Pauri is a charming hill town located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is known for its scenic views, peaceful environment, and proximity to several pilgrimage sites. Many travelers visit Pauri to enjoy the natural beauty and explore nearby attractions like Lansdowne and the temples around.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Pauri from major cities, covering trains, buses, and road travel. You will find detailed information on travel times, routes, fares, and practical tips to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Major Cities to Pauri – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Pauri is limited because the town does not have a direct railway station. The nearest major railway stations are in Rishikesh and Kotdwar, which connect well to larger cities like Delhi and Dehradun.

• Rishikesh Railway Station is about 130 km from Pauri and well connected to Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. Trains run frequently, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class and train type.

• Kotdwar Railway Station is closer, approximately 70 km from Pauri, and connects to Delhi via several trains daily. The journey from Kotdwar to Pauri is usually by road.

• From these stations, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pauri, which takes around 2.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Train travel is comfortable and economical but requires planning for the onward road journey, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to reach Pauri, especially from nearby towns and cities in Uttarakhand. State-run and private buses operate regularly.

• Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs direct buses from Kotdwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Pauri. The journey from Kotdwar takes about 3 to 4 hours, costing between ₹100 and ₹200.

• From Rishikesh, buses take around 5 to 6 hours due to hilly terrain and frequent stops, with fares in the ₹150 to ₹300 range.

• Private buses and shared taxis are also available, offering flexible timings but sometimes less comfort and safety standards compared to UTC buses.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can get crowded, so booking tickets in advance or arriving early at the bus station is advisable.

• Road conditions can be affected by monsoon rains, causing delays or occasional cancellations of bus services.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Pauri is a great option if you prefer flexibility and comfort. The roads are scenic but winding, so cautious driving is necessary.

• Pauri is accessible via National Highway NH534 from Kotdwar and NH7 from Rishikesh, covering distances of about 70 km and 130 km respectively.

• The drive from Delhi to Pauri is approximately 270 km and takes around 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

• Toll plazas are present on NH7 and NH534, so keep some cash handy for toll payments during the journey.

• There are several rest stops and dhabas along the route offering local food and refreshments, especially near Kotdwar and Lansdowne.

• During monsoon, landslides and slippery roads are common, so check weather and road conditions before starting your trip.

• Parking in Pauri town is limited but manageable; it is best to park near the main market or guest houses.

Flight

Pauri does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and Pantnagar Airport, both about 150 to 170 km away. Flights are suitable only if you are traveling from distant cities.

• Dehradun Airport offers regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities, with travel time to Pauri by road around 5 to 6 hours.

• From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pauri; taxis are faster but more expensive, costing around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.

• Bus services from Dehradun to Pauri are available but less frequent and take longer due to multiple stops.

• Flight fares vary seasonally, and booking in advance is recommended to get better rates.

• Considering the road travel time from airports, flights are best combined with overnight stays in Dehradun or Rishikesh before heading to Pauri.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Pauri to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Book your train ticket to Rishikesh or Kotdwar early via IRCTC to secure your preferred class and avoid last-minute rush.

• Upon arrival at the railway station, arrange a pre-paid taxi or check bus schedules at the station counter for onward travel to Pauri.

• If taking a bus, arrive at the bus depot early, especially during weekends or holidays, to get a seat and avoid overcrowding.

• Carry light luggage and water bottles, as the road journey to Pauri involves winding roads and limited stops.

• Use Ola or Uber cabs where available in Kotdwar or Rishikesh for last-mile connectivity; in Pauri, local taxis and shared jeeps are common.

• Keep local emergency numbers handy and inform your guesthouse or hotel about your arrival time for smooth check-in.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of safe drinking water and some snacks, as food options on the road can be limited and hygiene standards vary.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance during festival seasons like Diwali or Navratri to avoid unavailability and inflated fares.

• Use prepaid taxi counters at railway stations to avoid overcharging by local drivers, especially in tourist areas.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as medical facilities in Pauri are basic and pharmacies may have limited stock.

• Dress in layers and carry rain gear during monsoon months (July to September) due to unpredictable weather and road conditions.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as public transport can get crowded and handling heavy bags on hilly roads is difficult.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pauri is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are safe. Winters can be cold but clear, while monsoon brings heavy rains and landslides.

Travel during peak festivals or summer holidays can be crowded, so plan accordingly to avoid delays and accommodation shortages.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) due to frequent landslides and slippery roads that cause delays and safety risks.

• Festival periods like Diwali and Holi see increased traffic on roads and trains, so book tickets early and expect crowded transport.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid fog and traffic jams, especially in winter months when visibility can be low.

• Late evening travel is not recommended due to limited street lighting and fewer transport options in hilly areas.

Arrival at Pauri & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pauri, you will find a small but vibrant town with basic amenities and friendly locals. The main bus stand and taxi points are close to the town center, making it easy to find accommodation and local transport.

Local transport includes shared jeeps and taxis that connect to nearby villages and tourist spots. Walking is also a good option within the town due to its compact size. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are limited but may be available in peak seasons.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Pauri depends on your starting point and travel preferences. Train travel to Kotdwar or Rishikesh combined with a taxi or bus ride is economical and practical for most travelers. Self-driving offers flexibility but requires caution on hilly roads.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will ensure a comfortable journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Pauri and enjoy the serene beauty of this Uttarakhand hill town.