Traveling from Lucknow to Nainital by bus is convenient, affordable, and a popular choice for tourists. Below is a detailed guide covering bus options, schedules, fares, boarding points, and useful travel tips.
Route Overview
- Total Distance: 319–325km (via Sitapur, Bareilly, Haldwani)
- Journey Time: 9–10.5 hours (traffic and weather dependent)
Types of Buses Available
- AC Sleeper/Semi-Sleeper
- Non-AC Deluxe/Seater
- Volvo AC/Sleeper (premium services)
- Government and Private Operators
Timings & Frequency
- First Bus Departure: 10:00 PM (some services start slightly earlier)
- Last Bus Departure: 11:15 PM
- Frequency: Multiple buses depart nightly; limited or no daytime departures
- Typical Arrival in Nainital: 8:00–10:00 AM next day, depending on bus and stops
Popular Bus Operators
- Mahalaxmi Travels
- PTC-SkyBus
- Barsana Travels
- New Shree Mahaveer Travels (LKW)
- Samay Shatabdi Travels Pvt Ltd
- Shri Krishna Travels (Jai Shree Ganesh Yatra Co.)
- FIZA SMART BUS
Boarding Points in Lucknow
- Alambagh (Nehariya Chauraha, behind Awadh Hospital)
- Nahariya Chauraha (multiple agencies)
- Transport Nagar (near metro station, parking areas)
- Kaiserbagh
- Gomti Nagar
- Sarojini Nagar
- Other key locations across Lucknow (selectable during booking)
Dropping Points in Nainital
- Tallital Bus Stand (main drop-off)
- Mallital
- Central Nainital bus stops
Fares & Bus Types
| Operator | Bus Type | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahalaxmi Travels | AC Sleeper/Seater (2+1) | 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 (2+1) | 10:30 PM | 8:30 AM | 10h | 398–1,399 |
| New Shree Mahaveer Travels | AC Seater/Sleeper (2+1) | 10:45 PM | 8:15 AM | 9h 30m | 750–1,149 |
| FIZA SMART BUS | AC Seater/Sleeper (2+1) | 10:30 PM | 8:00 AM | 9h 30m | 2,500 |
- Minimum Fare: ₹398–₹799 (standard seat)
- Maximum Fare: ₹2,500–₹4,000+ (premium/luxury sleeper)
- Avg. Bus Fare: ₹750–₹1,399 for most AC and sleeper services.
Amenities
- Reclining sleeper/seater seats
- Air conditioning
- Charging points (on select buses)
- Blanket/pillow (overnight services)
- Water bottles/light snacks (operator-dependent)
Booking Methods
- Online: Major portals like RedBus, Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, AbhiBus, Yatra, Paytm
- Offline: Directly at boarding point agencies or counters (less recommended in high season).
Travel Tips
- Book Early: Reserve seats in advance, especially in summer and holidays for better options and lower fares.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early at your boarding point.
- Travel Light: Limited luggage space available, especially on hill routes.
- Carry Snacks and Water: Roadside stops are brief and sometimes infrequent at night.
- Weather: Allow extra time in monsoon or winter season when hill roads may be affected.
- Check Arrival Conditions: Inform your Nainital hotel if arriving early/late at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I travel directly from Lucknow to Nainital by bus?
A: Yes, several direct private and government buses run overnight from Lucknow to Nainital every day.
Q: Is Volvo or luxury sleeper service available?
A: Yes, multiple AC, Volvo, and sleeper buses operate this route—select at booking.
Q: What’s the cheapest fare?
A: Standard seats start from ₹398–₹799 on ordinary or lower-class sleeper buses.
Q: How can I book?
A: Online bookings via RedBus, Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, AbhiBus, Yatra, and others are recommended for best seat selection and fare transparency.
In summary: Take a direct overnight AC or sleeper bus from Lucknow—secure online booking, multiple boarding points, and a comfortable, hassle-free journey brings you to Nainital in around 9–10 hours.
