Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, known for its scenic lake and pleasant climate. Allahabad, now officially Prayagraj, is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh famous for its religious significance and confluence of rivers. Traveling from Allahabad to Nainital is common for tourists seeking a refreshing getaway from the plains to the hills.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Allahabad to Nainital, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on the best time to visit Nainital. With this information, you can plan your trip confidently and enjoy a smooth journey.

Getting from Allahabad to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Allahabad to Nainital is a popular option for budget travelers who prefer comfort and scenic views. Although there is no direct train to Nainital, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest railway stations to Nainital are Kathgodam (around 35 km away) and Haldwani, both well connected to major cities including Allahabad via connecting trains.

• From Allahabad Junction (PRYJ), you can take trains to Moradabad or Lalkuan, which are major junctions connecting to Kathgodam; total train travel time ranges from 10 to 14 hours depending on the train.

• Train fares vary between INR 300 to INR 900 for sleeper and AC classes, with trains like Allahabad–Moradabad Express being common choices; booking on IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance.

• Trains may get crowded during festivals like Kumbh Mela or summer holidays; booking early is essential to avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Kathgodam station, you can hire shared taxis or buses to Nainital, which take around 1 to 1.5 hours and cost INR 100 to INR 300 depending on the vehicle.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to travel from Allahabad to Nainital, though the journey can be long and tiring. State-run and private buses operate on this route.

• Allahabad’s main bus terminals like Civil Lines Bus Stand have buses heading towards Nainital or nearby towns such as Haldwani and Kathgodam.

• The distance by road is approximately 460 km, and bus travel time ranges from 12 to 15 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 400 to INR 800, with options including ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo buses; deluxe and Volvo buses offer more comfort for overnight journeys.

• During monsoon season, roads in the hilly region can be slippery, causing delays; it is advisable to check weather and road conditions before booking.

• Food options on the route include highway dhabas near NH 27 and NH 9, but carrying light snacks and water is recommended for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Allahabad to Nainital is a flexible and scenic option, especially if you want to explore at your own pace. The route passes through plains and foothills with good highway connectivity.

• The most common route is via NH 27 and NH 9, covering around 460 km, with an approximate driving time of 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You will pass through cities like Lucknow, Bareilly, and Rampur, where you can stop for meals or rest; popular rest stops include highway dhabas and fuel stations.

• Toll plazas are present on NH 27 and NH 9, so keep some cash or FASTag ready; toll charges can total around INR 300 to INR 500.

• Driving in the hilly areas near Nainital requires caution, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery and foggy; avoid night driving in these sections.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Allahabad, or you can self-drive if comfortable with long-distance Indian highways; apps like Zoomcar offer self-drive options.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Allahabad to Nainital, but flying can be combined with road travel for faster access. The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport.

• Allahabad Airport (IXD) offers limited flights mainly to Delhi; you can take a flight to Delhi and then connect to Pantnagar Airport (around 70 km from Nainital).

• From Pantnagar Airport, taxis and buses are available to Nainital, with travel time of about 2 to 3 hours and fares ranging from INR 500 to INR 1500.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season and booking time, with Delhi to Pantnagar flights costing between INR 1500 to INR 4000 one way.

• Flight schedules may be limited and affected by weather conditions, especially in winter and monsoon; plan accordingly and check for cancellations.

• Combining flight and road travel reduces overall journey time but is costlier than train or bus options.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Allahabad to Nainital for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 10 days in advance using IRCTC or MSRTC websites to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute rush.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Kathgodam or nearby stations and plan your arrival time to match available taxis or buses to Nainital for a seamless transfer.

• For bus travelers, check the departure times from Allahabad bus stands and opt for overnight Volvo buses to save daytime for sightseeing in Nainital.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps, check vehicle condition, and start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Nainital before dark.

• Pack light but include warm clothes as Nainital’s weather can be cool, especially in the evenings, even in summer; carry water and snacks for road stops.

• On arrival at Nainital, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a copy of your ID and tickets while traveling, as railway and bus staff often check documents; keep digital copies on your phone for convenience.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and at Nainital to avoid stomach issues; avoid street food unless it looks freshly prepared and hygienic.

• Book your tickets online well in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to avoid sold-out trains and buses.

• Use local shared taxis or buses within Nainital to reduce travel costs; walking is also a good option in the town center due to narrow roads.

• Pack your luggage in sturdy bags with locks, as crowded trains and buses can lead to misplaced items; keep valuables in a secure, accessible place.

• During monsoon (July to September), be prepared for road delays and landslides; check weather updates and consider postponing travel if heavy rains are forecast.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Allahabad to Nainital depends on weather and crowd conditions. Summer and early autumn offer pleasant weather, while winters can be cold but less crowded.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and slippery roads, which can delay travel and cause discomfort. Planning your trip outside heavy rain months ensures a safer and more enjoyable journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Kumbh Mela in Allahabad or Diwali holidays when trains and roads are crowded and prices rise.

• Summer months (April to June) are ideal for comfortable weather but expect more tourists in Nainital, so book accommodation early.

• Winter months (December to February) are cold with possible fog on highways, causing slower travel; carry warm clothes and plan extra travel time.

• Early morning departures from Allahabad help you avoid city traffic and reach Nainital by evening, allowing time to settle in before dark.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

When you arrive in Nainital, you will likely reach Kathgodam railway station, Pantnagar airport, or the main bus stand depending on your mode of travel. Local transport options include shared taxis, private cabs, and buses.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Nainital and nearby towns, offering safe and transparent fares. 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 Allahabad to Nainital depends on your budget and comfort preferences. Train travel combined with a taxi from Kathgodam offers a good balance of cost and convenience. For faster travel, consider flights to Pantnagar with a road transfer.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the hill terrain near Nainital. With proper planning and the tips shared here, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Allahabad to the beautiful hills of Nainital.