Traveling from Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport, DED) to Nainital is straightforward, with several convenient options to suit different schedules and budgets. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for a smooth journey to Uttarakhand’s famous hill station.
Dehradun Airport to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 250–285 km (varies by route)
- Typical Travel Time: 6 to 8 hours by car or taxi; 8–9 hours by bus
- Nearest Railway Connection: Kathgodam (for trains to Nainital)
- Nearest Airport to Nainital: Pantnagar (see flight connection notes below)
Best Ways to Reach Nainital from Dehradun Airport
1. By Taxi or Private Car
- Most comfortable and direct option
- Taxis are available at the airport arrival stand, with options for private or shared cabs
- Travel Time: 6 to 7 hours (approximately 250–285 km by road)
- Typical Fare: ₹5,000–₹8,500 (depends on vehicle, season, booking method, and negotiation)
- Route: Dehradun Airport → Haridwar → Najibabad → Kashipur → Haldwani → Nainital
- Benefits: Door-to-door service, flexible stops for food or sightseeing, and scenic mountain and forest views en route
- Tips: Book your taxi or car in advance during peak season for easier travel.
2. By Bus
- Budget-friendly and accessible
- Step 1: Take a taxi or auto from Dehradun Airport to Dehradun ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal), about 30–45 minutes away
- Step 2: From Dehradun ISBT, board a direct or connecting bus to Nainital, typically via Haldwani or Kathgodam
- Bus Types: Ordinary, AC, Volvo coaches available from government and private operators
- Travel Time: 8 to 9 hours (including transfers/wait time)
- Fare Range: ₹600–₹1,400 depending on bus type
- Booking: Tickets available both at the counter and online
3. By Train (Combination Route)
- Step 1: Taxi/auto from Dehradun Airport to Dehradun Railway Station or Haridwar Junction (preferred for express trains with better frequency to the hills)
- Step 2: Take a train from Dehradun or Haridwar to Kathgodam (nearest railhead to Nainital)
- Step 3: From Kathgodam, hire a taxi, shared jeep, or take a bus for the last 34 km to Nainital (1–1.5 hours; fare: ₹150–₹1,000)
- Overall Total Journey: 9–11 hours (including transfers and waiting time)
- Tips: Book train tickets in advance, especially in peak season
4. By Flight (Via Pantnagar Airport)
- There are occasional flights from Dehradun to Pantnagar (PGH), which is the nearest airport to Nainital (about 70 km/1.5–2 hours by taxi)
- Flight Duration: 1–1.5 hours (please check current schedules as frequency can be limited and subject to change)
- From Pantnagar: Complete journey by taxi or pre-arranged hotel pickup (fare: ₹1,500–₹2,500)
- Note: Flight schedules are not always daily—usually only available on a few days per week
Comparison Table: Dehradun Airport to Nainital
| Mode | Steps | Time | Fare Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Car | Direct from Airport | 6–7 hrs | ₹5,000–₹8,500 | Fastest, most comfortable |
| Bus | Taxi to Dehradun ISBT + Bus to Nainital | 8–9 hrs | ₹600–₹1,400 | Budget-friendly |
| Train+Taxi | Taxi to Station, Train to Kathgodam, Taxi/Bus to Nainital | 9–11 hrs | ₹1,200–₹2,000+ | Best for train lovers |
| Flight+Taxi | Flight to Pantnagar, taxi to Nainital | 3.5–5 hrs* | ₹6,500–₹12,000 | Occasional flights, limited frequency |
*Not door-to-door, and actual time depends on flight connections and ground transport.
Essential Travel Tips
- Advance booking is recommended for taxis, trains, and buses during weekends or holidays
- Weather: Monsoon and winter can affect road and rail schedules—check local advisories before travel
- Snacks & Water: Carry your own for road or rail journeys, especially for long stretches between major towns
- Travel Light: Hill travel is easier with less luggage, particularly if taking shared transport
- Luggage: For cabs and Volvos/buses, space is usually adequate, but pack efficiently if using shared jeeps from Kathgodam
- Peak Season: March–June and September–November—book everything early
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a direct bus from Dehradun Airport to Nainital?
A: No, you will need to take a taxi or local transport from the airport to Dehradun ISBT and then board a bus to Nainital.
Q: What is the quickest way to reach Nainital from Dehradun Airport?
A: Private taxi or self-drive car—about 6 to 7 hours.
Q: Cheapest travel option?
A: By train to Kathgodam (via Dehradun or Haridwar), then by road, or by ordinary/state bus via Haldwani.
Q: Is there an airport in Nainital?
A: No. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (~70 km). Dehradun–Pantnagar flights are not daily and depend on the season.
Summary
The most popular and practical way to reach Nainital from Dehradun Airport is by private taxi or by taking a bus from Dehradun ISBT after a short airport transfer. For budget travelers, trains to Kathgodam (with a short taxi/bus ride onward) offer an affordable option. The trip is scenic throughout—so whichever way you choose, enjoy the hill views, local culture, and the green passage up to Uttarakhand’s lake town.
