Nainital, the popular hill station in Uttarakhand, is well-connected to Meerut by road, train, and bus. Here’s a step-by-step travel guide covering all practical options, routes, fares, and durations.
Meerut to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 230–274km (depends on the route)
- Typical Travel Time: 5.5–7 hours
Travel Options from Meerut to Nainital
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive)
- Distance: 232–266km
- Travel Time: 5.5–7 hours, depending on route and traffic
- Route: Meerut → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Nainital
(NH9 is the most common highway) - Taxi Fare: ₹3,900–₹4,900 (hatchback/sedan, one-way; SUVs ₹5,600+)
- Car Rental: Available year-round, bookable via major online portals
- Advantages: Direct, private, door-to-door transfer, flexible stops
| Vehicle Type | Distance (km) | Time (hrs) | Typical Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | 259 | 5.5 | 3,900–4,500 |
| Sedan | 259 | 5.5 | 4,000–4,900 |
| SUV | 259 | 5.5 | 5,600–6,600 |
Fares may vary with season, car type, and provider.
2. By Bus
- Direct AC and Non-AC Buses operate nightly between Meerut and Nainital
- Boarding Points: Meerut main bus stand or designated travel agency stops
- First Bus: ~10:45PM; Last Bus: ~10:45PM (check online schedules)
- Travel Time: 5.5–6.5 hours (overnight)
- Fare: ₹475–₹951 (depends on bus class and operator)
- Popular Operators: Royal Safari India Travels
- Booking: Online (RedBus, Yatra, Paytm) or at bus counters
| Operator | Departure | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Safari | 10:45 PM | 6h 17m | 475–951 |
3. By Train
- No direct train to Nainital.
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam (KGM), about 34km from Nainital. - Common Route:
- Meerut City → Moradabad (2–2.5h by train, 3 times daily)
- Moradabad → Kathgodam (1 direct train daily, ~3h)
Example: 14120 DDN KGM Express
- Total Train Duration: 5–8 hours (including change/wait time)
- Train Fare: ₹150–₹1,400 (class-dependent)
- Last-mile (Kathgodam to Nainital):
- Taxi: 1–1.5 hours, ₹300–₹1,200
- Bus/shared jeep: Regular daytime service, ₹70–₹200
- Booking: IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo, Railway counters
| Segment | Time | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Meerut City–Moradabad | 2–2.5 hrs | 150–1,600 |
| Moradabad–Kathgodam | 2.5–3 hrs | 150–1,400 |
| Kathgodam–Nainital (road) | 1–1.5 hrs | 70–1,200 |
4. By Air
- Not recommended (no airport in Nainital; closest is Pantnagar, 70km away)
- Typical Route: Meerut → Delhi Airport (surface), flight to Pantnagar, then taxi to Nainital
- Flight plus taxi time: 7–10 hours; costlier than road or rail options.
Practical Tips
- Book early for peak seasons (March–June, holidays)
- Travel light for convenience in buses, trains, and shared cabs
- Buses depart nightly, making overnight travel easy
- If driving: Start early to avoid city and hill traffic
- Trains offer the most flexibility for budget travelers
- Local taxis/shared jeeps are available at Kathgodam at nearly all hours
FAQs
Q: What is the fastest way from Meerut to Nainital?
A: By car or taxi, in about 5.5–6 hours.
Q: Cheapest way?
A: Direct AC/non-AC buses are most budget-friendly, as low as ₹475 per seat.
Q: Are trains frequent?
A: Yes, multiple daily trains connect Meerut with Moradabad; onward to Kathgodam has one or two daily direct trains.
Q: Are last-mile taxis available?
A: Yes, at Kathgodam station—fares are reasonable, shared options are common.
In summary:
- Fastest & Most Comfortable: Private taxi/car, ~5.5–6 hours
- Budget & Convenience: Direct AC/Non-AC sleeper bus, ~6–7 hours
- Cheapest: Overnight sleeper bus
- Train: Good for daytime journeys; taxi or bus for the last leg
Nainital is easily accessible by all these modes—choose the one that best fits your comfort, schedule, and budget.
