Rishikesh, a spiritual hub nestled in the Himalayas, is famous for its yoga and meditation centers, adventure sports, and the serene River Ganges. It’s located very close to Haridwar, making the journey between these two holy cities extremely easy and quick.
This article will focus specifically on how to reach Rishikesh from Haridwar by train, as it’s a popular and efficient method for this short distance.
Distance Between Haridwar and Rishikesh
The distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh is quite short:
- By Train: Approximately 22-23 kilometers to Rishikesh (RKSH) or Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK).
How to Reach Rishikesh from Haridwar by Train
Train travel is an excellent and frequently used option for this short route, offering a quick and straightforward journey.
- Journey Time: Trains typically take a very short time, ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on the specific train (express vs. passenger) and the number of stops.
- Train Stations:
- From Haridwar: Your departure point will be Haridwar Junction (HW).
- To Rishikesh: You might arrive at either Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) or the newer Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK), which is just about 1 km from RKSH. Many trains now terminate at YNRK.
- Frequency: There are several daily and weekly trains connecting Haridwar to Rishikesh, offering good frequency throughout the day.
- Daily Trains: Look for trains like BME RKSH EXP (14888), SGNR RKSH EXP (14815), YOGA EXPRESS (19031), HEMKUNT EXPRESS (14610), UTKAL EXPRESS (18477), and DOON EXPRESS (13009).
- Weekly Trains: Other trains like JAT YNRK EXP (14606) and TVCN YNRK SF EX (22659) run on specific days.
- Types of Trains: You can find a variety of train types, from unreserved passenger trains to express trains offering various classes like Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), and AC 2-tier (2A). Some might even have Chair Car (CC) or Second Seating (2S) for short distances.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are very affordable for this short journey.
- Sleeper Class (SL): Around ₹145-₹150.
- AC 3-tier (3A): Around ₹505-₹515.
- AC 2-tier (2A): Around ₹710-₹720.
- Fares for unreserved passenger trains are typically even lower.
- Pros:
- Fast and Efficient: Trains offer a quick way to cover the short distance without being stuck in road traffic.
- Economical: Train tickets are very budget-friendly.
- Convenient: With multiple trains throughout the day, you usually won’t have to wait long.
- Comfortable: Even for a short journey, trains provide a comfortable ride.
- Cons:
- During peak pilgrimage seasons or rush hours, unreserved coaches can get crowded.
- Some trains might have more stops, making the journey slightly longer.
- Tips:
- Check Schedules: Always check the latest train schedules on the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or through popular travel apps like RailYatri, MakeMyTrip, or ConfirmTkt.
- Book in Advance (for reserved classes): While unreserved tickets are easy to get at the station, if you prefer a reserved seat in AC classes, it’s advisable to book a few days in advance, especially during busy periods.
- Choose Your Station: Be aware whether your train terminates at Rishikesh (RKSH) or Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK), as they are slightly different locations, though both are well-connected to the main areas of Rishikesh.
Other Ways to Reach Rishikesh from Haridwar (Briefly)
While the train is a great option, it’s worth noting other common ways to travel this route:
- By Road (Bus/Taxi/Shared Auto): This is the most common and flexible option.
- Buses: Frequent local and state-run buses connect Haridwar Bus Stand to Rishikesh. This is a very economical choice (fares typically ₹50-₹100). Journey time is usually 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Taxis/Cabs: Private taxis are readily available from Haridwar (near the railway station or ghats) and offer a comfortable, direct ride. Fares can range from ₹800-₹1500.
- Shared Autos/Jeeps: A very popular and cheap local option, especially if you’re traveling light. You’ll find them near Haridwar railway station or main junctions, usually costing around ₹50-₹100 per person.
For a fast, comfortable, and economical journey from Haridwar to Rishikesh, traveling by train is an excellent choice. The short distance and frequent services make it a hassle-free part of your pilgrimage or travel plans.