How to Reach Kanpur from Haridwar

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:

1. By Train (Recommended for Balance of Cost, Comfort, and Convenience)

Train travel is a very common and efficient way to get from Haridwar to Kanpur. There are direct trains available, making it a convenient option.

Journey Time: Direct trains from Haridwar to Kanpur typically take between 10 to 13 hours, depending on the specific train, its speed, and the number of stops.

Train Stations:

From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the primary boarding station.
To Kanpur: Kanpur Central (CNB) is the main railway station in Kanpur.

Direct Train Availability: There are usually direct trains connecting Haridwar to Kanpur. For example, the DDN SFG EXP (14114) runs daily from Haridwar to Kanpur. Other trains might originate from nearby stations like Laksar or Saharanpur, offering connections.

Frequency: Several trains operate on this route, including daily services, providing good frequency.

Types of Coaches: You can choose from various classes to suit your budget and comfort:

Sleeper (SL): Most economical, non-air-conditioned.
AC 3-Tier (3A): Air-conditioned, good balance of cost and comfort.
AC 2-Tier (2A): More spacious and private.
AC 1st Class (1A): Most luxurious, offering private cabins.

Ticket Price Estimates: As of July 2025, fares can vary based on the class and train type. Sleeper Class tickets might range from ₹350 – ₹500, while AC 3-Tier could be ₹900 – ₹1,400. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for AC classes.

Pros: Direct connectivity, making it hassle-free. Comfortable for overnight journeys, especially in AC coaches. Generally economical. Allows you to carry more luggage.

Cons: Takes a significant amount of time compared to flying. Tickets can sell out quickly during peak periods.

Tips: Always check the latest train schedules and book tickets through the official IRCTC website or other authorized platforms (like MakeMyTrip, Paytm, Ixigo, redBus). For an overnight journey, carrying your own water and snacks is advisable.

2. By Bus (Economical and Direct)

Bus services offer a direct and often more budget-friendly alternative to trains, especially for those who prefer road travel.

Journey Time: Buses from Haridwar to Kanpur typically take between 11 to 15 hours, depending on the bus type, route, and traffic conditions.

Bus Operators: Several private and government bus operators (like UPSRTC) run services on this route. Popular private operators include Laxmi Holidays Pvt Ltd, KN Nehra Travels, Samay Shatabdi Travels Pvt Ltd, and Raj Kalpana Travels Pvt.Ltd.

Types of Buses: You’ll find a variety of bus types, including:

AC Seater/Sleeper: Comfortable for overnight travel, often with recliner seats or berths.
Non-AC Seater/Sleeper: More economical options.

Ticket Price Estimates: As of July 2025, bus fares can range from around ₹700 – ₹1,500 for AC sleeper/seater buses. Non-AC options might be cheaper. Prices can fluctuate based on the operator, bus type, and booking time.

Boarding and Dropping Points: Buses usually depart from major points in Haridwar (like Pantdeep Parking, near Har Ki Pauri, or Haridwar Bus Stand) and arrive at key locations in Kanpur (like Naubasta Chauraha, Fazalganj, or Tat Mill Chauraha).

Pros: Often provides direct connectivity. Generally more frequent departures throughout the day compared to trains. Can be a good budget option.

Cons: Can be tiring due to the long journey. Comfort levels might vary between operators and bus types. Prone to delays due to traffic or road conditions.

Tips: Book your bus tickets online through platforms like redBus, MakeMyTrip, or Goibibo to compare prices and choose your preferred bus type and operator. Confirm the exact boarding and dropping points when booking.

3. By Road (Flexible, but Long Drive)

Driving from Haridwar to Kanpur offers flexibility for stops and sightseeing, but it’s a long journey that requires careful planning.

Distance: Approximately 500 – 660 kilometers.

Journey Time: A continuous drive would take about 8 to 11 hours, not including significant stops for food and rest. It’s often advisable to break up the journey if you’re not used to long drives.

Routes: The main routes generally involve heading south towards Delhi, then taking national highways (like NH34 or NH19/NH27 after the Yamuna Expressway) through Uttar Pradesh. Using a reliable GPS navigation system is highly recommended.

Self-Drive:

Pros: Complete flexibility over your schedule and route. Ideal for groups or families.
Cons: Very long and can be tiring. Involves fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Requires a well-maintained vehicle.

Hiring a Taxi/Cab:

Pros: Convenient door-to-door service without the need to drive yourself.
Cons: Can be quite expensive for a one-way trip.
Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹7,000 to ₹13,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type and service provider.

Tips: If self-driving, ensure you and your vehicle are well-prepared for a long journey. Plan your breaks. If hiring a taxi, confirm all costs, including tolls, driver’s allowance, and any night charges, before starting the trip.

4. By Air (Fastest Overall Travel Time, but Indirect and Expensive)

While Haridwar doesn’t have an airport, combining road travel to Dehradun’s airport with a flight to Kanpur is the quickest option, though it involves transfers and can be costly.

Steps:

Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): Take a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport. This 37-41 km journey usually takes 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Dehradun (DED) to Kanpur (KNU): You’ll need to take a flight from Dehradun to Kanpur.
- Flight Duration: Direct flights from Dehradun to Kanpur are available a few times a week. These direct flights can take around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. If direct flights aren’t available, you’d typically need a connecting flight via Delhi, which would increase total flight time to 4 to 6 hours or more depending on the layover.
- Airlines: IndiGo and Air India (via Alliance Air) operate flights to Kanpur.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares can vary greatly. As of July 2025, one-way direct flights can start from ₹4,500 to ₹8,000, but prices can be significantly higher for connecting flights or last-minute bookings.
Kanpur Airport (KNU) to Kanpur City: Kanpur Airport is located about 10-15 km from the city center. Taxis and app-based cabs are readily available to take you to your final destination in the city.

Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including road travel to Dehradun airport, flight time, and transfer within Kanpur, can be completed in approximately 4 to 8 hours for direct flights, or longer for connecting flights.

Pros: Fastest mode of travel for a long distance.

Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Requires multiple transfers. Flight schedules might be limited for direct services.

Tips: Book your flights well in advance to get better prices. Check for direct flight availability first, as connecting flights will significantly increase travel time and cost.

For a balance of convenience and cost, trains or direct buses are often the best choices for traveling from Haridwar to Kanpur. If you prioritize speed and budget is not a concern, flying with a direct flight is the quickest way.

How to Reach Kanpur from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Kanpur