Haridwar is a sacred city located in Uttarakhand, northern India, known for its spiritual significance and the holy Ganges River. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka in southern India, is a major IT hub and a starting point for many travelers heading north.

This route from Bangalore to Haridwar is popular among pilgrims, tourists, and adventure seekers. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel between these two cities, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice.

Getting from Bangalore to Haridwar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for this long-distance journey. It offers a chance to experience Indian rail travel across diverse regions.

• Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) is the main departure point, with trains connecting to Haridwar Railway Station (HW) in Uttarakhand, covering approximately 2,200 km.

• Train travel time ranges from 36 to 48 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares varying from INR 800 for sleeper class to INR 2,500 for AC 3-tier.

• Popular trains include the Haridwar Express and the Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express, which run weekly or bi-weekly, so booking in advance on IRCTC is essential to secure seats.

• Trains can be crowded during festival seasons like Kumbh Mela or Diwali, so expect higher demand and book early to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Facilities on trains include onboard catering, but carrying some snacks and water is advisable, especially for the long journey.

• Delays can occur during monsoon months due to track maintenance or fog in northern India during winter mornings, so plan buffer time accordingly.

Bus

Bus travel is less common for this long route but possible via multiple connections. It suits budget travelers who prefer road travel and are flexible with time.

• Direct buses from Bangalore to Haridwar are rare; you may need to travel via Delhi or Dehradun using state transport buses like KSRTC and Uttarakhand Roadways.

• The total distance by road is about 2,200 km, and bus travel can take 40 to 50 hours including transfers, with fares ranging from INR 1,200 to INR 2,500 depending on bus type.

• Major bus depots in Bangalore include Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), while Haridwar’s main bus stand is near the railway station for easy last-mile connectivity.

• Night buses and Volvo AC coaches are available on some legs of the journey, offering more comfort but limited frequency, so booking in advance is recommended.

• Road conditions on National Highways like NH44 and NH334 are generally good but can be affected by monsoon rains, causing delays and slippery stretches.

• Frequent stops for meals and rest are available at highway dhabas and toll plazas, but carrying water and light snacks is wise for less populated stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Haridwar offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. This option suits experienced drivers comfortable with long-distance Indian roads.

• The distance is approximately 2,200 km via NH44 and NH334, with an estimated driving time of 38 to 42 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can plan your route through major cities like Nagpur, Jhansi, and Delhi, allowing overnight stays to break the journey comfortably.

• Fuel costs will vary but expect to spend around INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 for petrol or diesel, plus toll charges at multiple plazas along the highways.

• Road conditions are mostly good on national highways, but watch for heavy traffic near metro cities and occasional roadworks during monsoon season.

• Rest stops with food and washrooms are available at highway dhabas, but it is advisable to carry a first-aid kit and sufficient water for remote stretches.

• Driving in northern India requires caution due to varied driving styles and occasional livestock on roads; plan for daylight travel to avoid night driving risks.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, combined with a short road or rail journey to Haridwar. This option suits travelers prioritizing time and comfort.

• The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km away, with regular flights from Delhi and a few other cities.

• Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) offers direct flights to Delhi, which take about 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from INR 3,000 to INR 7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Delhi Airport, you can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Haridwar (about 4 to 5 hours) or hire a taxi for a 5 to 6-hour road journey via NH334.

• Flight frequency is high between Bangalore and Delhi, with multiple daily options, making it easy to plan flexible travel dates.

• Booking flights well in advance, especially during holiday seasons, helps secure better fares and preferred timings.

• Weather conditions like fog in Delhi during winter mornings can cause flight delays, so allow buffer time for connections.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Bangalore to Haridwar. It helps you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through official platforms like IRCTC or airline websites to ensure availability and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and warm clothes if traveling in winter, as northern India can get cold.

• On the day of travel, reach the station or airport at least 2 hours before departure to complete check-in and security procedures without stress.

• If traveling by train, confirm your coach and seat number on arrival and keep your ticket and ID handy for ticket checks during the journey.

• For flights, arrange local transport from Dehradun airport to Haridwar in advance, either through prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for a hassle-free last leg.

• Upon arrival in Haridwar, use local shared autos, cycle rickshaws, or app-based cabs to reach your accommodation, especially near Har Ki Pauri or other popular areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets, as Indian transport authorities require them for verification during the journey.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during travel to avoid stomach issues, and try local food from trusted eateries or dhabas with good hygiene.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance, especially during festivals like Kumbh Mela, when demand surges and availability drops sharply.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cab services at airports and stations to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables like passports, wallets, and electronics in a carry bag to prevent loss or theft during crowded travel.

• During monsoon season, check weather and road conditions before starting your journey, as landslides or flooding can cause delays on highways.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bangalore to Haridwar depends on weather and festival seasons. Understanding these helps you avoid discomfort and delays.

Summer months (March to June) can be hot in Bangalore but pleasant in Haridwar. Monsoon (July to September) may cause road and rail delays. Winters (December to February) are cold in Haridwar, with fog sometimes affecting flights and trains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Kumbh Mela or Diwali in Haridwar, as transport and accommodation become crowded and expensive.

• Monsoon rains can cause slippery roads and occasional train delays, so plan extra travel time if journeying between July and September.

• Winter fog in northern India, especially in Delhi and Haridwar, can disrupt flights and trains in early mornings, so schedule departures later in the day if possible.

• Early morning or late evening departures from Bangalore can help avoid city traffic and make your start smoother.

Arrival at Haridwar & What to Expect

Haridwar Railway Station and bus stands are centrally located, making it easy to access local transport. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for convenient onward travel.

Popular areas to stay include near Har Ki Pauri, the main ghat, and the city center, where many hotels and guesthouses cater to pilgrims and tourists. Local transport options include cycle rickshaws for short distances and shared autos for budget travel.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Bangalore to Haridwar is by combining a flight to Delhi with a train or taxi to Haridwar, saving time and offering comfort. However, train travel remains a budget-friendly and immersive option for those who enjoy long journeys.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing travel times carefully will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey from Bangalore to Haridwar and experience the spiritual and cultural richness of this holy city.