Traveling from Greater Noida to Nainital is convenient, with a variety of options for every traveler—by car, bus, train, or a combination. Here’s a step-by-step guide covering road, rail, and air routes, with all the details you need for a smooth journey.
Greater Noida to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 254–312 km (depending on exact route)
- Typical Travel Time: 5–7 hours
The most direct route is:
Greater Noida → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Nainital
Travel Options from Greater Noida to Nainital
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive)
- Distance: 254–312 km
- Travel Time: 5–7 hours
- Taxi Fare: ₹2,500–₹4,900 (standard taxi/cab, one way); SUVs/MPVs may cost more
- Private Car: Fuel/toll costs as applicable; route offers several rest stops and eateries
- Advantages: Door-to-door, flexible for families/groups, stops at will
Fare Examples:
| Vehicle Type | Seats | Approx. Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 4 | ₹2,563–₹4,900 |
| SUV | 6–7 | ₹3,500–₹5,700 |
2. By Bus
- Direct buses from Greater Noida to Nainital run daily.
- Boarding Points: Main bus terminals or designated agencies in Greater Noida
- Travel Time: 6–7 hours
- Fare: ₹299–₹1,000 (depending on bus type—AC, Non-AC, Sleeper, Volvo)
- Departure Examples:
- 11:00 PM | 6.5 hr | ₹299–₹1,000 (Royal Safari, Vamika, etc.)
- Throughout the day; check online platforms for current schedules
- Booking: Popular online portals (RedBus, GoIbibo, MakeMyTrip, zingbus)
3. By Train
- Nearest Major Railhead for Nainital: Kathgodam (KGM), 34 km from Nainital
- Board Trains at: Ghaziabad, New Delhi, or Anand Vihar (all easily reachable from Greater Noida)
- Train Duration: 5–9 hours (to Kathgodam), then 1–1.5 hours by taxi/shared jeep/bus to Nainital
- Popular Trains:
- Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040): ~5h 35m from New Delhi
- Ranikhet Express (15013): Overnight, ~8h 40m from Delhi
- Anvt LKU Exp (15060): Afternoon, ~7h from Anand Vihar
- Last Mile:
- Taxi/shared jeep: ₹200–₹1,000
- Bus: Frequent service available
4. By Air (Via Pantnagar – Not Common)
- Nearest Airport to Nainital: Pantnagar (PGH, 70 km away)
- Step 1: Taxi/metro to Delhi Airport
- Step 2: Fly Delhi–Pantnagar (1 hour; limited daily flights)
- Step 3: Taxi Pantnagar–Nainital (1.5–2 hours, ₹1,500–₹2,500)
- Generally not preferred unless you specifically need an air transfer.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Duration | Fare (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Car | 5–7 hr | ₹2,500–₹4,900+ | Door-to-door, fastest |
| Bus | 6–7 hr | ₹299–₹1,000 | Budget-friendly, many options |
| Train+Taxi | 6–10 hr | ₹200–₹1,500+ | Via Kathgodam, scenic |
| Flight+Taxi | 6–9 hr | ₹5,000–₹16,000+ | Only for specific preference |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book early for buses/trains during weekends, holidays, or summer.
- Travel light for easier transfers, especially on bus/train options.
- Start early to make the most of daylight and avoid late-night hill driving.
- Weather caution: Monsoon (July–Sept) can cause minor delays—allow buffer time.
- Onward journey: Taxis, shared jeeps, and local buses are easily found at Kathgodam station.
Summary
Reaching Nainital from Greater Noida is easy and flexible. Cars/taxis are fastest and most convenient for families. Direct buses offer budget-friendly seats with regular service. Trains to Kathgodam are comfortable and connect easily to Nainital by road. For most travelers, road or rail routes provide the best combination of comfort, cost, and reliability.
