How to Reach Nainital By Flight, Train And Bus

October 15, 2024

If you've heard a lot about Nainital, one of the best hill stations in India, but have yet to visit, don't stress about how to get there. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, this is one of India's most attractive honeymoon spots, and nature lovers like it. However, when deciding on the most suitable form of transportation, you need to consider numerous elements such as feasibility, time, and ease.

How to Reach Nainital

The enchanting Nainital tourism welcomes visitors from all over the world. Tourism in Nainital with the Nainital tour packages provides an opportunity to see the spectacular beauty of one of India's most renowned tourist attractions. Nainital is renowned as the "City of Lakes" because of the numerous lakes scattered around the area, surrounded by ice-capped mountains and hills. 

Nainital tourism is all about admiring the magnificent beauty of vast plains from the exquisite mountain peaks. The spectacular view of the pear-shaped, outstretched lake, guarded by tall pine bushes on the high-rising hills, is worth a visit here. From giving the best week's stay to dining overnight, tourism in Nainital, one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, deserves every visit for all the right reasons.

How to reach Nainital by Air

When arranging your trip to Nainital, among the best snowfall places in India, keep in mind that there is no direct air connectivity. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, which is around 65 kilometres from here. However, no commercial flights operate here. The nearest international airport is Delhi, which is roughly 300 kilometres from Nainital. 

This will take you about seven hours to reach. You may also reserve a cab from here, which will cost you around $5,000. So, now that you know how to go to Nainital by air, start looking for the best flight offers.

How to Reach Nainital by Road

Road travel is the ideal way to travel to a hill station since the breathtaking vistas captivate you and make you feel the abundance of nature. If you're wondering how to get to Nainital by road, you'll be relieved to know that there are several significant destinations with excellent accessibility to this location. 

You can choose from a variety of AC or non-AC bus alternatives at reasonable prices. You can choose to travel overnight and arrive at Nainital, one of the famous places to visit near Delhi, in the early morning. 

How to Reach Nainital by Train

For those asking how to go to Nainital by train, one of the best honeymoon places in India in December, the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is thirty-four kilometres away. This railway station is well-connected to Delhi, Lucknow, and several other significant stations. This makes travel more convenient.

Many trains leave New Delhi every day. Some of the major trains that reach Kathgodham include the Uttar Sampark, Kranti Express, and Dehradun Kathgodam Express, which stop at numerous important stations. You'll need about six hours to get there from Delhi. Additionally, this is the most convenient and cost-effective form of transportation. 

How to Reach Nainital by Bus

A variety of state and private buses are available, particularly near the Tallital bus stop. Even though Nainital has a bus station, it is crucial to note that a large number of buses travel to the transportation hubs of Haldwani and Bhowali. 

If you're travelling from Haldwani with the best honeymoon packages in India, you should know that regular buses go to Ramnagar, Delhi, Haridwar, and the Nepal border at Banbassa. It's worth noting that Haldwani is also an important train terminal. If you're travelling north, you can share a jeep or take a bus from Nainital to Bhowali, which is only twenty minutes away. 

How to Reach Nainital From Different Cities

How to reach Nainital from Delhi

  • By Air: Pantnagar Airport is roughly 70 kilometres from Nainital. Fortunately for Delhi passengers, Indira Gandhi International Airport offers daily flights to Pantnagar Airport.
  • By Train: Although there are no direct train connections to Nainital, among the best places to visit in December in India, the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is roughly 35 kilometres away. Some trains, such as the Ranikhet Express and the Uttar Sampark Kranti Express, make stops in Kathgodam on their way from New Delhi. 
  • By Road: Road travel is a popular choice for both locals and visitors due to its scenic route (NH9 and NH109). 

How to reach Nainital from Jaipur

  • By Air: The greatest option is to fly from Jaipur to reach Nainital, one of the best places to visit in winter in India. Your Jaipur to Nainital flight will depart from Jaipur International Airport (JAI) and arrive at Pantnagar Airport (the nearest airport to Nainital). It will take approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes to reach Udham Singh Nagar.
  • By Train: Jaipur Junction is the largest railway station in Jaipur. It will continue until Kathgodam Railway Station, which is the closest station to Pantnagar. 
  • By Road: The Nainital Bus Stand is the nearest bus station to Nainital. You can catch the bus from Jaipur Bus Stand.

How to reach Nainital from Bangalore

  • By Air: If you're flying from Bangalore, you'll need to fly to Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport to Nainital. Fortunately, Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore operates regular flights to Pantnagar.
  • By Train: To go to Kathgodam from Bangalore, use the Yesvantpur - Kathgodam Weekly Express or the Bangalore - Dehradun Express. 
  • By Road: Road travel from Bangalore to Nainital is a long journey. Given that the trip covers over 2,000 kilometres across the NH48 and NH109 roads, you'll have plenty of time to visit roadside sites and experience the best things to do in Nainital.

How to reach Nainital  from Hyderabad

  • By Air: There are no direct flights from Hyderabad to Pantnagar, one of the best places to visit in Nainital. You will need to take a connecting flight, typically through Delhi. 
  • By Train: There are no direct trains between Hyderabad and Kathgodam, the nearest railway station to Nainital. You must first take a train to New Delhi before continuing to Kathgodam.
  • By Road: The most prevalent route is NH44 and NH9, which travel through cities such as Nagpur, Jhansi, and Bareilly. Make stops for relaxation and refreshments along the journey. There are various villages and places where you can take a rest.

