How to Reach Nainital from Delhi: Complete Travel Guide (Flight, Train, Bus & Road)

Nainital is one of the most-visited hill stations near Delhi, and for good reason – the drive up through Uttar Pradesh’s plains into the pine-covered hills of Kumaon feels like a genuine change of scenery, and it’s close enough to do as a long weekend. But because there’s no direct train station or airport in Nainital itself, “how do I actually get there” is the first question every traveler asks. At Crystal India Holidays, we plan Nainital trips for travelers from Delhi every week, and this guide covers exactly what you need: the fastest option, the cheapest, the most comfortable, and everything in between.

Quick Answer: Best Way to Reach Nainital from Delhi

• Fastest overall: Fly to Pantnagar Airport, then a 1-hour taxi to Nainital (~4 hours door to door)
• Best balance of speed and comfort: Shatabdi Express to Kathgodam, then a 1–1.5 hour taxi (~7 hours total)
• Most flexible / scenic: Self-drive or private cab via NH9 (6–8 hours)
• Most budget-friendly: Overnight Volvo or state-run bus (7–9 hours)

Delhi to Nainital: At a Glance

By Air: The Fastest Route

Nainital doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest one is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 70 km from Nainital, roughly a 1-hour drive from the airport to town. Flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Pantnagar are limited – this isn’t a high-frequency route, so availability and pricing can swing a lot depending on the day, and it’s worth booking a few weeks ahead if you want this option. Once you land, taxis are readily available outside the terminal for the onward drive to Nainital.

This is the right call if you’re short on time and don’t mind paying more for it – you can realistically leave Delhi in the morning and be at your hotel in Nainital by early afternoon.

By Train: The Comfortable Middle Ground

There’s no railway station in Nainital itself. The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, about 35 km away, and it’s very well connected to Delhi. From Kathgodam, taxis and shared cabs run constantly for the final uphill stretch through Bhowali.

The three trains most travelers use:

The Shatabdi Express is the fastest and most comfortable – it’s an AC chair-car train with on-board catering, ideal if you want to leave Delhi early and be checking into your hotel by mid-afternoon. The Ranikhet Express, an overnight train, is a smart pick if you’d rather sleep through the journey and wake up close to your destination – though note it only runs in sleeper/AC classes, not chair car.

From Kathgodam, expect to pay roughly ₹800–1,200 for a private taxi to Nainital, or considerably less for a shared cab.

By Road: Self-Drive or Private Cab

This is the most popular way to travel to Nainital from Delhi, and for good reason – the drive itself is part of the experience, with the last 30–40 km winding through pine forests as you climb into the hills.

Route distance: 300–325 km depending on the exact path you take Driving time: 6–8 hours under normal traffic

Route Comparison

The NH9 route is what we recommend for most travelers, especially first-timers. It’s wide, well-maintained, and has plenty of dhabas and fuel stops along the way. The road stays flat and easy almost all the way to Haldwani – it’s only the final 30–35 km from Haldwani or Kathgodam to Nainital that turns into genuine hill driving, with sharp bends and steep gradients.

A few honest tips if you’re driving yourself:

• Leave Delhi by 5–6 AM to clear the city and Ghaziabad-Moradabad stretch before daytime traffic builds up
• If you’re not confident with hairpin turns, it’s worth hiring a driver experienced with hill roads for just the last stretch rather than the whole trip
• Avoid driving after dark on the hill section – visibility and shoulder space are both limited
• Keep fuel topped up before Haldwani; options thin out once you start climbing

If you’d rather not drive, a private cab from Delhi (hatchback ₹3,600–5,000, sedan ₹4,000–6,000, SUV ₹5,000–8,000+ one-way) gets you door-to-door without the fatigue, and this is what we usually arrange for families and groups.

By Bus: The Budget Option

Buses run frequently between Delhi and Nainital, operated by both private companies and state transport corporations (UTC and UPSRTC). Most depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate or Anand Vihar, with Volvo AC, AC sleeper, and non-AC options available.

• Journey time: 7–10 hours
• Fares: roughly ₹500–2,000 depending on bus type
• Overnight buses (departing 7–11 PM) are the most popular choice – you sleep through most of the distance and arrive in Nainital by early morning, ready to start your day

This is the best option if budget matters more than time, but keep in mind buses take noticeably longer than trains or cabs on this route, and comfort varies a lot by operator.

Best Time to Travel from Delhi to Nainital

• March–June: Pleasant weather, clear mountain views – the most popular travel window, so book trains and hotels early
• September–November: Post-monsoon clarity, fewer crowds than summer, our pick for the best overall experience
• December–February: Cold, occasional snowfall around Nainital – beautiful but check road conditions before driving
• July–August (monsoon): Best avoided for road travel – the hill stretches are prone to landslides and slow-moving traffic; if you must travel, train is the safer choice over driving

Extend Your Trip: Places Along the Way

Since you’re already covering the distance, it’s worth building in a stop or two:

• Bhimtal (22 km from Nainital): A quieter lake town, good for a short stopover
• Sattal (25 km): Known for birdwatching and a peaceful setting away from the crowds
• Kainchi Dham: A well-known ashram just off the NH9 route near Bhowali, worth a quick stop
• Mukteshwar (50 km): Apple orchards and views of the Himalayan range
• Jim Corbett National Park (70 km): If wildlife is on your list, this is an easy add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance between Delhi and Nainital?

The road distance is approximately 300–325 km depending on the route, while the straight-line distance is about 260–290 km.

Is there a direct train to Nainital?

No. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 35 km from Nainital, connected to New Delhi by the Shatabdi Express, Ranikhet Express, and Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express.

What is the nearest airport to Nainital from Delhi?

Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km from Nainital, is the closest airport with flight connections to Delhi.

How long does it take to reach Nainital from Delhi by road?

Typically 6–8 hours by car, depending on the route and traffic, especially around Moradabad.

Is the drive from Delhi to Nainital safe for a first-time hill driver?

Most of the route is flat highway; only the last 30–35 km involves genuine hill driving. If you’re not experienced with hairpin bends, consider hiring a local driver for that stretch, or take the train to Kathgodam and a taxi from there.

What’s the cheapest way to reach Nainital from Delhi?

An overnight bus, with fares starting around ₹500.

Planning Your Nainital Trip

Whether you’d rather fly in, take the scenic train to Kathgodam, or drive up yourself, the right choice really comes down to how much time you have and how much of the journey you want to enjoy versus simply get through. If you’d like help working out the best combination – timings, a reliable driver for the hill stretch, or a full Delhi-to-Nainital itinerary – Crystal India Holidays can put together a trip that takes the guesswork out of it.