Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states in India. It is a state where people come for peace and adventure from all over. But before you plan your visit, you have to know how to reach Uttarakhand. This blog will help you travel to Uttarakhand by air, train and road. Also, you’ll get some superbly helpful tips that will ease out your journey.
How to Reach Uttarakhand By Train
If you are considering a mode of transportation to reach Uttarakhand and prefer the slow travel option, trains are a favourable option. It is also a good option if you are looking to reduce costs on transportation.
Uttarakhand does not have railway lines in some of the hilly areas but many of the important towns are connected to the Indian Railways network. Do you know how to reach Uttarakhand by train? Some of the railway stations in Uttarakhand include:
1. Dehradun Railway Station
The capital city, Dehradun has a big railway station, and it has good road and railway connections to other big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From Delhi, there is a train to Nainital by train. Some of the popular trains include:
- Shatabdi Express (Delhi to Dehradun)
- Nanda Devi Express
- Jan Shatabdi Express
2. Haridwar Junction
Haridwar is one of the most popular religious towns and has a decent-sized railhead. How to reach Haridwar? Many trains are coming into Haridwar every day. It is a good place to start if you want to visit Rishikesh, Kedarnath or Badrinath. However, Rishikesh is 25 km from Haridwar and can be reached by auto, taxi or bus.
Some famous trains you can travel to Haridwar with are:
- Haridwar Express
- Yoga Express
- Doon Express
Read Also – 15 Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
3. Kathgodam Railway Station
This is a key point of entry for the Kumaon area. Kathgodam railway station is also the last station before the hills begin. From here, you can reach Nainital and Binsar.
Delhi to nainital train options such as Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi arrive daily.
4. Other Useful Stations
- Tanakpur is a good station if you want to get to Pithoragarh or Champawat.
- Kotdwar is very useful for reaching Lansdowne and the surrounding areas.
- Ramnagar is another useful station you can use. It is also the closest station to Jim Corbett National Park.
Tips For Train Travel
- Make sure you book tickets early to secure a confirmed seat.
- Travel with warm clothing during winter.
- Local taxis make travelling easier from all major stations.
Our Famous Uttarakhand Tour Packages:
| Uttarakhand Tour Packages | No of Days |
| Uttarakhand Tour Packages | 03 Days to 08 Days |
| Uttarakhand Tour Package from Delhi | 09 Nights / 10 Days |
| Kumaon Tour Package for 7 Days | 06 Nights / 07 Days |
| Lansdowne Tour Package |
02 Nights / 03 Days
|
| Auli Honeymoon Package for Couples |
03 Nights / 04 Days
|
| Nainital Honeymoon Tour Package for Couples |
02 Nights / 03 Days
|
| Mussoorie Honeymoon Package from Delhi |
02 Nights / 03 Days
|
| Chardham Yatra Tour Packages | 03 Days to 12 Days |
How to Reach Uttarakhand by Air
It is simple to decide which method of travelling to Uttarakhand is suitable, for making the most of the trip. You could fly directly into the State by passing through Dehradun or Pantnagar
1. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Jolly Grant (Dehradun Airport) is the second nearest airport. Located roughly 30 km from Dehradun, it is now the most visited airport in Uttarakhand. This airport has a number of airlines (Air India, IndiGo, etc.) with flights originating from Delhi, Kolkata, etc. After arriving at Jolly Grant Airport you’ll be able to take a taxi or bus directly to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, or even Chopta or Auli.
2. Pantnagar Airport
This airport is in the Kumaon region and is smaller than the one at Deharadun. This airport is useful when you plan a trip to Nainital, or Ranikhet, or Almora, or the Jim Corbett National Park.. The popular flights to this airport start in Delhi.
You can find taxis and local transport from the airport to get to the other hill stations. Book a flight when you can during the dry season. In extreme weather like monsoons or winter flights may be delayed or cancelled. After you land, you still have a road trip, not much shorter or longer in duration, as it might take a couple of hours for you to reach your location.
For those who want to save time or who are coming from more distant cities, this is the best way to reach Uttarakhand.
How to Reach Uttarakhand By Road
Uttarakhand has good roads that connect it to the closest states which include Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. This method of travel is ideal in case you enjoy a good road trip. Lots of individuals reach Uttarakhand using a bus, an automobile, or a taxi.
1. From Delhi to Uttarakhand
Delhi is the main entrance to Uttarakhand. Your travel time by road depends on your destination. The distance between Delhi and Haridwar is approximately five hours or 220 km.
Wondering how to reach the valley of flowers Uttarakhand from Delhi? You have to travel to Dehradun through Delhi. It is approximately 240 km and it is around six hours. If you are travelling from Delhi to Nainital, it can take 7-8 hours.
You can either drive your car or book a cab. The roads are good, and the overall view is fabulous.
2. By Bus
Several private and government buses run from places like Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and other nearby locations every day. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses and private buses also run sleeper and Volvo models.
They are sold in an application or online service like RedBus or the UTC portal. The stopovers will be made by most buses in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haldwani and Nainital.
3. Self-Drive or Taxi
If you want more flexibility, self-driving is fantastic because you can stop whenever you want. Just remember to bring your license and car documents. You also need to be careful driving in hilly areas, especially when making sharp turns. Try not to drive at night in hilly areas.
