How to reach Bangalore from Haridwar

Traveling from Haridwar to Bangalore involves a significant distance, as Bangalore is in the southern part of India while Haridwar is in the north. Therefore, a direct road journey is very long, and flights or trains are the most practical and recommended ways to travel.

Here’s how you can reach Bangalore from Haridwar:

Distances and Travel Times

• Aerial Distance: Approximately 1,888 km
• Road Distance: Approximately 2,100 km – 2,300 km
• Train Distance: Approximately 1,890 km – 2,526 km (depending on the specific train route)

Given the vast distance, flights are the fastest option, followed by trains. A direct bus or road trip is generally not recommended due to the extremely long duration and discomfort.

---

1. By Air (Recommended for Speed and Convenience)

Flying is by far the quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Haridwar to Bangalore. Since Haridwar does not have its own airport, you will fly from the nearest airport in Dehradun.

• Nearest Airport to Haridwar: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun. It’s about 37-41 km from Haridwar and takes 1 to 1.5 hours to reach by taxi.
• Destination Airport in Bangalore: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).

Steps to Travel by Air:

1. Travel from Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant – DED):
   • Taxi/Cab: This is the most convenient option. Taxis are easily available from Haridwar to the airport. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and costs roughly ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.
   • Bus: You can take a local bus from Haridwar to the main highway near the airport and then an auto-rickshaw to the terminal, but this is less convenient with luggage.
2. Fly from Dehradun (DED) to Bangalore (BLR):
   • Direct Flights: Yes, there are direct flights available from Dehradun to Bangalore. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India commonly operate on this route.
   • Flight Duration: Direct flights take approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes.
   • Connecting Flights: If direct flights are unavailable or more expensive, you might find connecting flights, often with a layover in major hubs like Delhi or Mumbai. These flights will naturally take longer, typically 5 to 7 hours or more including layover time.
   • Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Vistara are common airlines operating flights to/from Dehradun and Bangalore.
   • Booking: It’s highly recommended to book your flight tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or holidays, to secure better fares. Use online travel portals (e.g., MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Skyscanner) or airline official websites.
   • Estimated Fares: Flight prices can vary significantly, ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000+ for a one-way direct flight, depending on booking time and demand.
3. From Bangalore Airport (BLR) to City Centre:
   • Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is well-connected to Bangalore city by various transport options:
     • BMTC Vayu Vajra Airport Buses: Affordable and frequent air-conditioned bus services to various parts of the city.
     • Taxis/Cabs: Pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) are readily available.
     • Airport Rail Link (under construction/partial operation): This is developing, check for latest updates.

Total Travel Time by Air (Haridwar to Bangalore): Including the road journey to Dehradun Airport, flight time, and transfer from Bangalore Airport, the total travel time can be approximately 6 to 8 hours for direct flights.

---

2. By Train (Time-Consuming but Economical)

Traveling by train from Haridwar to Bangalore is a long journey, but it can be an economical option, especially if you book in sleeper or 3-tier AC classes. There is generally only one direct train that connects Haridwar to Bangalore, making it a less flexible option than flights.

• Starting Point: Haridwar Junction (HW)
• Destination: Yesvantpur Junction (YPR) or KSR Bengaluru City Junction (SBC) in Bangalore.

Direct Train:

• Train Name/Number: YNRK YPR EXP SPL (06598) – This train operates from Yog Nagari Rishikesh (near Haridwar) to Yesvantpur, stopping at Haridwar.
• Frequency: This train typically runs once a week (e.g., on Saturdays).
• Travel Time: The journey is very long, taking approximately 48 to 50 hours (about 2 days).
• Classes: You can usually find Sleeper (SL), 3-Tier AC (3A), 2-Tier AC (2A), and sometimes 1st Class AC (1A) coaches.
• Fares: Fares vary by class, generally ranging from ₹1,000 (Sleeper) to ₹6,000+ (1st AC).

Indirect Train Routes (Via Delhi): Many travelers opt to break their journey or take a train from Delhi if a direct train from Haridwar isn’t suitable.

1. Haridwar to Delhi: Take a train from Haridwar to Delhi (e.g., Dehradun Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express). This journey takes about 4-6 hours.
2. Delhi to Bangalore: From Delhi (New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, or Delhi Sarai Rohilla), you can find numerous trains to Bangalore. These journeys are also long, typically ranging from 34 to 40 hours.

Pros of Train Travel:

• Economical: Can be cheaper than flights, especially for sleeper class.
• Comfort: Sleeper and AC classes offer berths for sleeping, making long journeys more comfortable than buses.
• Experience: Allows you to see the diverse landscapes of India.

Cons of Train Travel:

• Very Long Duration: Takes two full days.
• Limited Frequency: Only one direct train per week.
• Booking: Tickets, especially for AC classes, get booked very quickly. It’s crucial to book well in advance (1-2 months) using IRCTC or authorized online platforms (e.g., MakeMyTrip, Ixigo, Paytm).

---

3. By Road (Not Recommended for Direct Travel)

A direct bus journey or self-drive from Haridwar to Bangalore is generally not recommended due to the extreme distance and time involved.

• Distance: Over 2,100 km.
• Travel Time: A continuous road journey would take upwards of 35-40 hours of driving, not including stops for rest, meals, and sleep. This would typically require multiple overnight stops.
• Bus Services: While some private bus operators might advertise “Haridwar to Bangalore” routes, these are usually very long-haul services or involve multiple changes. A single, direct, comfortable bus for this entire distance is rare and would be highly exhausting. You might find services that go from Haridwar to Delhi, and then from Delhi to Bangalore, but this is still a very long and tiring journey by bus.

Pros of Road Travel (if considering shorter segments):

• Flexibility: If driving yourself, you have complete control over stops.
• Scenic: Can enjoy different landscapes, but the sheer length makes it less enjoyable.

Cons of Road Travel:

• Extremely Long & Exhausting: The biggest disadvantage.
• Cost: Fuel, tolls, and accommodation for overnight stops can add up, potentially making it more expensive than a train.
• Safety: Long-distance driving can be tiring and increase risks.

Conclusion

For a quick and comfortable journey from Haridwar to Bangalore, flying to Dehradun and then taking a direct flight to Bangalore is the best option. If you prefer a more economical journey and don’t mind the extended travel time, the direct weekly train or a combination of trains via Delhi can be considered, but remember to book far in advance! A direct road trip is strongly advised against for this long distance.