How to reach Haridwar

Reaching Haridwar is simple and convenient, thanks to its strong connectivity by road, rail, and air. Located in Uttarakhand, this holy city is easily accessible from major cities across India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 35 km away, offering regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other metro cities. From the airport, taxis and buses are readily available for a comfortable transfer to Haridwar.

For most travellers, railway connectivity is the best option. Haridwar Junction is one of North India’s major railway stations, operating frequent trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and other key destinations. This makes train travel both affordable and reliable.

Haridwar is also well-connected by national highways, with daily bus services from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Chandigarh. Many visitors also prefer driving to enjoy a smooth and scenic journey. With multiple travel options, reaching Haridwar is easy, flexible, and traveller-friendly.

1. Overview of All Ways to Reach Haridwar

Travellers can reach Haridwar through the following primary routes:

1. By Air: Nearest airports – Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (35 km) and Delhi IGI Airport (220 km)
2. By Train: Haridwar Junction (one of North India’s busiest and best-connected railway stations)
3. By Road: Smooth highways from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, and other major cities
4. By Bus: Government AC/Non-AC buses, private Volvo buses, and sleeper coaches

Below is a clear summary of each mode before the detailed parts:

• By Air (Nearest Airport: Dehradun – 35 km)

The fastest way to reach Haridwar. Flights operate daily from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.

Why choose this:

• Saves time
• Ideal for long-distance or elderly travellers
• Direct taxis, shared cabs, and buses are available from the airport

• By Train (Haridwar Junction)

The most reliable and popular method. Haridwar Junction is connected to almost every major Indian city with daily trains.

Why choose this:

1. Economical
2. Comfortable
3. Direct arrival into the city
4. Plenty of train options

• By Road (Highways from Delhi, NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur)

One of the most scenic and convenient ways. Road journeys offer flexibility and the chance to stop at restaurants, viewpoints, and local attractions.

Why choose this:

1. Flexible travel
2. Smooth roads
3. Affordable for groups and families

• By Bus (Government + Private)

A good option for budget travellers and night journeys.

Why choose this:

1. Frequent departures
2. AC + sleeper options
3. Pocket-friendly

2. Which Mode of Travel Should You Choose?

The choice depends on:

Distance

If you are travelling from nearby states, road and train are ideal.
If you are travelling from South India or Northeast India, air travel is better.

Budget

Trains and buses are the most economical.
Flights plus taxi are the most convenient but costlier.

Comfort

Air + taxi = maximum comfort
Train = balanced comfort and budget
Road = flexibility
Bus = budget-friendly

Purpose of Trip

Pilgrims often prefer trains or buses.
Families prefer trains or flights.
Backpackers often choose buses or shared vehicles.
Char Dham travellers usually combine train + road.

3. Nearest Airport to Haridwar – Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED)

The nearest and most practical airport for Haridwar is:

Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun

Distance from Haridwar: 35 kilometres
Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Connectivity: Excellent domestic network

This modern airport handles daily flights from several major Indian cities, making Haridwar easily accessible for travellers from every region of the country.

4. Flight Connectivity to Dehradun (DED)

Jolly Grant Airport is connected to:

1. Delhi
2. Mumbai
3. Bengaluru
4. Hyderabad
5. Kolkata
6. Jaipur
7. Ahmedabad
8. Pune
9. Lucknow
10. Chandigarh
11. Indore
12. Surat

Airlines operating flights include:

• IndiGo
• Vistara
• Air India
• SpiceJet
• Akasa Air

Flight duration varies depending on the distance:

Delhi to Dehradun: 45 minutes

Mumbai to Dehradun: 2 hours 30 minutes

Bengaluru to Dehradun: 3 hours

Kolkata to Dehradun: 2 hours 45 minutes

Hyderabad to Dehradun: 2 hours 45 minutes

This makes Dehradun Airport the most efficient arrival point for Haridwar.

5. How to Travel from Dehradun Airport to Haridwar

Once you arrive at Jolly Grant Airport, multiple options are available to reach Haridwar.

