Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is located in eastern India along the banks of the Ganges River. Nainital, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, is known for its scenic lake and pleasant climate. Many travelers from Patna visit Nainital for a refreshing getaway from the plains.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Patna to Nainital. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, routes, and useful tips to plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Patna to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for many travelers between Patna and Nainital. Although Nainital does not have a direct railway station, nearby stations connect you to the hill station.

• The nearest major railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, about 35 km away, well connected to Patna Junction via several trains with one or two changes, covering approximately 900 km in 18 to 22 hours.

• Trains like the Patna–Kathgodam Express run weekly or biweekly, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is essential, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Train fares range from INR 400 to INR 1500 depending on class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC), offering a budget-friendly option with reasonable comfort for overnight travel.

• Be prepared for crowded trains during festivals and holidays; booking in advance and arriving early at the station helps avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Kathgodam station, you can hire shared taxis or buses to reach Nainital, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads with tolls and scenic views.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel from Patna to Nainital, though the journey is long and can be tiring. This mode suits budget travelers who prefer road travel.

• State-run buses like Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) connect Patna to Delhi or Haldwani, from where you can take local buses or taxis to Nainital.

• Private Volvo or deluxe buses operate on the Patna-Delhi route, covering about 1000 km in 18 to 22 hours, with fares between INR 800 and INR 1500.

• From Delhi, frequent Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses run to Nainital, taking around 7 hours on NH9 and NH109, with fares from INR 300 to INR 600.

• Direct buses from Patna to Nainital are rare; a combination of buses with a change at Delhi or Haldwani is common, so plan for layovers and check bus timings carefully.

• Road conditions can vary, especially during monsoon when landslides or traffic jams near hill areas may cause delays; traveling in the daytime is safer and more comfortable.

Car / Self-Drive

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

• The distance is roughly 900 to 950 km via NH27 and NH9, taking about 18 to 20 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, so plan for overnight breaks.

• Major cities on the route include Varanasi, Lucknow, and Bareilly, where you can rest and refuel; highways are mostly well-maintained with toll plazas at regular intervals.

• Driving through the plains is straightforward, but the last 35 km to Nainital involves hilly roads with sharp turns; drive cautiously, especially during fog or rain.

• Fuel stations and dhabas are available on the highways, but carry some snacks and water for the hill stretch where options are limited.

• Self-drive cars can be rented in Patna with companies offering vehicles from small hatchbacks to SUVs suitable for hill driving; ensure your vehicle has good brakes and tires.

Flight

Flying is the fastest but less direct option since Nainital does not have its own airport. You can fly from Patna to nearby airports and then continue by road.

• The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away, with limited flights mainly from Delhi; no direct flights operate from Patna to Pantnagar.

• Patna Airport has daily flights to Delhi, which take about 1.5 hours and cost between INR 3000 and INR 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Delhi Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nainital; the road journey takes around 7 to 8 hours covering 300 km via NH9 and NH109.

• Alternatively, fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 150 km from Nainital, then hire a taxi or bus; flights from Patna to Dehradun usually require a connection in Delhi or other cities.

• Flight plus road travel is best for travelers who want to save time on the plains but should consider the extra road journey and costs involved.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Patna to Nainital to help you organize your journey with ease and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets early on IRCTC or official bus portals to secure seats, especially during holidays and weekends when demand is high.

• If traveling by train, choose Kathgodam as your destination station and plan your arrival time to coincide with daytime for easier onward travel to Nainital.

• Arrange local transport from Kathgodam or Delhi in advance using Ola, Uber, or prepaid taxis to avoid waiting and overcharging at the stations or bus stands.

• Pack light but carry essential warm clothes, as Nainital’s weather can be cool even in summer, and bring water and snacks for the road journey.

• Check the weather forecast before departure to avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains or foggy winter mornings that can delay road transport.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas near Nainital.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Nainital to avoid bargaining and ensure safety, especially after dark.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and in Nainital to prevent stomach issues common among travelers unaccustomed to local water.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak seasons like summer vacations and festivals to avoid last-minute disappointments.

• Local transport in Nainital includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rented scooters; negotiate fares beforehand or use meter-based services.

• Carry minimal luggage, as narrow roads and steep climbs in Nainital can make handling heavy bags difficult; use backpacks or soft bags for easier mobility.

• During monsoon (July to September), check for road closures or landslide alerts on NH109 and NH9 before starting your journey to avoid unexpected delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Patna to Nainital is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers attract many tourists, so expect busy trains and buses.

Winter months can be cold with fog causing delays, while monsoon season brings heavy rains that may disrupt road travel and cause landslides in the hills.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon rains between July and September can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides on the route to Nainital, so plan accordingly.

• Early morning departures from Patna help avoid city traffic and reach connecting points like Delhi or Kathgodam in daylight.

• Summer months (April to June) offer clear roads but higher temperatures in Patna; Nainital remains cool and is a popular escape during this time.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

When you arrive in Nainital, you will most likely reach either the bus stand or the Kathgodam railway station nearby. From here, local transport options are readily available to take you to your accommodation.

Shared taxis and private cabs are common and affordable, while auto-rickshaws operate within the town but may not go to all tourist spots. Popular areas to stay include Mall Road, Tallital, and Mallital, which are close to the lake and main attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Patna to Nainital involves a combination of transport modes, with train to Kathgodam plus taxi being the most efficient and comfortable option for most travelers. Buses and self-drive offer alternatives depending on your budget and travel style.

Planning ahead, booking tickets early, and preparing for the hill road conditions will help you enjoy a smooth journey. With these tips, you can confidently plan your trip from Patna to the beautiful hill station of Nainital and look forward to a refreshing experience.