Ramnagar is a town located in Uttarakhand, near the famous Jim Corbett National Park. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major hub connecting northern India to many tourist destinations, including Ramnagar. This route is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers planning a trip to Corbett National Park.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Ramnagar using different transport modes. You will learn about trains, buses, driving options, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Ramnagar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many travelers going from Delhi to Ramnagar. The route is well-connected with direct trains, offering a comfortable overnight journey.

• Ramnagar Railway Station (RMR) is the nearest station to Jim Corbett National Park, about 5 km from the town center, connected to Delhi's Old Delhi (DLI) and Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT).

• Trains like the Corbett Park Link Express and Ranikhet Express run daily, covering approximately 260 km in 6 to 8 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class.

• Train services are generally reliable, but monsoon season can cause occasional delays due to track maintenance near forest areas.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during holiday seasons and weekends when demand spikes.

• Facilities at Ramnagar station are basic; pre-booked taxis or auto-rickshaws are available outside for last-mile connectivity to resorts or the park.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective way to reach Ramnagar from Delhi, suitable for budget travelers who do not mind longer travel times. Several government and private operators run services daily.

• Delhi’s ISBT Anand Vihar and Kashmiri Gate bus terminals offer direct Volvo and non-AC buses to Ramnagar, covering around 260 km in 7 to 9 hours.

• Volvo buses provide comfortable seating and air conditioning, with fares between ₹400 and ₹700, while ordinary buses are cheaper but less comfortable.

• Bus frequency is higher during peak tourist seasons like winter and summer holidays, so booking tickets online via MSRTC or private portals is advisable.

• Road conditions on NH9 and NH309 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches near hilly stretches.

• Several rest stops with food stalls and washrooms are available en route, including at Karnal and Haldwani, making breaks convenient.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Ramnagar offers flexibility and comfort, especially for families or groups wanting to explore nearby attractions at their own pace. The route is scenic and well-connected by national highways.

• The distance is approximately 260 km via NH9 and NH309, taking about 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Starting from Delhi, you will pass through Karnal, Nainital, and Haldwani before reaching Ramnagar; toll plazas are present on NH9, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the route, but it is advisable to fill up in major towns like Karnal or Haldwani to avoid scarcity in rural stretches.

• Driving during early mornings helps avoid Delhi’s heavy traffic and reach Ramnagar before evening, especially important during winter when daylight hours are short.

• Self-drive car rentals and cab services like Ola and Uber are available in Delhi, but confirm if they allow outstation trips to Uttarakhand and check for extra charges.

Flight

While Ramnagar does have a small airport, flights from Delhi are limited and not the most convenient option for most travelers. However, it can be considered if you want to save time.

• Ramnagar Airport (RMA) is about 10 km from the town center, with limited daily flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) operated by regional airlines.

• Flight duration is around 1 hour, but ticket prices are higher than train or bus fares, typically ranging from ₹3000 to ₹6000 one way.

• Flights may be affected by weather conditions, especially fog in winter and monsoon rains, causing cancellations or delays.

• From Ramnagar Airport, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for last-mile travel to hotels or Corbett Park entrances.

• Booking flights well in advance is necessary due to limited seats and seasonal demand, especially during peak tourist months.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Delhi to Ramnagar. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially trains or buses, using IRCTC or official bus portals to avoid last-minute unavailability during holidays.

• Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, as some transport options have limited onboard services.

• If traveling by train, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate crowds and find your coach comfortably.

• For bus travelers, confirm the bus terminal and departure time a day before; reach the boarding point early to secure your seat on crowded routes.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check for toll plazas and fuel stations along NH9 and NH309 for smooth travel.

• Upon arrival in Ramnagar, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola for safe and reliable local transport to your accommodation or park entry points.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and keep digital copies of your tickets and bookings to avoid issues during ticket checks or hotel check-ins.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is from hygienic and trusted vendors to prevent stomach issues.

• Book train and bus tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and holiday seasons, as these routes get crowded quickly.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber in Delhi and Ramnagar for safer and cashless rides, avoiding unmetered taxis or autos.

• Pack light luggage and keep valuables close to you, as crowded trains and buses can be targets for pickpockets.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions before traveling, as landslides and waterlogging can cause delays on the way to Ramnagar.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Ramnagar depends on weather and tourist seasons. Winters and summers are popular for visiting Corbett National Park, but each season has its challenges.

Monsoon season can cause roadblocks and train delays due to heavy rainfall and landslides in the hilly areas near Ramnagar. Fog in winter mornings may also affect flights and early road travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and New Year when roads and trains are crowded, and prices surge.

• Summer months (March to June) offer clear roads and pleasant weather but can be hot in Delhi; early morning departures are recommended.

• Monsoon (July to September) can cause slippery roads and train delays; check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

• Early morning departures help avoid Delhi traffic and reach Ramnagar with daylight, especially important in winter when days are short.

Arrival at Ramnagar & What to Expect

When you arrive at Ramnagar Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several options for local transport. Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside, and app-based cabs like Ola operate in the town.

Most tourists stay near the Corbett National Park gate or in Ramnagar town, where hotels and resorts are concentrated. It is advisable to pre-book accommodation and arrange transfers from the station or bus stand to avoid waiting.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Ramnagar from Delhi is by train, offering a balance of comfort, affordability, and convenience. Buses are a good budget option, while self-driving provides flexibility for those wanting to explore en route. Flights are limited but can save time if booked early.

Plan your journey by booking tickets in advance, considering seasonal weather, and choosing departure times that avoid Delhi traffic. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip to Ramnagar and the beautiful Jim Corbett National Park.