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How to Reach Haridwar by Train, Flight & Road – Complete Tourist Guide

  • Writer: Epic Yatra
    Epic Yatra
  • 14 minutes ago
  • 10 min read
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Planning a trip to Haridwar? Whether you're visiting for the Chardham Yatra, a peaceful spiritual break, or a family holiday, reaching Haridwar is very simple thanks to its excellent train, road, and flight connections. Learn how to reach Haridwar by train, flight, and road with key distances, nearest airport details, best routes, and travel tips to make your journey easier. This complete guide covers every travel option clearly—ideal for tourists, older citizens, and first-time visitors.

Located just 220 km from Delhi, Haridwar is not only a sacred city but also the main starting point for popular Uttarakhand trips like Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath Yatra, Badrinath Yatra, and Rishikesh tours. The city has one of North India's busiest railway stations—Haridwar Junction (HW)—which connects it to major towns and metros across the country. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), located only 35–40 km away, offering quick access by road.

Haridwar is also very easy to reach by road, with multiple AC Volvo buses running day and night from Delhi and nearby cities. You will also find 24×7 taxi and cab services from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and other nearby destinations. The city enjoys smooth connectivity to Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Mussoorie, making it a perfect base point for onwards travel. Haridwar even works as a base station for Kedarnath helicopter services via Dehradun and Rishikesh, ensuring travellers have multiple convenient travel options.

With strong transport links and simple routes, Haridwar remains one of the easiest and most comfortable destinations to reach in Uttarakhand.

Why Is Haridwar Easy to Reach?

Haridwar is one of the most famous and easily accessible cities in Uttarakhand. It sits right at the edge of the plains, just before the Himalayan hills begin, which makes travelling smooth and hassle-free for everyone.

1. Excellent Train Connectivity

Haridwar Junction (HW) is one of North India’s busiest railway stations. It connects directly to major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Varanasi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. Frequent trains make Haridwar easy to reach any day of the week.

2. Smooth and Safe Road Travel

Haridwar is connected by wide national highways, making road travel simple and comfortable.

Delhi to Haridwar: 220 km

Travel time: 5–6 hours

Regular buses, AC Volvos, taxis, and shared cabs are available 24×7 from Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Chandigarh.

3. Easy Access by Flight

Although Haridwar has no airport, travellers can easily fly to the Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), which is only 35–40 km away. From the airport, taxis and cabs are always available for a quick 45–60 minute ride to Haridwar.

4. Strong Local Transportation

Inside Haridwar, you’ll find plenty of local transport options:

  • City buses

  • Shared autos

  • E-rickshaws

  • Private taxis

These make it easy to move between Har Ki Pauri, Rishikesh Road, the railway station, and nearby tourist spots.

5. Quick Access to Nearby Cities

Haridwar is perfectly placed for onwards travel to:

  • Rishikesh – 20 km

  • Dehradun – 50 km

  • Mussoorie – 80 km

This makes Haridwar a major base for Char Dham Yatra and all Uttarakhand tours.

How to Reach Haridwar Safely by Train, Flight, and Road

Haridwar is very easy to reach because it is well connected to Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and almost every major city in North India. You can reach the city by train, road, or flight—whichever suits your budget and comfort. The journey is smooth, simple, and safe for families, orders, and first-time travellers.

By Train

Haridwar Junction (HW) has multiple trains arriving every day, making train travel one of the most popular options.

Some major trains include:

  • Shatabdi Express

  • Jan Shatabdi Express

  • Mussoorie Express

  • Doon Express

  • Vande Bharat (to Dehradun, then 35 km to Haridwar)

  • Travel time from Delhi: 4.5–6 hours.

The station has lifts, escalators, cloakroom, and waiting rooms.

Easy trains available from cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Bangalore, Chennai, Vadodara, Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

By Road

The road to Haridwar is smooth and comfortable because it runs through the wide NH 334 highway.

  • Distance from Delhi: 220 km.

  • Travel time: 5–6 hours

  • Route: Delhi → Ghaziabad → Meerut Expressway → Muzaffarnagar → Purkazi → Roorkee → Haridwar

  • AC Volvos run day and night from Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Chandigarh.

