Travelling from Hyderabad to Nainital lets you journey from the heart of South India to the green hills of Uttarakhand. As there are no direct flights or trains to Nainital, your trip will involve a combination of air, rail, and road travel. Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth journey.
Hyderabad to Nainital Distance
- Straight-line (Aerial) Distance: About 1,415 km
- By Road: Roughly 1,600 km (24–30 hours nonstop by car)
- By Air + Road: 8–12 hours total (with connections, the most practical route)
How to Reach Nainital from Hyderabad
1. By Flight (Fastest & Most Convenient)
A. Via Pantnagar Airport
- Pantnagar is the closest airport to Nainital (70 km away).
- There are no direct flights from Hyderabad to Pantnagar. You must connect via Delhi.
- Route: Hyderabad (HYD) → Delhi (DEL) → Pantnagar (PGH)
- Hyderabad to Delhi: Frequent direct flights (~2–2.5 hours)
- Delhi to Pantnagar: Regional flights (limited schedules, ~1 hour)
- Pantnagar to Nainital: By taxi (70 km, 1.5–2 hours)
- Total door-to-door time: 8–11 hours, depending on layovers and road traffic.
- Recommended for: Comfort, seniors, families
B. Via Delhi Airport
- Hyderabad (HYD) → Delhi (DEL) by flight (multiple daily)
- From Delhi, you have three options:
- Taxi/Private Cab: Delhi to Nainital (315 km, 6–8 hours)
- Train: Delhi to Kathgodam (nearest major railway station to Nainital, 34 km away)
- Board at New Delhi station (trains: Ranikhet Express, Shatabdi, etc.; 5–7 hours)
- From Kathgodam to Nainital by taxi/bus (1–1.5 hours)
- Bus: Overnight government or private Volvos to Haldwani/Kathgodam/Nainital (7–9 hours)
- Total journey time via Delhi: 10–13 hours
Flight Costs
- Hyderabad–Pantnagar: ₹9,000–₹28,000 (variable by season, how early you book)
- Hyderabad–Delhi: ₹4,800–₹12,000
- Taxi Delhi–Nainital: ₹7,000–₹12,000 approx.
- Taxi Pantnagar–Nainital: ₹1,500–₹2,800
2. By Train
- No direct trains from Hyderabad to Nainital.
- You must:
- Board a train from Hyderabad to Delhi (22–26 hours)
- Take a connecting train from Delhi to Kathgodam (5–7 hours)
- Complete the final leg from Kathgodam to Nainital (34 km, taxi/bus in 1–1.5 hours)
- Total train journey time: At least 31–33 hours including layovers.
3. By Road
- Distance: Around 1,600 km
- Route: Hyderabad → Nagpur → Gwalior → Agra → Haldwani → Nainital
- Travel time: 24–30 hours nonstop (long, demanding drive)
- Recommended for: Road trip enthusiasts, groups with multiple drivers
Hyderabad to Nainital Travel Options Table
| Mode | Route/Transfer | Typical Duration | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | HYD–Pantnagar–Nainital | 8–11 hrs | ₹10,000–₹30,000 | Fastest, most direct |
| Flight + Train | HYD–Delhi–Kathgodam–Nainital | 10–13 hrs | ₹6,000–₹14,000 | Book in advance |
| Train | HYD–Delhi–Kathgodam–Nainital | 31–33 hrs | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | Cheapest, longest |
| Car | Hyderabad–Nainital | 24–30 hrs | ₹18,000–₹28,000+ | Only for long road trips |
Practical Tips
- Book air and train tickets 1+ month ahead—especially for peak holiday seasons.
- Pantnagar flights are limited—check schedules and ground transport before booking.
- If breaking the journey in Delhi, overnight trains or buses are popular for the onward trip.
- Nainital can be busy March–June and during holidays—reserve accommodation well in advance.
- If traveling by train, pack snacks and water, as well as warm clothes for the final mountain leg.
Sample Itinerary: Hyderabad to Nainital by Air
- Morning: Flight from Hyderabad to Delhi (2.5 hours)
- Midday: Connecting flight to Pantnagar (1 hour), or catch a train/bus from Delhi
- Afternoon: Taxi from Pantnagar to Nainital (1.5–2 hours)
- Evening: Arrival at Nainital; check into hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a direct Hyderabad–Nainital flight?
- No. Closest you can get is Pantnagar (with a layover), then a road transfer.
- What’s the fastest way?
- Flight to Pantnagar (via Delhi), then taxi. If Pantnagar flights are unavailable, fly to Delhi and continue by road/train.
- Cheapest option?
- By train, but expect a much longer journey.
- Can I travel overnight?
- Yes—use overnight trains from Delhi to Kathgodam or overnight buses.
Conclusion
The easiest way to reach Nainital from Hyderabad is to fly (via Delhi or Pantnagar) and continue by taxi or bus. Trains offer a cheaper but much longer journey with multiple connections. For a smooth, comfortable trip, plan air and local transport carefully, book early, and prepare for a relaxing holiday in Nainital’s beautiful hills.
