Vadodara, a vibrant city in Gujarat known for its palaces and cultural heritage, is quite a distance from the spiritual hub of Haridwar. To make this journey, you’ll need to choose a mode of transport that suits your time and budget, as it’s a significant cross-country trip.
Distance Between Haridwar and Vadodara
The approximate distance between Haridwar and Vadodara varies depending on how you travel:
- By Air (via Dehradun Airport): The aerial distance between Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun, the closest to Haridwar) and Vadodara Airport is roughly 980-1,000 kilometers.
- By Train: Approximately 1,200-1,250 kilometers.
- By Road: Around 1,250-1,300 kilometers.
How to Reach Vadodara from Haridwar
Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:
1. By Air (Fastest and Most Convenient Option)
This is the quickest and most efficient way to cover the long distance between Haridwar and Vadodara.
- Steps:
- Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): You’ll start by taking a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This road journey covers about 37-41 km and usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from ₹1,250 to ₹2,800 depending on the vehicle type.
- Dehradun (DED) to Vadodara (Vadodara Airport – BDQ): From Dehradun, you can catch a flight to Vadodara.
- Flight Duration: There are no direct flights on this route, so you will have a layover, usually in New Delhi. Connecting flights typically take between 4 hours 20 minutes and 12 hours or more, depending on the layover time.
- Airlines: IndiGo and Air India are major airlines operating connecting flights on this route.
- Ticket Price Estimates: One-way flight fares can vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book, the airline, and demand. As of July 2025, one-way connecting flights can start from around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, but prices can go up significantly during peak times or for last-minute bookings.
- Vadodara Airport (BDQ) to Vadodara City: Vadodara Airport is about 7-8 km from the city center. You can easily find pre-paid taxis, app-based cabs (Ola/Uber), or auto-rickshaws to reach your final destination in Vadodara. Travel time can be 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including road travel to Dehradun airport, flight time with a layover, and transfer within Vadodara, can be completed in approximately 6 to 15 hours depending on the connection.
- Pros: Significantly reduces travel time compared to other modes. Offers comfort for a long journey.
- Cons: Generally the most expensive travel option. Requires transfers between different modes of transport and potential waiting times at airports.
- Tips: Book your flights as early as possible to secure better prices. It’s also a good idea to pre-book your taxi from Haridwar to Dehradun Airport and from Vadodara Airport to your final destination for a hassle-free experience.
2. By Train (Traditional and Economical Option)
Train travel is a popular and cost-effective way to travel long distances in India.
- Journey Time: This is a long train journey. Direct trains from Haridwar to Vadodara (Vadodara Junction – BRC) typically take between 17 hours 29 minutes and 25 hours.
- Train Stations:
- From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main station.
- To Vadodara: Vadodara Junction (BRC) is the main railway station.
- Frequency: Several direct trains run on this route, including daily and weekly options. Examples include HW BDTS EXP (daily), YNRK TVCN EXP (weekly), HW BDTS SF EXP (weekly), and VALSAD SF EXP (weekly).
- Types of Trains: You can choose from various classes, including Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 3 Tier Economy (3E), AC 2-tier (2A), and AC First Class (1A).
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range from approximately ₹500-₹600 (Sleeper Class) to ₹1,400-₹3,600 (AC classes) 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. You get to see diverse landscapes.
- Cons: Long journey duration. 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 redRail, Paytm, MakeMyTrip) 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 Vadodara is a very long journey and generally not recommended as the primary mode of travel unless you enjoy extremely long road trips or are traveling with a group and multiple drivers.
- Distance: Approximately 1,250-1,300 kilometers.
- Journey Time: A continuous drive would take at least 19-20 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, and finally into Gujarat to Vadodara. 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 ₹25,000 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 (Long and Less Convenient)
While bus services exist, a direct bus from Haridwar to Vadodara would be an extremely long journey and might involve transfers.
- Journey Time: Direct bus journeys can take around 27-28 hours. Some services might show shorter durations (e.g., 7-8 hours) but these are likely for a portion of the journey or involve a very long layover/transfer in another city like Delhi or Jaipur.
- Operators & Types: You might find private operators offering AC Sleeper buses on this route.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range from ₹3,900 to ₹4,500 or more.
- Pros: Potentially more economical than hiring a private car or last-minute flights.
- Cons: Very long and potentially uncomfortable journey. Limited direct options, often requiring transfers. Comfort can vary greatly between operators and bus types.
- Tips: If considering a bus, thoroughly check the itinerary for any transfers or long layovers. Book an AC Sleeper bus for better comfort on such a long journey.
Given the significant distance, trains are often a preferred option for many travelers for their balance of cost and comfort, while flying is the fastest way if time is your main concern.