How to Reach Ghaziabad To Ranikhet

How to Reach Ghaziabad to Ranikhet

Since Ranikhet is a hill station, direct train or flight services are not available. The most common and convenient ways to reach Ranikhet from Ghaziabad involve a combination of modes of transport, primarily focusing on road travel for the final leg of the journey.

1. By Road: The Most Flexible Option

Traveling by road is the most direct and often preferred way to reach Ranikhet from Ghaziabad, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes.

a. Private Taxi or Car Rental

Hiring a private taxi or car is the most comfortable and flexible option, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group.

Journey Details: The drive from Ghaziabad takes you through parts of Uttar Pradesh and then into the scenic Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Common routes might pass through towns like Moradabad, Rampur, Rudrapur, and then up towards Haldwani and Kathgodam, before ascending to Ranikhet. The roads are generally well-maintained, but the hilly section will involve winding roads.

Benefits: You get the convenience of door-to-door service, can stop for breaks or meals whenever you like, and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

Cost: The cost for a one-way taxi from Ghaziabad to Ranikhet can range from approximately ₹3,300 to ₹5,000 for a sedan (like a Dzire or Etios) and higher for SUVs (like Innova) or larger vehicles, depending on the taxi service and the type of car. It’s advisable to compare prices from a few providers and confirm inclusions like toll taxes and driver allowance.

b. Bus Services

Taking a bus is a more economical option, typically involving a direct bus to Haldwani or Kathgodam, followed by a shared taxi or local bus to Ranikhet.

To Haldwani/Kathgodam: You can find buses (both government-run and private operators) from Ghaziabad’s bus stand (like Kaushambi or Anand Vihar ISBT, which is easily accessible from Ghaziabad) to Haldwani or Kathgodam. These are major transport hubs at the foothills of Uttarakhand.

Duration: The bus journey to Haldwani or Kathgodam can take around 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and bus type.
Cost: Bus fares are usually quite affordable, ranging from a few hundred rupees depending on whether it’s an ordinary, AC, or Volvo bus.

From Haldwani/Kathgodam to Ranikhet: Once you reach Haldwani or Kathgodam, you’ll need to take another mode of transport to Ranikhet.

Shared Taxis/Jeeps: These are easily available outside the railway station and bus stands in Haldwani and Kathgodam. They are a popular and cost-effective way to reach Ranikhet. The shared ride might take about 2-3 hours.
Local Buses: Uttarakhand Roadways also operates local buses from Haldwani/Kathgodam to Ranikhet, though they might be less frequent than shared taxis. This is the cheapest option.

2. By Train: A Convenient Indirect Route

While Ranikhet does not have its own railway station, you can take a train from Ghaziabad to the nearest major railhead, Kathgodam, and then continue by road.

Train from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam (KGM): Ghaziabad is a major railway junction, and you can find direct trains to Kathgodam.

Popular Trains: Some popular trains include the Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (12040), Ranikhet Express (15013), or Uttar Sampark Kranti Express (15035).
Duration: The train journey from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam typically takes around 5 to 7 hours.
Benefits: Train travel is comfortable and usually less affected by road traffic, making it a reliable option. It’s also an economical choice.
Booking: It’s advisable to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as seats on popular routes fill up quickly.

From Kathgodam to Ranikhet: Once you arrive at Kathgodam railway station, Ranikhet is still about 75-80 kilometers away.

Taxis: You can easily hire a private taxi or find shared taxis outside Kathgodam railway station. A private taxi would cost around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.
Buses: Uttarakhand Roadways buses are also available from Kathgodam to Ranikhet, offering a cheaper alternative. The bus journey from Kathgodam to Ranikhet takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

3. By Air: Not a Practical Direct Option

There is no airport in Ranikhet. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is about 115-120 kilometers away from Ranikhet.

From Ghaziabad/Delhi to Pantnagar: While you can technically fly from Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is accessible from Ghaziabad) to Pantnagar, it’s generally not recommended for a trip to Ranikhet from Ghaziabad due to the significant onward road journey.

From Pantnagar to Ranikhet: From Pantnagar Airport, you would need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Ranikhet, which would add another 3-4 hours to your travel time. Given the direct road and rail connectivity to Kathgodam, flying to Pantnagar isn’t the most efficient or cost-effective way for this specific route.

Important Tips for Your Journey

Best Time to Travel: Ranikhet is lovely throughout the year, but the best time to visit is usually from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant.

Book in Advance: Especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons or holidays, it’s wise to book train tickets or private taxis well in advance.

Carry Essentials: When traveling to the hills, it’s always a good idea to carry appropriate clothing (layers are best), any personal medications, and snacks.

Road Conditions: While main routes are generally good, mountain roads are curvy. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions.

Choosing the right mode of transport depends on your budget, time constraints, and preference for comfort. A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a taxi or bus to Ranikhet is often a popular choice for its balance of comfort and cost-effectiveness.

Ghaziabad to Ranikhet Distance