How to Reach Uttarakhand: Flights, Trains and Road Routes

Most travellers reach Uttarakhand from Delhi. For Garhwal — Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Mussoorie — take a fast train or drive five to six hours, or fly into Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport. For Kumaon, take the train to Kathgodam for Nainital, or to Ramnagar for Jim Corbett National Park; Pantnagar is the nearest airport.

Uttarakhand divides into two regions, Garhwal in the west and Kumaon in the east, each with its own railheads and roads. Choosing the right one makes the journey shorter and the first day easier. This guide explains the options by air, rail and road, and the drive times to the main hill towns.

The short answer

By air

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, serves Garhwal, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other cities. It is about 30 to 45 minutes from Rishikesh, an hour from Haridwar and about an hour and a half from Mussoorie.

Pantnagar serves Kumaon, with limited flights; it is about two hours from Nainital and two to three hours from Corbett. Smaller airstrips and helicopter services operate for pilgrim routes in season.

From other cities

From Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, the simplest option is a flight to Dehradun for Garhwal, or a flight to Delhi followed by a train to Kathgodam or Ramnagar for Kumaon. Long-distance trains also reach Haridwar and Dehradun from many cities, but journeys can take a day or more, so most travellers from the south and east fly.

By train

From Delhi, fast trains such as the Shatabdi and Vande Bharat reach Haridwar in about four and a half hours and continue to Dehradun. Yog Nagari Rishikesh station has its own services. For Kumaon, the Kathgodam Shatabdi and overnight trains reach Kathgodam, the railhead for Nainital, Bhimtal and Mukteshwar. Ramnagar has trains from Delhi for Corbett. Trains fill quickly on weekends and holidays, so book early.

By road

Delhi to Rishikesh is about 240 kilometres, usually five to six hours, with newer expressway sections shortening parts of the route. Delhi to Nainital is about 300 kilometres, usually seven to eight hours. Delhi to Ramnagar is about 250 kilometres, about five to six hours. Uttarakhand Transport and private buses run from Delhi's ISBTs to most towns.

Drive times within Uttarakhand

Reaching Jim Corbett

Ramnagar is the base for Corbett's zones, such as Bijrani, Jhirna and Dhikala. Safari permits and forest stays are booked through the official Corbett online booking site, and popular zones sell out early. Our Enchanting Wilderness Getaway combines safaris with a riverside stay.

Char Dham and pilgrim routes

Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are reached from Rishikesh and Haridwar over several days. Pilgrims must register with the Uttarakhand government before travelling, and helicopter services to Kedarnath need advance booking through official channels. Roads are busy in May and June and risky in the monsoon.

Getting around

A private car with an experienced hill driver is the most comfortable option. In Rishikesh, autorickshaws and walking cover the town, though the Lakshman Jhula area is busy. In Nainital, the Mall Road has vehicle restrictions at peak times, and boats on the lake are a pleasant way to get around. Food lovers can follow A Journey of Taste and Tradition of Nainital.

Your first day

In Rishikesh, attend the evening Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat after arriving. In Nainital, walk the lake and Mall Road. At Corbett, most travellers arrive by lunch and take an afternoon safari or a nature walk. Keep long hill drives for the next morning.

Season and booking

March to June is the main season in the hills; Corbett's core zones generally open from mid-November to June, with some zones open longer. September to November brings clear Himalayan views. The monsoon brings landslides, and winter brings snow at Auli and Mussoorie. Read our month-by-month guide before booking.

Matching the route to the trip

Budget options

Trains are the best value from Delhi, and Uttarakhand Transport buses are inexpensive. Book trains early for weekends, as Delhi residents fill them for short breaks. Sharing a car and driver among a family or group keeps sightseeing affordable. In Rishikesh, many ashrams offer simple rooms and vegetarian meals for longer stays.

Weekend trips from Delhi

Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital and Corbett all work as long weekends from Delhi. Leave on a Friday morning train, avoid driving out of Delhi on Friday evening, and return on Sunday afternoon before the heaviest traffic. Book hotels early for long weekends and holidays, when hill towns fill up and roads slow down.

Travelling with parents

Take a daytime train in AC chair car and avoid hill drives after dark. Carry motion-sickness medicine for winding roads. For the Char Dham, consider helicopter or pony options, and consult a doctor before high-altitude travel.

For couples

Couples often pair a riverside stay near Rishikesh with a quiet cottage in Mukteshwar or a jungle lodge near Corbett. Weekend trips from Delhi work well by train to Kathgodam or Haridwar.

Practical tips

Book trains and Corbett permits early. Carry cash, as ATMs can be scarce in the hills. Rishikesh is a vegetarian town with no alcohol or meat in the central areas. Read our 7-day Uttarakhand itinerary and Uttarakhand planning guide to plan the rest of your trip.

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Your questions, answered

Which is the nearest airport to Rishikesh?

Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is about 30 to 45 minutes from Rishikesh and about an hour from Haridwar. It has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities.

How do I reach Nainital from Delhi?

Take a train to Kathgodam, which takes about six hours on the fastest services, then drive about an hour and a half up to Nainital. By road, the whole journey takes roughly seven to eight hours.

How do I reach Jim Corbett National Park?

Ramnagar is the gateway town for Corbett, about five to six hours from Delhi by road. Trains run from Delhi to Ramnagar, and Pantnagar is the nearest airport. Book safari permits on the official Corbett booking site.

Do I need to register for the Char Dham Yatra?

Yes. Pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri must register with the Uttarakhand government before travelling. Check the current registration process on official state sources.