Rishikesh is a famous spiritual town located in Uttarakhand, known for yoga and river rafting. Auli, also in Uttarakhand, is a popular hill station famous for skiing and scenic views of the Himalayas. Many travelers journey between these two destinations to experience both spiritual calm and mountain adventure.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Rishikesh to Auli. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to help you reach Auli comfortably and confidently.

Getting from Rishikesh to Auli – Main Options

Train

Train travel is limited between Rishikesh and Auli due to the mountainous terrain near Auli. However, trains can get you close to Auli by reaching nearby railway stations.

• The nearest major railway station to Auli is Haridwar, about 120 km from Auli, connected well to Rishikesh by frequent trains and local transport. Trains between Rishikesh and Haridwar take about 30-45 minutes and cost ₹20-₹50.

• From Haridwar, you can take a bus or taxi to Joshimath, the gateway town to Auli, which is approximately 150 km away and takes 5-6 hours by road.

• Train frequency between Rishikesh and Haridwar is high, with many passenger and express trains running daily, making it a convenient first leg of the journey.

• Train travel is comfortable and affordable but requires additional road travel from Haridwar to Auli, which can be time-consuming and affected by mountain road conditions.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals, to avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to travel from Rishikesh to Auli, especially for budget travelers and those who want direct road access.

• Direct buses from Rishikesh to Joshimath run daily, covering approximately 210 km in 7-9 hours depending on road and weather conditions, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹600.

• State-run buses by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators offer regular services, with early morning departures preferred to avoid night driving on hilly roads.

• Buses are usually non-air-conditioned, and can get crowded during peak seasons like winter ski months and summer holidays, so booking tickets in advance is advisable.

• Roads include National Highway 7 and mountain roads with hairpin bends; monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or road repairs.

• Rest stops with basic food options are available en route, mainly at towns like Devprayag and Srinagar (Uttarakhand), so plan for breaks during the long journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Rishikesh to Auli offers flexibility and scenic views, making it a preferred option for travelers who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route.

• The distance by road is about 210 km, typically taking 7-8 hours via NH7 and mountain roads through Devprayag, Srinagar, and Joshimath.

• Driving yourself or hiring a taxi allows stops at scenic spots like Devprayag (confluence of rivers) and local markets, enhancing the travel experience.

• Road conditions vary; highways are good, but mountain stretches have narrow, winding roads requiring careful driving, especially during monsoon or winter.

• Toll plazas are present on NH7; expect toll charges totaling around ₹150-₹250 for the entire route.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Rishikesh; booking through trusted agencies or apps like Ola Outstation can ensure safety and reliability.

• Fuel stations are limited in mountain areas, so fill up in Rishikesh or major towns before heading into hills.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Rishikesh to Auli, but air travel can be combined with road transport for faster access to the region.

• The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 270 km from Auli, with regular flights from Delhi and other major cities.

• From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or bus to Dehradun Airport, about 35 km away, which takes around 1-1.5 hours.

• After flying into Dehradun, you must travel by road to Joshimath and then Auli, which takes 7-8 hours by taxi or bus.

• Flights save time on the Delhi-Dehradun leg but do not reduce overall travel time significantly due to long road travel in hills.

• Booking flights early, especially during winter ski season, is important to get reasonable fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Rishikesh to Auli to make the journey smooth and stress-free.

• Step 1: Book your train or bus ticket from Rishikesh to Haridwar or Joshimath in advance via IRCTC or UTC websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Step 2: If traveling by train, reach Haridwar station early and arrange a taxi or bus to Joshimath; if by bus, board the direct bus to Joshimath from Rishikesh’s main bus stand.

• Step 3: Carry light luggage and pack warm clothes, as mountain weather can be cold even in summer; keep water and snacks handy for the long road journey.

• Step 4: On reaching Joshimath, hire a local taxi or shared cab to Auli, which is about 16 km uphill; roads can be steep and narrow, so choose experienced drivers.

• Step 5: Confirm your accommodation booking in Auli before arrival, as options are limited and fill up quickly during peak seasons like winter and summer holidays.

• Step 6: Use local transport apps or prepaid taxi counters to avoid overcharging; always agree on fares before starting your journey in mountain towns.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and keep digital copies of your tickets and bookings, as these are often checked during travel in Uttarakhand’s tourist areas.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling by road through remote areas with limited hygiene facilities.

• Book bus and train tickets online early, especially during festivals like Diwali or winter ski season, to avoid sold-out situations and last-minute price hikes.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Rishikesh and Joshimath to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear during monsoon, and comfortable shoes for walking on uneven mountain roads and trails.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountains; check local weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Rishikesh to Auli depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Summer months offer pleasant weather, while winter is best for skiing.

Monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rains, causing landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky and slow. Winter months (December to February) can have fog and snow, affecting visibility and road safety.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when roads and transport are crowded and prices surge.

• Summer (April to June) offers clear roads and moderate temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and road trips.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid night driving on mountain roads and to reach destinations before dark.

• Winter travelers should check weather updates regularly and carry chains or snow gear if driving, as roads may be icy or blocked.

Arrival at Auli & What to Expect

Arriving in Auli, you will find a small but well-maintained hill station with limited local transport options. Most visitors rely on taxis or hotel shuttles to move around.

The main areas to stay are near the Auli ski slopes and the ropeway base station. Prepaid taxis and shared cabs are available at Joshimath, the nearest town, which is the usual last stop before Auli.

App-based cabs may not be available in Auli itself, so it is best to arrange transport in advance or through your hotel. Walking is common within Auli due to its compact size, but be prepared for steep paths and cold weather.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Auli from Rishikesh is by combining train or bus travel to Joshimath followed by a taxi or shared cab to Auli. This route balances comfort, cost, and scenic experience well.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and packing appropriately will help you enjoy a safe and pleasant journey. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your trip from Rishikesh to Auli and look forward to the beautiful Himalayan landscapes and adventure that await.