How to get from Delhi to Haridwar

Traveling from Delhi to Haridwar is one of North India’s classic routes, whether you’re heading for the Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri, continuing on to Rishikesh, or starting a Char Dham yatra.

At A Glance (Delhi to Haridwar)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Train (Delhi → Haridwar Junction)	~3.5–6h (service-dependent)	Fast, affordable, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 150–350 (2S/SL), ~INR 400–1,200 (AC chair/sleeper) one-way » compare trains | book on IRCTC
🚌 Government & Private Buses (Delhi ISBTs → Haridwar)	~5–7h (traffic & stops)	Late bookings, budget travelers, flexible timings
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 300–900 for government/ordinary AC; ~INR 700–1,500 for Volvo/sleeper » compare buses | UTC services
🚗 Private Taxi / Prebooked Transfer	~4.5–6.5h door-to-door	Families, big luggage, odd hours, maximum comfort
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 3,500–7,500 per car one-way (sedan/SUV) depending on season and pickup point » sample transfer | intercity quotes
🚙 Self-Drive / Rental Car	~4.5–7h (via NH 334)	Road-trip lovers, side trips en route
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 2,000–4,000/day rental + fuel & tolls » car rental at DEL | Trip.com rentals
✈️ Flight to Dehradun (DED) + Taxi to Haridwar	~45m flight + 1–1.5h road transfer (plus airport formalities)	Those connecting from flights, avoiding long road journeys
🏷️ Cost: Flights often ~INR 2,000–6,000 one-way + ~INR 1,200–2,000 taxi » check flight+transfer combos | Booking.com Flights
🕉️ Organized Tour (Day Trips / 2–4 Day Packages)	Long day trip (~14–18h) or 2–4 days	First-time visitors wanting guided experience
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 3,000–12,000+ per person depending on group size and inclusions » multi-day tours | day tours

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient overall: If you can grab a seat on a fast train such as Vande Bharat or Shatabdi, train is the sweet spot of speed, comfort, and price. If you prefer door-to-door and have a lot of luggage or kids, a private taxi/transfer wins.
• Cheapest / most economical: Non-AC or regular AC buses and sleeper/2S trains are usually the lowest-cost options. Check government and private departures under bus or budget train classes under train.
• Most comfortable with baggage & elders: A prebooked taxi or transfer lets you stop as needed and minimizes walking with luggage at stations. You can also join a small-group organized tour for a fully managed experience.
• Most scenic & flexible: Confident drivers might enjoy a self-drive road trip via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee with detours to Rishikesh or Rajaji National Park.
• Best if you’re already flying: If you’re arriving into Delhi and keen to minimize road hours, consider a short hop to Dehradun (DED) and then a taxi to Haridwar.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Booking trains: Use the official IRCTC website/app or authorized agents. Aggregators such as 12Go Asia can help you compare train, bus and taxi options in one place.
• Booking buses: For Uttarakhand government buses, see UTC Online; private Volvos and sleepers can be browsed on 12Go and major Indian bus portals.
• Private taxis & transfers: For a fixed-price quote and English-speaking drivers, use platforms like GetTransfer or airport pickups with Welcome Pickups. Locally, app-based cabs such as Uber and Ola are widely used in both Delhi and Haridwar/Rishikesh.
• Hotels & stays: Haridwar gets very busy on weekends and during festivals, so prebook accommodation via Booking.com or Trip.com hotels.
• Day tours & experiences: If you’d rather not plan every detail, browse curated Haridwar/Rishikesh trips on GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Luggage solutions: If you’re in Delhi for a few hours before your train or bus, you can drop bags at verified locations near New Delhi station using Radical Storage instead of carrying everything around.
• Two-wheel options: Experienced riders sometimes rent a motorbike in Delhi and ride to Haridwar; compare deals on BikesBooking if this appeals to you, but only attempt it if you’re confident in Indian traffic.
• Season & safety: Monsoon months can bring heavy rain and occasional disruptions on both roads and rails, so allow buffer time and check live updates before departure.

