Lansdowne is a quiet hill station located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its serene environment, colonial charm, and the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre. Delhi, the national capital, is a major starting point for travelers heading to Lansdowne.

This route is popular among nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Lansdowne by train, bus, car, and flight, with practical advice to plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Delhi to Lansdowne – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option, especially for those who want to avoid road fatigue. The nearest railway station to Lansdowne is Kotdwar, which connects well with Delhi.

• Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Kotdwar Railway Station (KTW), covering approximately 250 km in 5 to 7 hours depending on the train service chosen, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 in sleeper and AC classes.

• Popular trains include the Mussoorie Express and the Jan Shatabdi, which offer daily or frequent services, making it convenient to plan your trip according to your schedule.

• From Kotdwar station, Lansdowne is about 40 km away; you can hire a taxi or take a local bus, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours on hilly roads with moderate traffic.

• Train travel can be affected by fog during winter mornings, so check real-time updates on IRCTC and plan accordingly to avoid delays.

• Booking tickets in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during holiday seasons and weekends when trains tend to be crowded.

Bus

Buses offer an economical and fairly frequent option to reach Lansdowne from Delhi. The journey involves a combination of direct and connecting buses.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Kotdwar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, covering around 250 km in 7 to 9 hours with fares between ₹300 and ₹600 depending on the bus type.

• From Kotdwar bus stand, regular Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private buses run to Lansdowne, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours on winding mountain roads.

• Volvo and deluxe buses are less common on this route; most buses are standard or semi-deluxe, so prepare for basic seating and occasional crowding during peak travel times.

• Monsoon season can cause landslides and roadblocks, leading to delays; check weather and road conditions before traveling by bus.

• Booking tickets at the bus station or through online portals like RedBus is advisable, especially during festivals and summer holidays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Lansdowne is a popular choice for travelers who prefer flexibility and want to enjoy the scenic route at their own pace.

• The distance is about 260 km via NH334 and NH534, taking approximately 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through Meerut, Roorkee, and Kotdwar, with toll plazas along NH334; toll charges typically range between ₹150 and ₹250 one way.

• Road conditions are generally good on the plains but become narrow and winding after Kotdwar; drive cautiously, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery.

• Fuel stations are available in major towns en route, but fewer on the hilly stretch, so fill up before ascending towards Lansdowne.

• Car rentals and self-drive options like Zoomcar and Revv are widely available in Delhi, with daily rates starting around ₹2000 depending on the vehicle type.

• Parking in Lansdowne is limited near popular spots; plan to park at designated areas and walk or use local taxis to reach your accommodation.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Lansdowne, but flying to nearby airports can save travel time for some travelers.

• The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 110 km from Lansdowne, with regular flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport taking around 1 hour.

• From Dehradun airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Lansdowne; the road journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours on NH72 and NH534.

• Flight fares vary from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early can secure better deals.

• Airport taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available but may charge premium rates for the long hilly drive to Lansdowne.

• Flight schedules can be affected by fog and weather conditions, especially in winter, so keep updated with airline notifications.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Lansdowne to make the journey smooth and stress-free.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least a week in advance through IRCTC or RedBus to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during holidays or weekends.

• If traveling by train, choose a morning train to Kotdwar to reach Lansdowne before evening, allowing time to arrange local transport comfortably.

• From Kotdwar station or bus stand, pre-book a taxi or confirm bus timings to Lansdowne; taxis can be booked via local operators or apps, ensuring a hassle-free last leg.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, as Lansdowne’s weather can be cool, especially in the evenings and winters, and carry bottled water and snacks for the journey.

• If driving, start early from Delhi to avoid city traffic and reach Lansdowne before dark, as mountain roads are more challenging to navigate at night.

• Keep emergency contacts handy, including local taxi numbers and accommodation details, and inform someone about your travel plan for safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued ID for train and bus travel, as it is mandatory for ticket verification and security checks in India.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey and avoid street food on the way to prevent stomach issues, especially in hilly areas.

• Book tickets online to avoid long queues and scams at stations or bus stands; use official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC websites.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Kotdwar and Lansdowne to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags during monsoon season to protect your belongings from rain and mud on hilly roads.

• Carry cash in small denominations as many local vendors and taxis may not accept digital payments in remote areas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Lansdowne depends on weather and crowd preferences. Summers are pleasant, while winters are cold but less crowded.

Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky and slower. Planning your trip outside the rainy season is advisable for a safer journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when roads and trains are crowded, and fares may surge.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog on the plains and hills, causing delays especially on train routes and flights.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and ensure you reach Lansdowne before dark, improving safety on mountain roads.

• Summer months from March to June offer clear roads and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Lansdowne.

Arrival at Lansdowne & What to Expect

When you arrive in Lansdowne, you will find a small, peaceful town with limited but sufficient local transport options. The town is best explored on foot or by hiring local taxis.

Most travelers stay near the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre or in the main market area, which have guesthouses, hotels, and homestays. Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available from the bus stand and taxi points for local travel.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Lansdowne is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. The train to Kotdwar followed by a taxi or bus is the most balanced choice for comfort and cost. Driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning for mountain roads.

Booking tickets in advance, checking weather conditions, and planning your last-mile transport will ensure a smooth journey. With these tips, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the serene beauty of Lansdowne without hassle.