Are you looking to travel from the spiritual city of Haridwar back to the bustling metropolis of Delhi? You have several convenient and popular options to choose from, whether you prefer the comfort of a private car, the affordability of a bus, or the efficiency of a train. This guide will help you plan your return journey smoothly.
Haridwar to Delhi Distance & Travel Time
The road distance from Haridwar to Delhi is approximately 200 to 230 kilometers. The journey typically takes between 4 to 7 hours, depending on your chosen mode of transport, traffic conditions, and any stops you make along the way.
How to Travel from Haridwar to Delhi
Here are the main ways you can travel from Haridwar to Delhi:
1. By Train (Comfortable and Popular)
Traveling by train is a very popular choice due to its comfort and often competitive travel times. Haridwar Junction (HW) is a well-connected railway station with direct trains to various Delhi railway stations.
- Delhi Railway Stations: Trains from Haridwar typically arrive at:
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS): The main railway station in Delhi.
- Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM): A major railway terminal in South Delhi.
- Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT): A terminal in East Delhi.
- Old Delhi (DLI): Another significant and historic railway station.
- Delhi Cantt (DEC): Located in Southwest Delhi.
- Travel Time: Depending on the train, the journey can take anywhere from 3 hours 40 minutes (Vande Bharat Express) to 8 hours.
- Popular Trains:
- Vande Bharat Express (22458): One of the fastest options, taking about 3 hours 41 minutes to Anand Vihar Terminal. It operates on Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun.
- Janshatabdi Express (12056): A fast daily train, taking around 4 hours 36 minutes to New Delhi. This is often a preferred option.
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express (12018): Another popular AC chair car train, taking about 4 hours 46 minutes to New Delhi.
- Kalingautkal Express (18478), Yoga Express (19032), Mussoorie Express (14042), and others: These trains offer various timings and travel durations.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares vary by train type and class:
- Second Seating (2S): Around ₹145 – ₹200
- AC Chair Car (CC): Around ₹490 – ₹975
- Sleeper (SL): Around ₹185 – ₹215
- AC 3 Tier (3A): Around ₹515 – ₹560
- AC 2 Tier (2A): Around ₹720 – ₹765
- Executive Class (EC) on Vande Bharat: Around ₹1515
- Booking: It’s highly recommended to book your train tickets well in advance, especially for popular trains like Shatabdi or Janshatabdi, through the Indian Railways website (IRCTC) or other online travel portals. Tickets can sell out quickly, particularly during peak seasons and festivals.
- Pros: Comfortable, often faster than buses (especially for express trains), avoids road traffic jams, and offers a good way to see the landscape.
- Cons: Tickets need to be booked in advance, and Haridwar Junction can be busy.
2. By Bus (Affordable and Frequent)
Buses are a very common and economical way to travel from Haridwar to Delhi. There are frequent services throughout the day and night.
- Departure Points in Haridwar: Most buses depart from the Haridwar Bus Stand (near Har Ki Pauri and the railway station). Some private operators might have specific pickup points.
- Arrival Points in Delhi: Buses usually arrive at ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, which is a major transport hub with good metro connectivity to other parts of the city. Some private buses might drop off at other locations like Anand Vihar or Majnu-ka-Tilla.
- Travel Time: The bus journey typically takes between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the type of bus, traffic conditions, and the number of stops.
- Types of Buses: You’ll find a wide range of buses:
- Government-run buses: Operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). These are generally reliable and economical.
- Private bus operators: Offer various options, including non-AC, AC Seater, AC Sleeper, and luxury Volvo/Bharat Benz coaches.
- Cost Estimates: Bus fares are quite affordable, ranging from ₹200 for basic non-AC buses to ₹1,000 or more for premium AC sleeper coaches.
- Booking: You can buy tickets directly at the Haridwar Bus Stand. For private operators or to book in advance, use online bus booking platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, or the operators’ own websites (e.g., NueGo, Zingbus).
- Pros: Very frequent services, often available even on short notice, and budget-friendly.
- Cons: Can be less comfortable than trains, susceptible to road traffic delays, and can involve more stops.
- Tips: Check reviews for private bus operators. For a more comfortable journey, consider booking an AC sleeper or Volvo bus.
3. By Taxi/Cab (Flexible and Direct)
Hiring a private taxi or car is the most flexible and direct way to travel, especially if you prefer privacy or are traveling in a group.
- Convenience: A taxi offers door-to-door service, picking you up from your hotel or preferred location in Haridwar and dropping you directly at your desired address in Delhi.
- Travel Time: The journey by car usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic. It allows for comfort breaks as needed.
- Cost Estimates: Fares vary based on the type of vehicle (sedan, SUV, etc.) and the service provider. Expect fares to range from ₹2,100 to ₹4,000 for a one-way trip. Some services might charge extra for tolls or driver allowances, so confirm the total cost upfront.
- Booking: You can book taxis through local taxi stands in Haridwar, your hotel travel desk, or online cab booking services like Uber Intercity, Savaari, or local Haridwar-based taxi providers.
- Pros: Most comfortable, private, flexible route and stops, ideal for families or those with heavy luggage.
- Cons: The most expensive option, especially for solo travelers.
- Tips: Negotiate the fare if booking a local taxi, or use app-based services for transparent pricing. Ensure the vehicle is well-maintained and the driver is experienced.
Key Considerations for Your Journey
- Traffic: Be mindful of traffic, especially when entering Delhi, as it can add significant time to your journey regardless of the mode of transport.
- Booking in Advance: For trains and popular AC buses or taxis, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, or pilgrimage seasons, to ensure availability and potentially better prices.
- Best Time to Travel: Early morning departures often help avoid heavy traffic and allow for a smoother journey.
No matter your preference, traveling from Haridwar to Delhi is convenient with a variety of options to suit every budget and comfort level.
