Haridwar is a holy city in Uttarakhand, famous for its spiritual significance and the Ganga Aarti. Auli, located in the Chamoli district, is a popular hill station known for skiing and scenic views of the Himalayas. Many travelers journey from Haridwar to Auli to combine spirituality with adventure and nature.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Haridwar to Auli. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

Getting from Haridwar to Auli – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a common choice to cover part of the distance from Haridwar to Auli, especially for those who prefer comfort and scenic views. However, there is no direct train to Auli, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• Haridwar Railway Station is well connected to major cities and serves as the starting point for trains towards Rishikesh and Dehradun, which are closer to Auli by road.

• The nearest railway station to Auli is Rishikesh or Dehradun, approximately 280 to 300 km away, from where you can take buses or taxis to Joshimath and then Auli.

• Train fares from Haridwar to Dehradun or Rishikesh range from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the class, with journey times between 1.5 to 3 hours.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

• During monsoon, landslides can cause delays on connecting road routes, so plan accordingly if combining train and road travel.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to travel from Haridwar to Auli, though the journey involves multiple segments and changes. State-run and private buses operate on these routes.

• From Haridwar, you can catch a direct bus to Rishikesh or Dehradun from the Haridwar ISBT or bus stands, with frequent departures throughout the day.

• From Rishikesh or Dehradun, take a bus to Joshimath, the gateway town to Auli, which is about 16 km away from Auli by road.

• The bus journey from Haridwar to Joshimath can take 10 to 12 hours, covering roughly 300 km, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹700 depending on the bus type.

• Mountain roads from Joshimath to Auli are narrow and winding; shared taxis or local buses are available for this last leg, taking about 45 minutes.

• During winter and monsoon, bus services may be less frequent or delayed due to weather and road conditions, so check schedules in advance.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Haridwar to Auli offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views at your own pace. The route covers plains and mountainous terrain requiring careful driving.

• The distance from Haridwar to Auli by road is approximately 300 km, taking around 9 to 11 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The common route is via NH7 and NH34, passing through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, and Joshimath before reaching Auli.

• Toll plazas are present on NH7 and NH34, so keep some cash ready; toll charges typically range between ₹200 and ₹400 for this route.

• Rest stops with food and fuel are available at Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Srinagar, offering local cuisine and refreshments.

• Driving in the mountainous stretch requires caution, especially during monsoon and winter when landslides and snow can affect roads.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Haridwar or Rishikesh, with daily rates starting around ₹2000, depending on the vehicle type.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Auli, but you can fly to nearby airports and continue by road. This option suits travelers looking to save time on the plains section.

• The nearest airports to Auli are Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 280 km away) and Pantnagar Airport (around 230 km away).

• From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Dehradun Airport, approximately 35 km away, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Flights from major Indian cities to Dehradun are frequent, with fares varying widely based on season and booking time.

• From Dehradun Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath, then proceed to Auli by local transport.

• Road travel from Dehradun to Auli takes around 8 to 10 hours, so plan your arrival time to avoid night driving in the hills.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better prices, especially during holidays.

• From Haridwar, take a train or taxi to Rishikesh or Dehradun, as direct transport to Auli is not available; this breaks the journey into manageable parts.

• Arrange for a bus or taxi from Rishikesh or Dehradun to Joshimath; private taxis can be booked via Ola or local operators, offering more comfort and flexibility.

• At Joshimath, hire a shared taxi or local bus to Auli; confirm timings in advance as services may vary with season and weather.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, as Auli's weather is cold even in summer; carry water and snacks for the road, as stops can be limited in the hills.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps or GPS ready, since network coverage can be patchy in mountainous areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and keep your train or flight tickets handy, as verification is common during travel in India.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling through remote hill areas.

• Book bus and taxi tickets in advance during peak seasons like winter holidays and festivals to avoid last-minute hassles and overcrowding.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Haridwar and Dehradun to avoid overcharging.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded buses and trains can be targets for pickpockets.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes in the hills; carry rain gear during monsoon and warm layers in winter to stay comfortable.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Haridwar to Auli depends on your preference for weather and activities. Summer and early autumn offer pleasant weather, while winter attracts snow lovers.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, which can disrupt road travel and cause delays. Winter months can have snow, making roads slippery but ideal for skiing enthusiasts.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, when transport is crowded and accommodation is limited.

• Monsoon (July to September) can cause landslides on NH34 and mountain roads, so check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid traffic jams near Haridwar and to reach hill areas before dark.

• Winter months (December to February) require warm clothing and caution on icy roads, but offer beautiful snow-covered landscapes in Auli.

Arrival at Auli & What to Expect

When you arrive at Auli, you will find a small but well-developed hill station with limited local transport options. Most visitors rely on shared taxis or hotel shuttles to reach their accommodation.

The main arrival point is Joshimath, where you can switch to local transport for the final ascent. Auli has a cable car service connecting it to Joshimath, which is a popular and scenic way to reach the hill station.

Local commute within Auli is mostly on foot or by small taxis. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels near the ski slopes and viewpoints.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not common in Auli, so negotiate fares in advance or arrange transport through your hotel.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Auli from Haridwar is to combine train or flight travel to Dehradun or Rishikesh with road transport to Joshimath and Auli. This balances comfort, time, and cost effectively.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for mountain travel will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently organize your trip from Haridwar to Auli and look forward to a memorable experience in the Himalayas.