Traveling from Kolkata to Nainital is straightforward and can be done by train, flight, or a combination of road and rail. Here’s a guide with all the practical options, itineraries, expected durations, typical fares, and important travel tips.
1. By Train (Most Popular & Economical)
Main Rail Route
- Step 1: Take a train from Kolkata (Howrah) to either Kathgodam or Lal Kuan—the two main railheads for Nainital.
- Step 2: Complete the last segment (34–55km) by taxi, bus, or shared jeep up to Nainital, which sits in the hills above both stations.
Direct Trains from Kolkata
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure (Howrah) | Arrival (KGM/LKU) | Days Run | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagh Express | 13019 | 21:45 (HWH) | 09:50 (KGM, Day 3) | Daily | ~35h 45m | 600–2,500 |
| HWH-LKU SF Express | 12353 | 08:15 (HWH) | 06:55 (LKU, D2) | Weekly | ~22h 40m | 635–2,800 |
- Bagh Express departs Howrah nightly, arriving at Kathgodam on the morning of the third day.
- HWH–LKU SF Express offers a faster journey to Lal Kuan but runs only once a week.
Booking: Use IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo, or other reliable portals. Reserve seats 2–4 weeks in advance, especially if traveling in summer or holiday periods.
Last Leg: Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital
- Kathgodam–Nainital: 34km, 1–1.5 hours by taxi, shared jeep, or bus
- Lal Kuan–Nainital: 55km, 1.5–2 hours by road
- Fare:
- Taxi: ₹800–₹2,000
- Shared Jeep: ₹100–₹300 per seat
- Bus: ₹70–₹200
Taxis and shared jeeps are readily available outside both stations at all hours of major arrivals.
2. By Flight (Fastest, Not Direct)
Step 1: Kolkata to Pantnagar (Nearest Airport to Nainital)
- No direct flights: All flights require a layover (typically in Delhi), offered by airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India.
- Duration: 5–10 hours total (including stop), first flight usually departs early morning.
- Fare Range: ₹5,900–₹18,000+ (fares vary by season, booking window, and airline)
- Booking: Check portals like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or airline websites for real-time fares and availability.
Step 2: Pantnagar to Nainital by Road
- Distance: 70km
- Time: 1.5–2 hours by taxi/private vehicle
- Fare: ₹1,100–₹2,500 (may vary by demand and season)
- Transfer: Taxis available at the airport; most Nainital hotels can arrange pickup in advance.
3. By Bus/Road (Budget, Indirect)
- No direct Kolkata–Nainital bus available.
- Combine a train or bus to Lucknow or Delhi, then an overnight bus to Nainital.
- Duration: 36–48 hours (bus + local transfers)
- Fare: ₹1,900–₹5,500 for all legs combined
Comparison Table: Kolkata to Nainital Routing
| Mode | Route | Duration | Fare (₹) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Kolkata–Kathgodam/Lal Kuan–Nainital | 23–36 hrs | 600–2,800+ | Budget, direct |
| Flight | Kolkata–Pantnagar–Nainital | 8–12 hrs | 7,000–20,500 | Fastest, limited seats |
| Bus/Road | Kolkata–Delhi/Lucknow–Nainital | 36–48 hrs | 1,900–5,500 | Budget, long distance |
Tips & FAQs
- Book early: For trains and flights, especially around holidays and tourist season.
- Travel light: Makes the last road ascent to Nainital easier, especially in shared or public vehicles.
- Arrive in the day: Hill travel is safest and most scenic in daylight; plan morning or midday arrivals at Kathgodam/Pantnagar if possible.
- Airport pickups: Many Nainital hotels offer paid airport/railway station pickups if arranged in advance.
Q: Which is the fastest way from Kolkata to Nainital?
A: By flight to Pantnagar (with one stop in Delhi), then taxi to Nainital.
Q: Cheapest route?
A: Daily Bagh Express to Kathgodam, then shared jeep or bus to Nainital.
Q: Can taxis be arranged on arrival?
A: Yes, taxis and jeeps serve major train arrivals at both Kathgodam and Lal Kuan.
Travel to Nainital from Kolkata is smoothest by train to Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, followed by a short and scenic drive, or fastest by flight to Pantnagar with a comfortable hill taxi transfer.
