Nestled around the emerald waters of Naini Lake in the Kumaon Himalayas, Nainital sits approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Delhi. Whether you are seeking a weekend escape from the capital or embarking on your first Himalayan journey as an international traveler, knowing how to reach Nainital from Delhi efficiently can save you hours of travel time and stress. For a comprehensive overview of planning your trip, check out our complete Nainital travel guide.
Because Nainital is a mountain hill station located at an elevation of 2,084 meters (6,837 feet), there are no direct railway stations or commercial airports in the town itself. Your journey will involve a combination of transit to the Himalayan foothills followed by a scenic mountain drive. Below is the complete breakdown of options by train, road, bus, and flight.
Quick Comparison: Delhi to Nainital Travel Modes
| Mode of Travel | Distance / Route | Average Travel Time | Estimated Cost (per person) | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Taxi | Delhi to Kathgodam (281 km) + Taxi to Nainital (35 km) | 5.5 – 7 hours total | ₹450 – ₹1,800 ($6 – $22 USD) | Comfort, punctuality, international travelers |
| Self-Drive / Private Cab | Via NH 9 & NH 109 (~300 km) | 6.5 – 8 hours | ₹3,500 – ₹7,000 ($42 – $85 USD) | Families, group flexibility, scenic stopovers |
| Volvo / Luxury Bus | ISBT Anand Vihar to Nainital Bus Stand | 7 – 9 hours (Overnight) | ₹700 – ₹1,400 ($9 – $17 USD) | Budget solo travelers, overnight time-savers |
| Flight + Taxi | Delhi (DEL) to Pantnagar (PGH) + Taxi (70 km) | 1 hour flight + 2.5 hours drive | ₹3,500 – ₹8,000 ($42 – $96 USD) | Fastest transit (subject to flight schedules) |
1. How to Reach Nainital from Delhi by Train (The Most Comfortable Option)
Taking a train from Delhi to the foothills of Uttarakhand is widely considered the smoothest, most reliable travel method. The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam (Station Code: KGM), located 35 kilometers away at the base of the hills.
Key Trains Operating from Delhi to Kathgodam
- Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12040): Departs New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) daily around 06:20 AM and arrives at Kathgodam by 11:55 AM. Includes AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC) with onboard meals.
- Ranikhet Express (Train No. 15014): An overnight train departing Jaisalmer/Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) around 10:30 PM, arriving at Kathgodam by 05:05 AM. Offers 1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, and Sleeper berths.
- Naini Jan Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12091): Departs Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT) in the afternoon, ideal for travelers landing in Delhi before mid-day.
Last-Mile Transfer: Getting from Kathgodam to Nainital
Once you step off the train at Kathgodam, you have three options to cover the remaining 35-km winding mountain climb:
- Private Taxi: Available outside Kathgodam station. Rates are standardized by the local union (approx. ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 for a hatchback or sedan). Journey time: ~1 hour 15 minutes.
- Shared Taxi: Located near the station exit. Fares range between ₹200 – ₹300 per seat. A budget-friendly option, though vehicles wait until all seats are filled.
- State Buses (UTC): Frequent government buses run from Haldwani/Kathgodam to Nainital Tallital bus stand for ₹80 – ₹120 per ticket.
2. How to Reach Nainital from Delhi by Road (Self-Drive & Private Cabs)
Driving from Delhi to Nainital offers scenic freedom, but requires familiarity with both highway driving and steep hill climbs. The distance is approximately 300 kilometers.
Recommended Driving Route
Delhi → Ghaziabad → Hapur Bypass → Moradabad Bypass → Rampur → Bilaspur → Rudrapur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Nainital
Road Conditions & Practical Driving Tips
- Plains Section (Delhi to Kathgodam): Excellent multi-lane national highways (NH 9). Expect smooth toll roads up to Rampur and Rudrapur.
- Mountain Section (Kathgodam to Nainital – NH 109): A two-lane mountain road featuring sharp hairpin bends. Drive carefully, yield to uphill traffic, and avoid overtaking on sharp curves. Before hitting the mountain roads, read up on practical tips on how to get around Nainital safely.
- Monsoon Hazards (July to September): Mountain stretches around Bhowali and Kathgodam can experience sudden landslides or heavy fog during monsoon rains. Check regional weather alerts and consult our guide on the best time to visit Nainital before planning your road trip.
- Winter Visibility (December to January): Heavy morning fog across the Uttar Pradesh plains (Hapur to Rampur) can slow driving speeds significantly. Aim for a mid-morning departure to avoid peak fog hours.
