How to Reach Nainital: A Simple, No-Stress Guide From Someone Who’s Actually Done It
If you’ve been googling how to reach Nainital and still feel confused, don’t worry – every route looks “simple” until you’re actually packing your bags and checking how long the ride really takes. I’ve done the Delhi to Nainital route more times than I can count, and here’s the version I wish someone had given me years ago: honest, practical, and based on real trips, not generic map data.
Whether you’re coming from Delhi, elsewhere in Uttarakhand, or flying in from another city entirely, you won’t struggle – Nainital is well-connected, but each option has its own vibe.
Let’s break it down the way travelers actually move.
1. Delhi to Nainital by Road
This is the way most people go – including me.
The Delhi to Nainital distance is roughly 300 km from Delhi, and depending on when you start, the drive can feel like anywhere between a breezy hill weekend and a “why did we leave so late” regret.
How long it actually takes:
6-7 hours with normal traffic
8+ hours if you leave after 8 AM or hit Ghaziabad/Moradabad rush
The good part
Once you cross Haldwani, the hills start appearing slowly – that moment where the road curves and you catch the first glimpse of pine trees… you know the trip has actually begun.
Best time to leave from Delhi
Early. Like 5-6 AM early.
You’ll skip the city traffic, reach the hills by noon, and still have energy to walk Mall Road or grab chai or hot chocolate by the lake.
Route most people take:
Delhi → Ghaziabad → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Nainital
Clean highways for the most part. Good food stops. Smooth enough for families and first-time hill drivers.
Is the hill drive tough?
Not at all.
The last 30-35 km are winding roads, but manageable. If you’re nervous, just avoid driving post-sunset – not because it’s dangerous, but because fog is common and visibility dips.
2. Delhi to Nainital by Bus
If you want something cheaper and don’t want to drive, buses are honestly underrated.
Types of buses:
Volvo AC sleeper/semi-sleeper – most comfortable
Roadways buses – basic but workable
Private operators – usually clean and punctual
Where they start from:
Delhi ISBT Anand Vihar (main hub)
A few leave from Kashmiri Gate
Timings:
Night departures are the most popular – leave Delhi around 9-10 PM, reach Nainital early morning.
Why buses make sense:
You sleep → you wake up in the hills → you lose zero daytime hours.
If you’re a student or solo traveler, this is the easiest choice.
3. Delhi to Nainital Train (Technically… to Kathgodam)
Here’s the truth:
There is no direct train to Nainital.
The nearest station is Kathgodam, around 34 km (about 1 hour) from Nainital.
But honestly? This is my favourite way to go when I don’t want to think about traffic.
Popular trains Delhi → Kathgodam:
Shatabdi Express (fastest and most comfortable)
Ranikhet Express (overnight option)
Uttar Sampark Kranti Express
Why trains are great:
No traffic
Comfortable seats
You can read, sleep, or do nothing
The last hour’s uphill drive feels refreshing instead of overwhelming
When you reach Kathgodam station, dozens of shared cabs, taxis, and local drivers wait outside. Prices are usually standard – no major haggling required.
Travel time:
Shatabdi: ~5 hours
Kathgodam → Nainital drive: 1 hour
Perfect mix of convenience + comfort.
4. How to Reach Nainital by Air
There’s no airport in Nainital, but the closest one is Pantnagar Airport, roughly 70 km away.
Flights available:
Mostly from Delhi, though schedules change often and flights are limited.
To be very honest:
If you’re coming from outside North India, it makes more sense to fly to Delhi → then take a train/bus/car to Nainital.
Pantnagar works only if:
You hate long roads
You don’t mind paying extra
You get a convenient flight timing
After landing, the cab ride to Nainital takes 2 hours.
5. Local Transport Once You’re in Kathgodam/Haldwani
If you’re arriving by train or bus, getting a cab is easy.
Options:
Shared taxis
Private taxi
Pre-booked cab service
Ola (sometimes available in Haldwani, not reliable but worth checking)
Average price to Nainital:
₹1,200-₹2,000 depending on season & type of cab
Holidays → price spikes
Monsoon → cheaper
Weekdays → normal
If You’re Going Back: Nainital to Delhi
The return is exactly the same route in reverse.
Try leaving Nainital around 10-11 AM – fog in early mornings and late evenings can reduce visibility depending on the month.
So… What’s the Best Way to Reach Nainital?
Here’s the honest breakdown:
If you enjoy driving:
→ Go by car. Start early. It’s the classic hill trip.
If you want comfort:
→ Train to Kathgodam + cab.
If you want cheap + simple:
→ Overnight bus.
If you’re flying from another state:
→ Fly to Delhi → train or car to Nainital.
If you’re rushing:
→ Pantnagar flight + taxi (only if timing matches).
Quick Tips Before You Go
Avoid hill driving after dark (especially in fog season).
Keep snacks + water for the last stretch – there are fewer stops.
Carry a light jacket year-round; evenings get cool.
Always check live traffic for Moradabad – one diversion can add an hour.
Shared cabs from Kathgodam are safe, common, and budget-friendly.
A Small Personal Note
Every time I reach Nainital – no matter how I get there – the moment I step out and feel that little nip in the air, it reminds me why so many people keep coming back. The road, the train ride, the drowsy bus mornings… none of it feels tiring once the lake appears between the trees.
Getting there is honestly the easiest part.
Leaving is the hard one.