Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in Uttarakhand, famous for its scenic lake and pleasant weather. Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as a major gateway to Northeast India. Traveling from Guwahati to Nainital is a popular route for nature lovers and holidaymakers seeking a peaceful retreat in the Himalayas.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel between Guwahati and Nainital. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Nainital.

Getting from Guwahati to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Train travel between Guwahati and Nainital is possible but indirect. It suits travelers who prefer a budget-friendly option and don’t mind longer travel times with transfers.

• The nearest major railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, about 35 km away, well connected to Guwahati via multiple trains with a change at Delhi or Lucknow. The total journey can take 40 to 45 hours.

• Trains from Guwahati to Delhi or Lucknow run daily, including Rajdhani and other express trains, offering various classes from sleeper to AC, with fares ranging from ₹700 to ₹2500.

• From Kathgodam station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Nainital, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours and costs ₹200 to ₹400 depending on the vehicle.

• Train travel may face delays during monsoon due to landslides or fog in northern India, so plan with buffer time especially in July and August.

• Booking via IRCTC is recommended well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer holidays and winter weekends.

Bus

Direct bus services between Guwahati and Nainital are limited, but you can travel by bus in stages. This option suits budget travelers who prefer road travel and don’t mind multiple changes.

• From Guwahati, take an Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) or private bus to Delhi or Lucknow, which takes around 36 to 40 hours and costs ₹1000 to ₹1500 depending on the bus type.

• From Delhi ISBT or Lucknow bus stands, you can find direct buses to Haldwani or Kathgodam, the nearest bus hubs to Nainital, with journey times of 7 to 9 hours and fares between ₹300 and ₹600.

• The final leg from Kathgodam or Haldwani to Nainital is covered by frequent local buses and shared taxis, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours and costing ₹100 to ₹300.

• Road conditions on NH27 and NH9 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads in the hills.

• Bus frequencies reduce at night, so plan your connections during daytime for safety and convenience.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Nainital is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in stops and sightseeing.

• The distance by road is approximately 1600 km via NH27 and NH9, and the drive takes around 30 to 35 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You will pass through Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, crossing major cities like Siliguri, Patna, and Lucknow, offering many rest stops and food options.

• Toll plazas are present along NH27 and NH9, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges can total around ₹800 to ₹1200 for the entire route.

• Driving through the plains is straightforward, but the last 40 km to Nainital involves hilly roads that require careful driving, especially during monsoon or winter fog.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Siliguri or Lucknow to avoid fatigue, and check vehicle condition before starting the long journey.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Guwahati to Nainital, though no direct flights connect the two cities. This option suits travelers with limited time and a higher budget.

• Fly from Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, with multiple daily flights operated by IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara. Flight duration is about 2.5 hours.

• From Delhi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nainital, which takes around 7 to 8 hours by road covering approximately 320 km.

• Alternatively, take a connecting flight from Delhi to Pantnagar Airport, about 35 km from Nainital, though flights are limited and seasonal.

• Taxi fares from Delhi to Nainital range from ₹2500 to ₹3500, while buses cost ₹300 to ₹600 depending on the service.

• Booking flights early can secure better fares, especially during holiday seasons when prices rise sharply.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Guwahati to Nainital, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least two weeks in advance via IRCTC or airline websites to ensure availability and better prices.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Kathgodam station during daylight to easily find taxis or buses to Nainital without hassle.

• For bus travelers, check the latest schedules online or at the bus stands in Guwahati and Delhi, as timings can change, especially during festivals or strikes.

• If self-driving, prepare your vehicle with a full service check and plan overnight stops in major cities to rest and refuel safely.

• Pack light but include warm clothes for Nainital’s cooler climate, especially if traveling in winter or monsoon seasons.

• Download offline maps and keep emergency contacts handy, including local taxi numbers and hotel addresses, to navigate easily upon arrival.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a refillable water bottle and drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Delhi and Kathgodam for safe and transparent fares to Nainital.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying too much cash; use digital wallets or cards where accepted, especially in bigger cities.

• Be cautious of monsoon weather; landslides can disrupt road travel near Nainital, so check local weather updates before starting your journey.

• Try local food at trusted restaurants or dhabas during stops, but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Book accommodations in Nainital in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and Diwali to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Nainital depends on weather and crowd conditions. Summer and early autumn offer pleasant weather in Nainital, while monsoon can cause travel delays.

Winter months are cold but less crowded, ideal for those who enjoy a quiet hill station experience. Guwahati remains warm year-round but can be humid during monsoon.

• Avoid traveling during peak festivals like Durga Puja in Guwahati and summer holidays in Nainital, as transport and accommodation get crowded.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause landslides and slippery roads near Nainital, leading to delays and safety concerns.

• Early morning departures from Guwahati help avoid city traffic and allow better connections for trains or flights.

• Winter fog in northern plains can delay trains and flights, so plan extra time if traveling between November and February.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

When you arrive in Nainital, whether by taxi or bus from Kathgodam or Pantnagar, you will find a small but busy town with narrow roads and beautiful views of the lake and hills.

Local transport includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws. Many hotels offer pickup services if arranged in advance. Walking is common in the town center due to traffic restrictions near the lake.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are less common in Nainital, so agree on fares beforehand or use hotel-arranged transport to avoid confusion. Popular areas to stay include Mall Road, Tallital, and Mallital, close to major attractions and eateries.

Conclusion

Traveling from Guwahati to Nainital involves a long journey across diverse landscapes and states. The most efficient option is flying to Delhi and then taking a taxi or bus to Nainital, saving time and offering comfort. Train and bus options are budget-friendly but require more planning and patience due to transfers and longer travel times.

Careful planning, early bookings, and awareness of seasonal conditions will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable trip. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best transport mode and prepare for your journey to the serene hills of Nainital from Guwahati.