Are you planning a long and scenic journey from the historic city of Lucknow to the beautiful hill station of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the easy ways to travel by road, making your trip simple and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is famous for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and calm atmosphere. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its rich history, architecture, and delicious food.
Lucknow to Almora by Road Distance
The road distance between Lucknow and Almora is approximately 350 to 450 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. This is a considerable distance, marking it as a relatively long road trip. The travel time typically ranges from 6 hours 53 minutes to 12 hours by car or taxi, and potentially longer by bus, depending on road conditions, traffic, and the number of stops. The “fastest way” often quoted (around 5 hours) includes a flight to Pantnagar and then a taxi, which is not purely a road journey.
How to Travel by Road from Lucknow to Almora
For this route, direct road travel is a common choice, but you might also consider combining train travel with a final road leg.
1. By Car or Taxi (Recommended for Comfort and Flexibility)
Travelling by car or taxi is a popular choice for this route, offering comfort and the flexibility to stop along the way. The journey involves driving through plains initially and then ascending into the scenic Kumaon hills.
- Lucknow to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 350 to 450 km.
- Travel Time: The driving time is typically around 6 hours 53 minutes to 9 hours 41 minutes, though some sources indicate up to 10-12 hours depending on the exact route and road conditions. One recommended route of 422.3 km takes about 6 hours 53 minutes.
- Route: You’ll generally follow highways that lead towards Uttarakhand, often passing through cities like Bareilly, Rudrapur, and Haldwani, before beginning your ascent into the hills towards Almora. Road conditions are generally good on the plains, but can become winding and sometimes prone to landslides (especially during monsoon season) in the hilly sections, particularly the Almora-Haldwani highway near Kwarab.
- Pros: Complete flexibility for stops, breaks, and sightseeing. Comfortable and private journey.
- Cons: Long driving duration. Requires careful driving, especially on mountain roads. Fuel costs will be significant.
- Tips: Start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and to reach Almora before dark, as mountain roads can be challenging at night. Check road conditions, especially during the monsoon (July-September), as landslides can cause delays or road closures. A night traffic ban from 11 PM to 5 AM is sometimes implemented on the Almora-Haldwani highway due to landslide risk.
- Lucknow to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 350-450 km.
- Travel Time: Around 6 hours 53 minutes to 9 hours 41 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Lucknow. You can book them through local taxi services or online platforms like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, or Savaari.
- Taxi Fare Estimates (one-way, approximate):
- Hatchback (e.g., Indica, Wagon R): ₹7,981 – ₹9,238 (for ~445 km included).
- Sedan (e.g., Dzire, Etios): ₹8,320 – ₹16,720 (for ~447 km included). Some services offer one-way sedan rates at ₹16/km.
- SUV (e.g., Ertiga, Xylo): ₹10,010 – ₹20,031 (for ~447 km included). Some services offer one-way SUV rates at ₹20/km.
- Innova (specific model): Around ₹15,386 – ₹32/km (for ~445 km included).
- Some services quote competitive rates starting from around ₹5,600 for a one-way trip, so it’s advisable to compare different providers.
- Pros: Relax and let a professional driver handle the long journey. Door-to-door service.
- Cons: Can be expensive, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any potential extra charges like tolls, state taxes, and driver’s daily allowance, before starting your journey. For round trips, packages might include a minimum daily kilometre limit (e.g., 200-300 km/day).
2. By Bus (Most Economical Option)
Taking a bus is an economical way to travel from Lucknow to Almora. This often involves an overnight journey.
- Lucknow to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 330-446 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 10 hours 50 minutes to 12 hours 5 minutes.
- Starting Point: Buses generally depart from major bus stands in Lucknow (e.g., those near Nahariya Chauraha, Alambagh, Transport Nagar).
- Bus Types: You’ll find both AC Seater/Sleeper and non-AC buses. Operators like Mahalaxmi Travels are known to run services on this route.
- Bus Fare Estimates: Fares generally start from around ₹2,499 – ₹2,999 per passenger for AC Seater/Sleeper buses.
- Pros: Most affordable option.
- Cons: Longer travel time compared to private cars/taxis. Can be less comfortable for a long overnight journey. Limited stops.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Choose a sleeper or a comfortable seater bus for an overnight journey. Confirm boarding and dropping points.
3. By Train (Combined with Road Travel – Economical and Popular)
Almora does not have its own railway station. The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam (KGM). Therefore, you can travel by train from Lucknow to Kathgodam and then continue to Almora by road. This is a very popular and often recommended option for a long journey.
- Train from Lucknow to Kathgodam:
- Travel Time: Train journeys from Lucknow to Kathgodam typically take around 8 hours 40 minutes to 10 hours 26 minutes.
- Fare: Sleeper class fares can start from ₹230-₹270, with AC classes costing more (e.g., Third AC ₹650-₹1,800).
- Frequency: Trains like Bagh Express (13019) run regularly.
- Road from Kathgodam to Almora:
- Distance: Approximately 81-90 km.
- Travel Time: Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours by taxi or bus.
- Fare: Taxis can cost from ₹1,300 – ₹3,000, while local buses are much cheaper (around ₹230). Shared taxis are also available.
- Pros: Comfortable for the long main leg of the journey. More economical than a direct long-distance taxi. Avoids long hours of continuous driving.
- Cons: Requires a transfer from train to road transport at Kathgodam.
- Tips: Book train tickets well in advance. From Kathgodam, you can easily find taxis (private or shared) or buses to Almora.
4. By Air (Not Applicable for Direct Road Travel)
While flying is the fastest overall way to get from Lucknow to Almora, it’s not a direct road journey.
- Nearest Airport to Lucknow: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO).
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora.
- Process: You would fly from Lucknow to Pantnagar (often with a stopover in Delhi), and then take a taxi from Pantnagar to Almora (approx. 3-4 hours drive).
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel by Road
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Lucknow by road depends on what matters most to you:
- For ultimate comfort and direct travel: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is the best, though most expensive, option.
- For budget travellers who prefer direct road travel: A bus is the most economical choice, typically an overnight journey.
- For a balance of comfort and economy: Taking a train to Kathgodam and then a taxi or bus to Almora is highly recommended.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from the bustling plains of Lucknow to the peaceful hills of Almora promises a change of scenery and a refreshing experience. Enjoy your trip:)