Mail Trains: Slower trains with more stops will take longer, generally 5 to 7.5 hours.
- Cost Estimates: Train fares vary greatly by class (Chair Car, Sleeper, AC 3 Tier, AC 2 Tier, First AC). For example, a chair car ticket on a Shatabdi might be ₹500-₹800, while a Sleeper class ticket on an express train could be around ₹200-₹350.
- Booking: Train tickets should be booked well in advance, especially for popular trains like Shatabdi or during peak seasons, through the IRCTC website or authorized agents.
- Pros: Comfortable journey, avoids road traffic, and can be relatively fast with express trains.
- Cons: Requires an additional transfer from the airport to the railway station. Tickets can sell out quickly.
- Tips: Check train schedules carefully and choose a train that fits your arrival time at the airport. Allow ample time for airport clearance and travel to the railway station.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel:
- For speed and convenience: A taxi directly from Delhi Airport is your best choice.
- For budget-friendly travel: Taking a bus is the most economical, though it requires a transfer within Delhi.
- For a balanced option with comfort: A train from a major Delhi railway station can be a great choice, especially if you prefer rail travel.
No matter which option you choose, traveling from Delhi Airport to Haridwar is a well-trodden path with clear options to begin your spiritual journey or peaceful getaway efficiently.