  • Both government and private buses are available.

By Flight

Haridwar doesn’t have its own airport, but the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is very close.

  • Distance: 35 km

  • Travel time: 1–1.5 hours by taxi

  • The airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Jaipur.

  • Taxis and shared cabs are available 24×7 outside the terminal.

Delhi to Reach Haridwar Distance & Travel Options

Delhi to Haridwar is around 220 km, and it usually takes 5–6 hours by car. Most people choose this route because it is smooth, safe, and has many food stops on the way. Delhi also has the highest number of trains and buses going to Haridwar, making it the easiest starting point for pilgrims and tourists.

Quick Info:

  • Distance: ~220 km

  • Travel Time: 5–6 hours

  • Route: Delhi → Ghaziabad → Meerut Expressway → Muzaffarnagar → Purkazi → Roorkee → Haridwar

  • Best For: Families, groups, older peoples, and first-time travellers

Delhi to Haridwar Distance by Train

Travelling from Delhi to Haridwar by train is super easy. The distance is about 220 km, and most trains take 4.5–6 hours. Many trains run daily from New Delhi, Old Delhi Railway Station, and Hazrat Nizamuddin. Trains are cheap, comfortable, and perfect for pilgrims and tourists.

Quick Info:

  • Travel Time: 4.5–6 hours

  • Popular Trains: Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express

  • Boarding Points: New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin

  • Best For: Budget travelers, solo visitors, groups

Delhi to Haridwar Distance by Bus

The road distance from Delhi to Haridwar is also about 220 km, and buses take 5–7 hours depending on traffic and stops. You can easily catch Volvo or state buses from Kashmiri Gate or Anand Vihar Terminal. Many travellers choose night buses to reach Haridwar early in the morning.

Quick Info:

  • Distance: ~220 km

  • Travel Time: 5–7 hours

  • Bus Options: Uttarakhand Roadways, UPSRTC, private Volvos

  • Best For: Budget travelers, people without cars

Delhi to Haridwar Distance by Flight

Haridwar does not have an airport, but the nearest one is in Dehradun, about 35 km away. A flight from Delhi to Dehradun takes only 45–50 minutes. From the airport, taxis take 1–1.5 hours to reach Haridwar. This is the fastest way to travel.

Quick Info:

  • Flight Time: ~50 minutes (Delhi → Dehradun)

  • Airport to Haridwar: 35 km (1–1.5 hours by taxi)

  • Best For: NRIs, older citizens, travellers in a hurry

Haridwar to Reach Nearest Airport – Jolly Grant (Dehradun Airport)

The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, located about 35 km away, as Haridwar does not have its own airport. The Haridwar–airport road is fully motorable with smooth connectivity via the Rishikesh–Haridwar Highway, making travel easy for all visitors. Jolly Grant Airport is small but busy, offering essential facilities like ATMs, food stalls, and waiting areas.

Daily flights operate from major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Pune, through airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara. Helicopter services to Kedarnath and the Chardham region also operate from nearby Sahastradhara, about 25–30 km from the airport. Early morning and evening flights are especially popular among pilgrims. From the airport, Haridwar can be reached in just 1–1.5 hours by prepaid taxis, shared cabs, or state buses.

Best For: NRIs, older travellers, families with children, and anyone who wants a quick journey.

Key Information:

  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun

  • Distance From Haridwar: ~35 km (1–1.5 hours by taxi)

  • Flights Available: Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore & Pune

  • Transport Options: Prepaid taxis, shared cabs, state buses

Haridwar to Reach Dehradun Distance & Travel Routes

Haridwar to Dehradun is only about 50 km, and it takes 1.5–2 hours to reach by road through the smooth route of Raiwala and Doiwala. This route is very popular because Dehradun has the nearest airport to Haridwar and is also the main gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and other hill stations. Both cities are well connected by buses, trains, and taxis, so travelling is easy for everyone—tourists, pilgrims, and families.

