Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, famous for its scenic lake and pleasant weather. Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra, is a popular starting point for travelers heading to Nainital for a refreshing getaway.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Pune to Nainital. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Pune to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and economical option if you prefer a scenic and relaxed journey. However, there is no direct train to Nainital, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• You can board a train from Pune Junction to Kathgodam Railway Station, which is the nearest railhead to Nainital, covering approximately 1,900 km in about 32 to 36 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Pune–Kathgodam Express and other connecting trains via Delhi or Lucknow, with fares ranging from INR 800 to 2,500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains run regularly but booking in advance on IRCTC is essential, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays to avoid waitlists.

• From Kathgodam station, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep for the 35 km uphill journey to Nainital, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Train travel may face delays during monsoon due to landslides or fog in winter mornings, so plan accordingly and check train running status before departure.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel, though the journey is long and involves multiple changes. Direct buses from Pune to Nainital are rare, so you will likely travel via Delhi or other major cities.

• You can take a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) or private bus from Pune to Delhi, which takes about 24 to 28 hours, covering roughly 1,500 km.

• From Delhi, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators run frequent Volvo and deluxe buses to Nainital, taking about 7 to 8 hours for the 300 km route.

• Bus fares from Pune to Delhi range from INR 1,000 to 2,000, and from Delhi to Nainital, fares are around INR 400 to 700 depending on the bus type.

• Night buses are popular for Pune to Delhi travel, allowing you to save on accommodation and start fresh for the next leg early morning.

• During monsoon, road conditions on the Delhi-Nainital route can be slippery and slow, so check weather updates and bus operator reliability before booking.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Nainital is ideal if you want flexibility and enjoy road trips. The distance is about 1,900 km and takes roughly 35 to 40 hours of driving time, usually split over 2 to 3 days.

• The most common route is via NH48 to Delhi, then NH9 and NH109 towards Nainital, passing through cities like Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Haldwani.

• Expect tolls on major highways, with several toll plazas between Pune and Delhi, and some on the Delhi-Nainital route; carry sufficient cash or use FASTag for smooth passage.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Udaipur or Jaipur to rest; these cities offer good hotels and food options along the route.

• Driving through the mountainous roads near Nainital requires caution, especially during monsoon when landslides and slippery roads are common.

• Fuel stations are available regularly on highways, but keep your tank filled before entering hilly areas where petrol pumps are sparse.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Nainital from Pune, but there is no airport in Nainital itself. You will have to fly to nearby airports and then travel by road.

• The nearest airports to Nainital are Pantnagar Airport (about 70 km away) and Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport, about 300 km away).

• From Pune, you can take direct flights to Delhi, which take about 2.5 hours; fares vary from INR 3,000 to 7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Delhi airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nainital; road travel takes about 7 to 8 hours.

• Alternatively, fly to Pantnagar Airport from Delhi, then hire a taxi or shared jeep for the 40 km drive to Nainital, which takes around 1.5 hours.

• Flight tickets are cheaper if booked well in advance, and avoid traveling during peak holiday seasons to get better deals and availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Kathgodam station and pre-book a taxi or shared jeep for the final stretch to Nainital to avoid waiting times.

• For bus travelers, check the latest schedules of MSRTC and Uttarakhand buses, and book tickets online or at official counters to ensure seat availability.

• If driving, map your route using GPS apps and plan overnight stops in safe cities with good amenities; carry a physical map as backup.

• Pack light but include essentials like warm clothes for Nainital’s cool climate, especially if traveling in winter, and carry snacks for long road journeys.

• Download local cab apps like Ola or Uber for use in Nainital and nearby cities to navigate easily once you arrive.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water in Nainital; buy bottled water from trusted shops to prevent stomach issues.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs from stations and airports to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar to you.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions regularly as landslides can cause delays or route changes, especially on the Delhi-Nainital stretch.

• Book accommodation in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to avoid last-minute price surges and unavailability.

• Keep your luggage light and secure; avoid carrying valuables openly and use lockable bags to prevent theft during travel.

• Try local food at trusted restaurants in Nainital but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach; popular dishes include Bhatt ki Churkani and Aloo ke Gutke.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be cold with occasional fog, and monsoon brings heavy rain and landslides.

Travel conditions vary greatly with seasons, so plan your journey to avoid peak monsoon and heavy snowfall periods for a hassle-free trip.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when roads and trains are crowded and accommodation prices spike.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause roadblocks and travel delays due to landslides on the hilly routes near Nainital.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid city traffic in Pune and Delhi and to reach Nainital before dark, especially if driving.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog on highways near Delhi and Uttarakhand, so allow extra travel time and drive cautiously.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

When you arrive in Nainital, you will find a small but busy town with narrow roads and limited parking. The main entry points are via the Mall Road area and Tallital.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are available but limited, so negotiate fares beforehand or use official stands.

Popular areas to stay are near Mall Road, Tallital, and the Nainital Lake, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and sightseeing spots. Walking is common within the town due to narrow lanes and traffic restrictions.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Nainital from Pune depends on your priorities. If you want speed and comfort, flying to Delhi or Pantnagar followed by a taxi is best. For budget travelers, trains to Kathgodam plus road travel offer a scenic and affordable option. Self-driving suits those who enjoy road trips and flexibility.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather updates, and preparing for the hilly terrain near Nainital. With these tips, you can confidently organize your journey and enjoy the beautiful hill station without stress.