3. How to Reach Nainital from Delhi by Bus
Intercity buses are an economical option, operating around the clock between Delhi and Nainital. If you are tracking your overall vacation expenses, check out our breakdown of the Nainital trip cost to see how bus transit fits into your budget.
- Departure Point in Delhi: Most luxury and state-run buses leave from ISBT Anand Vihar in East Delhi.
- Bus Types: Options include Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) regular buses, private AC Volvo Sleepers, and Bharat Benz Seater buses.
- Boarding & Dropping Points: Buses drop passengers directly at Tallital Bus Stand in Nainital, located right at the southern edge of Naini Lake.
- Booking Tip: Book tickets via official portals like the UTC website or verified platforms like RedBus/MakeMyTrip. Overnight buses departing Delhi between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM reach Nainital by 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM.
4. How to Reach Nainital from Delhi by Flight
While Nainital does not have an active commercial airport, air travel is an option for travelers connecting directly from international or out-of-state flights landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (Code: PGH), situated roughly 70 kilometers from Nainital.
- Flight Operations: Regional carriers (such as Alliance Air or IndiGo) operate limited daily flights connecting Delhi (DEL) to Pantnagar (PGH). Flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
- Airport Transfer to Nainital: From Pantnagar, hire an airport taxi directly to Nainital (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours, costing ₹2,200 – ₹3,000).
Planning Your Time in Nainital
Once you arrive, there are countless things to do in Nainital and iconic places to visit in Nainital to explore. Depending on how many days you have available, you can tailor your itinerary using our step-by-step guides:
- Nainital 1-Day Itinerary – Perfect for quick weekend trips.
- Nainital 2-Day Itinerary – Covers major highlights like boating in Naini Lake, visiting the sacred Naina Devi Temple, riding the Nainital Cable Car to Snow View Point, and watching the sunset from Tiffin Top.
- Nainital 3-Day Itinerary – Ideal for an extended vacation that includes family spots like the High Altitude Nainital Zoo and Eco Cave Gardens.
If you have extra time in your schedule, consider taking scenic day trips from Nainital or exploring nearby tourist attractions near Nainital. Nearby mountain getaways include traveling from Nainital to Ranikhet, visiting Mukteshwar from Nainital, or taking a tour of the famous lake circuit by traveling from Nainital to Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal.
Essential Information for International Travelers
If you are visiting India from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, or elsewhere, here are practical considerations to ensure a smooth journey to Nainital (for more detailed advice, read our essential Nainital travel tips):
- Arriving in Delhi (IGI Airport):
- If taking the train, take the Delhi Airport Express Metro Line directly from T3 Airport terminal to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). It takes under 20 minutes.
- If taking a luxury bus, hire a pre-paid taxi or Uber/Ola cab from the airport to ISBT Anand Vihar Bus Terminal.
- SIM Cards & Connectivity: Buy an Indian SIM card (Airtel or Reliance Jio) at the airport arrival hall using your passport and E-Visa. Cell service is strong on highways and inside Nainital, but can drop temporarily in mountain valleys.
- Cash & Currency: While major hotels and restaurants in Nainital accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), small taxi drivers, local tea stalls, and boatmen only accept cash or Indian UPI apps. Carry cash in Indian Rupees (INR) withdrawn from ATMs at Delhi airport or railway stations.
- Mall Road Vehicle Entry & Accommodations: Vehicle entry on Nainital’s main Mall Road is strictly restricted during peak hours (usually 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in summer) to reduce noise and pedestrian congestion. Make sure to choose your lodging carefully by reading our guide on where to stay in Nainital, and confirm with your hotel if they offer private parking or shuttle pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest mode is taking the morning Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (5.5 hours to Kathgodam) followed by a 1-hour private cab ride up to Nainital, totaling around 6.5 to 7 hours door-to-door.
Yes, the highways are well-maintained. However, driving the final 35 km mountain stretch requires experience with steep climbs and narrow bends. If you are unaccustomed to mountain driving or left-hand traffic, hiring a local driver is recommended.
Yes. You can take the overnight Ranikhet Express train (departing around 10:30 PM) or an overnight AC Volvo sleeper bus from ISBT Anand Vihar. Both arrive in the foothills early the next morning.
A private taxi from Kathgodam Railway Station to Nainital costs between ₹1,200 and ₹1,800 depending on the vehicle size. A seat in a shared taxi costs roughly ₹200 to ₹300.
March to June offers pleasant summer weather (15°C to 28°C), making it ideal for sightseeing. October to February brings chilly winters with snowfall possibilities in late December and January. It is advisable to monitor weather updates during the peak monsoon season (July–August).
