Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, known for its scenic lake and pleasant climate. Jodhpur, situated in Rajasthan, is famous for its historic forts and desert landscapes. Many travelers journey from Jodhpur to Nainital to experience a change from the arid desert to the cool hills.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options available, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and information about the best time to travel and what to expect upon arrival in Nainital.

Getting from Jodhpur to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for those who prefer comfort and scenic views. However, there is no direct train from Jodhpur to Nainital, so you will need to change trains en route.

• The nearest major railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, about 35 km away, connected to major cities by regular trains; from Jodhpur, you can take trains to Delhi or Moradabad and then connect to Kathgodam.

• The total train journey from Jodhpur to Kathgodam can take around 18 to 22 hours, depending on the connection, with fares ranging from INR 500 to 1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains from Jodhpur to Delhi include the Ranakpur Express and Mandore Express, which are frequent and comfortable, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended due to high demand.

• From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Nainital, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads; taxis are available at the station, and shared buses depart regularly.

• During monsoon and winter, train delays are common due to fog and landslides, so plan extra buffer time if traveling in these seasons.

Bus

Buses are an economical option but involve long travel times and multiple changes. Direct buses from Jodhpur to Nainital are rare, so expect to travel via Delhi or other hubs.

• From Jodhpur, you can take Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses to Delhi, which take about 11 to 13 hours, with fares ranging from INR 400 to 800 depending on the bus type.

• In Delhi, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators run frequent Volvo and deluxe buses to Nainital, taking around 7 to 8 hours and costing INR 600 to 1000.

• Buses from Delhi to Nainital depart mainly from Anand Vihar ISBT and Kashmiri Gate ISBT, with early morning and evening services available.

• Be prepared for crowded buses during peak tourist seasons and festivals; booking tickets online in advance is advisable to secure seats.

• Road conditions on the highway from Delhi to Nainital are generally good, but the last stretch involves winding mountain roads that can be challenging during rains or fog.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Jodhpur to Nainital offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The distance is approximately 950 km and takes around 18 to 20 hours by road.

• The most common route is via NH48 and NH9, passing through Jaipur, Delhi, and then heading north towards Nainital via Haldwani or Rudrapur.

• Expect toll plazas on NH48 and NH9, with toll charges totaling around INR 500 to 700; keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Plan rest stops at major cities like Jaipur and Delhi for meals and refueling; popular highway dhabas offer local cuisine and clean restrooms.

• Driving in the hills near Nainital requires caution due to narrow, winding roads and occasional landslides during monsoon; avoid night driving in these areas.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Jodhpur from companies like Zoomcar and Revv, with daily rates starting around INR 2000, excluding fuel and tolls.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Nainital from Jodhpur, but there is no direct airport in Nainital. You will need to fly to Pantnagar Airport or Delhi and then travel by road.

• Jodhpur Airport has regular flights to Delhi operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India, with flight times around 1.5 hours and fares from INR 2500 to 5000.

• From Delhi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nainital, which takes about 7 to 8 hours by road; taxis can be booked via Ola, Uber, or local operators.

• Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Nainital, about 70 km away, with limited flights from Delhi; from Pantnagar, taxis and buses are available for the 2-hour journey to Nainital.

• Flight schedules can be affected by weather, especially fog in winter, so check for updates and plan accordingly.

• Booking flights early can help secure better fares, especially during holiday seasons and weekends.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Jodhpur to Nainital, focusing on ease and comfort.

• Book your train or flight tickets in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure availability during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose a route via Delhi or Moradabad to Kathgodam, and plan your arrival time to match local transport availability to Nainital.

• For bus travelers, purchase tickets online from RSRTC and UTC portals, and arrive early at bus depots like Anand Vihar ISBT to secure your seat and avoid rush.

• If self-driving, check your vehicle condition, plan your route with GPS, and schedule rest stops every 3-4 hours to stay refreshed and alert on long drives.

• Upon arrival at Kathgodam or Pantnagar, use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable last-mile travel to Nainital.

• Carry essential travel documents, water, snacks, and a power bank, especially if you expect long waits or road delays during monsoon or winter seasons.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use official prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at railway stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during your journey.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially when traveling by bus or car, as clean drinking water and food options may be limited on some routes.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance through IRCTC and state transport websites, especially during holidays and weekends when demand spikes sharply.

• Use local transport options like shared taxis and buses in Nainital to explore the town affordably; avoid unlicensed cabs which may charge exorbitantly.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, as Nainital’s weather can be chilly, especially in the evenings and winters, even if you start from hot Jodhpur.

• During monsoon (July-September), expect road delays due to landslides and slippery conditions; check weather forecasts and plan extra travel time accordingly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Jodhpur to Nainital is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid peak summer heat in Jodhpur and heavy monsoon rains in Uttarakhand.

Winter months bring cold temperatures and occasional fog, which can delay trains and flights, so plan your journey with some flexibility.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi, as trains and buses are crowded and prices surge significantly.

• Monsoon season can cause landslides and roadblocks on the hilly stretches near Nainital, making travel slower and sometimes risky.

• Early morning departures from Jodhpur or Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach destinations with daylight, improving safety on mountain roads.

• Winter fog in northern plains can cause flight delays, so check real-time updates if flying and consider buffer time for onward travel.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

Upon arriving in Nainital, you will likely reach via Kathgodam railway station or Pantnagar airport, both requiring a road journey to the town. Local taxis and shared jeeps are readily available outside these points.

Nainital town has narrow roads and limited parking, so many visitors prefer to stay near Mall Road or Tallital, which are central and close to the lake and markets. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are available but may be limited in hilly areas.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Jodhpur to Nainital depends on your priorities. If time is important, flying to Delhi and then taking a bus or taxi is fastest. For budget travelers, trains via Delhi or Moradabad to Kathgodam offer a comfortable and scenic option. Self-driving provides flexibility but requires careful planning for long hours and mountain roads.

Remember to book tickets early, check weather conditions, and plan your last-mile transport in advance. With these tips and options, you can confidently plan your journey from the desert city of Jodhpur to the serene hills of Nainital and enjoy a smooth and memorable trip.