Is there a direct train to Nainital?

No, the nearest railhead is Kathgodam, located 34 km away from Nainital.

How long does it take to reach Nainital from Naini Khad?

It takes approximately 16 to 18 hours by road.

Which is the best airport for Nainital?

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, located about 70 km from Nainital.

Are there buses from Pathankot to Nainital?

No direct buses exist; you must change buses in Delhi or Chandigarh.

Is the road route safe?

Yes, the highways are well-maintained, but exercise caution during the monsoon.

Nainital

Train Driving

Naini Khad to Nainital

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Naini Khad to Nainital spans approximately 650 km through the scenic Himalayan foothills. You must first travel to Pathankot or Chandigarh to access major rail or bus networks. The route primarily follows NH 5 and NH 7 before connecting to the plains of Uttar Pradesh. Expect a total travel time of 16 to 18 hours depending on your chosen mode. This route transitions from the high-altitude terrain of Himachal to the lake district of Uttarakhand.

Total Distance: 650 km driving distance, 420 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Private taxi from Naini Khad to Chandigarh, then flight to Pantnagar, followed by a 1-hour cab ride.

Cheapest Way

State transport bus from Pathankot to Delhi, then train to Kathgodam, costing approx 1200 INR.

Compare Naini Khad to Nainital Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	20 hours	16 hours
Avg Price	1500-3000 INR	8000-12000 INR
Operator	Jammu Tawi Express to Kathgodam	Self-drive or Private Taxi
Route	Pathankot Junction to Kathgodam Railway Station.	Naini Khad to Pathankot via NH 154, then NH 44 and NH 9 to Nainital.
Tip	Book your train tickets at least 60 days in advance for confirmed berths.	Start your journey before dawn to avoid heavy traffic near Chandigarh.

Travel Tips

Book Early
Always book your train tickets to Kathgodam well in advance as they fill up quickly.
Carry Woolens
Even in summer, evenings in Nainital can be chilly, so carry a light jacket.
Local Transport
Use local taxis or walk within the town as parking is extremely limited near the lake.
Stay Hydrated
Keep a water bottle handy during the long road journey from Himachal.
Check Weather
Monitor landslide alerts on the mountain roads during the monsoon season.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Avoid night driving on the winding roads of Himachal and Uttarakhand.
Emergency Contacts
Save local police and hospital numbers for Nainital and Pathankot.
Valuables
Keep your documents and cash in a secure bag during transit.
Health
Carry motion sickness medication if you are prone to nausea on hilly roads.