If you do not feel like driving, you can reserve a taxi from the major cities. Many online apps offer the option to rent cars with trained drivers.
4. Local Travel in Uttarakhand
When you are in the state, you can use local jeeps or shared taxis to get to the smaller towns or trekking areas. Buses are also available, but slow in some distant places.
This mode of transportation is good for lovers of nature and anyone interested in a scenic drive.
What is the best way to reach Uttarakhand?
The best way for you to travel to Uttarakhand depends on your travel criteria. Coming from a distance and wanting to save time? Air travel is the fastest. It is also the most expensive. The train has a lot of nice views. It is the best option if you are travelling on a budget. However, it is not as efficient as air and road transport because it takes a longer time.
For those familiar with driving, there is no better and flexible option compared to road travel, especially for the surrounding states and major cities. Driving is the slowest, but you are able to enjoy the scenic nature at your discretion. Make the most informed and best choice for you based on time, distance and cost.
Entry Points To Keep In Mind
You should know that different parts of Uttarakhand are accessible from different entry points.
Here is a brief reference list:
- Garhwal Region (Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kedarnath): Dehradun airport, Haridwar Station, and drive from Delhi
- Kumaon Region (Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh): Pantnagar airport, Kathgodam Station, Haldwani.
Seasonal Travel Advice
- Summer (March to June): All routes are open. The time to visit Char Dham Yatra.
- Monsoon (July to September): Landslides compromise the roads. Before travelling, you must be vigilant and stay updated with the news.
- Winter (October to February): It is a good time to see snow, but most of the routes can be closed in the conditions of the snowfall. Always check weather updates.
Bonus Travel Advice
- Check Google Maps and travel apps before travelling.
- Peak travel months will mean traffic congestion. Start your travel early.
- Always have cash and water for long trips.
- When you are driving with young kids and/or older people, make sure to carry snacks.
- The phone network can be off, particularly in distant places.
Top Frequently Asked Questions –
Q: How to reach Uttarakhand from Delhi?
Reaching Uttarakhand from Delhi is super convenient. You can travel by road, train, or flight, depending on your destination in Uttarakhand. For places like Dehradun, Mussoorie, or Rishikesh, buses and trains from Delhi are frequent and comfortable. If you’re short on time, flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) are also available daily. The road journey takes around 5–8 hours, depending on where you’re headed.
Q: How to reach Uttarakhand from Mumbai?
Coming from Mumbai? The easiest way is to take a direct flight to Dehradun or Delhi and then continue by road or train. There are direct flights from Mumbai to Dehradun, or you can fly to Delhi and catch a train or bus to your destination in Uttarakhand. Trains from Mumbai to Haridwar or Dehradun are also available but take more time—around 24–30 hours.
Q: How to reach Uttarakhand from Bangalore?
From Bangalore, flying is the most time-saving option. You can take a direct flight to Dehradun (though limited) or fly to Delhi, which has more connections. From Delhi, continue by train, cab, or bus. If you’re planning to go by train, be ready for a long journey—nearly 36–40 hours, depending on the route.
Q: How to reach Uttarakhand from Kerala?
If you’re traveling from Kerala to Uttarakhand, the fastest and most convenient way is by flight. However, there are no direct flights from Kerala to Uttarakhand. You’ll need to take a connecting flight with a layover—usually in Delhi. Once you reach Delhi, you can either board a domestic flight to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport or continue by train or road to your chosen destination in Uttarakhand.
Direct train options from Kerala are very limited and the journey can take over 48 hours, so flying via Delhi is your best bet for a smoother and quicker trip.
Q: How to reach Nainital from Delhi?
Nainital is around 300 km from Delhi and can be reached easily by road or train. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, just 35 km from Nainital. From there, you can take a taxi or shared cab. Buses also run daily from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT directly to Nainital. The total journey takes about 7–8 hours by road.
Q: What is the nearest railway station of Mussoorie?
Mussoorie doesn’t have its own railway station, but the nearest one is Dehradun Railway Station, which is about 36 km away. Once you arrive at Dehradun, you can take a taxi, bus, or shared cab to reach Mussoorie. The drive up the hills takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
Q: What is the best time to travel to Uttarakhand?
It depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. For pleasant weather and sightseeing, the best time is March to June. If you want to enjoy snowfall, visit between December and February. The monsoon months (July to September) bring lush greenery but also landslide risks in hilly areas, so plan accordingly.
Read in Detail –Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand: Seasonal Guide for Travellers
Q: What types of public transport are available within Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand offers a decent mix of public transport options. You’ll find state-run buses (UTC) connecting most towns and cities. For local travel, shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are widely available. In popular tourist areas like Nainital, Mussoorie, and Rishikesh, private cabs and two-wheelers on rent are also popular among travelers.
Final Wrap-Up
Wonder World Travels can make your trip to Uttarakhand easy and enjoyable. You can opt for an affordable Uttarakhand Tour packages and enjoy the journey worry-free. Dehradun or Pantnagar airports allow direct flights to the state. You can also decide to take a long train journey. The Indian train experience is memorable.
Driving through the plains and up into the hills that are in Uttarakhand is also another memorable experience. Each route may offer unique perspectives and styles of travel, and offer its charm and comfort.
The choices you make may be difficult as each has its own charm. But once you are on the road, you will not waste a second, and you will definitely love the experience and beauty of Uttarakhand.
