Haridwar and Nainital are two popular destinations in Uttarakhand, India. Haridwar is a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges, while Nainital is a beautiful hill station known for its lake and scenic views. Many travelers visit both places to experience spiritual and natural beauty.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Haridwar to Nainital. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and useful tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Haridwar to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and economical option for part of the journey. However, there is no direct train to Nainital, so you will need to combine train and road travel.

• The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, about 35 km away, well connected to Haridwar via trains running to Lalkuan or Kathgodam with a change at Moradabad or Rudrapur.

• Train journey from Haridwar to Kathgodam takes around 6 to 8 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class and train type, including express and passenger trains.

• Trains run frequently, but booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals to avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Kathgodam station, you can hire taxis or take shared jeeps to Nainital, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads with tolls and occasional traffic jams during holidays.

• Train travel is less affected by monsoon delays, but fog in winter mornings can cause minor delays, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to reach Nainital from Haridwar. Both government and private operators run services on this route.

• Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private buses operate from Haridwar ISBT to Nainital bus stand, covering about 220 km in 7 to 9 hours depending on road conditions.

• Bus fares range from ₹200 to ₹500, with options including ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo AC buses, offering varying comfort levels.

• Buses depart early morning and late evening, but frequency is higher during daytime; booking tickets a day in advance at the bus station or online is advisable.

• Roads pass through NH 74 and NH 109, with toll plazas and scenic mountain stretches; monsoon season may cause landslides or delays, so check weather updates before traveling.

• Rest stops with basic food and restroom facilities are available en route, but carrying water and snacks is recommended for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Haridwar to Nainital offers flexibility and the chance to explore along the way. The route is scenic but involves hilly terrain near Nainital.

• The distance is approximately 220 km via NH 74 and NH 109, taking about 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Haridwar; fares for taxis range from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000 one way, including tolls and driver allowances.

• Driving yourself requires caution on narrow mountain roads near Nainital, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery and prone to landslides.

• There are several good rest stops and dhabas on the route offering local cuisine and refreshments, ideal for breaks during the journey.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid heavy traffic and reach Nainital before dusk, as driving in hilly areas at night can be challenging.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Haridwar and Nainital as both cities do not have airports with commercial flights. The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport.

• The closest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 50 km away, but it does not offer direct flights to Pantnagar.

• Travelers can fly from Delhi to Pantnagar Airport, which is about 70 km from Nainital, and then take a taxi or bus to Nainital.

• From Haridwar, you would first need to travel to Delhi by train or bus, then take a flight to Pantnagar, making this option longer and costlier.

• Flight fares between Delhi and Pantnagar vary from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, with limited daily flights; booking in advance is essential.

• Upon arrival at Pantnagar, taxis and shared jeeps are available for the 2-hour drive to Nainital, with fares around ₹800 to ₹1,200.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is for first-time travelers from Haridwar to Nainital, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets online or at the station a few days before travel to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush, especially during holidays.

• Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a light jacket, as weather in Nainital can be cooler than Haridwar.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Haridwar and reach Nainital before dark, making local transport easier to find.

• If traveling by train, confirm your connecting transport from Kathgodam to Nainital in advance; shared jeeps and taxis are available outside the station.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Nainital to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas near Nainital.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water in Nainital; opt for sealed bottled water to prevent stomach issues common among travelers.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before departure as landslides can cause delays or route changes on NH 109.

• Book tickets for trains and buses early through IRCTC and official bus portals to get confirmed seats and avoid scams from touts at stations.

• Use local shared jeeps for short distances in Nainital to save money and experience local travel culture, but confirm fares beforehand.

• Keep your valuables safe and avoid traveling alone late at night, especially in isolated areas outside major towns.

• Carry light woolens even in summer, as evenings in Nainital can be chilly, and sudden weather changes are common in hill stations.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Haridwar to Nainital is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid monsoon season due to heavy rains and possible landslides.

Winter months bring cold weather and occasional fog, which can delay trains and make driving challenging, so plan accordingly if traveling then.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Kumbh Mela in Haridwar or peak summer holidays in Nainital to escape heavy crowds and inflated prices.

• Monsoon from July to September can cause roadblocks and delays, especially on the hilly stretches near Nainital.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid fog-related delays in winter and traffic jams during tourist season.

• Summer months from April to June offer clear roads and comfortable weather, making it the most popular travel period.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

When you arrive at Nainital, you will most likely reach Kathgodam railway station or the Nainital bus stand. Both have options for local transport to your accommodation.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. It is best to use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safety and fair pricing. Popular areas to stay include Mall Road, Tallital, and near Naini Lake, all within easy reach of transport hubs.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Haridwar to Nainital is by combining train and road transport, taking a train to Kathgodam and then a taxi or shared jeep to Nainital. This option balances comfort, cost, and travel time well.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, starting your journey early in the day, and checking weather conditions will help you avoid common travel issues. With these practical tips, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of both Haridwar and Nainital.