Many visitors stay in Haridwar for the Ganga Aarti and temple visits and then head to Dehradun for flights or to continue their trip to the hills. The route connecting Haridwar and Dehradun are so close that many locals travel between the two cities every day for work, study, and temple visits—making this one of Uttarakhand’s busiest short-distance routes!

Haridwar to Dehradun Distance by Road

Haridwar to Dehradun is about 50 km, and it takes 1.5–2 hours by road. The most common and smooth route is via NH 7, passing through Raiwala and Doiwala. You will find taxis, buses, and shared jeeps easily, making the trip simple for families and groups.

Quick Info:

  • Distance: ~50 km

  • Time: 1.5–2 hours

  • Route: Haridwar → Raiwala → Doiwala → Dehradun

  • Best For: Families, groups, and anyone wanting a short, easy journey

Haridwar to Dehradun Distance by Train

The train distance between Haridwar and Dehradun is about 40+ km, and most trains take 1.5–2 hours. Trains run frequently, are cheap, and are popular among students, solo travellers, and daily commuters.

Quick Info:

  • Time: 1.5–2 hours

  • Popular Trains: Dehradun Intercity Express, Shatabdi (Delhi–Dehradun via Haridwar)

  • Boarding Point: Haridwar Junction (HW)

  • Best For: Budget travelers, students, solo pilgrims

Why This Route Is Important

This short route is very useful for people catching flights from Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun). It also connects travelers to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and the Char Dham Yatra routes. The journey is smooth and comfortable, making it suitable even for older pilgrims.

Haridwar to Rishikesh Distance & Connectivity

Haridwar to Rishikesh is very close—just 20–25 km, which takes 40–50 minutes by road. Because both are spiritual cities on the Ganga, many people visit them on the same day. Rishikesh is known for yoga, ashrams, river rafting, and the beautiful Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. The road between the two cities is smooth, making this one of the easiest and most popular routes in Uttarakhand.

Haridwar to Rishikesh Distance by Road

The road distance is 20–25 km, and you can reach Rishikesh in 40–50 minutes via Raiwala on NH 58. The drive is short and pleasant. You can travel by private taxis, shared jeeps, autos, or frequent buses, making it affordable and convenient for everyone.

Quick Info:

  • Distance: 20–25 km

  • Time: 40–50 minutes

  • Route: Haridwar → Raiwala → Rishikesh

  • Best For: Pilgrims, yoga lovers, families, and tourists visiting both cities together

Haridwar to Rishikesh Distance by Train

By train, the distance is about 20+ km, and it takes around 1 hour. Rishikesh has a small railway station, so only a few passenger trains run between the two cities. Because of limited trains, road travel is usually the faster and easier option.

Quick Info:

  • Time: ~1 hour

  • Station: Rishikesh Railway Station

  • Best For: Budget travelers who don’t mind a slower journey

Why This Route Matters

  • Many pilgrims stay in Haridwar and visit Rishikesh for a day trip.

  • The short distance is easy for older citizens and families.

  • This route is important for people traveling further to Char Dham Yatra routes like Uttarkashi and Kedarnath.

How Families, Older & Tourists Prefer to Reach Haridwar 

Different people choose different ways to reach Haridwar based on comfort, time, and budget. Some prefer trains, some like road trips, and some choose flights for a faster journey. Here’s how each group usually travels:

1. Families: 

Most families use private taxis or their own car from Delhi because it gives them freedom to stop anytime for food, rest, or kids’ needs. Many also choose fast and comfortable trains like the Shatabdi.

Why families like it:

  • Easy to carry luggage

  • Flexible timing

  • Comfortable for kids and elders

2. Older Citizens

Long car rides can be tiring, so older prefer short train journeys or a flight to Dehradun, followed by a short 1–1.5 hour taxi ride to Haridwar.

Why older like it:

  • Less travel time

  • Smoother, stress-free journey

  • Better comfort

3. NRIs & Foreign Tourists

International visitors usually fly straight to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and take a cab to Haridwar. This avoids the long Delhi-to-Haridwar road travel after a tiring flight.

