Traveling from Kolkata to Nainital by flight is efficient, fast, and increasingly popular for visitors to Uttarakhand. Here’s a step-by-step guide, covering all flight and transfer details for 2025.
Step 1: Fly from Kolkata (CCU) to Pantnagar (PGH)
- Nearest Airport to Nainital: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 70km from Nainital.
- Flight Options: No direct flights; connecting flights with a layover (usually at Delhi or another metro) are available daily.
- Airlines Serving Route: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, and Akasa Air.
- Flight Duration: Typically 5–10 hours, depending on connections and layover time.
- First and Last Flights (typical):
- One-Way Fares:
- Baggage Allowance:
Sample Flight Schedule
| Airline | Schedule (via Delhi) | Typical Duration | Indicative Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 05:30 CCU – 14:25 PGH | 8–9h, 1 stop | 7,000–13,500 |
| SpiceJet | 10:00 CCU – 18:40 PGH | 8–10h, 1 stop | 8,500–14,000 |
Booking can be done easily on all major travel portals.
Step 2: Pantnagar Airport to Nainital by Road
- Distance: 70–76km
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (by taxi)
- Taxi Fare: ₹1,100–₹2,500 for a one-way private taxi.
- How to Book: Taxis are readily available at the airport on arrival or can be pre-booked via local/online operators and hotels.
- Other Options: Shared jeeps may be available at lower fares, though less frequent.
Quick Reference Table: Kolkata to Nainital by Flight
Essential Tips
- Book Early: Pantnagar is a small airport with limited capacity. Secure tickets in advance for best prices.
- Coordinate Arrival: Try to land at Pantnagar during the day for easier connections to Nainital.
- Luggage: Travel light for convenience, especially if using shared cabs or jeeps.
- Weather: Check for possible delays in monsoon or winter season.
- Hotel Transfers: Many Nainital hotels can organize airport pickup when reserved in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from Kolkata to Nainital?
No; you fly from Kolkata (CCU) to Pantnagar (PGH) with at least one stop, most often at Delhi.
How far is Pantnagar from Nainital?
About 70–76km, covered in 1.5–2 hours by taxi or shared jeep.
Are taxis easily available at Pantnagar Airport?
Yes, taxis wait outside for all arriving flights; you can also pre-book via the hotel or cab aggregators.
How long is the total journey?
Generally 8–12 hours including layovers and road transfer, but with advance planning it is the fastest way to reach Nainital from Kolkata by public transport.
Nainital is quickly and comfortably accessible from Kolkata by combining a flight to Pantnagar with a short, scenic taxi ride into the hills. Booking flights and arranging ground transport in advance makes for the smoothest travel experience.
