How to Reach Jolly Grant Airport from Haridwar – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Jolly Grant Airport from Haridwar by train, bus, car, or taxi with practical tips on travel time, routes, and local transport options.
Jolly Grant Airport is located near Dehradun in Uttarakhand, serving as the main gateway for travelers heading to the Doon Valley and nearby hill stations. Haridwar, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges, is a popular starting point for tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand.
This guide explains the best ways to travel from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, and useful tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.
Getting from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for many. However, there is no direct train to Jolly Grant Airport, so you must combine train travel with road transport.
The nearest major railway station to Jolly Grant Airport is Dehradun Railway Station, about 25 km away. Trains from Haridwar to Dehradun take around 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on class.
Trains run frequently between Haridwar and Dehradun, including passenger and express trains. Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during festivals.
From Dehradun Railway Station, you can hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Jolly Grant Airport in 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Train travel is comfortable and economical but may involve waiting times for connecting road transport. Avoid monsoon season when tracks may face delays due to landslides or waterlogging.
Bus
Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to travel, suitable for those who prefer public transport and do not mind longer travel times.
State-run buses by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators run from Haridwar Bus Stand to Dehradun, which is the closest city to Jolly Grant Airport. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs between ₹50 and ₹120.
From Dehradun, local buses or shared taxis can take you to Jolly Grant Airport. Shared taxis are faster but may charge ₹200 to ₹300 for the 25 km trip.
Buses run frequently throughout the day, but the last buses may stop early in the evening. Check timings in advance to avoid being stranded.
During peak pilgrimage seasons or festivals, buses can get crowded, so plan accordingly and book tickets early if possible.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving yourself or hiring a private car is the most flexible and comfortable way to reach Jolly Grant Airport from Haridwar, especially if you have luggage or travel in a group.
The distance between Haridwar and Jolly Grant Airport is approximately 60 km via NH334 and NH7, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Major highways are well maintained, but expect toll plazas on NH7. Keep cash or FASTag ready for toll payments to avoid delays.
Driving allows you to stop at rest points or eateries on the way, such as near Roorkee or Dehradun outskirts, which offer clean food options and restrooms.
During monsoon, roads can be slippery and visibility low, so drive cautiously. Early morning or late evening drives may face fog, so plan accordingly.
Car rentals with drivers are widely available in Haridwar, with daily rates ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 depending on vehicle type and season.
Taxi / Cab
Hiring a taxi or app-based cab is a convenient and hassle-free option, especially if you want door-to-door service without driving yourself.
Ola and Uber operate in Haridwar and Dehradun, offering rides to Jolly Grant Airport. The fare for a one-way trip is usually between ₹1200 and ₹1800 depending on car type and traffic.
Prepaid taxis are available at Haridwar Railway Station and bus stands. Confirm the fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
Taxi services provide flexibility in departure time and can accommodate luggage easily, making them ideal for early morning or late-night flights.
During festival seasons or holidays, taxi availability may be limited, so booking in advance is advisable.
Some hotels in Haridwar also offer airport transfer services, which can be convenient if you are staying overnight before your flight.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport. It helps you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.
Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Train and bus are economical, while car or taxi offers more convenience.
Step 2: Book your tickets in advance. Use IRCTC for trains, official bus websites or counters for buses, and reliable apps or agencies for taxis and car rentals. Early booking avoids last-minute hassles.
Step 3: Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank. Indian roads can have limited stops, so being prepared helps during delays.
Step 4: Reach your departure point early. Haridwar Railway Station and bus stands can be crowded, especially during peak hours. Arriving 30 minutes early ensures smooth boarding.
Step 5: On arrival at Dehradun or nearby points, arrange your last-mile transport to Jolly Grant Airport. Use prepaid taxis or app cabs for safety and fixed fares.
Step 6: Keep your flight details handy and monitor traffic updates on the day of travel. Leave with ample buffer time to avoid stress due to unforeseen delays.
Practical Travel Tips
Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs for last-mile travel to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially when arriving late at night.
Carry bottled water and light snacks, as clean food options on highways can be limited and sometimes unhygienic during monsoon season.
Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and Uttarakhand Transport websites to secure seats and avoid standing during busy periods.
Use local transport apps or ask hotel staff for reliable cab services in Haridwar and Dehradun to avoid scams or inflated fares.
Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded stations and buses can be targets for pickpockets.
Check weather forecasts before traveling. Monsoon rains can cause roadblocks, and winter fog may delay trains and flights, so plan accordingly.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to travel from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and clearer roads.
Avoid traveling during major festivals like Kumbh Mela or Diwali in Haridwar, as roads and trains become extremely crowded, causing delays and discomfort.
Monsoon season from July to September can cause landslides and waterlogging on highways, leading to slower travel and occasional cancellations.
Winter mornings and late evenings often have dense fog, especially near Dehradun, which can delay trains and flights. Plan for extra travel time.
Midday departures are usually smoother with less traffic, so schedule your journey accordingly to avoid rush hours in Haridwar and Dehradun.
Arrival at Jolly Grant Airport & What to Expect
Jolly Grant Airport is about 25 km from Dehradun city center and well connected by road. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services available outside the terminal.
Local transport options include shared taxis and private cabs. Staying in Dehradun city or nearby areas like Rajpur Road is common for travelers, offering good hotels and eateries. Pre-book your onward transport or hotel to avoid last-minute issues.
Conclusion
The most efficient way to reach Jolly Grant Airport from Haridwar depends on your priorities. If you want economy and don’t mind transfers, taking a train to Dehradun followed by a taxi is a good choice. For comfort and flexibility, hiring a private car or taxi directly from Haridwar is best.
Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and allowing extra time for road or rail delays. With these tips, you can travel confidently and enjoy a smooth journey to Jolly Grant Airport.