Rishikesh, often called the “Yoga Capital of the World,” is a spiritual hub nestled in the Himalayas, famous for its ashrams, yoga centers, and adventure sports. If you’re arriving at Haridwar Railway Station and planning to head to Rishikesh, the journey is short, straightforward, and well-connected.
Distance Between Haridwar Railway Station and Rishikesh
The distance between Haridwar Railway Station and Rishikesh is quite close:
- By Road: Approximately 20-25 kilometers.
How to Reach Rishikesh from Haridwar Railway Station
Given the short distance, road transport is the primary and most convenient way to travel from Haridwar Railway Station to Rishikesh.
1. By Road (Most Convenient and Frequent)
Traveling by road is the most popular and efficient way to get from Haridwar Railway Station to Rishikesh. The journey is scenic, following the Ganges River for much of the way.
- Journey Time: The drive usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic, especially around Haridwar town and the entry points to Rishikesh.
a. By Shared Auto-Rickshaw (Most Economical and Local)
Shared auto-rickshaws are a very common and budget-friendly option for this route, popular with locals and budget travelers.
- Where to Find Them: Just outside Haridwar Railway Station, you’ll find numerous shared auto-rickshaws heading towards Rishikesh. They usually wait until they have enough passengers.
- Pros: Extremely economical, frequent, and readily available.
- Cons: Can be crowded, less comfortable, and might make multiple stops to pick up/drop off passengers. Not ideal if you have a lot of luggage.
- Price Estimates: Fares are very low, typically around ₹50-₹100 per person.
- Tips: Confirm the destination (“Rishikesh”) and the fare before getting in. They usually drop you off at the main Rishikesh bus stand or a central point like Ram Jhula/Lakshman Jhula parking.
b. By Local Bus (Economical and Regular)
Local buses are another economical option, though they might require a short walk or a separate auto-rickshaw to the main bus stand from the railway station.
- Where to Find Them: The main Haridwar Bus Stand is a short distance (around 1-2 km) from the railway station. You can take a local auto-rickshaw or walk to the bus stand. From there, frequent buses depart for Rishikesh.
- Journey Time: Buses typically take around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Operators: State-run buses (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation – UTC) and some private buses operate on this route.
- Pros: Very affordable and regular services.
- Cons: Might be crowded, and you’ll need to get to the bus stand first.
- Price Estimates: Fares are very cheap, usually around ₹40-₹80 per person.
- Tips: Look for buses clearly marked “Rishikesh” or “Dehradun via Rishikesh.”
c. By Private Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Direct)
Hiring a private taxi or cab offers the most comfort, privacy, and direct travel, especially convenient if you have luggage or prefer a hassle-free journey.
- Where to Find Them: You’ll find pre-paid taxi counters right at Haridwar Railway Station, or numerous private taxi operators outside the station.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, comfortable, and flexible. You can ask the driver to drop you directly at your hotel or ashram in Rishikesh.
- Cons: More expensive than shared options.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹800 to ₹1,500, depending on the car type and the taxi service. Confirm if tolls (if any) are included.
- Tips: It’s advisable to use the pre-paid taxi counter at the railway station for fixed, transparent fares. Alternatively, negotiate the fare with private taxi drivers before starting the journey.
2. By Train (Limited Options, Not Direct)
While both Haridwar and Rishikesh have railway stations, direct train connectivity between Haridwar Junction (HW) and Rishikesh (RKSH) is limited and often involves a longer, circuitous route compared to the direct road.
- Why it’s not ideal: Most trains from Haridwar to Rishikesh are local passenger trains or shuttle services, and the journey by road is significantly faster and more direct. It’s generally not recommended as the primary mode of transport for this short distance.
- Pros: Can be very cheap if you find a direct local train.
- Cons: Infrequent, slower than road options, and often requires changes or a longer journey time.
- Tips: Check the latest train schedules on the IRCTC website if you are keen on this option, but be prepared for limited choices.
For the short and frequent journey from Haridwar Railway Station to Rishikesh, shared auto-rickshaws and private taxis are the most convenient and popular choices. Shared autos are best for budget travelers, while private taxis offer maximum comfort and direct service to your destination in Rishikesh.
