Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana and a hub of technology and culture, is a long distance from the spiritual city of Haridwar. To make this journey, you’ll need to consider different travel methods, as it’s a cross-country trip. While flights are the quickest, trains offer a traditional and economical alternative.
Distance Between Haridwar and Hyderabad
The approximate distance between Haridwar and Hyderabad varies depending on how you travel:
- By Air (via Dehradun Airport): The aerial distance between Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun, the closest to Haridwar) and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) is around 1,320-1,397 kilometers.
- By Train: Approximately 1,600-1,900 kilometers, depending on the route and any transfers.
- By Road: Around 1,700-1,750 kilometers.
How to Reach Hyderabad from Haridwar
Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:
1. By Air (Fastest and Most Convenient Option)
This is the quickest and most efficient way to cover the long distance between Haridwar and Hyderabad.
- Steps:
- Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): You’ll start by taking a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This road journey covers about 37-41 km and usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from ₹1,250 to ₹2,800 depending on the vehicle type.
- Dehradun (DED) to Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport – HYD): From Dehradun, you can catch a flight to Hyderabad.
- Flight Duration: Direct flights from Dehradun to Hyderabad typically take around 2 hours 30 minutes. Connecting flights, often with a layover in cities like Delhi or Mumbai, will take longer, usually between 5 to 10+ hours.
- Airlines: IndiGo is a major airline offering direct flights on this route daily. Air India also offers connecting flights.
- Ticket Price Estimates: One-way flight fares can vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book, the airline, and demand. As of July 2025, one-way direct flights can start from around ₹5,800 to ₹7,000, but prices can go up significantly during peak times or for last-minute bookings.
- Hyderabad Airport (HYD) to Hyderabad City: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) is located about 24 km south of Hyderabad city center. You can easily find pre-paid taxis, app-based cabs (Ola/Uber), or the Pushpak Airport Liner bus service to reach your final destination in Hyderabad. Travel time can be 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including road travel to Dehradun airport, flight time, and transfer within Hyderabad, can be completed in approximately 5 to 8 hours for direct flights and smooth transfers.
- Pros: Significantly reduces travel time compared to other modes. Offers comfort for a long journey.
- Cons: Generally the most expensive travel option. Requires transfers between different modes of transport and potential waiting times at airports.
- Tips: Book your flights as early as possible to secure better prices. It’s also a good idea to pre-book your taxi from Haridwar to Dehradun Airport and from Hyderabad Airport to your final destination for a hassle-free experience.
2. By Train (Traditional and Economical Option)
Train travel is a popular and cost-effective way to travel long distances in India, allowing you to relax and experience the journey.
- Journey Time: This is a very long train journey. Direct trains from Haridwar to Hyderabad (Kacheguda or Hyderabad Deccan Nampally) typically take between 33 to 38 hours. Some routes might involve changes in major junctions like Delhi, which could slightly affect the travel time.
- Train Stations:
- From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main station.
- To Hyderabad: Kacheguda (KCG) and Hyderabad Deccan Nampally (HYB) are major railway stations in Hyderabad.
- Frequency: There might be limited direct trains (e.g., a weekly service like Yog Nagari Rishikesh – Yesvantpur Summer Special 06598 which goes via Haridwar to Kacheguda). You might find more options with a changeover in Delhi or other major cities.
- Types of Trains: You can choose from various classes, including Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and sometimes First Class (1A).
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range from approximately ₹900-₹1,000 (Sleeper Class) to ₹2,300-₹4,500 (AC classes) or more, depending on the train type and class.
- Pros: Can be a more economical option than flying. Offers a chance to relax or sleep during the long journey. You get to see diverse landscapes.
- Cons: Very long journey duration. Limited direct train options, potentially requiring a change of trains. Tickets can be hard to get during peak seasons if not booked early.
- Tips: Check the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or other popular travel platforms (like RailYatri, ixigo, MakeMyTrip) for the most up-to-date train schedules, availability, and fare options. Book well in advance, especially for AC classes.
3. By Road (Long and Challenging Drive)
Driving from Haridwar to Hyderabad is a very long journey and generally not recommended as the primary mode of travel unless you enjoy extremely long road trips or are traveling with a group and multiple drivers.
- Distance: Approximately 1,700-1,750 kilometers.
- Journey Time: A continuous drive would take at least 26-30 hours, not including significant stops for food, rest, and sleep. It would typically require at least one, and more likely two, overnight stops.
- Routes: The common route involves driving south from Haridwar, connecting to major national highways towards Delhi, then heading south through states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and finally into Telangana to Hyderabad. Using GPS navigation with real-time traffic updates is essential.
- Self-Drive:
- Pros: Ultimate flexibility to stop anywhere and anytime. Can be cost-effective for a group if vehicle running costs are shared.
- Cons: Extremely long and tiring drive. Requires multiple drivers. High fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Risk of fatigue.
- Hiring a Taxi/Cab:
- Pros: Convenient as you don’t have to drive. Door-to-door service.
- Cons: Very expensive due to the long distance and the need for the driver to return or be compensated for the return journey. Can be very tiring even as a passenger.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost upwards of ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type, service provider, and whether the fare includes driver’s allowance, tolls, etc.
- Tips: If choosing this option, plan your stops carefully, ensure you have multiple drivers, and factor in sufficient rest periods. Check road conditions and safety advisories for all states you will pass through.
Given the significant distance, flying is the most efficient and practical way to travel from Haridwar to Hyderabad, balancing travel time with reasonable comfort. For those on a stricter budget and with more time, a train journey (especially a direct one if available) or a train with a single change could be a viable alternative.