How to reach Nainital from Chennai

  • By Air: The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 65 kilometres away. Book a flight from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH). There are no direct flights; thus, you must take a connecting flight through Delhi.
  • By Train: There are no direct trains from Chennai to Nainital. Nainital's nearest railway station is Kathgodam (KGM). You can book a train from Chennai Central (MAS) to Kathgodam, with a stop in either New Delhi (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM).
  • By Road: You can drive from Chennai to Nainital or catch a bus from Delhi. The distance is about 2,200 kilometres.

How to reach Nainital from Mumbai

  • By Air: Book a flight to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which is the nearest airport to Nainital and is served by various airlines. 
  • By Train: Despite Kathgodam being the nearest railway station to Nainital, numerous trains travel from Mumbai. The journey will take between 24 and 30 hours, depending on which train you board and whether it includes facilities like sleepers and AC class cars.
  • By Road: Keep in mind that the distance between these two cities is around 1800 kilometres (NH48 and NH109). So be prepared to drive (or sit) for 30–34 hours.

How to reach Nainital from Pune

  • By Air: The quickest method to get to Nainital from Pune is by plane. There are no direct flights to Nainital, but you can fly to the nearest airport, Pantnagar, which is approximately 70 kilometres away.
  • By Train: Another popular way to travel from Pune to Nainital is via rail. Although there are no direct trains to Nainital, you can travel to Kathgodam, the nearest railway station.
  • By Road: If you prefer to go by road, take a bus from Pune to Delhi and then to Nainital, one of the best places to visit in North India.

How to reach Nainital from Udaipur

  • By Air: Take a flight from Udaipur to Pantnagar via Delhi. The overall flight time is approximately 6 to 7 hours, including layovers.
  • By Train: You can travel by train from Udaipur to Kathgodam via New Delhi by booking the Ranikhet Express and the Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express.
  • By Road: A road journey to Nainital, one of the best places to visit in India with family, is about 1000 km and about 18 hours long.

Most frequently searched routes to Nainital

Here are some of the most frequently searched routes to Nainital:

Route Name

Distance

Time

Delhi to Nainital

377 km

7 hours

Kolkata to Nainital

1,398 km

1 day 0 hours

Mumbai to Nainital

1,688 km

1 day 4 hours

Hyderabad to Nainital

1,684 km

1 day 4 hours

Agra to Nainital

351 km

8 hours 0 mins

Jaipur to Nainital

554 km

10 hours 24 mins

Amritsar to Nainital

675 km

12 hours 5 mins

Chandigarh to Nainital

471 km

9 hours 3 mins

Gurgaon to Nainital

314 km

6 hours 49 mins

Bangalore to Nainital

2,274 km

1 day 11 hours

Ahmedabad to Nainital

1,219 km

19 hours 53 mins

Pune to Nainital

1,738 km

1 day 6 hours

Chennai to Nainital

2,309 km

1 day 13 hours

Goa to Nainital

2,155 km

1 day 13 hours

Udaipur to Nainital

935 km

15 hours 51 mins

Jodhpur to Nainital

877 km

15 hours 18 mins

Important Tips and Guidelines

  • Pack wisely: Bring light woollens in the summer and thick woollens in the winter. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
  • Stay Hydrated: The altitude can induce dehydration, so drink plenty of water.
  • Respect Local Customs: Be aware of local traditions and customs, particularly when visiting religious places.
  • Be Environmentally Conscious: Help Nainital stay clean by eliminating littering and utilizing eco-friendly goods.

Best time to Visit Nainital

Nainital can be visited all year, although the ideal months to visit are March to June and October to December. During these months, the natural beauty of Nainital reaches its peak. The winter months (December to February) provide an opportunity to enjoy snowfall and are great for a comfortable escape.

Local Cuisine

  • Ras is a typical Kumaoni lentil-based dish served with rice.
  • Bhatt ki Churkani is a unique cuisine made with black soybeans, spices, and herbs.
  • Aloo ke Gutke is a simple yet delicious potato dish made with local seasonings.

Top Attractions in Nainital

  • Naini Lake
  • Naina Devi temple
  • Snow View Point
  • The Mall Road
  • Eco Cave Gardens
  • Tiffin Top
  • Nainital Zoo

How to Commute Within Nainital

Once you have reached Nainital, below is how you can move around locally in the town and to nearby areas for sightseeing.

1. Private Taxis

You can book a private taxi, which costs around 1000 to 2000 rupees depending on the route.

2. Boats

With the presence of the iconic Naini Lake, you can hire paddle boats, rowing boats, or a yacht to enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

3. Cycle rickshaw

You can also travel short distances with a cycle rickshaw, which charges Rs. 10 per kilometre.

4. Horse riding

While it is prohibited to ride inside the town, you can explore the outer hills through horse riding.

Conclusion

Discover the beauty of the surrounding areas of Nainital with the best tour package in India, where you can experience the natural and cultural diversity of Uttarakhand. Whether you're looking for peaceful moments by serene lakes, thrilling adventures in the wilderness, or spiritual enlightenment in ancient temples, the nearby destinations of Nainital offer something for everyone. 

Pack your bags, book the best tour planners in India, and set out on an unforgettable journey to uncover the hidden treasures of this beautiful region. They will assist you in reaching Nainital from different cities in India with the greatest comfort.

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