Traveling from Lucknow to Nainital is direct, convenient, and offers several options by road, train, and bus. Here’s a complete guide covering all major modes, routes, travel times, fares, and essential planning tips.
1. By Train (Most Popular & Economical)
Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (KGM), 34km from Nainital; Lal Kuan (LKU), 55km from Nainital.
Main Trains from Lucknow
| Train Name | Number | Departure | Arrival (KGM/LKU) | Duration | Type | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagh Express | 13019 | 00:30 LKO | 08:45 KGM | 8h 15m | Sleeper/AC | 225–600+ |
| Kathgodam Garib Rath Express | 12209 | 08:05 LJN | 15:55 KGM | 7h 50m | AC 3-Tier | 405–1,200+ |
| LJN KGM Express | 15043 | 23:25 LJN | 08:05 KGM | 8h 40m | Sleeper/AC | 225–800+ |
| HWH LKU Express | 12353 | 01:05 LKO | 06:55 LKU | 5h 50m | Sleeper/AC | 245–1,200+ |
- Booking: IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo, and other reliable portals.
- Boarding: LKO = Lucknow Junction; LJN = Lucknow NER
- Advance booking recommended, especially during the tourist season.
Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital:
- Taxi: ₹800–₹2,000 (1–1.5 hours)
- Shared jeep: ₹100–₹300/person, leaves when full
- Bus: ₹70–₹200, regular departures until evening
2. By Bus (Direct, Overnight Services)
Multiple government and private buses run nightly between Lucknow and Nainital.
| Operator | Bus Type | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahalaxmi Travels | AC Sleeper/Seater | 10:45 PM | 8:00 AM | 9h 15m | 1,099 |
| PTC-SkyBus | AC Sleeper (2+1) | 10:45 PM | 8:55 AM | 10h 10m | 899–1,199 |
| Barsana Travels | AC Seater/Sleeper | 10:30 PM | 8:30 AM | 10h | 398–1,399 |
- Boarding points: Alambagh, Nahariya Chauraha, Gomti Nagar, Kaiserbagh, others
- Drop: Tallital Bus Stand (main stop in Nainital), some drop-offs at Mallital or main market area
- Booking: RedBus, GoIbibo, MakeMyTrip, AbhiBus, and at agency counters
Amenities may include AC, sleeper or seater options, charging points, blankets (overnight), and water (operator dependent).
3. By Car/Taxi (Flexible & Private)
- Distance: 319–325km by road via Sitapur, Bareilly, Haldwani
- Driving Time: 8.5–10 hours
- Fare: ₹7,500–₹12,000 for one-way sedan/SUV (varies by operator, season, and negotiation)
- How to Book: Online aggregators (CabBazar, Savaari, GoIbibo), local agencies, or via hotel
- Perks: Door-to-door service, flexibility on stops and schedule, ideal for families or groups
Practical Travel Tips
- Book tickets early for trains and buses, especially on holidays or weekends.
- Travel light for easier transfers, especially on the hilly last stretch.
- Kathgodam/Lal Kuan: Taxis, jeeps, and buses are readily available for the final climb to Nainital.
- Monsoon/winter: Check for weather and road conditions; allow additional transit time.
- Night arrivals: Taxis and jeeps run late; buses/jeeps may taper off after 8–9 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a direct train to Nainital?
No; travel to Kathgodam or Lal Kuan, then taxi/bus to Nainital. - Are direct buses available?
Yes, numerous nightly AC/Volvo/sleeper buses depart from Lucknow, reaching Nainital by morning. - How long does the road journey take?
Typically 9–10.5 hours by bus or car. - What’s the cheapest option?
Bus or sleeper class train to Kathgodam/Lal Kuan, then shared jeep or bus for the last leg.
Lucknow to Nainital is a well-connected and flexible route—choose the mode that fits your schedule, comfort, and budget. Whether you travel overnight by bus, take a scenic rail journey, or opt for a private car, the Kumaon hills are just a smooth transfer away.
