Traveling from Noida to Nainital is easy and flexible, with several options to fit every travel style—by car, bus, train, or a combination. Here’s a well-organized, up-to-date guide covering routes, durations, costs, and travel tips.
Noida to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 254–293 km (most commonly cited in recent travel sources)
- Typical Road Travel Time: 6–7 hours by car or taxi; up to 9 hours by bus depending on route and traffic
| Mode | Distance (km) | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Road/Car | 254–293 | 6–7 hours |
| Bus | 250–290 | 6–9 hours |
| Train+Taxi | 270–291 | 7–10 hours |
Best Routes from Noida to Nainital
Most direct and preferred:
Noida → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Nainital (NH9 is the main highway)
Travel Options from Noida to Nainital
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, Self-Drive)
- Distance: 254–293 km, approx. 6–7 hours
- Taxi/Car Fare:
- Tips:
- Door-to-door convenience
- Several rest stops and eateries en route
- Ideal for families and groups
- Booking: Easily arranged via major taxi operators and travel portals
2. By Bus
- Direct buses run multiple times daily from Noida to Nainital
- Duration: 5.5–9 hours, depending on traffic and operator
- Fares: ₹449–₹1,100 depending on bus type (AC Sleeper, Volvo, Semi-Sleeper, Non-AC)
- Common Boarding Points:
- Bookings: Available online via RedBus, MakeMyTrip, Paytm, GoIbibo, Zingbus, etc.
- Amenities: Most AC buses offer sleeper/seater choices and basic onboard facilities
Sample Noida to Nainital Bus Options
| Operator/Type | Departure | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahadev SmartBus AC | 11:10 PM | 6h 05m | 499+ |
| Deluxe AC Sleeper | 10:50 PM | 8h 10m | 747+ |
| Zingbus A/C Sleeper | 11:15 PM | 8h 25m | 768+ |
| Laxmi Holidays | 11:30 PM | 8h 05m | 646+ |
3. By Train
- Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam (KGM), 34 km from Nainital
- From Noida: Board trains at Ghaziabad, Anand Vihar, or New Delhi (all easily accessed from Noida)
- Popular Trains:
- Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040): 5h 35m from New Delhi, AM departure
- Ranikhet Express (15013): Overnight train, 8h 41m, Delhi–Kathgodam
- ANVT–LKU Express (15060): Afternoon, Anand Vihar to Lal Kuan (55 km from Nainital)
- Last Mile: Taxi/shared jeep/bus from Kathgodam/Lal Kuan to Nainital (34–55 km, 1–1.5 hours, ₹200–₹1,000)
- Booking: IRCTC, travel apps
4. By Flight (Via Pantnagar – Not Common)
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (PGH), ~70 km from Nainital
- Steps: Taxi to Delhi Airport → Flight to Pantnagar → Taxi to Nainital (1.5–2 hours, ₹1,500–₹2,500)
- Not recommended unless you specifically need an air transfer, as direct flights are limited and costly
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Travel Time | Fare Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Taxi | 6–7 hours | ₹2,500–₹5,700 | Flexible, private, fastest |
| Bus | 5.5–9 hours | ₹449–₹1,100 | Budget, easy to book online |
| Train+Taxi | 7–10 hours | ₹200–₹1,500+ | Scenic, smooth, reliable |
| Flight+Taxi | 6–9 hours | ₹5,000–₹16,000+ | Only for special preference |
Essential Tips
- Book early: Especially for buses and trains during weekends, holidays, and summer peak
- Travel light: For smoother transfers, especially for bus/train routes
- Start early: To maximize daylight and avoid late-night hill travel
- Weather: Monsoon (July–Sept) may cause minor delays; allow for buffer time
- Onward transfer: Taxis, shared jeeps, and buses are readily available at Kathgodam station
FAQs
- What’s the fastest way to Nainital from Noida?
Taxi or private car (6–7 hours) - Cheapest option?
AC/Non-AC Bus (₹449–₹1,100) with multiple daily departures - Which train to prefer?
Shatabdi for fastest daytime, Ranikhet Express for overnight, both to Kathgodam - Do buses run overnight?
Yes; evening and late-night buses are common - Is Pantnagar Airport useful?
Only for specific needs; taxi from Pantnagar to Nainital is 1.5–2 hours; flights are limited
Traveling from Noida to Nainital is easy and well-served. You can choose a car or cab for speed and privacy, any of the frequent direct buses for a budget ride, or a train and short hill drive for comfort and scenery. Book advance tickets for peak season and enjoy a smooth journey from the NCR to the cool air and mountain views of Nainital.
