Nainital, a shimmering gem in the Himalayas, is easy to reach for anyone starting their journey from Gurgaon. Whether you prefer road trips, trains, budget buses, or a mixed route, a comfortable journey is well within your reach. This guide details every way to travel, including distances, timings, fares, and extra tips for a smooth trip.
Gurgaon to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 315–325 km (common estimates range from 300 to 344 km)
- By Rail (Gurgaon/New Delhi to Kathgodam): 219–261 km (to Kathgodam/Lal Kuan; then 34 km by road to Nainital)
- Aerial (Direct Line): 258–300+ km
The usual driving time by car or bus is 6.5 to 9 hours, depending on route, traffic, and mode of transport.
How to Reach Nainital from Gurgaon
You can make this journey by road, by rail, or by combining different transport modes. Here are the best options:
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, Tempo Traveller)
Fastest and most flexible way to travel.
Popular Road Routes:
- Gurgaon → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Nainital
- Gurgaon → Noida → Ghaziabad → Moradabad → Bazpur → Kaladhungi → Nainital
Travel Time: 6.5–8 hours (nonstop, may increase in busy seasons or due to roadworks)
Distance: 315–325 km
Fare Range:
- Private taxi (one-way): ₹2,700–₹6,000 (depends on car size, type, agency, timing)
- Tempo traveller for groups: Fares typically start at ₹24/km for a 9-seater (per day driver charge extra)
How to Book: Car rentals, taxi service apps, and travel agencies in Gurgaon.
Perks:
- Flexible luggage options and stops.
- Door-to-door service.
2. By Bus
Economic and convenient, especially for solo travelers or small groups.
Options:
- Multiple government (UTC) and private buses run direct between Gurgaon and Nainital.
- Sleeper A/C, seater A/C, and Volvo services are available.
Departure: Early morning to late night; earliest bus departs around 12:05 AM, last bus close to midnight.
Travel Duration: 7–8.5 hours, depending on route and operator.
Fares: ₹561–₹1,200 for standard A/C sleeper/seater buses, sometimes higher for luxury Volvo.
How to Book: Online ticketing platforms (MakeMyTrip, redBus, zingbus, Cleartrip) and offline at Gurgaon’s bus stands.
Boarding Points: Major bus terminals and selected operator boarding points across Gurgaon.
Drop-off: Most direct buses arrive at the Nainital bus stand; some drop at Kathgodam or Haldwani, requiring a short taxi ride to Nainital.
3. By Train
Comfortable for longer journeys, especially overnight.
- No direct train to Nainital—the nearest railway station is Kathgodam (KGM), 34 km below Nainital.
- Popular trains run from Gurgaon (GGN), Delhi, or nearby stations to Kathgodam, Lal Kuan (LKU), or Haldwani.
- Notable trains include:
- Fare: ₹210–₹3,400 (depends on class—sleeper to AC 1st)
- Booking: IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, or at station counters.
Last Mile: From Kathgodam station, board a shared jeep, bus, or taxi to reach Nainital in about 1–1.5 hours (fare: ₹200–₹1,000).
4. By Air (Not Recommended)
- Nainital does not have its own airport. Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest (70 km away).
- No direct flights from Gurgaon; flights depart from New Delhi. Pantnagar flights are limited and seasonal.
- Not time-effective unless connecting from a longer distance or needing a same-day arrival.
Comparison Table: Gurgaon to Nainital Travel Options
| Mode | Distance | Duration | Fare Range | Booking Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Taxi | 315–325 km | 6.5–8 hrs | ₹2,700–₹6,000 | Taxi, car hire | Flexible, fastest, private |
| Bus | 315 km | 7–8.5 hrs | ₹561–₹1,200 | Online, bus stand | Many options, economical |
| Train + Taxi/Bus | 220–261 km | 8–10 hrs | ₹210–₹3,400 (train), ₹200–₹1,000 (taxi/bus) | IRCTC, online, station | Overnight/comfortable, last mile needed |
| Flight + Taxi | (Not direct) | 5–8 hrs + | ₹5,000+ | Airlines + taxi | Rarely recommended |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book early in holidays/summer—buses, trains, and taxis fill fast in peak season.
- Travel light—hill journeys are easier with less luggage.
- Peak hours/season: Allow for extra travel time, especially through Delhi and Ghaziabad.
- Motion sickness: Carry medicines for winding mountain roads.
- Breaks: Plan stops at Haldwani, Jeolikote, or view points when driving/self-driving.
Sample Itinerary: Gurgaon to Nainital
Morning Option:
- 6:00 AM: Board a direct bus from Gurgaon to Nainital.
- 1:00–2:00 PM: Arrive in Nainital, check in, and start sightseeing.
Night Option (By Train):
- 8:08 PM: Board Ranikhet Express from Gurgaon.
- 5:05 AM (next day): Arrive Kathgodam, continue by taxi/bus to Nainital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest way to reach Nainital from Gurgaon?
A: Night trains to Kathgodam or budget bus services via Haldwani are the cheapest.
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Nainital from Gurgaon?
A: Private taxi or self-drive via Hapur–Moradabad–Haldwani can be fastest (6.5–7 hours).
Q: Are direct buses available?
A: Yes, several direct private and government buses run daily from Gurgaon to Nainital.
Q: How much does a taxi or cab cost?
A: Taxi fares start at around ₹2,700 (one-way) and go higher for larger vehicles or AC SUVs.
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Gurgaon is simple and comfortable, with abundant options by road, rail, and regular bus services. For speed and privacy, book a taxi. For cost-effectiveness, pick an overnight train to Kathgodam or book a direct bus. Book your tickets in advance, travel light, and enjoy the scenic views as you make your way from the city buzz of Gurgaon to the lakeside calm of Nainital.
