Nainital, the jewel of Uttarakhand, is one of North India’s most accessible and beloved lake hill stations. Here’s your complete guide with all the main travel options, costs, routes, train and bus details, and practical tips for 2025.
Delhi to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 250–320km (depending on start/end points and route)
- Typical Travel Time: 6–8 hours by car/taxi, 7–10 hours by bus
Travel Options from Delhi to Nainital
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, Self-Drive)
- Main Route: Delhi → Ghaziabad → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Suar → Bazpur → Kaladungi → Nainital (via NH9)
- Distance: 268–320km, 6–8 hours (traffic and weather dependent)
- Taxi Fare: ₹3,000–₹6,500 (sedan/SUV, one-way)
- Self-Drive: Fuel cost varies by vehicle, tolls are extra, roads are smooth and scenic with regular rest stops
- Advantages: Direct, flexible, comfortable for families and groups
Typical Private Taxi Fares
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Fare Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 4 | 3,000–5,500 |
| SUV/Innova | 6–7 | 5,000–7,200 |
2. By Bus
- Boarding Points: ISBT Anand Vihar, Kashmere Gate, Mori Gate (Delhi)
- Distance: 290–320km
- Travel Time: 7–10 hours (overnight and daytime services)
- Fare Range: ₹499–₹2,500 (ordinary to Volvo/AC sleeper)
- Operators: UTC (government), private operators including Volvo and sleeper services
- Departure: Frequent, most overnight/late evening for morning arrivals in Nainital. Online booking widely available.
- Arrival in Nainital: Tallital Bus Stand (main drop point)
Sample Bus Options
| Operator | Departure Time | Duration | Bus Type | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTC Volvo/Deluxe | 9:00 PM | 8hr | Volvo, AC | 900–1,800 |
| Private Sleeper/AC | 10:00 PM | 9hr | AC, Sleeper | 699–2,400 |
| Ordinary Govt. Bus | Multiple/day | 8–10hr | Non-AC Regular | 499–800 |
3. By Train
- No direct railway station in Nainital.
The nearest station is Kathgodam (KGM), about 34km from Nainital. A short taxi/bus ride completes the journey.
Major Trains from Delhi to Kathgodam
| Train Name | Departure (Delhi) | Arrival (Kathgodam) | Duration | Fare Range (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shatabdi Express (12040) | 06:20 AM (NDLS) | 11:40 AM (KGM) | 5h 20m | 650–1,800 | Fastest, 6 days/week |
| Ranikhet Express (15013) | 10:30 PM (DLI) | 05:05 AM (KGM) | 7h | 300–1,500 | Overnight, daily |
| Sampark Kranti Express (15035) | 04:00 PM (DLI) | 10:45 PM (KGM) | 6h 45m | 300–1,500 | Daily |
- From Kathgodam:
- Taxi/Private Car: 1–1.5hr, ₹800–₹1,500
- Shared Jeep/Bus: 1–2hr, ₹70–₹300 per seat
- Taxis and buses are always available at station arrival
4. By Air
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (PGH), 70km from Nainital (1.5–2 hours by road)
- Flights: Multiple daily/weekly flights from Delhi, mainly via Alliance Air or IndiGo.
- Flight Duration: ~1 hour (Delhi–Pantnagar)
- Pantnagar to Nainital: Taxi fare ₹1,100–₹2,500; shared jeeps also available
- Total Travel Time: 4–6 hours (including airport transfer time)—costlier than train/bus options.
Delhi–Nainital: Route and Mode Comparison
| Mode | Total Duration | Fare (₹) | Comfort | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Car | 6–8hr | 3,000–7,000 | High | Flexible, fastest door-to-door |
| Bus | 7–10hr | 499–2,500 | Moderate-High | Overnight & Volvo options |
| Train+Taxi | 6–9hr | 950–2,800 | High | Shatabdi fastest, last leg by road |
| Flight+Taxi | 4–6hr | 4,000–13,000+ | Premium | Limited flights, Pantnagar route |
Practical Tips
- Book early: For both train and bus in tourist season (March–June, Sept–Nov)
- Evening travel: Choose overnight buses/trains for best time and value
- Self-drive: Start early to avoid city and hill traffic, and arrive in daylight
- Weather check: Mountain routes can slow in monsoon (July–September) and winter; plan extra time
- Luggage: Light packing makes transfers—especially at Kathgodam or in hilly areas—much easier
- Accommodation: Inform your hotel if you arrive late at night/early morning
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the fastest way from Delhi to Nainital?
A: Private car/taxi (6–8 hours), or Shatabdi Express to Kathgodam plus taxi (total 6–7 hours).
Q: Cheapest way to travel?
A: By ordinary bus (₹499+) or sleeper class train tickets (from ₹300), plus shared jeep/bus at Kathgodam.
Q: Are direct buses and trains available daily?
A: Yes; several daily/night trains and buses run from Delhi to Nainital/Kathgodam; buses are available from both ISBTs (Anand Vihar and Kashmere Gate) and trains from multiple Delhi stations.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Strongly recommended in high season or for AC/Volvo services and preferred train classes.
Summary:
Reaching Nainital from Delhi is easy, with smooth road, rail, and air links. Opt for a direct car or premium bus, the all-popular Shatabdi or Ranikhet Express, or a fast morning flight to Pantnagar. Plan and book ahead for a seamless journey to Uttarakhand’s iconic lakeside town.
