Delhi, the bustling capital of India, serves as a major gateway to northern destinations like Bareilly, a historic city in Uttar Pradesh. This route is popular among tourists, business travelers, and weekend visitors seeking Bareilly's cultural heritage and vibrant markets.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Delhi to Bareilly, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find detailed insights on travel times, ticket costs, route tips, and local transport to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Delhi to Bareilly – Main Options

Train

Train travel is one of the most preferred and economical ways to reach Bareilly from Delhi. Indian Railways operates multiple trains daily, connecting major stations in Delhi to Bareilly Junction.

• Key stations:

  Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) and arrive at Bareilly Junction (BE).

• Travel time and distance:

  The journey covers approximately 250 km and takes between 4 to 6 hours depending on the train type, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹800.

• Train options and frequency:

  Popular trains include the Nauchandi Express and Bareilly Express, running multiple times daily, offering both sleeper and AC classes.

• Booking tips:

  Book tickets in advance via IRCTC or authorized agents, especially during festivals or weekends to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Comfort and facilities:

  Trains offer onboard catering and clean coaches, but expect crowds during peak seasons; prefer early morning or late evening trains for less congestion.

• Arrival and last-mile:

  Bareilly Junction is well connected to the city center; prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the station for onward travel.

Bus

State-run and private buses provide a flexible and affordable option for traveling from Delhi to Bareilly. The route is well-served by MSRTC and UPSRTC buses.

• Departure points:

  Buses leave from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar ISBT in Delhi, heading towards Bareilly Bus Stand.

• Travel duration and cost:

  The bus journey takes about 6 to 7 hours covering roughly 250 km, with ticket prices ranging from ₹250 to ₹600 depending on the bus type.

• Bus types:

  Options include ordinary, semi-deluxe, and Volvo AC buses; Volvo buses offer more comfort but are pricier.

• Frequency and booking:

  Buses run frequently throughout the day; tickets can be booked online via MSRTC or private portals or purchased at the terminals.

• Road conditions:

  The route mainly follows NH9 and NH30, which are generally in good condition, but traffic congestion near Delhi can cause delays during peak hours.

• Travel tips:

  Night buses are available but may be less comfortable; carry water and snacks as stops are limited on some services.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Bareilly is a convenient option for travelers who prefer flexibility and comfort. The route is well-connected by national highways.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH9 and NH30, covering approximately 250 km and taking around 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

• Road conditions:

  Roads are mostly smooth with toll plazas at regular intervals; avoid driving during monsoon evenings due to slippery patches.

• Rest stops and amenities:

  Several dhabas and fuel stations are available along the way, including popular stops near Ghaziabad and Moradabad.

• Traffic considerations:

  Delhi outskirts and Moradabad can experience heavy traffic during rush hours; starting early morning helps avoid delays.

• Car rentals and self-drive:

  Multiple car rental services and self-drive options like Zoomcar operate in Delhi, offering vehicles from hatchbacks to SUVs.

• Parking in Bareilly:

  City parking is available near major attractions and hotels, but it can be crowded during festivals.

Flight

While Bareilly has a domestic airport, direct flights from Delhi are limited. However, air travel can be an option for those seeking speed combined with convenience.

• Airport details:

  Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the departure point, and Bareilly Airport (BEK) serves as the arrival airport.

• Flight availability:

  Flights are infrequent and may require advance booking; check airlines like IndiGo for scheduled services.

• Travel time and cost:

  Flight time is about 1 hour, but factoring in airport transfers and security checks, total travel time may be 3 to 4 hours; fares typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.

• Airport transfers:

  From Bareilly Airport, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the city center, about 6 km away.

• When to choose flights:

  Flights are ideal for business travelers or those with tight schedules, but train or road travel is often more economical.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers plan their journey from Delhi to Bareilly efficiently.

• Book your tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or MSRTC websites for buses to secure your seat, especially during holidays.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station or ISBT Kashmiri Gate at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush.

• Pack essentials:

  Carry water, snacks, and a power bank; trains and buses may have limited catering options.

• Use prepaid taxis on arrival:

  At Bareilly Junction or bus stand, opt for prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola to avoid overcharging.

• Plan local commute:

  Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common for short distances; negotiate fares beforehand.

• Stay informed on weather:

  Check forecasts to avoid traveling during heavy rains or fog, which can delay trains and buses.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety first:

  Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and bus stations; avoid isolated areas at night.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks; prefer sealed packaged food to avoid stomach issues.

• Booking strategy:

  Use official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC for authentic tickets; beware of touts at stations.

• Local commute apps:

  Ola and Uber operate in Bareilly, providing convenient options for city travel beyond autos.

• Luggage handling:

  Label your bags clearly and keep valuables close; use lockable bags for overnight journeys.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Monsoon can cause delays on roads and rail; fog in winters may affect train timings—plan accordingly.

Best Time & Conditions

The Delhi to Bareilly route is accessible year-round, but seasonal factors influence travel comfort and timing.

Summer heat can be intense, while monsoon rains may cause road disruptions. Winter fog sometimes delays trains and flights.

• Avoid traveling during peak festival weekends like Diwali or Holi to escape heavy crowds and ticket shortages.

• Start early mornings to bypass Delhi traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures en route.

• During monsoon, prefer trains over road travel to avoid slippery highways and waterlogging.

• In winter, allow extra time for fog-related delays, especially if catching flights or timed connections.

Arrival at Bareilly & What to Expect

On arrival at Bareilly Junction or the bus stand, travelers find a bustling city with easy access to local transport. The city is known for its markets, temples, and cultural sites.

Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available outside transport hubs. For late arrivals, booking Ola or Uber cabs via mobile apps is recommended for safety and convenience. Popular stay areas include Civil Lines and near the railway station, offering a range of hotels and guesthouses.

Conclusion

Among the various options, train travel stands out as the most efficient and cost-effective way to reach Bareilly from Delhi. It balances comfort, frequency, and affordability, making it ideal for most travelers.

With this comprehensive guide, you can confidently plan your journey, whether by train, bus, car, or flight. Enjoy the rich culture and warm hospitality of Bareilly with ease and convenience.