Traveling from Bangalore to Nainital is easy and can be accomplished by air (the fastest), train, road, or a combination. Here is a practical guide with current options, travel times, fares, and tips for 2025.
1. By Air (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Step 1: Flight from Bangalore to Pantnagar (Nearest Airport to Nainital)
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH): About 70km from Nainital; the closest airport.
- No direct flights: All flights include a layover (usually Delhi).
- Airlines: Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Air India, Star Air.
- Sample Flight Duration: 5–10 hours total (including layover).
- Earliest Flight: 00:15 (Air India), Latest: 23:30 (IndiGo) from Bangalore.
- Fares: Start from ₹3,998 (July 2025), commonly ₹5,000–₹13,000 one-way.
- How to Book: Travel portals (EaseMyTrip, AdaniOne, MakeMyTrip, Skyscanner, Yatra, Goibibo etc.)
- Frequency: Multiple connecting flights daily; verify schedule for intended dates.
Step 2: Pantnagar Airport to Nainital
- Distance: 70km
- Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours by taxi
- Taxi Fare: ₹1,100–₹2,500
- How to Book: Taxis usually available at the airport; many Nainital hotels offer pre-arranged pickup.
Summary Table: Air Route
| Segment | Mode | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore → Pantnagar | Flight (1 stop) | 5–10 hr | 3,998–13,000 |
| Pantnagar → Nainital | Taxi | 1.5–2 hr | 1,100–2,500 |
Tips:
- Book tickets at least 2–4 weeks early, especially for high-season dates.
- Landing at Pantnagar in the afternoon is safer for a daylight drive in the hills.
- Most Nainital hotels can arrange (fee-based) airport pickup if asked when booking.
2. By Train (Economical, Longer Travel)
Step 1: Bangalore to Kathgodam/Lal Kuan (Closest Railheads)
- No direct train to Nainital:
- The nearest railway stations are Kathgodam (KGM, 34km away) and Lal Kuan (LKU, 55km away).
- Itinerary:
Step 2: Last Mile to Nainital
- Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital:
- Booking: Easily found outside the respective stations; taxis need no advance booking.
Train Route Table
| Segment | Duration | Fare (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore → Delhi (train) | 36–38 hr | 1,300–2,800 | Multiple daily trains |
| Delhi → Kathgodam (train) | 5–7 hr | 500–1,200 | Shatabdi and overnight options |
| Kathgodam/Lal Kuan → Nainital | 1–1.5 hr (road) | 100–2,000 | Taxi, jeep, or bus |
Tips:
- Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance for the smoothest connections and seat availability.
- Sleeper trains are cheaper, AC for more comfort.
- The last road segment is scenic; traveling in daylight is ideal.
3. By Bus (Budget, Longest Option)
- No direct Bangalore–Nainital buses.
- Route Option: Bus to Delhi (36–40 hours), then a Delhi–Nainital overnight bus (7–10 hours).
- Total Travel Time: 44–50 hours.
- Fare Estimate: ₹3,000–₹7,000 (all legs combined).
4. By Road/Car (Only for Road-Trip Enthusiasts)
- Driving Distance: 2,000–2,150km.
- Drive Time: 32–40 hours (non-stop); best split over 3 days with overnight stops (e.g., Nagpur, Kanpur/Lucknow).
- Car/Taxi Fare: ₹20,000–₹31,000+ (one-way, depending on class/size).
- Not recommended for most travelers unless seeking a self-drive adventure; plan route and stops carefully.
Essential Tips
- Book all transport modes early in high season (March–June, October–November).
- Travel light for easier transitions, especially in the hill segment.
- Weather: Monsoon and winter can slow hill road journeys—allow for buffer time.
- Snacks and Water: Carry some for train/bus journeys.
- Nainital Arrival: Taxis and shared jeeps available around the clock, especially at Pantnagar and Kathgodam/Lal Kuan arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the fastest way from Bangalore to Nainital?
A: Flight to Pantnagar with a taxi for the last stretch—typically under 10 hours door to door.
Q: Cheapest way to reach Nainital from Bangalore?
A: Train to Delhi, then train to Kathgodam followed by a shared cab or bus—commonly under ₹2,500 for the rail segment plus last-mile costs.
Q: Are direct flights/trains available?
A: No. All journeys require at least one connection, most commonly via Delhi.
Nainital is easily accessible from Bangalore via air (via Pantnagar), train (via Delhi and Kathgodam), or road. Book in advance, coordinate connections, and enjoy a beautiful journey to the hills.
