Traveling from Nagpur to Nainital takes you across India, from central Maharashtra to the Himalayan foothills. You have multiple options: by air (fastest), by rail (cheapest), by a mix of train and bus, or by road for adventurous travelers. Here’s a complete, up-to-date guide on all best routes, modes, duration, costs, and travel tips.
Overview: Distance & Duration
| Mode | Distance | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Air + Road | ~1,150–1,300 km | 7–10 hours | Fastest route (flight, taxi) |
| By Train + Taxi | ~1,200 km | 17–24 hours | Most economical |
| By Road | ~1,150–1,350 km | 16–23 hours | Long, for groups/road trips |
1. By Flight (Fastest & Easiest)
Fastest way: Fly from Nagpur (NAG) to Pantnagar (PGH, nearest airport to Nainital) via a layover (usually in Delhi), then taxi/bus to Nainital.
- Step 1: Flight from Nagpur to Pantnagar
- Step 2: Pantnagar to Nainital by Taxi
- Distance: 70–80 km
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Taxi fare: ₹1,500–₹2,500
Alternate (More Frequent):
Fly from Nagpur to Delhi (multiple daily direct flights, ~2 hours), then continue by:
- Train from Delhi to Kathgodam (see below)
- Taxi/private car: ~7–8 hours drive from Delhi to Nainital
2. By Train (Most Cost-Effective)
There is no direct train to Nainital. The nearest major stations are Kathgodam and Lal Kuan in Uttarakhand.
Step 1: Nagpur to Kathgodam/Lal Kuan (via Delhi, Mathura, or Bhopal)
- Sample Route: Nagpur → Mathura Junction → Kathgodam
- Total travel time: 17–24 hours
- Fare: ₹1,300–₹16,000 (varies by class and route)
- Most trains require a change at Delhi, Mathura, or Lucknow.
- Example: Take a train from Nagpur to Mathura Junction or New Delhi, then a connecting train to Kathgodam.
Step 2: Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital (By Road)
- Distance: 34–40 km
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours by taxi/bus/shared jeep
- Taxi fare: ₹700–₹1,500 per car; shared jeeps and buses are cheaper and frequent
3. By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi/Outstation Cab)
Long and adventurous: Not recommended unless you’re traveling with a group or making intermediate stops.
- Distance: 1,100–1,350 km (via Sagar, Bhopal, Kanpur, Bareilly, Haldwani)
- Time: 16–23 hours (without significant breaks)
- One-way cab fare: Starts around ₹9,000–₹15,000 (small car; higher for SUV, minivan, etc.)
- Bookable via all-India cab platforms; discounts and offers may be available.
4. By Bus (Combined with Train)
No direct bus covers the full route. Common options:
- Take a train to Delhi, Lucknow, or Kanpur, then transfer to an overnight bus to Nainital/Kathgodam/Haldwani.
Summary Table: Routes, Cost & Time
| Route | Time (hrs) | Typical Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (Nagpur–Pantnagar) + Taxi | 7–10 | ₹9,500–₹32,000 | Fastest, limited daily flights |
| Train (via Delhi/Mathura) + Taxi/Bus | 17–24 | ₹1,300–₹16,000 | Most economical |
| Direct Car/Taxi | 16–23 | ₹9,000–₹16,000+ | Self/road-trip option |
| Combined Train + Bus | 18–26 | ₹1,500–₹5,000 | Flexible, more changes |
Practical Tips
- Advance Booking: Flights and trains fill early, especially in summer/holidays—book at least 2–4 weeks ahead.
- Layovers: If flying, check connection times at Delhi; if traveling by train, coordinate for minimum wait during changes.
- Comfort: For long journeys, overnight trains offer sleeper berths; AC buses are more comfortable.
- Luggage: Pack light for easier transitions, especially on last-mile hilly roads.
- Weather: Monsoon/winter can delay flights and make mountain roads slow or foggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the fastest way from Nagpur to Nainital?
A: Flight to Pantnagar (or Delhi) + taxi to Nainital. - Q: Cheapest option?
A: Train to Kathgodam via a change in Delhi, then local taxi/bus to Nainital. - Q: Is self-drive taxi available?
A: Yes, but the journey is long—plan for driver rotation and overnight stops. - Q: Are taxis and buses available at Kathgodam?
A: Yes, both are frequent and connect directly to Nainital’s main town area.
Conclusion
Best for Speed: Fly from Nagpur to Pantnagar (via Delhi); taxi to Nainital
Best for Savings: Train to Kathgodam (via Delhi/Mathura), taxi or bus to Nainital
Best for Adventure/Road Trips: Cab or self-drive all the way (16–23 hours).
Book in advance, check for connections and timings, and prepare for a memorable trip from Nagpur to Nainital’s Himalayan lakeside charm.
