Traveling from Jaipur to Nainital is convenient with multiple options by train, flight+taxi, bus, or private car. Below is a practical guide detailing all major routes, travel times, fares, and booking advice.
Distance Overview
- By Road: 530–614km (depending on route taken)
- By Air (Aerial): 450–500km (to Pantnagar, nearest airport)
- Typical Travel Time: 6–16 hours (mode dependent)
Main Travel Options from Jaipur to Nainital
1. By Train (Budget-Friendly & Reliable)
- Route: Jaipur Junction (JP) → Kathgodam (KGM) – the nearest railhead; from there, continue by taxi or bus to Nainital (34km uphill)
- Direct train:Ranikhet Express (15013) runs daily
- Next Leg to Nainital:
- Taxi: ₹800–₹2,000 (1–1.5 hours)
- Shared Jeep/Bus: ₹100–₹300 (regular daytime service)
Booking: Prefer online platforms—IRCTC, GoIbibo, MakeMyTrip—for best seat selection.
2. By Bus (Economical, Good Connectivity)
- No direct luxury bus, but easy via connecting services:
- Jaipur → Delhi (Alwar/Kashmiri Gate, RSRTC or private)
- Delhi → Nainital (overnight AC/Volvo/private buses)
- Total Travel Time: 13–17 hours (with layovers/transfers)
- Fare: ₹800–₹2,500 (depending on bus type and booking time)
- Departure: Multiple daily departures; overnight journeys preferred for morning arrival
Online booking: RedBus, Cleartrip, GoIbibo, MakeMyTrip
3. By Air + Taxi (Fastest, Most Comfortable)
- Step 1: Fly Jaipur (JAI) → Pantnagar (PGH, closest airport to Nainital)
- Step 2: Taxi from Pantnagar to Nainital (70km, 1.5–2 hours)
- Taxi Fare: ₹1,100–₹2,500
Alternate Route:
- Fly Jaipur → Delhi, then take a train or bus to Nainital via Kathgodam or Haldwani.
4. By Road / Private Car or Taxi
- Driving Distance: ~530–614km via Alwar, Moradabad, Haldwani
- Travel Time: 8–10 hours (private taxi/self-drive)
- Typical Cab Fare: ₹10,000–₹13,000 one way
- Why Choose: Comfortable for families/groups, fully flexible stops
Sample Travel Comparison Table
| Mode | Itinerary | Duration | Fare (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Jaipur–Kathgodam–Nainital | 14–16 hr | 440–7,000+ | Seamless, best for budget |
| Bus | Jaipur–Delhi–Nainital | 13–17 hr | 800–2,500 | Transfers at Delhi, overnight ok |
| Flight+Taxi | Jaipur–(Delhi)–Pantnagar–Nainital | 6–12 hr | 5,600–17,500 | Fastest, most expensive, scenic |
| Car/Taxi | Jaipur–Nainital | 8–10 hr | 10,000–13,000 | Most comfortable |
Tips & Booking Advice
- Book early: For all trains and flights, especially March–June and October–November.
- Peak season: fares and traffic can increase—choose overnight schedules for smoother travel.
- Travel light: Easier for bus/train transfers and final hill ascent.
- Shared taxis/jeeps/buses: Readily available for last 34km from Kathgodam to Nainital during day hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest way to reach Nainital from Jaipur?
A: By train (Ranikhet Express to Kathgodam, then shared jeep/bus to Nainital).
Q: What is the fastest way?
A: Flight from Jaipur to Pantnagar (via Delhi), then taxi to Nainital. Self-driving/taxi can also be fast during non-peak traffic.
Q: Are there direct Jaipur–Nainital buses?
A: There are daily services, but most comfortable options are connecting via Delhi.
Q: Is self-driving safe/feasible?
A: Yes—roads are good, but hill driving for last stretch; best for experienced drivers or small groups.
Reaching Nainital from Jaipur is straightforward—choose train for value, flight+taxi for speed, or journey by road for flexibility. Plan connections and book ahead for a seamless arrival at the famous hill station.
