Nainital Tour Plan, How to Reach Nainital, Place to Visit

How to Reach Nainital – Complete Travel Guide by Road, Train & Air

Nainital, the “Lake District of India,” is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, known for its beautiful Naini Lake, scenic mountains, and pleasant weather. Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Dehradun, or other cities, here’s a complete guide on how to reach Nainital by road, train, and air, along with estimated fares.


1. How to Reach Nainital by Road

Nainital is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Bareilly via a good road network.

Major Routes to Nainital:

🚘 Delhi → Ghaziabad → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Nainital
🚘 Dehradun → Haridwar → Haldwani → Nainital
🚘 Bareilly → Haldwani → Nainital

Route & Distance:

RouteDistance (Approx.)Travel Time
Delhi to Nainital315 km6-7 hrs
Dehradun to Nainital285 km7-8 hrs
Haridwar to Nainital235 km6-7 hrs
Bareilly to Nainital140 km4-5 hrs
Haldwani to Nainital40 km1-1.5 hrs

Luxury buses, government buses, and private cabs are available from Delhi, Dehradun, and Haldwani.
Taxis and shared jeeps operate from Haldwani, Kathgodam, and Rudrapur.


2. How to Reach Nainital by Train

The nearest railway station to Nainital is:

🚆 Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) – 35 km from Nainital

From Kathgodam, you can reach Nainital by:
Taxi (₹800 – ₹1,500 per car) – Takes about 1 hour.
Shared Jeep (₹150 – ₹300 per person) – Cheaper option.
Local Bus (₹100 – ₹200 per person) – Available during the day.

Major Trains to Kathgodam:

Train NameFromTravel Time
Ranikhet Express (15013)Delhi6.5 hrs
Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti (15035)Delhi6 hrs
Bagh Express (13019)Kolkata30 hrs

3. How to Reach Nainital by Air

The nearest airport to Nainital is:

✈️ Pantnagar Airport (PGH) – 70 km from Nainital

From Pantnagar, you can reach Nainital by:
Taxi (₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per car) – Takes about 2 hours.
Bus or Shared Jeep (₹300 – ₹600 per person) – Available from Haldwani.

Flight Connectivity:

  • Direct flights available from Delhi to Pantnagar.
  • Limited flights, so check availability before booking.

Fare Table for Nainital Travel

Travel ModeRouteApprox. Fare (INR)Time Taken
Bus (Govt/Private)Delhi to Nainital₹600 – ₹1,5007 hrs
Taxi (Sedan)Delhi to Nainital₹5,500 – ₹7,5006-7 hrs
Taxi (SUV/Innova)Delhi to Nainital₹8,000 – ₹12,0006-7 hrs
TrainDelhi to Kathgodam₹200 – ₹1,5006-7 hrs
FlightDelhi to Pantnagar₹3,500 – ₹6,5001 hr

Note: Taxi fares vary based on season and vehicle type.


Best Time to Visit Nainital

March to June – Best time for sightseeing and boating.
September to November – Ideal for nature lovers, post-monsoon greenery.
December to February – Snowfall season, perfect for winter lovers.
July to August – Heavy monsoons, landslides possible.


Final Travel Tips for Nainital

Book your transportation in advance during peak seasons.
Carry warm clothes even in summer, as nights can be chilly.
Avoid traveling during heavy rains, as landslides may occur.
Local transport like rickshaws and rental bikes are available for sightseeing.


Conclusion

Nainital is a beautiful hill station offering a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Whether you’re traveling by road, train, or air, this guide ensures a smooth journey. Plan your trip and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Naini Lake and the surrounding hills.