Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, famous for its scenic lake and pleasant weather. Nagpur, situated in central India, is a major city in Maharashtra known for its oranges and as a transport hub. Traveling from Nagpur to Nainital is a popular route for tourists seeking a refreshing getaway in the hills.

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

Getting from Nagpur to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a cost-effective and comfortable option for reaching Nainital from Nagpur, though it requires some transfers. It suits travelers who prefer scenic routes and have flexible schedules.

• The nearest major railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, about 35 km away, connected by regular trains from Delhi and other cities; Nagpur has direct trains to Delhi, so you can plan a two-leg journey.

• Typical travel time from Nagpur to Kathgodam by train ranges from 24 to 30 hours, depending on train connections and waiting times at transfer stations like Delhi or Moradabad.

• Train fares vary widely from INR 600 to INR 1500 for sleeper and AC classes; booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Trains from Nagpur to Delhi are frequent, but the onward connection to Kathgodam may have limited daily trains, so check schedules carefully to avoid long layovers.

• During winter months, fog near Delhi and northern plains can cause train delays; monsoon season may also affect punctuality due to waterlogging on tracks.

• At Kathgodam station, you can find taxis and buses to Nainital town; shared jeeps are common and affordable for the last 1-hour drive uphill.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to travel from Nagpur to Nainital, though the journey is long and can be tiring. It is suitable for budget travelers comfortable with overnight travel.

• Direct buses from Nagpur to Nainital are limited; most travelers take a bus to Delhi or Haldwani and then switch to a local bus or taxi for the final stretch.

• The total bus journey can take 24 to 30 hours, covering approximately 1300 km, depending on route and traffic conditions on National Highways NH44 and NH9.

• State transport buses like MSRTC and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation operate on these routes; fares range between INR 800 and INR 1200 for sleeper and semi-sleeper buses.

• Night buses are common, allowing you to save on accommodation, but they can be crowded and less comfortable during peak holiday seasons.

• Frequent stops for food and rest are available at highway dhabas and toll plazas; however, hygiene standards vary, so carry your own water and snacks.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides and roadblocks near the hills, so check weather updates before traveling by bus during July to September.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Nagpur to Nainital is a flexible and scenic option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route. It suits families and groups who prefer privacy and multiple stops.

• The distance by road is approximately 1300 km and takes around 22 to 26 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, mainly via NH44 and NH9.

• You can start early from Nagpur to avoid city traffic and plan overnight stops at cities like Jhansi or Lucknow for rest and meals.

• Toll plazas are frequent on this route, and toll charges may total around INR 800 to INR 1200; keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Fuel stations and restaurants are available along the highway, but in remote stretches, plan fuel stops carefully to avoid running low.

• During monsoon, some hilly sections near Nainital may have slippery roads; drive cautiously and check local traffic advisories for landslides or roadblocks.

• Self-drive car rentals with GPS navigation are widely available in Nagpur; Ola and Uber also offer intercity rides but can be expensive for such long distances.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Nagpur to Nainital, though it involves multiple transfers since Nainital does not have its own airport. This option suits travelers with limited time and higher budgets.

• The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away, with limited flights from Delhi; Nagpur has direct flights to Delhi multiple times daily.

• Flight duration from Nagpur to Delhi is about 1.5 hours, and from Delhi to Pantnagar around 1 hour; total travel time including transfers can be 5 to 7 hours.

• From Pantnagar Airport, taxis and shared cabs are available to Nainital; the drive takes around 2 hours on hilly roads.

• Flight fares from Nagpur to Delhi typically range from INR 2500 to INR 5000; Delhi to Pantnagar flights cost around INR 1500 to INR 3000 depending on season and airline.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip helps secure better prices and seat availability, especially during holidays.

• Weather conditions like fog in Delhi during winter may cause flight delays; always check real-time flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Nagpur to Nainital. It covers key steps to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

• Book your tickets early, whether train, bus, or flight, using official portals like IRCTC for trains or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles and higher fares.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, especially if traveling in winter, as Nainital’s weather can be chilly compared to Nagpur’s warmer climate.

• Start your journey early in the day to avoid city traffic in Nagpur and to reach major transit points like Delhi or Kathgodam during daylight hours for safety.

• Keep local currency handy for tolls, snacks, and small purchases, as many places on the route may not accept digital payments.

• On arrival at Kathgodam or Pantnagar, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for reliable and fair-priced rides to Nainital town.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times, especially if traveling overnight or by road through remote areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and some dry snacks during the journey, as food options on highways and trains can be limited or unhygienic.

• Use IRCTC’s official app or website for train bookings and live status updates to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats.

• When traveling by bus, choose government-run services over private operators for better safety and reliability, especially on long routes.

• For local transport in Nainital, prefer shared jeeps or prepaid taxis instead of unmetered cabs to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible bags, especially in crowded stations and bus stands.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, as heavy rains or fog can cause delays and affect road safety on the route to Nainital.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Nagpur to Nainital depends on weather and tourist seasons. Summer and post-monsoon months offer pleasant conditions for hill travel.

Winter months can be cold and foggy, causing delays in trains and flights, while monsoon season brings heavy rains and possible roadblocks near the hills.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and roads are crowded, and accommodation in Nainital is expensive.

• Monsoon from July to September can cause landslides and slippery roads, so plan accordingly and check local advisories.

• Early mornings and late evenings in winter may have dense fog around Delhi and northern plains, affecting train and flight schedules.

• Departing Nagpur early in the morning helps avoid city traffic and reach transit points comfortably during daytime.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Nainital, you will find a charming hill town with narrow roads and bustling markets. The main entry points are via Kathgodam railway station or Pantnagar airport followed by a road journey.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Prepaid taxi counters at Kathgodam and Pantnagar help avoid bargaining. Popular areas to stay include Mall Road, Tallital, and near Naini Lake for easy access to attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Nagpur to Nainital is best done by train or flight combined with road transport for comfort and speed. Train travel offers scenic routes and budget-friendly options, while flights save time but require careful planning for transfers.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and planning your last-mile travel from Kathgodam or Pantnagar will ensure a smooth journey. With these tips, you can confidently plan your trip to enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful environment of Nainital.