How to Reach Kausani – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Kausani from major cities via train, bus, car, and flight with practical tips for a smooth journey in the Himalayas.
Kausani is a beautiful hill station located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, India. Known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, it attracts travelers seeking peace and natural beauty. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Kausani from nearby cities and major transport hubs.
Whether you prefer trains, buses, self-driving, or flights, this article covers all main travel options. You will also find practical tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on local travel conditions to make your trip comfortable and hassle-free.
Getting from Major Cities to Kausani – Main Options
Train
Train travel is suitable if you want to reach nearby railway stations before continuing by road. Kausani itself has no railway station, so you must combine train and road travel.
The nearest major railway stations to Kausani are Kathgodam (about 130 km away) and Ramnagar (around 150 km), both well connected to Delhi and other northern cities. Trains from Delhi to Kathgodam take about 5 to 6 hours.
From Kathgodam or Ramnagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kausani, which takes roughly 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads. Roads can be narrow and winding, so allow extra travel time during monsoon or winter.
Train fares from Delhi to Kathgodam range from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on class, with frequent trains daily. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats, especially in peak tourist seasons.
Trains are generally comfortable and reliable, but delays can occur during foggy winters or heavy rains. Plan your onward road journey accordingly, as last-mile transport options reduce after sunset.
Bus
Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Kausani, especially from nearby towns and cities in Uttarakhand.
Direct buses to Kausani are available from Kathgodam, Almora, and Haldwani. The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) operates regular Volvo and ordinary buses on these routes.
The journey from Kathgodam to Kausani by bus takes about 5 to 6 hours, covering roughly 130 km on National Highway 109 and local roads. Bus fares range from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the type of bus.
Buses can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets a day in advance at bus depots or online is advisable. Early morning buses are less crowded and offer better views.
During monsoon, landslides may cause delays or route changes. It is wise to check local weather and road conditions before traveling by bus.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving to Kausani offers flexibility and comfort, making it a preferred option for families and groups.
The road distance from Delhi to Kausani is approximately 350 km, which takes about 8 to 9 hours via NH9 and NH109. The route passes through Haldwani and Almora, with well-maintained highways and scenic mountain roads.
Self-driving allows you to stop at popular spots like Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora along the way. Fuel stations and eateries are available at regular intervals on the highway.
Expect toll plazas on NH9 near Delhi and on NH109 towards Almora. Toll charges vary but are generally affordable. Carry cash as some plazas may not accept digital payments.
During winter, roads can be foggy and slippery. Drive cautiously and avoid night travel in hilly sections. Monsoon season may bring landslides, so check weather updates and road status before starting.
Flight
There is no airport in Kausani, but nearby airports can be used followed by road travel.
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 120 km from Kausani. It has daily flights connecting to Delhi and other cities. Flight duration from Delhi is around 1 hour.
From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kausani, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads. Taxi fares range from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.
Another option is to fly into Delhi Airport and then travel by train, bus, or car as described above. Delhi is a major hub with many flight options across India.
Flight prices vary seasonally, with higher fares during summer holidays and festivals. Booking flights at least two weeks in advance can help secure better rates.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This plan is designed for first-time travelers to Kausani to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during peak seasons like summer and winter holidays.
If traveling by train, choose Kathgodam station for better connectivity and more frequent onward transport options to Kausani.
Arrange your last-mile transport in advance, either by booking a taxi online or checking bus schedules at the station. Prepaid taxis are safer and more reliable than hailing cabs on arrival.
Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and warm clothes, as weather in Kausani can be cool even in summer, and shops may be limited on the way.
Start early in the day to avoid night travel on mountain roads, which can be challenging due to narrow lanes and limited street lighting.
Keep local emergency numbers handy and inform someone about your travel plan, especially if driving yourself through remote areas.
Practical Travel Tips
Always drink bottled or boiled water in Kausani to avoid waterborne illnesses; carry a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Use trusted taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available, but note that app coverage may be limited in remote areas; negotiate fares in advance if using local taxis.
Carry some cash in small denominations as many shops and transport options may not accept digital payments, especially in rural Uttarakhand.
Dress in layers and carry rain gear during monsoon season, as weather can change quickly in the hills, causing discomfort and travel delays.
Book bus or taxi tickets a day ahead during festivals like Diwali or summer vacations, as demand spikes and transport can get fully booked.
Keep your luggage light and secure; roads can be bumpy and vehicles may have limited storage space, so pack only essentials for a comfortable journey.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
Kausani experiences distinct seasons that affect travel conditions and visitor comfort. Understanding these will help you plan your trip better.
The best time to visit Kausani is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be cold with occasional snowfall, while monsoons bring heavy rain and landslides.
Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July and August due to frequent landslides and slippery roads, which can cause delays and safety risks.
Peak tourist seasons like summer holidays (May-June) and winter (December-January) see increased traffic and higher accommodation prices; book early to avoid inconvenience.
Early morning departures are recommended to avoid fog and traffic jams, especially in winter when visibility can be low on mountain roads.
Festival periods such as Diwali and Holi may cause crowded transport and busy roads; plan your travel dates accordingly to avoid rush.
Arrival at Kausani & What to Expect
When you arrive in Kausani, you will find a small, peaceful town with limited but sufficient transport options. The main bus stand and taxi points are close to the town center.
Local transport includes shared jeeps and taxis that can take you to hotels or nearby attractions. Many hotels also offer pickup services if informed in advance. Walking is common within the town due to its compact size and scenic surroundings.
Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, mostly located near the main market area. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola may not be widely available, so confirm transport arrangements before arrival.
Conclusion
Traveling to Kausani is best done by combining train or flight with road transport, depending on your starting point and preferences. Kathgodam railway station and Pantnagar airport serve as convenient gateways, followed by scenic drives through the hills.
Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and arranging last-mile transport will ensure a smooth journey. With proper preparation, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Kausani without travel stress. This guide equips you with all the practical information needed to reach Kausani confidently and comfortably.