How to Reach Pune from Haridwar

Pune, often called the “Oxford of the East” and a major IT and automotive hub, is a bustling metropolis in Maharashtra. If you’re traveling from the spiritual city of Haridwar to Pune, it’s quite a long journey across the country. Therefore, planning your travel mode efficiently is key. While there are direct trains, the fastest way to cover this significant distance is by combining air and road travel.

Distance Between Haridwar and Pune

The approximate distance between Haridwar and Pune varies significantly by mode:

• By Air (via Dehradun Airport): The aerial distance between Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun, nearest to Haridwar) and Pune Airport is around 1,340 kilometers.
• By Train: Approximately 1,800-1,850 kilometers.
• By Road: Around 1,700-1,750 kilometers.

How to Reach Pune from Haridwar

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:

1. By Air (Fastest Option)

This is generally the quickest way to reach Pune from Haridwar, involving a combination of road and air travel.

• Steps:
  1. Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): First, you’ll need to travel approximately 37-41 km by taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This road journey typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
  2. Dehradun (DED) to Pune (Pune International Airport – PNQ): There are direct and connecting flights available between Dehradun and Pune.
     • Flight Duration: Direct flights typically take around 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours. Connecting flights will naturally take longer, ranging from 5 to 10+ hours depending on the layover.
     • Airlines: Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate on this route, often with direct flights or one-stop options, usually via Delhi or Mumbai.
     • Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares can vary significantly, ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 or more for one-way direct flights, depending on how far in advance you book and the demand.
  3. Pune Airport (PNQ) to Pune City: Pune Airport is located about 10 km northeast of Pune city center. A taxi or app-based cab (Ola/Uber) from the airport to the city center takes approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including travel to Dehradun airport, flight time, and transfer to Pune city, can be completed in approximately 5 to 8 hours for direct flights and efficient transfers.
• Pros: By far the fastest way to cover the long distance.
• Cons: Most expensive option. Involves transfers between modes of transport and potential waiting times at airports.
• Tips: Book your flights well in advance, especially if you prefer direct options. Also, pre-book your taxi from Haridwar to Dehradun Airport and from Pune Airport to your destination in Pune for a smoother experience.

2. By Train (Recommended for Long Journeys and Budget)

Train travel is a popular choice for long distances in India, offering a balance of cost, comfort, and the chance to see the countryside.

• Journey Time: This is a long journey by train. Direct trains from Haridwar to Pune typically take between 34 to 35 hours. Some routes might involve changes in major junctions like Delhi, which could extend the travel time.
• Train Stations:
  • From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main station.
  • To Pune: Pune Junction (PUNE) is the primary railway station in Pune.
• Frequency: There might be limited direct trains (e.g., a weekly service like YNRK UBL SPL runs from Yog Nagari Rishikesh via Haridwar). You might find more options with a changeover in Delhi or other major cities.
• Types of Trains: You can choose from various classes, including Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and sometimes First Class (1A).
• Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range from approximately ₹900 (Sleeper Class) to ₹3,500 (AC 2-tier) or more, depending on the train type and class.
• Pros: Can be a more economical option than flying. Offers a chance to relax or sleep during the long journey.
• Cons: Very long journey duration. Limited direct train options, potentially requiring a change of trains. Tickets can be hard to get during peak seasons if not booked early.
• Tips: Check the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or other popular travel platforms (like MakeMyTrip, ixigo, ConfirmTkt) for the most up-to-date train schedules, availability, and fare options. Book well in advance, especially for AC classes.

3. By Road (Long and Challenging Drive)

Driving from Haridwar to Pune is a very long journey and generally not recommended as the primary mode of travel unless you enjoy very long road trips or are traveling with a group and multiple drivers.

• Distance: Approximately 1,700-1,750 kilometers.
• Journey Time: A continuous drive would take at least 27-30 hours, not including significant stops for food, rest, and sleep. It would typically require at least one overnight stop.
• Routes: The common route involves driving south from Haridwar, connecting to major national highways towards Delhi, then heading south through states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and finally into Maharashtra to Pune. Using GPS navigation with real-time traffic updates is essential.
• Self-Drive:
  • Pros: Ultimate flexibility to stop anywhere and anytime. Can be cost-effective for a group if vehicle running costs are shared.
  • Cons: Extremely long and tiring drive. Requires multiple drivers. High fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Risk of fatigue.
• Hiring a Taxi/Cab:
  • Pros: Convenient as you don’t have to drive. Door-to-door service.
  • Cons: Very expensive due to the long distance and the need for the driver to return or be compensated for the return journey. Can be very tiring even as a passenger.
  • Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost upwards of ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type, service provider, and whether the fare includes driver’s allowance, tolls, etc.
• Tips: If choosing this option, plan your stops carefully, ensure you have multiple drivers, and factor in sufficient rest periods. Check road conditions and safety advisories for all states you will pass through.

4. By Bus (Less Common for Direct Journey, Very Long)

While buses are available for long-distance routes in India, a direct bus from Haridwar to Pune is a very long and arduous journey, and direct services are scarce.

• Journey Time: A direct bus, if available, could take 40-45 hours or even more. It’s more likely you would need to take multiple buses with layovers in major cities like Delhi, Indore, or Mumbai, making the journey fragmented and extremely long.
• Operators & Types: You might find limited private operators offering such long routes. Comfort levels would vary greatly.
• Pros: Potentially the most economical option if you combine multiple budget bus segments.
• Cons: Extremely long travel time. Less comfortable than trains or flights for such a distance. Frequent stops. Not ideal for travelers with significant luggage.
• Tips: This mode is generally not recommended for such a long journey due to the discomfort and time involved. If considering, verify direct services and comfortable bus types thoroughly.

Given the significant distance, flying is the most efficient and practical way to travel from Haridwar to Pune, balancing travel time with reasonable comfort. For those on a stricter budget and with more time, a direct train journey (if available) or a train with a single change could be a viable alternative.