Rishikesh is a beautiful town located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, known for its spiritual significance and scenic beauty along the banks of the Ganges River. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major hub connecting travelers to many destinations, including Rishikesh.

This route is popular among tourists and pilgrims seeking yoga, adventure, and peace. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Delhi to Rishikesh – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many visitors. Trains offer a comfortable and scenic journey with several options available daily.

• The main railway station in Delhi for this route is New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), with trains arriving at Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH), about 5 km from the town center.

• Train travel time ranges from 5 to 7 hours depending on the train type, with fares typically between ₹150 and ₹600 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Popular trains include the Yoga Express and Dehradun Shatabdi, which are well-maintained and have good frequency, especially during tourist seasons.

• Trains can get crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets in advance through IRCTC is advisable to secure preferred classes and seats.

• Rishikesh station is small but clean, with easy access to local taxis and auto-rickshaws for the last mile to hotels or ashrams.

Bus

Buses are a flexible and affordable way to reach Rishikesh, with multiple government and private operators running services daily.

• Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate is the main bus terminal offering direct buses to Rishikesh, including deluxe and semi-deluxe options.

• Travel time by bus is about 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions on NH 334 and NH 7, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹700.

• MSRTC and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation run regular services, with private operators providing Volvo and AC buses for added comfort.

• During monsoon season, landslides and roadblocks can cause delays, so check weather updates before traveling.

• Buses stop at major towns like Haridwar for breaks, where you can find clean restrooms and food stalls serving local snacks.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Rishikesh is a popular choice for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route is scenic and well-connected by highways.

• The distance is approximately 240 km via NH 334 and NH 7, with an average driving time of 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

• Toll plazas are present on the highways, with toll charges typically between ₹150 and ₹300 for the entire route.

• Rest stops with food options are available at Muradnagar and Roorkee, offering local dhabas and clean washrooms.

• Driving during early mornings or late evenings helps avoid Delhi and Haridwar traffic congestion, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Self-drive car rentals and cab services like Ola and Uber are available in Delhi, with options for round trips or one-way drop-offs to Rishikesh.

Flight

Although Rishikesh has a small airport, flights from Delhi are limited and not the most practical option for most travelers. However, flying to nearby airports is possible.

• The nearest major airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km from Rishikesh, with daily flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

• Flight duration is about 1 hour, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Dehradun airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or book app-based cabs to reach Rishikesh in about 1 to 1.5 hours, costing around ₹800 to ₹1200.

• Flights can be affected by fog during winter months, causing delays or cancellations, so check flight status before departure.

• Booking flights well in advance during peak tourist seasons like summer and festivals is recommended to get better fares and availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Rishikesh, helping you prepare and navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially train tickets via IRCTC or bus tickets through official portals, to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure seat availability.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as some journeys can be long and stops may be limited or crowded.

• If traveling by train, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform and avoid confusion in busy stations like New Delhi.

• For bus travel, reach ISBT Kashmiri Gate early, as buses often leave on time and boarding can be chaotic during peak hours.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel level, and route on Google Maps or GPS, and start early to avoid Delhi traffic and reach Rishikesh before dark.

• Upon arrival, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach your accommodation safely and at reasonable fares.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep a copy of your ID and booking confirmations handy, as they are required for train and bus travel and during police checks on highways.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during the journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared and from clean stalls to prevent stomach issues.

• Use official websites or apps like IRCTC and MSRTC for booking tickets to avoid scams and inflated prices from agents.

• In Rishikesh, local transport includes auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws; agree on fares before starting the ride or use app-based cabs for convenience.

• Carry a small bag for valuables and keep your luggage locked, especially in crowded trains and buses, to prevent theft.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and prone to landslides; check weather forecasts and travel advisories before starting your trip.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh is during the cooler months from September to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers can be hot, and monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt travel.

Planning your journey to avoid major festivals like Diwali and Holi is wise, as trains and buses get crowded and prices rise. Early morning departures often offer smoother traffic conditions.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July and August due to frequent landslides and roadblocks on the highway to Rishikesh.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog around Delhi and Haridwar, causing delays in train and road travel; mid-morning departures are safer.

• Festival periods like Navratri and International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh see a surge in travelers, so book tickets and accommodations well in advance.

• Midweek travel is generally less crowded and more comfortable than weekends, especially for buses and trains.

Arrival at Rishikesh & What to Expect

When you arrive at Rishikesh Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several local transport options like auto-rickshaws and taxis waiting. The town is compact, so most places are within a short ride.

Popular areas to stay include Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, and Ram Jhula, which are close to the Ganges and many ashrams. Prepaid taxi counters at the station help avoid overcharging, and app-based cabs like Ola are available but limited.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Rishikesh from Delhi depends on your budget and comfort preference. Trains offer a balance of cost and convenience, while buses provide flexible timings. Driving gives freedom to explore, and flights to Dehradun are quick but less common.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing travel times that avoid peak traffic. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy your journey from Delhi to the serene town of Rishikesh.