Haridwar, a city synonymous with spirituality and ancient traditions, attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually. While it’s a major hub for pilgrimages and a gateway to the Himalayan char dhams, a common question for those planning their visit is: “Is there an airport in Haridwar?”
The direct answer is no, Haridwar does not have its own commercial airport. This can sometimes be a point of confusion for first-time visitors, as many significant religious or tourist destinations often have dedicated air connectivity. However, the lack of a direct airport does not hinder access to this holy city, as it is well-served by a nearby airport and excellent road and rail networks.
is There Airport in Haridwar? Nearest Airport to Haridwar
The Nearest Airport to Haridwar: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
For travelers arriving by air, the Jolly Grant Airport (DED), located in Dehradun, is the closest and most convenient option. It serves as the primary airport for not only Dehradun but also for other major destinations in Uttarakhand, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, and the starting points for the Char Dham Yatra.
Here’s a detailed look at Jolly Grant Airport and its connectivity to Haridwar:
- Distance from Haridwar: Jolly Grant Airport is approximately 35-40 kilometers (about 22-25 miles) from Haridwar. The travel time by road is typically around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- Connectivity: Jolly Grant Airport is a domestic airport with regular flights connecting it to major Indian cities. The most frequent connections are to and from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Other cities with direct or connecting flights to Dehradun include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, among others. Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Regional, and Vistara operate flights to DED.
- Transportation from Airport to Haridwar:
- Taxis: Upon arrival at Jolly Grant Airport, you’ll find a readily available fleet of prepaid taxis and private cabs. This is the most popular and convenient way to travel directly to your hotel or desired location in Haridwar. The fares are usually fixed or can be negotiated, but pre-paid taxi counters are often the most reliable.
- Shared Taxis/Cabs: For budget-conscious travelers, shared taxis or cabs might be an option, though they are less frequent directly outside the airport. It might require walking a short distance or reaching a specific point to find shared transport to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Buses: While there isn’t a direct public bus service from the airport itself, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the nearest bus stand (such as Rishikesh or Dehradun ISBT) and then board a bus to Haridwar. This is a more economical option but takes more time and involves transfers.
- Facilities at Jolly Grant Airport: Despite being a domestic airport, Jolly Grant has seen recent upgrades and offers basic amenities like waiting lounges, an ATM, restaurants, and car rental counters.
International Air Travel to Haridwar
For international travelers, the primary gateway to India is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi. This is the closest major international airport to Haridwar, located approximately 200-220 kilometers (about 124-137 miles) away.
From Delhi, travelers have several options to reach Haridwar:
- Direct Taxi/Cab: This is the most convenient option for a direct transfer. Many taxi services offer point-to-point transfers from Delhi airport to Haridwar. The journey typically takes 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Train: Delhi is exceptionally well-connected to Haridwar by train. There are numerous daily trains, including comfortable Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi express trains, that offer a comfortable and relatively fast journey (around 4-5 hours) from Delhi to Haridwar Railway Station. You can take a taxi or Delhi Metro to reach the railway stations in Delhi (like New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin).
- Bus: Regular bus services, including both state-run and private operators, connect Delhi (primarily from ISBT Kashmiri Gate) to Haridwar. This is the most economical option, though journeys can be longer and less comfortable than trains or private taxis.
Why No Airport in Haridwar Itself?
The absence of an airport directly within Haridwar is primarily due to several factors:
- Proximity to Dehradun Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun adequately serves the air travel needs of the region, including Haridwar. Building another airport in such close proximity might not be economically viable or necessary.
- Geographical Constraints: Haridwar is situated in the plains at the foothills of the Shivalik range, but the immediate surrounding areas are densely populated or have specific land-use restrictions due to its religious significance and proximity to the Ganga. Finding suitable land for a large-scale airport with appropriate runway lengths and approach paths can be challenging and costly.
- Existing Infrastructure: Haridwar is exceptionally well-connected by both rail and road. The Haridwar Junction Railway Station is a major railway hub with excellent connectivity to almost all parts of India. National Highways provide smooth road access, making it very accessible by bus and private vehicles. This robust existing infrastructure lessens the immediate need for an airport.
- Focus on Pilgrimage and Local Transport: The city’s primary focus has historically been on pilgrimage, which traditionally relies more on rail and road transport. The local economy is also heavily dependent on these modes.
Future Developments: A Potential International Airport?
Interestingly, there have been discussions and proposals in recent years about the possibility of an international airport in or near Haridwar. Uttarakhand government officials have reportedly identified potential sites and held discussions with central government ministries. The vision is to enhance connectivity for the millions of international pilgrims and tourists who visit the holy city and Uttarakhand as a whole.
While these discussions are ongoing and a concrete timeline for such a project (if approved) would be years away, it indicates a recognition of the growing tourism potential and the desire to further boost accessibility. If it materializes, an international airport in Haridwar would significantly transform travel to the region.
Conclusion
While Haridwar does not have its own airport, its accessibility is not an issue. The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (DED) serves as the closest air gateway, offering convenient connections to major Indian cities. Combined with Haridwar’s robust rail and road networks, travelers have multiple efficient and comfortable options to reach this revered spiritual destination. So, when planning your trip to Haridwar, remember to factor in the journey from Dehradun airport, and prepare for a fulfilling and spiritual experience in the “Gateway to God.