Traveling from Guwahati to Nainital by train is an efficient, budget-friendly way to reach the foothills of Uttarakhand from Assam. The journey involves a scenic, long-haul train ride and a short, pleasant road trip up to Nainital. Here’s a clear guide with all essential details.
Overview of the Journey
- Rail Distance (Guwahati to Kathgodam): ~1,500 km (no direct train, transfer required)
- Last Mile (Kathgodam to Nainital, by road): 34–35 km
- Typical Total Journey Time: 40–45 hours (including transfers)
- Major Steps:
- Guwahati → Kathgodam by train (with a possible transfer at a major north India city)
- Kathgodam → Nainital by taxi, bus, or shared jeep
Step 1: Guwahati to Kathgodam by Train
- No direct train from Guwahati (GHY) to Kathgodam (KGM).
- Recommended Methods:
- A. Via Delhi/New Delhi:
- Board a train from Guwahati to New Delhi or Anand Vihar Terminal (e.g., Brahmaputra Mail, North East Express, Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express).
- From New Delhi/Anand Vihar, take a train to Kathgodam (Ranikhet Express, Kathgodam Shatabdi, UTR Sampark Kranti, etc.).
- Total travel time: 35–40 hours (including transfer time).
- B. Via Gorakhpur or Lucknow:
- Take a train from Guwahati to Gorakhpur or Lucknow.
- Board a connecting train from there to Kathgodam or nearby stations (Lal Kuan, Haldwani).
- A. Via Delhi/New Delhi:
- General Booking Tips:
Sample Itinerary (Guwahati → Nainital via Train)
| Leg | Typical Duration | Key Trains | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati → New Delhi | 26–32 hours | Brahmaputra Mail, Rajdhani, Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express | Multiple trains, various timings |
| New Delhi/Anand Vihar → Kathgodam | 5–7 hours | Ranikhet Express, Shatabdi, UTR Sampark Kranti | Overnight, early morning options |
| Kathgodam → Nainital (road) | 1–1.5 hours | Taxi/Bus/Shared Jeep | Frequent, easy to find at station |
Step 2: Kathgodam to Nainital (Last Mile)
- Distance: 34–35 km (winding mountain road)
- Travel Modes:
- Taxi: Private cabs and shared jeeps available outside Kathgodam railway station. Fare: ₹1,500–₹2,000 for private, ₹150–₹300 per seat shared.
- Bus: Regular buses depart from outside the station, with frequent schedules. Fare starts from ₹449 per person; journey time is 1–1.5 hours.
- Travel Tip: Taxis are faster and offer hotel drop. Buses are affordable and run throughout the day.
Key Practical Tips
- Book Trains in Advance: High demand, especially in tourist and holiday seasons.
- Check Train Timings: Plan layovers sensibly at Delhi/Gorakhpur/Lucknow for minimum waiting time.
- Travel Light: Makes hill transfers easier and more comfortable.
- Snacks & Water: Carry food, as train and roadside options are limited, especially at night.
- Weather: During the monsoon or winter, check for possible train/road delays in hills.
Quick Reference Table
| Segment | Approximate Time | Booking Tips | Fare Estimate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati–Delhi/Lucknow | 26–32 hours | Book 2–3 weeks ahead | ₹600–₹3,200 |
| Delhi/Lucknow–Kathgodam | 5–7 hours | Book connecting train | ₹300–₹1,400 |
| Kathgodam–Nainital | 1–1.5 hours (road) | Taxi, jeep, or bus on arrival | ₹150–₹2,000 |
*Fares can vary by class, season, and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a direct train from Guwahati to Nainital?
A: No. You must change trains at Delhi, Lucknow, or another major North Indian junction, then take a taxi or bus from Kathgodam to Nainital.
Q: How long is the total journey?
A: 40–45 hours is typical, depending on train connections and layover times.
Q: Are taxis and buses easily available from Kathgodam to Nainital?
A: Yes. Taxis, shared jeeps, and government/private buses are plentiful at nearly all hours.
Conclusion
The most efficient way to reach Nainital from Guwahati by train is to travel by rail to Kathgodam (with a likely transfer at New Delhi, Lucknow, or Gorakhpur), then continue by taxi, shared jeep, or bus up to the hill station. With some careful planning, this long but rewarding journey can be smooth and economical, offering you a memorable passage from Northeast India to the lakes and pines of Nainital.
