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How to Reach Nanital from Delhi Airport

How to Reach Nanital from Delhi Airport

How to Reach Nanital from Delhi Airport

To travel from Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport, DEL) to Nainital, you have several options, depending on your budget, convenience, and time constraints. The distance between Delhi and Nainital is approximately 300 kilometers (about 186 miles), and the journey generally takes around 6 to 8 hours.

Here are the most common ways to reach Nainital from Delhi Airport:

1. By Taxi (Private Car or Cab)

Hiring a private taxi or a cab from Delhi Airport is one of the most convenient and comfortable options, especially if you're traveling with family or luggage.

Duration:

  • Travel Time: Approx. 6 to 7 hours (depending on traffic and road conditions).

Route:

  • The most common route is via National Highway 9 (NH 9), which connects Delhi to Nainital through Moradabad and Ramnagar.
  • You can also take NH 24 or NH 334, depending on your driver’s preferred route.

Advantages:

  • Convenient: Direct door-to-door service from the airport to Nainital.
  • Comfortable: Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Flexible: You can stop for breaks, meals, or sightseeing along the way.

How to Book:

  • Online: You can book a taxi in advance via apps like Ola, Uber, or through online taxi services.
  • On-site: Taxis are available at the Delhi Airport Taxi Counter (prepaid taxis).
  • Private Services: Many travel agencies offer pre-booked car rentals from Delhi to Nainital.

2. By Bus (Economical Option)

There are several private bus operators and state-run buses that operate between Delhi and Nainital. These buses generally depart from Delhi ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) or Kashmere Gate and travel directly to Nainital.

Duration:

  • Travel Time: Approx. 7 to 8 hours.

Bus Operators:

  • Uttarakhand Roadways: The Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) runs buses from Delhi ISBT to Nainital.
  • Private Operators: Several private operators also run AC and non-AC buses, providing more comfort and flexibility.

Advantages:

  • Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly options.
  • Direct: Many buses go directly to Nainital.
  • Frequent: Multiple departures throughout the day.

How to Book:

  • Online: You can book tickets through the UPSRTC website, RedBus, or MakeMyTrip.
  • At the Counter: You can also buy tickets directly from the bus stand at ISBT Kashmere Gate.

3. By Train + Taxi (Combo Option)

While there are no direct trains from Delhi Airport to Nainital, you can combine train travel with a taxi to make the journey more efficient.

Step 1: Delhi to Kathgodam by Train

  • Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Nainital (about 35 km away).
  • You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Kathgodam.
  • The Kathgodam Express or Ranikhet Express are popular trains on this route.
  • Duration: Approx. 6 hours.

Step 2: Kathgodam to Nainital by Taxi

  • Once you reach Kathgodam, you can take a taxi or shared cab to Nainital.
  • Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour (35 km).

Advantages:

  • Comfortable: Train travel can be more comfortable than buses, and a taxi ride from Kathgodam to Nainital is scenic.
  • Efficient: You avoid the long road journey from Delhi by using the train.

How to Book:

  • Train Tickets: Book tickets via IRCTC, Cleartrip, or MakeMyTrip.
  • Taxi from Kathgodam: You can hire a taxi from Kathgodam Railway Station directly, or pre-book one through travel agencies.

4. By Flight (Delhi to Pantnagar + Taxi to Nainital)

If you prefer a faster route and are willing to spend more, you can take a flight from Delhi Airport to Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is the nearest airport to Nainital (about 70 km away).

Step 1: Delhi to Pantnagar by Flight

  • Several airlines like Air India and SpiceJet offer flights from Delhi to Pantnagar Airport.
  • Flight Duration: Approx. 1 hour.

Step 2: Pantnagar to Nainital by Taxi

  • From Pantnagar Airport, you can take a taxi to Nainital.
  • Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours (70 km).

Advantages:

  • Fastest: The flight is the quickest way to reach Nainital from Delhi.
  • Convenient: A flight and taxi combination is comfortable, especially if you're looking to save time.

How to Book:

  • Flight Tickets: Book through Air India, SpiceJet, or other airlines.
  • Taxi from Pantnagar: You can hire a taxi at the airport or pre-book one online.

Summary of Travel Options from Delhi Airport to Nainital:

Mode of TransportDurationCost RangeAdvantages
Taxi (Private or Shared)6 to 7 hoursHigh (Private)Comfortable, flexible, door-to-door service
Bus (UPSRTC/Private)7 to 8 hoursLow (Budget)Affordable, direct travel, frequent services
Train + Taxi (via Kathgodam)6 hours by train + 1 hour by taxiModerateComfortable, efficient, scenic route
Flight + Taxi (Delhi to Pantnagar)1 hour flight + 2 hours by taxiHigh (Flight + Taxi)Fastest option, but involves a transfer