Planning a trip from Ludhiana to Nainital takes you from Punjab’s vibrant city to one of Uttarakhand’s most loved hill stations. Here’s a reliable, step-by-step breakdown of every main travel option, including distance, best routes, transport modes, fares, durations, and essential travel tips.
Ludhiana to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 500–579 km (depending on route)
- By Train: ~400–504 km to Kathgodam, then 34 km by road to Nainital
- Aerial (Direct Line): 386–395 km
Typical travel time by road is 9–11 hours, while train journeys (with last leg by road) generally take 10–12 hours.
Main Options to Reach Nainital from Ludhiana
1. By Train
Traveling by train is comfortable and popular for reaching the Kumaon foothills. Nainital’s nearest major railway station is Kathgodam (KGM), about 34 km away.
Popular Trains
- Fares: ₹325–₹700 (AC Chair/Sleeper range)
- Booking: Online via IRCTC, Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, etc.
- Tips: Book early in holiday season; check exact schedule, as many trains are weekly.
Kathgodam to Nainital (Last Mile):
- 34 km by taxi, shared jeep, or bus (takes 1–1.5 hours, ₹150–₹700).
- Taxis and buses are available right outside Kathgodam station, all day.
2. By Bus
Several government and private operators offer direct bus services:
- Distance: 500+ km (varies by route)
- Duration: 12–15 hours
- Earliest Departure: From 18:30 (6:30 PM); multiple evening departures
- Last Departure: Usually 21:30 (9:30 PM)
- Fare: ₹1,299–₹1,649 for most AC sleeper/seater buses; luxury options can go higher.
Sample Operators
- Vijay Tour & Travels
- Shree Krishna Travels
- Durga Travels
Bus Boarding
- Ludhiana bus terminals, private operator pick-up points
Bus Drop-off
- Nainital Bus Stand (Tallital); some buses stop at Kathgodam/Haldwani (last stretch via local taxi or jeep)
Facilities
- AC sleeper, AC semi-sleeper, Volvo, and non-AC
- Pre-book online using RedBus, MakeMyTrip, AbhiBus, EaseMyTrip for best fares and seat selection
3. By Car or Taxi
A private taxi or self-drive is the most flexible and comfortable option for groups and families.
- Distance: 500–579 km (common routes via NH44, NH9, or NH109)
- Typical Time: 9–11 hours (route and stops may affect this)
- Fare: ₹7,000–₹12,000+ (depending on car type, agency, and season)
- Route: NH44 via Ambala – Karnal – Shamli – Moradabad – Rampur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Nainital
- Booking: Through online platforms (Goibibo, Cabbazar, Guruji Travel, local agencies)
- Road Notes: Hill drive after Haldwani/Kathgodam; roads are well-maintained but winding—take care during monsoon.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
No direct flights exist to Nainital. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (PGH), about 70 km from Nainital.
- Ludhiana–Pantnagar: No direct flight; requires changing at Delhi or Chandigarh
- Flight Time: 6–10 hours (depends on connections)
- Pantnagar to Nainital: 1.5–2 hours by taxi; fare ₹1,100–₹2,000
- Realistically: Most travelers fly to Delhi (or Chandigarh), then complete the journey by road or train via Kathgodam.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Total Distance | Typical Time | Fare Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Taxi | 400–504 km | 11–13 hrs | ₹325–₹700 (train) + ₹150–₹700 (taxi) | Best value, book in advance |
| Bus | 500–579 km | 12–15 hrs | ₹1,299–₹1,649+ | Direct, overnight, several options |
| Car/Taxi | 500–579 km | 9–11 hrs | ₹7,000–₹12,000+ | Private, flexible, good for families |
| Flight + Road | 400–500 km* | 7–11 hrs | ₹7,000+ (total trip) | Only if you need to save time |
*Flight leg varies as no direct Ludhiana–Pantnagar operation.
Planning & Travel Tips
- Book in advance for trains and buses, especially in summer and on weekends.
- Travel light for easy connections, especially on shared cabs/buses.
- Carry snacks, water, and motion sickness medication if hilly roads bother you.
- Leave early in the morning if driving—hill roads are safer in daylight.
- Weather checks are vital during monsoon (July–September).
- Parking in Nainital: Paid lots at Mallital and Tallital. Plan accordingly if self-driving.
Sample Itineraries
Option 1: Fastest and Comfortable (Train)
- 4:05 AM: Board KGM Garib Rath from Ludhiana (Mon)
- 1:35 PM: Arrive Kathgodam
- 1:45 PM: Board taxi/shared cab to Nainital (1.5 hours)
- Arrive: Late afternoon in Nainital
Option 2: Direct Bus (Budget, Overnight)
- 8:00 PM: Board AC sleeper bus from Ludhiana
- 8:00 AM (next day): Arrive in Nainital Bus Stand
Option 3: Private Car/Taxi
- 6:00 AM: Set off via NH44/Haldwani
- Short stops en route for meals/restrooms
- 3:00–5:00 PM: Arrive in Nainital
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the cheapest way from Ludhiana to Nainital?
A: Train to Kathgodam, followed by a shared cab to Nainital.
Q: What’s the fastest road route?
A: Via NH44 and NH9, or NH44 and NH109 for scenic variation.
Q: Are direct buses available?
A: Yes, with overnight timings and multiple private operators.
Q: Is a direct flight possible?
A: No, fly to Delhi or Pantnagar (with connections) and continue by road.
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Ludhiana is simple, with multiple direct and combination options to match any style or budget. Fast trains to Kathgodam offer the best mix of comfort and cost; buses are good for flexible, overnight trips; private cars and taxis give you total convenience. Book everything ahead in peak season, pack light, and get ready to enjoy Nainital’s cool lakeside breeze.
