How to Reach Bijnor To Ranikhet

Planning your trip from Bijnor to Ranikhet primarily involves road travel, as it is the most practical and direct option. While train and air travel are possible, they involve multiple transfers and are generally less efficient for this route.

By Road: The Most Direct Way

Traveling by road is the most popular and flexible option for this route, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery from the plains to the hills.

1. Private Taxi or Car Rental

Hiring a private taxi is undoubtedly the most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Bijnor to Ranikhet. You can easily book a cab for a one-way trip from local taxi stands in Bijnor or through online taxi services.

Journey Details: The road trip usually takes about 6 to 7 hours. A common route involves driving from Bijnor towards Dhampur, then Moradabad, and subsequently connecting to the roads leading to the Kumaon hills via places like Rampur, Bilaspur, and Haldwani or Kashipur and then Kaladhungi/Nainital, finally ascending to Ranikhet. The initial part of the journey through the plains will be on relatively flat and well-maintained highways. As you approach the Kumaon region (especially after Haldwani), the roads become winding and scenic, offering beautiful views of the mountains.

Benefits: This option provides maximum flexibility. You can decide your departure time, stop for breaks, meals, or photo opportunities whenever you wish, and enjoy a private journey tailored to your comfort. It’s ideal for families or groups who prefer a direct and hassle-free transfer.

Cost: Taxi fares vary depending on the type of vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV) and the service provider. For a one-way trip, you can expect fares to start from around ₹4,500 to ₹7,000 or more, depending on the car size and current rates. It’s always a good idea to confirm the total fare, including any potential toll charges and driver allowances, before starting your journey.

2. Bus Services (Connecting)

While direct bus services from Bijnor to Ranikhet are unlikely to be frequent, you can easily find buses from Bijnor to major transport hubs in the Kumaon region, such as Haldwani or Kathgodam. From these points, you can then take connecting buses or shared taxis to Ranikhet.

Journey Details: You would first take a bus from Bijnor to a city like Moradabad, then to Haldwani or Kathgodam. The bus journey to Haldwani from Bijnor can take approximately 4-5 hours. From Haldwani or Kathgodam, Ranikhet is about 2-3 hours away by road. From these major Kumaon towns, you will find regular local buses operated by Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) or Kumaon Motor Owners Union (KMOU), as well as shared jeeps/taxis, heading towards Ranikhet.

Benefits: Bus travel is typically the most budget-friendly option.

Considerations: This option involves multiple changes and can be more time-consuming and less comfortable than a private taxi, especially if you have a lot of luggage. It’s advisable to check bus schedules and availability beforehand, as mountain routes can have varying frequencies.

By Train: An Indirect Route

There is no direct train route to Ranikhet as it does not have its own railway station. While Bijnor has a railway station, a train journey to Ranikhet would be indirect and involve significant road travel.

Nearest Railway Stations to Ranikhet:

Kathgodam (KGM): This is the nearest major railway station to Ranikhet, located about 75-80 kilometers away. Kathgodam is well-connected by trains from various parts of India, including Delhi.
Ramnagar (RMR): Another nearby railway station, approximately 95-100 kilometers from Ranikhet.

How to Travel from Bijnor by Train: You would first need to take a train from Bijnor to a major railhead that connects to Kathgodam or Ramnagar. You might find connecting trains from Bijnor’s nearby stations (like Najibabad Jn or Moradabad) towards Kathgodam or Ramnagar. For instance, you could take a train to Lal Kuan or Rudrapur and then connect to a train going to Kathgodam. The train journey to Kathgodam could take around 4-6 hours, depending on connections.

From Kathgodam/Ramnagar to Ranikhet: Once you reach Kathgodam or Ramnagar, you can easily hire a taxi or take a local bus to Ranikhet. The drive from Kathgodam to Ranikhet is very scenic and takes around 2-3 hours.

Benefits: Train travel can be a more relaxed mode of transport for the longer stretch to the foothills.

Considerations: This option requires careful planning to coordinate train timings with your onward journey by road. It is generally more time-consuming due to transfers and the fact that a significant part of the journey to Ranikhet must still be covered by road.

By Air: Not a Practical Option

Neither Bijnor nor Ranikhet has its own airport. Using air travel for this route is highly impractical and indirect.

Nearest Airport to Ranikhet:

Pantnagar Airport (PGH): This is the closest airport to Ranikhet, located approximately 115-120 kilometers away. It is a small domestic airport with limited flight connectivity.

How to Travel from Bijnor by Air: Bijnor does not have a functional airport for commercial flights. The closest major airport would be Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), but traveling from Bijnor to Delhi just to catch a flight to Pantnagar (which itself has limited flights) would be highly inefficient. The most direct air-related approach would be to travel by road from Bijnor to Pantnagar Airport (approximately 150-160 km, taking about 4-5 hours), and then hire a taxi from Pantnagar to Ranikhet. The drive from Pantnagar to Ranikhet takes about 3-4 hours.

Benefits: While flying is generally fast, for this specific route, the extensive road travel required to and from airports makes it an inefficient and expensive choice.

Considerations: This is usually the most expensive and time-consuming option when considering the full door-to-door journey.

Important Tips for Your Journey

Road Conditions: The roads from Bijnor towards the Kumaon hills are generally in good condition. However, as you ascend, the roads become winding and can be narrow in some sections. During the monsoon season (July to September), be aware of potential landslides or slippery conditions. It’s advisable to check local road conditions before you travel.

Start Early: Starting your journey early in the morning is highly recommended, especially for longer drives through the hills. This helps you avoid heavy traffic, enjoy the scenic views in good daylight, and reach your destination comfortably before evening.

Carry Essentials: When traveling to the mountains, it’s always a good idea to carry some warm clothing, even in summer, as the weather can change quickly. Also, keep some basic medicines for motion sickness, snacks, and water handy.

Enjoy the Views: The journey from the plains of Bijnor to the hilly terrain of Ranikhet is quite picturesque. Be sure to take in the changing landscapes.

In conclusion, the most straightforward and recommended way to travel from Bijnor to Ranikhet is by road, with a private taxi offering the most comfortable and flexible option for this scenic journey to the “Queen’s Meadow.”

How to Reach Bijnor To Ranikhet

Bijnor to Ranikhet Distance