Is there a direct train from Pundri to Rishikesh?

No, Pundri does not have a railway station; you must travel to Karnal or Kurukshetra first.

Which is the best highway for this route?

NH 344 is the most direct and well-connected highway for this journey.

How long does it take by bus?

Including transfers, it takes approximately 6 hours.

Are there tolls on this route?

Yes, there are multiple toll plazas between Karnal and Saharanpur.

Is it safe to drive at night?

It is generally advised to avoid night driving on this route due to heavy industrial traffic.

Pundri

Rishikesh

Bus Driving

Pundri to Rishikesh

Updated: 21 May 2026

The journey from Pundri to Rishikesh spans approximately 165 kilometers via NH 344. You will pass through Karnal and Yamunanagar before entering the foothills of the Himalayas. The drive is scenic, transitioning from flat agricultural plains to lush green forest cover near the Shivalik range. Road travel is the most practical method as there are no direct rail links from Pundri. Expect a travel time of roughly 4 hours depending on traffic at the Haryana-Uttarakhand border.

Total Distance: 165 km driving distance, 140 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Personal car via NH 344, taking 4 hours.

Cheapest Way

Haryana Roadways bus via Karnal, costing approximately 500 INR.

Compare Pundri to Rishikesh Routes

Bus

Connecting

Duration

6 hours

Avg Price

500-800 INR

Operator

Haryana Roadways

Route

Pundri to Karnal bus, then transfer to Rishikesh-bound bus at Karnal ISBT.

Check the Haryana Roadways website for real-time bus schedules from Karnal.

Driving

Direct

Duration

4 hours

Avg Price

1500-2500 INR

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

Pundri - Karnal - Yamunanagar - Saharanpur - Rishikesh via NH 344.

Start early morning to avoid heavy truck traffic on the Saharanpur-Dehradun highway.

Travel Tips

Route Choice
Stick to NH 344 as it is better maintained than interior state roads.
Traffic Alert
Expect congestion near the Saharanpur bypass during peak evening hours.
Hydration
Carry sufficient water as the stretch between Yamunanagar and Saharanpur has limited clean stops.
Parking
Parking in Rishikesh is limited; prefer hotels with dedicated parking facilities.
Local Transport
Use auto-rickshaws for short distances within Rishikesh; negotiate fares beforehand.

Safety Tips

Mountain Driving
If driving further into the hills, ensure your brakes and tires are checked.
Night Travel
Avoid driving on the Saharanpur-Rishikesh stretch after dark due to poor lighting.
Emergency
Keep the contact number of the local police station in Rishikesh handy.
Weather
Check for landslide warnings during the monsoon season before starting your trip.