• Airport Taxi (Fastest and Most Convenient)

Airport taxis are available 24x7 just outside the terminal.
The journey is smooth, scenic, and comfortable.

Why choose a taxi?

1. Direct drop at your hotel
2. Safe and comfortable for families
3. Ideal for travellers with luggage
4. Excellent for late-night or early-morning arrivals

Travel Time: 45–60 minutes

Cost Range: Moderate, depending on car type (sedan, SUV)

• Shared Cabs (Budget Option)

Outside the airport gate, you will find shared cabs going towards Haridwar. These cost less than private taxis and follow a fixed-route system.

Why choose shared cabs?

1. Budget friendly

2. Ideal for solo travellers
3. Frequent availability

Travel Time: 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes

• Airport Bus to Rishikesh + Connection to Haridwar

A few buses operate between the airport and Rishikesh.
From Rishikesh, you can take another bus or shared cab to Haridwar.

Why choose this?

1. Cheapest option
2. Good for backpackers

Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours total

• Private Pre-Booked Transfers

Several travel companies offer pre-booked airport transfers to Haridwar. This option is popular among families, elderly travellers, and foreign tourists.

Benefits:

1. Meet-and-greet service at the airport
2. No waiting time
3. Comfort and reliability
4. Ideal for large groups

6. Advantages of Reaching Haridwar by Air

Travelling by air offers several benefits:

1. Saves Time

You can reach Haridwar quickly, especially from faraway cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Kerala, and the Northeast.

2. Comfortable and Stress-Free

No long bus rides or crowded train stations.

3. Best for Elderly and Family Travellers

Air travel + taxi ensures minimal physical strain.

4. Perfect for Short Trips

Weekend travellers from Mumbai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata can reach Haridwar easily.

5. Easy Connection to Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Dehradun

From the airport, travellers often continue onwards to other hill destinations.

7. Haridwar Junction (HW) – One of North India’s Major Railway Stations

Haridwar Junction is located in the heart of the city and is well connected through autos, taxis, battery rickshaws, and buses. The station has multiple platforms, waiting rooms, food stalls, cloakrooms, and comfortable facilities for travellers.

Key Features of Haridwar Junction

1. Direct connectivity with major Indian metros
2. Round-the-clock train arrivals and departures
3. Multiple superfast, express, and special trains
4. Clean platforms and good food availability
5. Easy access to nearby hotels and markets

Because of its strategic location, Haridwar Junction connects not only pilgrims but also tourists heading to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and the Char Dham shrines.

8. Major Cities Connected to Haridwar by Train

Haridwar has direct trains from:

1. Delhi
2. Mumbai
3. Kolkata
4. Chennai
5. Bengaluru
6. Hyderabad
7. Ahmedabad
8. Jaipur
9. Lucknow
10. Varanasi
11. Patna
12. Indore
13. Bhopal
14. Surat
15. Chandigarh
16. Amritsar
17. Gorakhpur

These routes ensure that travellers from every corner of India can arrive effortlessly.

9. Popular Trains to Haridwar

Below are some of the most reliable and frequently used trains:

From Delhi

1. Shatabdi Express
2. Jan Shatabdi Express
3. Dehradun Express
4. Mussoorie Express
5. Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express

From Mumbai

1. Mumbai LTT – Haridwar AC Superfast Express
2. Bandra Terminus – Dehradun Express

From Kolkata

1. Doon Express

From Chennai / Bengaluru / Hyderabad

1. Yesvantpur – Dehradun Express
2. Kochuveli – Dehradun Express

From Gujarat

1. Ahmedabad – Haridwar Mail
2. Okha – Dehradun Express

These trains cover long distances efficiently and offer varying classes such as Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC 1st Class.

10. Why Train Is One of the Best Ways to Reach Haridwar

• Affordable and Comfortable

Trains offer a balanced mix of comfort and budget. Overnight journeys save time and money, especially for families and groups.

