Traveling from Aligarh to Nainital is easy and offers flexible options by road, bus, and train. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide covering routes, fares, durations, and practical tips for a seamless trip.
Aligarh to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 250–294km (depending on the route taken)
- Typical Travel Time: 6–7.5 hours by car or bus
- Aerial Distance: Approximately 213km
Main Travel Options from Aligarh to Nainital
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive)
- Distance: 250–266km via Moradabad, Chandausi, or other highway routes
- Travel Time: 5.5–7.5 hours (depending on traffic and stops)
- Sample Taxi Fare (One Way): ₹3,844–₹4,960 for a regular cab (varies by operator/vehicle/season)
- Advantages: Direct, fastest route, door-to-door service, flexible stops, best for families or groups
| Route Variant | Typical Duration | Approximate Fare (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cab | 6h 34m | 4,960 | Fastest, most direct |
| Via Chandausi | 7h 2m | 3,844 | Usually the cheapest |
| Via Moradabad | 7h 1m | On demand | Common route |
2. By Bus
- Direct AC and sleeper buses run from Aligarh to Nainital.
- Distance Covered (by road): 214–294km
- Travel Time: 6h 50m–7h 20m
- Fares: ₹1,099–₹6,299 (most AC sleeper fares ₹1,099–₹1,499)
- Bus Operators: Shree Mahaveer Travels Jaipur, Vijay Tour and Travels, Om Shiv Travels
- Boarding Point: Aligarh central bus stands or key bus stops
- Drop: Tallital (Nainital) or main bus stand
- First Bus: Around 2:10am; Last Bus: Around 2:30am
- Booking: Easily online (Goibibo, RedBus, Yatra, Paytm)
| Operator | Departure | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vijay Tour and Travels | 02:10 | 7h 20m | 1,099 |
| Shree Mahaveer Travels Jaipur | 02:30 | 6h 50m | 5,669 |
| Om Shiv Travels | 12:57 | 6h 53m | 999 |
3. By Train
- No direct train to Nainital town; nearest major station is Lal Kuan (LKU) or Kathgodam (KGM), both ~34–55km from Nainital.
- Aligarh does not have direct daily trains to LKU/KGM, but connections are available via Hathras or Kasganj (32–56km from Aligarh).
- Key Train: AF RMR Express (15055) runs on Mon, Wed, Sat via Hathras.
- Departure: 12:04am from Hathras
- Arrival: 5:40am at Lal Kuan
- Duration: ~5h 36m
- Fare: Starting from ₹185 (sleeper)
- From Lal Kuan/Kathgodam to Nainital: Take a local taxi (₹300–₹1,200, 1–1.5 hours) or bus/shared jeep (budget options available)
Summary Table: Aligarh to Nainital Options
| Mode | Distance | Time | Fare Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Car | 250–266km | 6–7.5 hrs | ₹3,844–₹4,960 | Fastest, direct, door-to-door |
| Bus (AC/Sleeper) | 214–294km | 6h 50m–7h 20m | ₹999–₹6,299 | Budget, frequent, easy to book |
| Train + Taxi | ~251km rail + 34–55km road | 6–8.5 hrs | ₹185–₹1,200+ | Train via Hathras/Kasganj, then taxi/bus |
Practical Tips
- Book in advance for trains and buses, especially if traveling on weekends or during high season.
- Travel light for easier bus/train transfers.
- Road travel: Start early to avoid traffic and reach the hills by daylight.
- Weather: Carry a jacket; Nainital is much cooler than the plains.
- Onward journey: Taxis, shared jeeps, and frequent buses to central Nainital from LKU/KGM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way from Aligarh to Nainital?
A: By car/taxi—about 6–7 hours for most travelers.
Q: Cheapest option?
A: Train to Lal Kuan via Hathras plus taxi/shared jeep to Nainital, or budget bus seat.
Q: Are direct buses available daily?
A: Yes, with multiple departures and easy online booking.
Q: Do I need to change trains en route?
A: Usually, you will board at a nearby junction. The AF RMR Express (via Hathras) is the main weekly direct train.
Nainital is easily reachable from Aligarh with several convenient and affordable travel options—book early and enjoy a safe, scenic journey to the Himalayan hills.
