Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast, while Haridwar, a sacred city in Uttarakhand, lies in the northern foothills of the Himalayas. This route is popular among pilgrims, tourists, and nature lovers who want to experience spirituality and scenic beauty.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Haridwar, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will get practical advice on travel times, costs, and local transport to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Mumbai to Haridwar – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance journey. It offers comfortable options and scenic views as you move northwards.

• Mumbai has major railway stations like Mumbai CST, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, and Mumbai Central from where trains to Haridwar depart regularly, covering around 1,700 km in approximately 28 to 36 hours.

• Popular trains include the Paschim Express and Dehradun Express, with fares ranging from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2,000 for AC 3-tier, depending on availability and booking time.

• Train frequency is good, but during festivals like Kumbh Mela or Diwali, trains get crowded and tickets sell out fast, so booking via IRCTC well in advance is advised.

• Facilities on trains vary; AC coaches provide better comfort, while sleeper class is budget-friendly. Food options are available at major stations and onboard vendors, but carrying snacks is recommended.

• Delays can occur during monsoon due to track maintenance or fog in winter mornings, so plan some buffer time for your journey.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable option but are less comfortable for such a long distance. They suit travelers on a budget who prefer road travel.

• State transport buses like MSRTC and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation operate routes between Mumbai and Haridwar, often requiring a change at Delhi or Dehradun, covering roughly 1,700 km in 36 to 40 hours.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses are available on segments like Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Haridwar, with fares ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 2,500 depending on the bus type and operator.

• Buses depart from major Mumbai bus depots such as Dadar and Borivali, with last-mile connectivity available via local buses or taxis in Haridwar.

• Road conditions on NH48 and NH334 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads, so check weather updates before traveling.

• Night buses are common, but safety and comfort vary; choose reputed operators and book tickets online through portals like RedBus or MakeMyTrip.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Haridwar is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in stops and sightseeing.

• The distance is about 1,700 km via NH48 and NH334, taking approximately 30 to 35 hours of driving time, usually split over 2 to 3 days with overnight stops.

• Major cities en route include Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Delhi, offering good hotels and food options for breaks.

• Toll plazas are frequent on national highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges can total around INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 for the entire route.

• Driving through Rajasthan and Haryana requires caution during foggy winter mornings and heavy monsoon rains; avoid night driving in remote stretches for safety.

• Fuel stations are widely available on highways, but plan refueling in larger towns to avoid long waits. Carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile signals can be weak in some areas.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Haridwar, combined with road travel for the last leg. It suits travelers with limited time.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers multiple daily flights to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 35 km from Haridwar, with flight durations around 2.5 hours.

• Airfares vary widely from INR 3,000 to INR 8,000 one-way, depending on the airline and booking time; budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate on this route.

• From Dehradun airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use Ola/Uber cabs to reach Haridwar in about 1 to 1.5 hours, costing INR 800 to INR 1,200.

• Flights can be affected by fog in winter mornings, causing delays or cancellations, so check flight status before departure and keep flexible plans.

• Booking flights well in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons ensures better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Haridwar, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your tickets early, especially for trains and flights, using IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes or unavailability.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and warm clothes if traveling in winter, as temperatures in Haridwar can drop significantly.

• Reach your departure point (station, bus depot, or airport) at least 1 hour before scheduled time to handle security checks and boarding without stress.

• If traveling by train, download the NTES app to track train running status and platform changes in real time, helping you stay updated during your journey.

• On arrival in Haridwar, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport, avoiding unmetered autos or taxis.

• Keep some local cash handy for small expenses, tolls, and tips, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere, especially in rural areas en route.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables and travel documents secure and close to you, especially in crowded trains and bus stations, to prevent theft or loss.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless you are sure of its hygiene to prevent stomach issues.

• Use official websites or trusted apps like IRCTC, RedBus, and airline portals for booking tickets to avoid scams and fake tickets.

• In Haridwar, local transport includes cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and taxis; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter usage to avoid overcharging.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials during your stay in Haridwar, as many temples and ghats require walking and have limited vehicle access.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts regularly, as landslides and roadblocks can affect travel plans in Uttarakhand.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Haridwar depends on weather and crowd conditions. Avoiding peak festival seasons can make your journey more comfortable.

Haridwar experiences extreme weather, with hot summers and cold winters, while Mumbai remains humid year-round. Seasonal factors impact travel comfort and safety.

• Avoid traveling during Kumbh Mela or major festivals like Diwali and Navratri, as trains and buses are overcrowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause delays due to heavy rains and slippery roads, especially on highway stretches near the Western Ghats and Uttarakhand hills.

• Winter fog in December and January can disrupt early morning flights and slow down road and rail travel, so plan for possible delays.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and allow smoother access to stations or airports, improving overall travel experience.

Arrival at Haridwar & What to Expect

When you arrive at Haridwar railway station or bus stand, you will find several options for local transport. Prepaid taxi counters are available at the station for safe rides to hotels or pilgrimage sites.

Haridwar’s main areas to stay include Har Ki Pauri, Gandhi Road, and the Railway Road area, all within easy reach of temples and ghats. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in the city but may have limited availability late at night.

Auto-rickshaws are common for short distances but always agree on the fare before starting. Walking is also a good option in central areas, as many streets are narrow and crowded.

For those arriving by flight at Dehradun airport, taxis and shared cabs are available outside the terminal, with fixed rates to Haridwar. Booking a cab in advance through apps or your hotel can save time and ensure reliability.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Haridwar offers multiple options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Trains provide an economical and scenic route, while flights combined with road travel offer the fastest journey. Buses and self-driving are alternatives for those seeking adventure or lower costs.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local transport in Haridwar. With the right information and precautions, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from the bustling city of Mumbai to the spiritual heart of Haridwar.