Tanakpur is a town located in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, near the border with Nepal. Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is a major hub in northern India. Many travelers journey from Lucknow to Tanakpur to explore the scenic hills and visit religious sites in the Kumaon region.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Tanakpur. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan for a smooth journey.

Getting from Lucknow to Tanakpur – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a popular and economical choice for traveling between Lucknow and Tanakpur. The route offers scenic views and a comfortable journey if you book in advance.

• Tanakpur Railway Station is the nearest railhead to the town, connected to Lucknow via intermediate junctions like Bareilly and Pilibhit, covering around 350 km in approximately 9 to 11 hours.

• Trains such as the Lucknow–Tanakpur Express run daily but may have limited frequency; booking through IRCTC at least a week ahead is advised to secure seats, especially during festivals.

• Train fares range from INR 200 for sleeper class to INR 700 for AC 3-tier, offering affordable travel with options for different budgets and comfort levels.

• Train journeys can face delays during monsoon due to track maintenance or fog in winter mornings, so plan accordingly and check live train status before departure.

• Tanakpur station is small but has basic facilities; local auto-rickshaws and taxis are available outside for last-mile connectivity to your accommodation or nearby attractions.

Bus

Buses are a common and flexible way to reach Tanakpur from Lucknow, with several government and private operators running services daily.

• Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) operate direct buses from Lucknow’s Charbagh Bus Station to Tanakpur Bus Stand, covering about 350 km in 10 to 12 hours.

• Bus fares typically range between INR 400 and INR 700 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo, with Volvo buses offering more comfort but fewer departures.

• Buses run mostly in the early morning and evening; night buses are available but may be crowded during holiday seasons like Diwali or summer vacations.

• The route follows National Highway 9 and NH 309, passing through towns like Bareilly and Haldwani, with several roadside dhabas and rest stops for meals and refreshments.

• During monsoon, road conditions may worsen with occasional landslides near the hills, causing delays; winter fog can also slow travel in early mornings.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Tanakpur offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey covers around 350 km and takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The main route is via NH 27 and NH 309, passing through Bareilly, Pilibhit, and Haldwani; these highways are mostly two-lane with some four-lane stretches near cities.

• Toll plazas are present on NH 27 and NH 309, with toll charges totaling around INR 200 to INR 300; keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Driving allows stops at popular dhabas and tourist spots like Corbett National Park near Ramnagar, ideal for food breaks and sightseeing.

• Roads can be slippery during monsoon and foggy in winter mornings; drive cautiously and avoid night driving in hilly areas for safety.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Lucknow from agencies like Zoomcar and local providers; booking in advance is recommended for better rates and vehicle availability.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Lucknow and Tanakpur as Tanakpur does not have an airport. However, flying can be combined with other transport modes for faster travel.

• The nearest airport to Tanakpur is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away, which has limited flights connecting to Delhi and other cities; from Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Tanakpur.

• Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers daily flights to Delhi and Pantnagar; flying to Pantnagar and then traveling by road can reduce overall travel time.

• Flight fares between Lucknow and Pantnagar vary from INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip helps secure better prices.

• From Pantnagar Airport, taxis and shared jeeps are available for the 2 to 3-hour drive to Tanakpur; road conditions are generally good on this stretch.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Lucknow to Tanakpur. It covers key actions to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least 5 to 7 days before travel using IRCTC or official bus portals to avoid last-minute unavailability and higher fares.

• Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially if traveling by train or bus where stops may be infrequent and food options limited.

• Reach the Lucknow railway station or bus terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus bay without stress.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel tank, and GPS route before starting; carry a physical map as backup since mobile signals can be weak in some areas.

• During the journey, keep your ID and tickets handy for verification; Indian trains and buses often have ticket checks and security personnel on board.

• Upon arrival in Tanakpur, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport to your hotel or destination.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of purified water and avoid drinking tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use official booking portals like IRCTC for trains and UPSRTC for buses to avoid scams and inflated prices from agents or touts at stations.

• Keep your luggage secure and within sight, especially in crowded places like bus stands and railway stations, to prevent theft or loss.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions before traveling, as landslides and waterlogging can cause delays or route changes.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs on arrival in Tanakpur to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand if using local auto-rickshaws.

• Carry light snacks like biscuits or fruits, as food options on some routes may be limited or unhygienic; roadside dhabas are good but choose busy, clean ones.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Tanakpur depends on weather and local festivals. Avoiding peak traffic times and bad weather will make your journey more comfortable.

Winter months from November to February are cool and pleasant but early morning fog can delay trains and buses. Summer months are hot but ideal for sightseeing once you reach Tanakpur.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season from July to September can cause roadblocks and slow train speeds due to heavy rains and landslides in hilly areas near Tanakpur.

• Early morning departures from Lucknow help you avoid city traffic and reach Tanakpur by evening, allowing time to settle in before dark.

• Late evening or night travel by bus or train is possible but less comfortable due to cold and limited food availability en route.

Arrival at Tanakpur & What to Expect

When you arrive at Tanakpur Railway Station or Bus Stand, you will find basic facilities and local transport options to reach your accommodation or nearby attractions.

Prepaid taxi counters are available at the station, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in the town, offering safe and affordable rides. Auto-rickshaws are common but negotiate fares before starting your trip.

Popular areas to stay include the town center near the bus stand and the market area, which have budget hotels and guesthouses. For a more scenic stay, consider accommodations near the banks of the Sharda River or on the outskirts closer to the hills.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Lucknow to Tanakpur depends on your budget and time. Trains offer affordable and scenic travel, while buses provide flexible schedules. Driving gives freedom to explore en route, and flights combined with road travel can save time.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing the right transport mode will help you enjoy a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Lucknow to Tanakpur and experience the natural beauty and culture of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region.