How to Reach Lucknow from Haridwar

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:

1. By Train (Recommended for balance of cost and comfort)

Traveling by train is a popular choice, offering a comfortable and often economical way to cover the distance.

Journey Time: Direct trains typically take between 7 to 12 hours, depending on the specific train and its stops. Some faster services, like the Vande Bharat Express, can significantly reduce this time.

Train Stations:

From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main station.
To Lucknow: Lucknow has two main railway stations: Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) and Lucknow Junction (LJN). Both are centrally located and well-connected.

Types of Trains: You can choose from various classes, including Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and sometimes First Class (1A) or Executive Class (EC/CC on Vande Bharat).

Frequency: There are several direct trains connecting Haridwar to Lucknow daily or a few times a week.

Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range from ₹290 (Sleeper Class) to ₹6,000 (First AC/Executive Class), depending on the train type and class you choose. Booking in advance is highly recommended for better availability and prices.

Pros: Generally comfortable, especially for overnight journeys. Can be cost-effective. You arrive directly in the city center.

Cons: Can be slow compared to flights. Tickets might be hard to get during peak seasons if not booked early.

Tips: Check Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or other travel platforms like ConfirmTkt and Paytm Travel for train schedules, real-time availability, and fare options.

2. By Bus (Economical Option)

Bus services provide a direct and often budget-friendly way to travel from Haridwar to Lucknow.

Journey Time: Bus travel typically takes around 9 to 14 hours, depending on the type of bus, route, and traffic conditions. Some express or private buses might be quicker (around 8.5 hours).

Bus Operators: Both government-run services (like UPSRTC – Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) and various private operators offer buses on this route.

Bus Types: You’ll find a range of options from Ordinary/Non-AC Seater to AC Seater/Sleeper and premium Volvo/Bharat Benz buses.

Boarding/Dropping Points: Buses usually depart from the main Haridwar Bus Stand and arrive at various bus terminals in Lucknow.

Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can start from around ₹600 for ordinary buses and go up to ₹1,500 or more for premium AC sleepers.

Pros: Generally more economical than trains or flights. Direct connectivity.

Cons: Longer travel time. Comfort can vary significantly depending on the bus type. Road conditions and traffic can impact journey duration.

Tips: Book your tickets online through platforms like RedBus or EaseMyTrip to compare prices and choose your preferred bus type and operator. For night journeys, a sleeper bus offers more comfort.

3. By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi)

If you prefer the flexibility of driving or the convenience of a private vehicle, traveling by road is a viable option.

Distance: Approximately 480-515 kilometers.

Journey Time: A direct drive usually takes about 7 to 9 hours, not including stops for food or rest.

Routes: The common route involves taking NH334 from Haridwar towards Meerut, then connecting to major highways like NH9 or Agra-Lucknow Expressway to reach Lucknow. Using GPS navigation is highly recommended.

Self-Drive:

Pros: Complete control over your schedule and stops. Ideal for groups or families.
Cons: Requires long hours of driving. You’ll need to account for fuel costs, tolls, and potential wear and tear on your vehicle.
Tips: Start early to avoid city traffic. Ensure your vehicle is serviced and fit for a long journey. Carry necessary documents.

Hiring a Taxi/Cab:

Pros: Comfortable, door-to-door service without the hassle of driving.
Cons: Can be the most expensive option, especially for solo travelers.
Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Lucknow can cost anywhere from ₹7,000 to ₹13,000, depending on the car type and service.
Tips: Book from a reputable taxi service or online platform. Confirm all charges, including tolls and driver’s allowance, beforehand.

4. By Air (Fastest, but Indirect)

While Haridwar doesn’t have an airport, you can combine air travel with a road trip for the fastest overall journey.

Steps:

Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): First, you’ll need to travel approximately 37-41 km by taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
Dehradun (DED) to Lucknow (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport – LKO): There are direct flights available between Dehradun and Lucknow.
- Flight Duration: Direct flights typically take around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Airlines: IndiGo is a major operator on this route.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares can range from ₹3,500 to ₹10,000 or more, depending on booking time and demand.

Total Journey Time (approx.): Around 3 to 5 hours (including travel to/from airports and flight time).

Pros: By far the fastest way to travel the overall distance.

Cons: Most expensive option. Involves transfers between modes of transport, which can add complexity and time.

Tips: Book both your flight and airport transfer in advance.

Choosing the best way to travel from Haridwar to Lucknow depends on your priorities: speed (air + road), cost (bus/train), or comfort and flexibility (private car/taxi). Regardless of your choice, planning ahead will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey to the City of Nawabs.

How to Reach Lucknow from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Lucknow