Getting to and around Uttarakhand

Airports, trains, buses, taxis and mountain-road planning

Most trips start at one of four hubs: Delhi (the usual origin), Dehradun and Haridwar for Garhwal, and Kathgodam for Kumaon. Times below are typical and vary with traffic, weather and road work; they are not live information.

Airports

  • Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the main airport for Garhwal, Rishikesh, Haridwar and the Char Dham.
  • Pantnagar Airport serves Kumaon (Nainital, Corbett) with a limited schedule.
  • Some small airstrips (such as Naini Saini near Pithoragarh) have irregular service. Confirm before planning around them.

Railheads

  • Haridwar and Dehradun are the main railheads for Garhwal; Yog Nagari Rishikesh has limited services.
  • Kathgodam is the main railhead for Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet and Kausani.
  • Kotdwar serves Lansdowne; Ramnagar serves Corbett; Tanakpur serves the far east.
  • There is no railway in the high hills. Connections to the mountains are by road only.

Typical road times from Delhi

  • Delhi to Haridwar: about 4-5 hours.
  • Delhi to Dehradun: about 5-6 hours.
  • Delhi to Rishikesh: about 5-6 hours.
  • Delhi to Kathgodam or Nainital: about 6-7 hours.
  • Delhi to Corbett (Ramnagar): about 5-6 hours.

Buses and shared vehicles

  • State buses (UTC) and private operators connect main towns; booking in advance helps in peak season.
  • Shared jeeps and taxis run on many hill routes and often leave when full.
  • In remote areas, services can be one a day or less. Ask locally the day before.

Private taxis and self-drive

  • A taxi with a driver used to mountain roads is the usual choice for multi-day trips.
  • Self-drive suits experienced drivers; mountain roads are narrow with blind bends.
  • Motorcycle trips are popular but take extra care on wet and loose roads.

Mountain-road precautions

  • Avoid driving at night.
  • In monsoon (July-September), landslides can close roads for hours or days.
  • In winter, snow and ice can close roads above about 2,000 m.
  • Check road status with local police, district administration or the state disaster management channels before long journeys.
  • Keep a buffer day in your plan.

Last-mile transport

Many places end at a road head: Kedarnath at Sonprayag/Gaurikund, Yamunotri at Janki Chatti, Valley of Flowers at Govindghat. From there you walk or take a pony, palki or porter. Fares are usually regulated locally. Ask at official counters rather than agreeing a price on the road.

Accessibility

Most hill sites involve stairs, steep roads and uneven paths. Elderly travellers and people with mobility needs should favour road-accessible destinations such as Mussoorie, Nainital, Haridwar, Badrinath and Gangotri, and check accessibility before booking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around?

A hired car with an experienced driver gives the most flexibility. Public transport works for main routes but is slow and infrequent on side roads.

Sources and verification

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.