How to Reach Raipur from Haridwar

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

1. By Train (Most Common and Economical Option)

Train travel is a popular and cost-effective way to cover the long distance between Haridwar and Raipur.

Journey Time: A train journey from Haridwar to Raipur is quite long, typically taking between 27 to 32 hours, depending on the specific train and its route. Most services involve a change of trains.

Train Stations:

From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main station. However, you might need to take a connecting train from a nearby major junction like Delhi/Hazrat Nizamuddin or Bilaspur.
To Raipur: Raipur Junction (R) is the main railway station in Raipur.

Direct/Connecting Train Availability: There are no direct trains from Haridwar to Raipur. You will need to take a train from Haridwar to a major junction like Bilaspur Junction (BSP) or Delhi/Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) and then catch another train to Raipur.

For instance, you might take a train like Kalinga Utkal Express (18478) from Haridwar to Bilaspur (approx. 26-27 hours journey), and then a local train from Bilaspur to Raipur (approx. 2 hours).
Alternatively, you can travel from Haridwar to Delhi (around 4-5 hours by train) and then take a direct train from Delhi to Raipur (around 16-20 hours).

Frequency: The frequency of trains depends on the connecting point. Trains from Haridwar to Delhi are frequent, and there are several trains from Delhi to Raipur. Similarly, trains to Bilaspur from Haridwar are available a few times a week, and Bilaspur to Raipur trains are frequent.

Types of Coaches: You can choose from various classes: Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and sometimes AC First Class (1A) for more comfort.

Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can vary significantly based on the class and train type. For a journey involving a change, the total cost could range from approximately ₹700 – ₹900 (Sleeper Class) to ₹2,000 – ₹4,500 (AC classes) or more.

Pros: Generally more economical than flying. Allows for a relaxed journey, especially if you opt for AC coaches. Avoids airport hassles.

Cons: Very long journey duration, often requiring a full day and night of travel. Requires a change of trains, which means managing luggage and potentially waiting at a junction.

Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially for AC classes, as they sell out quickly. Check the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or reliable travel apps for the most current schedules and booking options, considering the connecting routes carefully.

2. By Air (Fastest Option, but Indirect)

Combining a short road trip to the nearest airport with a flight is the quickest way to reach Raipur, though it involves transfers.

Steps:

Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): Start by taking a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This 37-41 km journey usually takes 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,800.
Dehradun (DED) to Raipur (Swami Vivekananda Airport – RPR): From Dehradun Airport, you’ll take a flight to Raipur.
- Flight Duration: There are no direct flights from Dehradun to Raipur. All flights will have at least one stopover, most commonly in Delhi or sometimes Kolkata. The total flight time for connecting flights can range from 4 hours 20 minutes to over 10 hours, depending on the layover. For example, a quick connecting flight via Delhi could take around 4 hours 20 minutes.
- Airlines: Major Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate on this route, offering connecting options.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares can vary. As of July 2025, one-way connecting flights can start from around ₹4,800 to ₹8,000, but prices can go up significantly for last-minute bookings or during peak travel times.
Raipur Airport (RPR) to Raipur City: Swami Vivekananda Airport (RPR) is about 15-20 km south of Raipur city center. You can easily find pre-paid taxis, app-based cabs (Ola/Uber), or airport buses to reach your destination in the city. The travel time to central Raipur can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including road travel to Dehradun airport, flight time with a layover, and transfer within Raipur, can be completed in approximately 6 to 12 hours for well-timed connecting flights.

Pros: Significantly reduces overall travel time compared to other modes. More comfortable for a long journey.

Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Requires multiple transfers and time spent at airports. Connecting flights can sometimes involve long or inconvenient layovers.

Tips: Book your flights well in advance to secure better prices and preferred layover times. Also, plan your airport transfers in both Haridwar and Raipur to ensure a smooth journey.

3. By Road (Very Long and Demanding Drive)

Driving from Haridwar to Raipur is an extremely long and challenging journey, covering a vast distance across several states. It’s typically chosen by those on a multi-day road trip or for specific logistical reasons, rather than as a primary travel option.

Distance: Approximately 1,400 – 1,500 kilometers.

Journey Time: A continuous drive would take at least 23 to 27 hours, not including significant stops for food, rest, and sleep. This journey realistically requires at least two, and ideally three, overnight stops.

Routes: The main route involves heading south from Haridwar, likely via Delhi or Agra, and then taking national highways (such as NH44 and then turning towards NH30 or NH53) through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and finally entering Chhattisgarh to reach Raipur. Reliable GPS navigation is crucial.

Self-Drive:

Pros: Offers complete flexibility to explore places along the way.
Cons: Extremely long, physically demanding, and potentially monotonous. High fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Requires meticulous planning for breaks, accommodation, and driver changes (if applicable). Road conditions can vary.

Hiring a Taxi/Cab:

Pros: Convenient as you don’t have to drive. Door-to-door service.
Cons: Extremely expensive due to the long distance and the driver’s return journey. Can still be very tiring for passengers.
Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type, service provider, and what’s included (tolls, driver’s allowance, etc.).

Tips: If you choose this option, ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition. Plan your route, breaks, and overnight stays carefully. Drive cautiously, especially during night hours, and be aware of varying road conditions and local traffic rules.

4. By Bus (Not Recommended for Direct Journey)

A direct bus service from Haridwar to Raipur is extremely rare or non-existent due to the immense distance. You would need to take multiple buses with long layovers in major cities like Delhi, Agra, or Kanpur, and then connecting buses to Raipur.

Journey Time: This would be an exceptionally long and uncomfortable journey, easily taking 30-40 hours or more with multiple transfers.

Pros: Potentially the most economical option if combining very budget-friendly local bus segments.

Cons: Extremely long travel time. Very uncomfortable for such a distance, even in sleeper buses. Frequent stops and high potential for significant delays.

Tips: This mode of transport is generally not recommended for this route due to the discomfort, time, and logistical challenges of multiple transfers.

In summary, for traveling from Haridwar to Raipur, flying (with a connecting flight via Delhi) offers the fastest overall travel time despite the transfers. However, for a more budget-friendly and traditional journey, train travel (with a change at a major junction like Bilaspur or Delhi) is the most common and recommended option, though it requires significantly more time.

How to Reach Raipur from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Raipur