Why tourists like it:

  • Saves time

  • Easy after long flights

  • Convenient for heavy luggage

4. Budget Travelers

Students and backpackers choose buses or passenger trains, which are cheap and run frequently. Overnight buses are especially popular.

Why budget travelers like it:

  • Lowest cost

  • Plenty of options

  • Easy last-minute travel

5. Adventure Seekers

People who want a mix of pilgrimage and adventure prefer road travel. They often continue to Rishikesh for rafting or Mussoorie for a hill break.

Why adventure seekers like it:

  • Scenic roads

  • Easy to stop anywhere

  • Flexible for adventure plans

6. Solo Travelers

Solo travelers often prefer trains or buses because they’re safe, affordable, and easy to manage alone. Many also choose trains because they offer more comfort for long hours.

Why solo travelers like it:

  • Safe and budget-friendly

  • Simple to plan

  • Easy to travel light

7. Pilgrims Visiting Kedarnath/Badrinath

Pilgrims coming for Char Dham Yatra prefer trains to Haridwar and then continue their journey by taxi or bus. Haridwar is the main starting point for Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Why pilgrims like it:

  • Direct access to Yatra routes

  • Many travel services available

  • Easy to join group tours

Travel Tips Before Reaching Haridwar

Reaching Haridwar is easy, but a little planning can make your trip much smoother. The city gets very crowded during Yatra season and festivals, so being ready beforehand helps you avoid stress. Here are simple tips to keep your journey comfortable:

Book Early: During Char Dham Yatra, Kanwar Yatra, and festival days, trains and hotels fill up fast. Booking early saves money and avoids last-minute trouble.

Keep Extra Time: Highways and ghats can get busy, especially on weekends. Always keep some buffer time if you have to catch a flight or another train.

Pack Light: Haridwar’s market lanes and ghats are crowded. Carrying heavy luggage becomes difficult, so bring only the essentials.

span style="color: #0000ff;">Travel Comfortably with Older Peoples: If you’re traveling with older people, avoid late-night buses. Choose daytime trains or fly to Dehradun for a smoother trip.

Check the Weather: Haridwar is hot in summer and cold at night in winter. Pack clothes according to the season.

Use Local Transport: Once you arrive, shared autos, e-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are the easiest and cheapest way to move around the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time of year to travel to Haridwar?

The best time to visit Haridwar is October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Summer is good for Char Dham pilgrims, but it gets hot during the day.

2. Is Haridwar well connected for first-time travelers?

Yes. Haridwar is one of Uttarakhand’s most connected cities with direct trains, highways, and an airport nearby, making it very easy for tourists and pilgrims.

3. How many days are enough to explore Haridwar?

Most travelers need 1–2 days to visit Har Ki Pauri, nearby temples, and markets. Those combining Rishikesh or Dehradun can plan 3–4 days.

4. Are taxis easily available from Haridwar to Rishikesh or Dehradun?

Yes. 24×7 taxis, autos, and shared jeeps are available at Haridwar Railway Station and bus stands to nearby cities.

5. Is Haridwar suitable for older citizens?

Absolutely. Haridwar is senior-friendly with flat roads, easily accessible ghats, short travel distances, and plenty of nearby hotels.

6. Can I visit Haridwar and Rishikesh on the same day?

Yes. Since the distance is only 20–25 km, most travelers visit both cities in a single trip, especially for Ganga Aarti and ashram visits.

7. How is the mobile network and internet connectivity in Haridwar?

All major networks like Jio, Airtel, and Vi work well in Haridwar. You will find good 4G/5G connectivity near ghats and markets.

8. Are there good hotel options near Har Ki Pauri?

Yes. Haridwar has budget, mid-range, and premium hotels within walking distance of Har Ki Pauri, making it easy for pilgrims and families.

9. Do I need any registration to enter Haridwar?

No registration is required to visit Haridwar. But if you're continuing towards Char Dham Yatra, you must complete mandatory registration.

10. Is it safe for solo travelers to visit Haridwar?

Yes, Haridwar is safe for solo travelers. Just avoid isolated lanes late at night and stick to crowded areas like ghats and markets.




 
 
 

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