Rishikesh, a global hub for yoga and adventure sports, is renowned for its spiritual ashrams and the beautiful Ganges River flowing through it. If you’re traveling from Rishikesh to the ancient pilgrimage city of Haridwar, you’ll find the journey to be very short and straightforward, with excellent local transport options connecting these two holy towns.
Distance Between Rishikesh and Haridwar
The distance between Rishikesh and Haridwar is quite short:
- By Road: Approximately 20-25 kilometers.
- By Train: Around 25-30 kilometers.
How to Reach Haridwar from Rishikesh
Given the close proximity, road and rail are the most practical and popular ways to travel between Rishikesh and Haridwar.
1. By Road (Most Flexible and Frequent)
Traveling by road is the most common and flexible option for this short route, with various modes of transport readily available.
- Journey Time: The drive usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and the type of vehicle.
- Routes: The main route connects Rishikesh directly to Haridwar, following the course of the Ganges River. The road is generally well-maintained.
a. By Bus (Most Economical and Frequent)
Buses are a very common and budget-friendly way to travel between Rishikesh and Haridwar, with frequent services available throughout the day.
- Journey Time: Buses typically complete the journey in around 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Operators: Both state-run buses (like Uttarakhand Transport Corporation – UTC) and various private buses constantly ply this route. You’ll find many buses departing from Rishikesh’s main bus stand.
- Types of Buses: Most buses are standard non-AC, but you might find some AC options as well.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are very affordable, usually ranging from ₹40-₹70 per person.
- Pros: Highly frequent departures, extremely economical, and readily available from the main bus stand.
- Cons: Non-AC buses can be less comfortable. Can get crowded during peak hours or festival times.
- Tips: Head to the main Rishikesh Bus Stand (near Natraj Chowk/IDPL gate). You can typically buy tickets directly from the conductor.
b. By Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Direct)
Hiring a private taxi or cab offers the most convenience, especially if you’re traveling with luggage, a family, or prefer a direct, comfortable ride.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, privacy, and flexibility to stop if needed. HillZet Taxi guarantees on-time pickups and drop-offs for the airport (though Haridwar does not have an airport, this reflects a commitment to timely service for other travel needs).
- Cons: More expensive than public transport options.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹800 to ₹1,200, depending on the car type (hatchback, sedan, SUV) and the taxi service. This usually includes a one-way fare; round-trip rates would be different.
- Tips: You can find local taxi stands in Rishikesh, particularly near popular areas like Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, or the main market. App-based services might also be available in the main Rishikesh area. Always confirm the total fare before starting your journey.
c. Shared Autos/Vikrams (Local and Very Economical)
For a truly local and very budget-friendly experience, shared auto-rickshaws or larger shared vehicles called ‘Vikrams’ are a popular choice for this route.
- Pros: Extremely cheap and frequent. They are readily available from various points in Rishikesh, like Laxman Jhula parking, Triveni Ghat area, or the main market. They are the most common transport for locals traveling between the two towns.
- Cons: Can be very crowded, less comfortable, and might not follow fixed schedules, waiting until full.
- Price Estimates: Fares are typically very low, often around ₹50-₹80 per person.
- Tips: This option is best if you’re traveling light, on a tight budget, and are comfortable with a more casual, shared travel style. Just look for shared autos heading to Haridwar.
2. By Train (Limited but Direct)
While trains are available, their frequency is much lower compared to road transport options. However, they offer a direct connection from Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK) station to Haridwar.
- Journey Time: Trains typically take a very short time, ranging from 40 minutes to 1 hour.
- Train Stations:
- From Rishikesh: Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK) is the main station in Rishikesh (note: it’s not the old Rishikesh station which is less active for passenger trains).
- To Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the arrival station.
- Frequency: Only a few direct trains run daily from Yog Nagari Rishikesh to Haridwar, as many long-distance trains originate/terminate at Haridwar itself. You would need to check specific train schedules.
- Types of Trains: You can find both passenger and express trains with various classes.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are very affordable, typically ranging from ₹30 to ₹150 depending on the train and class chosen.
- Pros: Economical and a comfortable way to travel. Avoids road traffic.
- Cons: Limited frequency compared to buses or shared autos. May not align with your immediate travel plans.
- Tips: Check the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or other popular travel platforms for the latest schedules if you prefer train travel. Booking in advance is generally not necessary for such a short journey, but helps if you want a reserved seat on an express train.
3. By Air (Not Applicable)
There are no direct flights between Rishikesh and Haridwar. Given the very short road and rail distance, flying is not a practical or logical option for this route. The nearest airport to both cities is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun.
For the short and convenient journey from Rishikesh to Haridwar, buses, taxis, and shared autos are the most popular and practical choices due to their high frequency and direct availability. Trains are a viable option if their schedule aligns with your plans.