• Direct Arrival Into the City

Since Haridwar Junction lies centrally, travellers can walk or take a short ride to their hotels, markets, or the ghats.

• Perfect for Pilgrims and Large Groups

Pilgrims traveling for Char Dham, Ganga Aarti, or temple visits prefer trains because they can travel together, carry luggage easily, and enjoy predictable schedules.

• Scenic Routes

Several routes pass through the plains of North India, offering scenic countryside views. The final leg from Roorkee to Haridwar is particularly beautiful.

• Night Trains Save Daylight Hours

Many travellers choose overnight trains so they can reach Haridwar early morning, fresh and ready for temple visits or sightseeing.

11. Tips for Train Travellers

1. Book tickets early during peak seasons (April–June, October–November)
2. Prefer AC classes during summer
3. Choose early morning arrival for maximum convenience
4. Check train status before departure
5. Keep luggage secure for long-distance journeys

12. Reaching Haridwar by Road – Major Highways and Routes

Haridwar is connected to North India through multiple highways. Below are the most commonly used and best-rated routes:

•  Delhi to Haridwar (220 km)

Route: Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar

This is the most popular and busiest road route. The highway is smooth, and the journey is ideal for families, pilgrims, and weekend travellers.

Why choose this route:

1. Four-lane highways
2. Plenty of restaurants and fuel stations
3. Scenic countryside views
4. Short travel time

Travel Time: 4.5 to 6 hours

• Dehradun to Haridwar (52 km)

Route: Dehradun → Doiwala → Haridwar

A short and scenic route, especially beautiful in winter and monsoon.

Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

• Rishikesh to Haridwar (30 km)

Route: Rishikesh → Raiwala → Haridwar

Ideal for travellers combining both cities.

Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

• Chandigarh to Haridwar (205 km)

Route: Chandigarh → Ambala → Yamunanagar → Saharanpur → Roorkee → Haridwar

Smooth highways with leafy stretches and local eateries.

Travel Time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours

• Jaipur to Haridwar (490 km)

Route: Jaipur → Alwar → Rewari → Panipat → Karnal → Saharanpur → Haridwar

A popular long-drive route for Rajasthan travellers.

Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours

13. Distance Chart to Haridwar from Major Cities

City	Distance	Approx. Travel Time
Delhi	220 km	4.5–6 hours
Rishikesh	30 km	45–60 minutes
Dehradun	52 km	1.5–2 hours
Chandigarh	205 km	4.5–5.5 hours
Jaipur	490 km	8–10 hours
Agra	370 km	6–7 hours
Lucknow	530 km	8–10 hours
Amritsar	400 km	7–8 hours

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14. Reaching Haridwar by Bus – All Options

Haridwar has excellent bus connectivity from multiple states. Travellers can choose from:

• Uttarakhand Roadways buses
• Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate buses
• UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh Roadways)
• Private Volvo sleeper buses
• Semi-sleeper, AC, non-AC, and deluxe options

• Types of Buses Available

1. Government AC/Non-AC Buses

Reliable, frequent, and reasonably priced.
Available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Saharanpur, Meerut, Lucknow, and Agra.

2. Private Volvo & Sleeper Buses

Comfortable for long journeys.
Perfect for overnight travel from Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow.

3. Deluxe and Semi-Deluxe Buses

Budget-friendly and comfortable for short distances.

15. Why Choose Road Travel to Haridwar?

• Flexibility

Stop anywhere for food, temples, tea stalls, or photography points.

• Scenic Travel Experience

Highways pass through fields, forests, and riverside stretches.

• Perfect for Groups and Families

A road trip makes it easy to travel together with luggage.

• Ideal for Pilgrims

Allows stopping at small temples and local markets along the route.

16. Expert Road & Bus Travel Tips

1. Start early morning from Delhi to avoid city traffic
2. Carry snacks and water for long journeys
3. Avoid driving at night during the monsoon
4. Keep a map or navigation app for real-time conditions
5. Book Volvo buses at least 1–2 days early in peak seasons
6. For families, choose AC buses or private cars for comfort