Are you planning a journey from the historic city of Agra to the peaceful hills of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the ways to travel, making your trip easy and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is famous for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and calm atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can reach this lovely destination.
Agra to Almora Distance
The road distance between Agra and Almora is approximately 350 to 409 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Agra
You have several choices for getting from Agra to Almora. Each option has its own benefits, whether you prefer comfort, cost-effectiveness, or a quicker journey.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Travelling by road is a popular choice for this route, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you transition from the plains to the hills.
- Agra to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 350-409 km. Some sources cite around 405 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 8 to 12 hours. For instance, a direct cab journey is estimated at around 10-12 hours. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: Common routes involve heading towards Haldwani, Jim Corbett (Ramnagar), or Bareilly, and then up into the Kumaon hills to Almora. The initial part of the journey is on relatively flat highways, but as you approach the Kumaon region, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views of the mountains, requiring careful driving.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore small towns along the way. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It’s a very long and potentially tiring drive for the person driving, especially on the winding mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: It’s a good idea to start very early in the morning from Agra to avoid city traffic and to cover a good portion of the distance during daylight hours. Consider having two drivers if possible for such a long journey. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Agra to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 409 km.
- Travel Time: Around 10 to 12 hours. Some services estimate around 5 hours 52 minutes, which might be for ideal conditions or a specific route.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Agra. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. You can expect taxi fares for a sedan to start from around ₹6,372 to ₹7,687 for a one-way trip. SUVs will be more expensive, starting around ₹6,789 to ₹13,224.
- Pros: Very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It offers comfortable door-to-door service, and a professional driver handles the long and sometimes challenging mountain roads.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than public transport options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any extra charges like tolls or night driving fees, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical and practical way to travel from Agra to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Agra to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 350-409 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys can be long, often requiring connections. A direct bus route might not be readily available. If you take a bus to a major hub like Haldwani or Nainital, and then another bus to Almora, the total journey could be 10-15 hours or more. For example, a bus journey from Agra to Nainital (a common route to then connect to Almora) can take over 14 hours.
- Starting Point: You might find buses from Agra to major cities like Delhi, from where you can find direct buses to Almora or connecting buses to Kathgodam/Haldwani. From Agra, you might depart from Sai Ki Takiya or other bus stands.
- Bus Types: Both private operators and state transport corporations (like UPSRTC or Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) might have services on these routes. Direct luxury buses from Agra to Almora are not common.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: The journey is quite long and can be less comfortable than a train or car. Direct connectivity might be limited, requiring transfers.
- Tips: If planning a bus journey, research connections carefully. Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. For such a long journey, carry essential items, snacks, water, and perhaps a travel pillow for comfort.
3. By Train
While Almora itself doesn’t have a railway station, you can take a train from Agra to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable option for covering a significant portion of the distance.
- Agra to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
- Travel Time (Agra to Kathgodam/Lal Kuan): There are no direct trains from Agra to Kathgodam. You would typically need to take a train with a transfer, often at Mathura Junction. The total train journey can take around 8 to 11 hours. For example, a train from Agra Cantt via Mathura Jn to Kathgodam can take about 9 hours. Some trains directly to Lal Kuan (near Kathgodam) from Agra Fort can take around 8 hours 11 minutes.
- Key Trains: Trains like AF RMR EXPRESS (15055) connect Agra Fort to Lal Kuan. Other options involve connecting trains via Mathura Junction to Kathgodam.
- Train Fare: Train tickets can range from ₹270 for Sleeper Class to ₹1,700 for First Class AC, depending on the train and class.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing for longer journeys, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You’ll need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam or Lal Kuan to Almora.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, as popular trains and routes get booked up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, you can easily find shared taxis, private cabs (a taxi from Kathgodam to Almora can cost around ₹2,900 to ₹5,900), or local buses to Almora. The drive from Kathgodam to Almora is scenic and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
For those who prefer the fastest way to cover long distances, flying is an option, though it still involves a significant road journey to Almora.
- Agra (Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport – AGR) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora.
- Travel Time (Agra to Pantnagar): There are generally no direct flights from Agra to Pantnagar. You would typically need to take a connecting flight, usually via Delhi. This can make the total flight duration (including layover) quite long. A direct flight from Delhi to Pantnagar takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Airlines: IndiGo is a common airline operating on these connecting routes.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance by air.
- Cons: This is generally the most expensive option, with fares varying widely (starting from around ₹3,500 for connecting flights). The connecting flights add significantly to the overall travel time, making it less efficient than it might seem. You’ll also still need to cover the significant road distance from Pantnagar to Almora.
- Tips: If you choose this option, carefully check the layover times and airport changes (if any) in Delhi. From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Almora. The road journey from Pantnagar to Almora takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
The “best” way to reach Almora from Agra really depends on your preferences:
- For budget travellers: A train to Kathgodam followed by a bus or shared taxi is generally the most economical choice.
- For a balance of comfort and efficiency: A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a private taxi is often recommended, as it breaks down the long journey into more manageable parts.
- For flexibility and a direct door-to-door experience: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is ideal, though it’s a very long drive.
No matter which way you choose to travel, the journey from Agra to Almora will lead you to a beautiful and peaceful destination. Enjoy your trip to the Kumaon region!