IIT Roorkee is located in the city of Roorkee in Uttarakhand, northern India. It is a well-known technical institute attracting students and visitors from across the country. This guide helps you understand the best ways to reach IIT Roorkee from nearby cities and major transport hubs.

Travelers often choose this route for education, research, or visiting the historic campus. Here, you will find detailed information on trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Major Cities to IIT Roorkee – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and convenient option to reach IIT Roorkee, especially from Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. Roorkee Railway Station is well connected and close to the campus.

• Roorkee Railway Station (RK) is just 3 km from IIT Roorkee, with frequent local transport options like auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws available for last-mile connectivity.

• From Delhi, trains like the Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi take around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, covering approximately 180 km, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class and train type.

• Trains from Haridwar to Roorkee are frequent and take about 30 to 45 minutes, making it a quick option for travelers coming from Haridwar or Dehradun via Haridwar junction.

• During peak academic sessions and festivals, trains can get crowded, so booking tickets early on IRCTC or at railway counters is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so check train running status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective and flexible way to reach IIT Roorkee, especially from nearby cities and towns in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

• Roorkee Bus Stand is about 4 km from IIT Roorkee and is served by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private buses connecting cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, Saharanpur, and Delhi.

• Buses from Delhi to Roorkee take around 4 to 5 hours, covering roughly 180 km via NH334 and NH334A, with fares between ₹150 and ₹300 depending on the bus type.

• Frequent buses operate from Haridwar and Dehradun, with travel times of 1 to 2 hours, making it convenient for day trips or short visits.

• During monsoon, roads on NH334 can be slippery and slower due to waterlogging; travelers should allow extra time and choose buses with good safety records.

• Night buses are limited, so planning daytime travel is better for comfort and safety; booking tickets in advance through MSRTC or online portals is recommended.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to IIT Roorkee offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you prefer stopping at scenic spots or traveling with family or groups.

• The main highway route from Delhi to Roorkee is via NH334, covering about 180 km in approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• From Dehradun, the drive is around 85 km via NH7, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours, passing through scenic hills and plains.

• Toll plazas on NH334 include the Muradnagar and Roorkee tolls; expect to pay ₹100 to ₹200 in total toll charges one way.

• Parking inside IIT Roorkee campus is limited; visitors should check parking availability or use nearby paid parking lots and then walk or take campus shuttles.

• During peak hours, traffic near Roorkee town can be congested; starting early in the morning helps avoid delays and ensures smooth entry to campus.

Flight

While IIT Roorkee does not have an airport, the nearest airports are in Dehradun and Delhi, from where you can continue by road or rail.

• Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is about 70 km from Roorkee, with taxi or bus options taking 2 to 3 hours to reach IIT Roorkee.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the major international airport, around 180 km away; from here, you can take trains, buses, or hire taxis to reach Roorkee.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from both airports, offering fixed fares and safer travel options to Roorkee.

• Flight schedules may be affected by fog during winter months, especially at Dehradun airport, so plan connecting travel accordingly to avoid missed connections.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going to IIT Roorkee, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance via IRCTC or official bus portals to secure your seat, especially during college admission seasons or festivals.

• If arriving by flight, pre-book a taxi or app cab from Dehradun or Delhi airport to Roorkee to avoid waiting or overpaying at the airport.

• Upon arrival at Roorkee Railway Station or Bus Stand, use local auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws to reach IIT Roorkee, confirming fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• Carry a physical or digital map of the IIT Roorkee campus and nearby landmarks to navigate easily, as mobile signals may be weak in some areas.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially during monsoon or winter fog, to adjust your departure time and avoid delays.

• Keep essential documents like ID proof, tickets, and college invitation letters handy for smooth verification at transport hubs and campus entry points.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and light snacks during your journey, as food options on some trains and buses can be limited or unhygienic.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at stations and airports to ensure safety and fair pricing, avoiding unlicensed drivers.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check for road or train delays; roads near Roorkee can get slippery and cause slowdowns.

• Pack light but include a small first-aid kit and necessary medicines, as pharmacies near the campus may have limited hours on holidays.

• For luggage, avoid carrying valuables openly; use lockable bags and keep important items in your carry-on during train or bus travel.

• Plan your travel outside peak hours like early mornings or late evenings to avoid heavy traffic and crowded public transport.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel to IIT Roorkee is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Summers can be hot, and monsoon rains may cause travel delays.

Fog during December and January mornings can affect flights and trains, so plan extra time for connections. Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali or Holi when transport is crowded.

• Peak traffic occurs during college admission months (June-July) and festival seasons; book tickets early to avoid last-minute issues.

• Monsoon months (July-September) bring heavy rains that can slow down road and rail travel; check weather updates regularly.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and fog-related delays, especially in winter.

• Summer afternoons can be hot and tiring for road travel; carry water and plan breaks if driving.

Arrival at IIT Roorkee & What to Expect

When you arrive at Roorkee Railway Station or Bus Stand, you will find several options for local transport to reach IIT Roorkee campus. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common and affordable.

The campus is well marked, but it helps to have a map or GPS. Nearby areas like Civil Lines and Canal Road offer good accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to guest houses. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but may charge extra for short distances.

Conclusion

Traveling to IIT Roorkee is straightforward with multiple options like trains, buses, cars, and flights combined with road travel. Train travel is often the most efficient and comfortable way, especially from Delhi and Haridwar, while buses provide budget-friendly alternatives.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport ensures a smooth journey. With these tips and detailed guidance, you can confidently plan your trip to IIT Roorkee and focus on your purpose of visit without travel stress.