Traveling from Varanasi to Nainital offers a blend of comfort, flexibility, and scenic journey options. Here’s an organized guide to all major routes, travel times, fares, and essential tips.
Varanasi to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 620–800 km (depending on route)
- By Train: 539–590 km (Varanasi to Lal Kuan/Kathgodam), then 34 km by road to Nainital
- Aerial (Straight Line): 569–617 km
Travel time ranges from 7 to 19 hours depending on the mode chosen.
Travel Options from Varanasi to Nainital
1. By Flight + Road (Fastest, Most Comfortable)
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (PGH), about 70 km from Nainital
- Steps:
- Take a flight from Varanasi (VNS) to Pantnagar (PGH). No direct flights—most connect via Delhi.
- Hire a taxi from Pantnagar to Nainital (1.5–2 hours; fare: ₹1,500–₹2,500)
- Total Quickest Duration: 7–11 hours
Alternative: Fly from Varanasi to Delhi (2–2.5 hours), then continue by:
- Road: Taxi from Delhi to Nainital (7–8 hours)
- Train: Delhi to Kathgodam (5–7 hours), then taxi/bus (1–1.5 hours) to Nainital
2. By Train (Economical & Comfortable)
No direct train to Nainital. Use Kathgodam (KGM) or Lal Kuan (LKU) as the nearest railway stations.
- Key Trains:
- Step 2: From Lal Kuan/Kathgodam, take a taxi or bus (34 km; 1–1.5 hours; fare: ₹300–₹1,200)
- Total Duration: 13–15 hours (including transfer)
- Booking: IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo
Summary Table: Popular Trains
| Train Name/No. | Departure (From) | Arrival (To) | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12353 HWH LKU Exp | 7:10 PM Varanasi | 6:55 AM LKU | 11h 45m | ₹330–7,500 |
| Triveni Express | 10:00 PM Chunar | 3:20 PM Khatima | ~17h 20m | ₹365–₹910 |
Tips:
- Book at least 2–4 weeks ahead in season.
- Coordinate arrival at Lal Kuan/Kathgodam with onward taxi/bus to Nainital for a smooth transfer.
3. By Bus (Direct, Overnight Travel)
- No single direct government bus covers the whole journey.
- Common Route: Board a bus from Varanasi to Alambagh or Lucknow; then switch to Lucknow–Nainital or Lucknow–Ramnagar bus.
- Private bus operators may offer through services (Varanasi–Rampur–Nainital).
- Fare: ₹1,299–₹2,500 (AC/non-AC, sleeper/semi-sleeper)
- Total Duration: 17–20 hours (including transfers)
4. By Taxi or Private Car
- Distance: 664–800 km by road
- Time: 10–14 hours (depending on route, stops, and traffic)
- Fare: ₹6,700–₹11,000 one-way (depends on car type and booking source)
- Benefits: Flexible departure, direct hotel drop-off
- Tip: Hire a local experienced hill driver for safety.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Mode | Total Distance | Travel Time | Fare Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight+Taxi | ~690–710 km | 7–11 hrs | ₹9,000–₹29,000 | Fastest option, via Pantnagar/Delhi |
| Train+Taxi/Bus | ~590 km rail +34 km road | 13–15 hrs | ₹1,200–₹9,000 | Most affordable, advance booking key |
| Bus (Multi-Leg) | 664–800 km | 17–20 hrs | ₹1,299–₹2,500 | Overnight, less comfort, more stops |
| Private Taxi/Car | 664–800 km | 10–14 hrs | ₹6,700–₹11,000 | Flexible, direct, most comfortable |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book all tickets in advance, especially in summer, on weekends, and holidays.
- Luggage: Pack light for easy train/bus transfer; taxis or buses may have limited trunk space.
- Weather: Nainital can be cold even in summer; carry a light jacket.
- Monsoon travel: Roads may have delays due to rain or landslides (July–September).
- Snacks/Water: Bring some for long segments, especially if taking overnight transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way from Varanasi to Nainital?
A: By flight (via Pantnagar/Delhi) plus taxi—about 7–11 hours.
Q: Which is the cheapest way?
A: By train to Lal Kuan, then taxi to Nainital—about 13–15 hours, ₹1,200–₹9,000 total.
Q: Are taxis available late at night from Kathgodam/Lal Kuan?
A: Yes, but during peak and late-night arrivals, consider pre-booking a cab.
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Varanasi is simple and suited to every travel style. For speed, choose a flight to Pantnagar or Delhi with onward taxi/bus. For affordability, book a direct train to Lal Kuan/Kathgodam and complete the short scenic drive to the hills. Bus and private car options are also available for those seeking overnight travel or extra flexibility. With planning, your journey from Varanasi to the lakes of Nainital will be both smooth and memorable.
