Nainital, known for its tranquil lake and misty Himalayan beauty, is a charming hill station in Uttarakhand, while Pune is a bustling city in Maharashtra. Traveling from Pune to Nainital requires a bit of planning, as there is no direct train, flight, or bus for the entire route. Here’s a complete guide on your best options for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Pune to Nainital Distance
- Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: Approx. 1,291–1,335 km
- By Road: Roughly 1,550–1,825 km depending on the chosen route
- Approximate Nonstop Driving Time: 30–32 hours
How to Reach Nainital from Pune
There are several ways to make this journey, usually involving a combination of air, rail, and road transport. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
1. By Air (Flight + Road/Train)
This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Nainital from Pune.
Option 1: Pune → Delhi → Nainital
- Step 1: Take a direct flight from Pune (PNQ) to Delhi (DEL).
- Flight Duration: About 2–2.5 hours.
- Step 2: Continue from Delhi by:
- Taxi/Private Car: Hire a taxi from Delhi to Nainital (approx. 315 km, 6–7 hours).
- Train: Board a train from Delhi to Kathgodam (the nearest major station to Nainital, 34 km away). Trains such as the Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express are recommended.
- Train Duration: 5–7 hours (Delhi to Kathgodam)
- Kathgodam to Nainital: 1–1.5 hours by taxi/bus
- Bus: Overnight government/private Volvo bus from Delhi to Haldwani/Kathgodam/Nainital (7–9 hours).
Total Travel Time (Flight + Road/Train): Approximately 10–14 hours (varies with transfer times).
Option 2: Pune → Pantnagar → Nainital
- Step 1: Book a connecting flight from Pune to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) via Delhi or another hub city (no direct flights).
- Pantnagar to Nainital: Pantnagar is the nearest airport, about 70 km from Nainital (~1.5–2 hours by taxi).
- Flights are less frequent and often require layovers at Delhi.
- Flight + Road Travel Time: Around 8–11 hours total (depends on layover and transfer wait times).
Typical Airfare: ₹7,000–₹13,000+ (book early for best prices).
2. By Train
There is no direct train from Pune to Nainital. The journey must be completed in at least two segments:
- First: Pune Junction → New Delhi (several daily trains; 22–26 hours).
- Next: Delhi → Kathgodam (5–7 hours by train), then road to Nainital (34 km; 1–1.5 hours by taxi/bus).
- Total Journey Time: 30–32 hours (including transfers and waiting times).
- Fare: ₹1,000–₹3,000 (varies by class and advance booking).
3. By Bus (Not Recommended for Full Journey)
There are no direct long-distance buses covering Pune to Nainital. Multiple changes are required (e.g., Pune–Indore/Jhansi–Delhi–Kathgodam–Nainital), making this route complicated and time-consuming (over 36–42 hours).
4. By Road/Private Car (Adventure Route)
Those seeking a road trip can self-drive or hire a long-distance cab.
- Distance: 1,550–1,825 km
- Best Route: Pune → Mumbai → Vadodara → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Haldwani → Nainital
- Travel Time: 30–32 hours (nonstop; real journeys are longer with breaks)
- Not recommended for solo travelers or those unfamiliar with northern Indian highways.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Route & Transfers | Journey Time | Approximate Cost | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Road/Train | Pune–Delhi/Pantnagar–Nainital | 10–14 hours | ₹7,000–₹13,000+ | Fastest, most popular |
| Train + Road | Pune–Delhi–Kathgodam–Nainital | 30–32 hours | ₹1,000–₹3,000 | Budget, longer |
| Bus (multi-leg) | Pune–Indore–Delhi–Kathgodam–Nainital | 36–42 hours | ₹1,200–₹3,000+ | Not recommended |
| Private Car | Entire journey by car | ~30+ hours | Fuel, tolls, etc. | Only for road trip fans |
Key Travel Tips
- Book flights and trains in advance, especially for travel in holiday/summer periods.
- If using Pantnagar Airport, pre-book your taxi to Nainital for convenience.
- From Kathgodam/Haldwani, shared and private taxis are available to Nainital at reasonable rates.
- For budget travelers, trains are best. For comfort and speed, combine flight + road transfers.
- In peak seasons, also book your Nainital stay in advance.
Experience at Nainital
After arriving, visitors can enjoy:
- Boating in Naini Lake
- Stunning views from viewpoints and ropeways
- Local cuisine and lakeside café culture
- Colonial-era buildings and scenic walks
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Pune is most comfortable and time-saving by air to Delhi or Pantnagar, then continuing by train, taxi, or bus. Trains are practical for budget travelers but require patience for the long and multi-part journey. Choose your route based on your budget, comfort level, and schedule for a smooth trip to this beloved Himalayan town.
