How to Reach Bareilly To Ranikhet

Bareilly, a prominent city in Uttar Pradesh, is widely recognized for its vibrant culture, especially for its “Zari-zardozi” embroidery and as a major trade center. In contrast, Ranikhet, a charming hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, offers a serene escape with its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, peaceful forests, and cool, refreshing climate. Traveling from the busy plains of Bareilly to the tranquil mountains of Ranikhet is a relatively short and pleasant journey, providing a welcome change of scenery. This article will guide you through the various ways to reach Ranikhet from Bareilly, helping you plan your trip smoothly.

Bareilly to Ranikhet Distance

The approximate road distance between Bareilly and Ranikhet is around 140 to 185 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken. This is a manageable journey, typically taking about 4 to 6 hours by road. The route transitions from the flatlands of Uttar Pradesh to the beautiful, winding roads of the Kumaon hills.

How to Reach Bareilly To Ranikhet

Given the moderate distance, road travel is the most efficient and common way to get from Bareilly to Ranikhet. A combination of train and road is also a popular and convenient option.

By Road: The Most Common Way

Traveling by road is often the preferred choice for this route, offering flexibility and the chance to enjoy the changing scenery.

1. Private Taxi or Car Rental

Hiring a private taxi or renting a car is the most comfortable and convenient option for traveling from Bareilly to Ranikhet. Taxis are easily available in Bareilly, and you can book one for a one-way trip.

• Journey Details: The road trip usually takes about 4 to 5 hours. The most common route involves driving on National Highway 74 (NH74) towards Kichha and then continuing towards Haldwani. From Haldwani, you will ascend into the hills, passing through Bhowali before reaching Ranikhet. The roads are generally in good condition, especially the highway sections. As you get closer to Ranikhet, the roads become winding, offering picturesque views of the valleys and mountains.
• Benefits: This option provides maximum flexibility. You can start your journey at any time, take breaks whenever you wish, and enjoy a private, comfortable ride. It’s especially suitable if you are traveling with family or a group.
• Cost: Taxi fares vary depending on the type of vehicle and the service provider. For a one-way trip, you can expect fares to start from around ₹2,500 to ₹4,000. It’s always advisable to confirm the total fare, including any toll charges, beforehand.

2. Bus Services

There are direct bus services available from Bareilly to Ranikhet, which makes it a convenient and economical option.

• Journey Details: Buses from Bareilly typically head towards Haldwani, a major gateway to the Kumaon region, and then continue to Ranikhet. The average bus journey duration is around 6 hours and 40 minutes, but this can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops.
• Benefits: Bus travel is generally the most budget-friendly option. Both state-run (UPSRTC and UTC) and some private bus operators provide services on this route.
• Considerations: While direct buses are available, comfort levels might vary. It’s advisable to check the bus type (AC/Non-AC, Seater/Sleeper) and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a comfortable journey.

By Train: A Convenient Combination Journey

While Ranikhet does not have its own railway station, combining a train journey to the nearest railhead with a short road trip is a very popular and often preferred way to travel from Bareilly.

• Nearest Railway Station to Ranikhet:
  • Kathgodam (KGM): This is the nearest major railway station to Ranikhet, located approximately 75-80 kilometers away. Kathgodam is a well-connected railhead with regular trains from various cities, including Bareilly.
• How to Travel from Bareilly by Train:
  • Bareilly to Kathgodam: Bareilly is well-connected to Kathgodam by train. Several trains run daily or weekly between Bareilly (BE/BRY) and Kathgodam (KGM). Some popular trains include the Bagh Express (13019) and LJN KGM Express (15043). The train journey from Bareilly to Kathgodam usually takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Train tickets are generally affordable, with sleeper class fares starting from around ₹150-₹200.
  • From Kathgodam to Ranikhet: Once you arrive at Kathgodam railway station, you will find numerous taxis (private and shared) and local buses readily available just outside the station. The drive from Kathgodam to Ranikhet is very scenic, winding through hills and offering beautiful views. This leg of the journey typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. Shared taxis or local buses from Kathgodam to Ranikhet are also available and are a more economical option. Taxi fares from Kathgodam to Ranikhet for a sedan can range from ₹2,300 to ₹4,500, while bus fares are significantly lower, around ₹200-₹300.
• Benefits: Train travel is often more relaxing than continuous driving for long distances. It’s also a more eco-friendly option. The train journey through the plains and foothills offers a different perspective.
• Considerations: Booking train tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular trains and during holidays. You’ll need to account for the transfer time from Kathgodam to Ranikhet.

By Air: Not a Practical Option

Flying is generally not a practical option for traveling from Bareilly to Ranikhet due to the lack of direct flights and the significant onward road journey.

• Nearest Airport to Ranikhet:
  • Pantnagar Airport (PGH): This is the closest airport to Ranikhet, located approximately 115-120 kilometers away. It’s a small domestic airport with limited flight connectivity.
• How to Travel from Bareilly by Air:
  • There are no direct flights from Bareilly to Pantnagar. You would typically need to fly from Bareilly’s Civil Enclave (Bareilly Airport, VBR) to a major hub like Delhi, and then take a connecting flight to Pantnagar if available. This would involve multiple transfers and significantly increase travel time and cost compared to road or train options.
  • Once you land at Pantnagar Airport, you would then need to hire a taxi to Ranikhet, which takes about 3-4 hours by road.
• Benefits: This option is generally faster for very long distances, but not for this specific route.
• Considerations: This is the most expensive and time-consuming option for this particular journey when considering the total travel time and multiple transfers.

Important Tips for Your Journey

• Check Road Conditions: While the roads are generally good, mountain roads can be unpredictable, especially during the monsoon season (July to September) when landslides can occur. It’s always wise to check current road and weather conditions before you travel.
• Pack Accordingly: Even if you travel during summer, the weather in Ranikhet can be cooler than in Bareilly, especially in the evenings. Carry light layers or a jacket.
• Book in Advance: For train tickets and popular bus services, especially during weekends or festive periods, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred travel times and seats.
• Enjoy the Transition: The journey from the urban landscape of Bareilly to the serene hill station of Ranikhet is a beautiful experience. Be sure to take in the changing scenery as you approach the mountains.

Whether you choose the directness of a road trip or the comfort of a train journey combined with a short drive, reaching Ranikhet from Bareilly is a relatively easy and enjoyable endeavor.