🚆 Option #1 — Train Delhi → Haridwar (Fast & Popular)

Good value Fast city-center link Needs advance booking

• Overview: Direct trains from New Delhi (NDLS), Old Delhi (DLI) and sometimes Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) take roughly 3.5–6 hours to reach Haridwar Junction (HW). Premium services like Vande Bharat or Shatabdi are faster and more comfortable, while passenger/sleeper trains are cheaper but slower.
• How to book (with price): Most travelers book through the official IRCTC portal; typical fares range from around INR 150–350 (2S/sleeper) to INR 400–1,200+ (AC chair car or AC sleeper) depending on class and train. If you prefer an all-in-one comparison tool, sites like 12Go Asia show multiple trains and classes on the same page.
• Pros: Fast, affordable, avoids highway traffic, easy onward rickshaw/auto to Har Ki Pauri from Haridwar station.
• Cons: Popular trains sell out quickly on weekends, public holidays and during festival seasons; station crowds can be intense with luggage.

Step-by-step: Train from Delhi to Haridwar

1. Decide which station is most convenient: New Delhi (NDLS) is ideal if you’re near central Delhi or Paharganj; Old Delhi (DLI) works for Chandni Chowk/Old City; Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) suits South Delhi and parts of Noida.
2. Create or log into an account on IRCTC (or use an authorized app/portal) and search for trains on your chosen date. Look for suitable timings and classes (CC/EC for AC chair car, 3A/2A for AC sleepers, SL/2S for budget options).
3. Book your ticket and screenshot or print your e-ticket. For popular trains, try to book at least several days in advance; during Kumbh Mela and long weekends, you may need to plan weeks ahead.
4. On the day of travel, reach the station 30–45 minutes early to find your platform and coach position. New Delhi and Old Delhi stations have clear electronic boards but can be crowded, so allow buffer time.
5. Keep essentials (water, snacks, power bank, light jacket in AC coaches) handy and secure your bags with a small lock if you’re in sleeper or general coaches.
6. From Haridwar Junction, autos and e-rickshaws are readily available outside the station to Har Ki Pauri and main hotel areas; fares are usually modest but agree on the price before boarding.

Getting to the main embarking points (Delhi Railway Stations)

• By metro: Use the Yellow Line to reach New Delhi Metro station for NDLS (the station is connected by footbridge) or the Violet/Yellow/Heritage lines for Old Delhi station. For NZM, take the Pink Line to Sarai Kale Khan–Nizamuddin and follow station signage.
• By app cab/taxi: Uber and Ola operate extensively in Delhi; just set your drop point to the specific railway station (e.g., “New Delhi Railway Station Ajmeri Gate”). For airport transfers into the city, prebook with services like Welcome Pickups if you want a named driver meeting you in arrivals.
• By auto-rickshaw: Autos are handy for shorter hops from central Delhi neighborhoods; insist on the meter or negotiate a fixed fare before starting.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Direct Bus (Government & Private)

Low cost Frequent departures Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Buses run day and night between Delhi and Haridwar, mainly from ISBT Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar. Options range from basic non-AC buses to comfortable AC Volvo and sleeper coaches, taking around 5–7 hours depending on traffic and number of stops.
• How to book (with price): For Uttarakhand government buses, use the UTC portal at utconline.uk.gov.in or related booking links. Fares typically start near INR 300–400 for ordinary buses and INR 500–900+ for AC Volvo and sleeper services. If you want to compare private operators and timings in English, check listings on 12Go Asia.
• Pros: Good last-minute availability, frequent departures, and through buses that drop you near Haridwar bus stand, a short auto ride from Har Ki Pauri.
• Cons: Journey time can increase significantly with peak-hour traffic leaving/entering Delhi; ride comfort varies by operator and bus type.

Step-by-step: Bus from Delhi to Haridwar

1. Pick your departure terminal (Kashmere Gate is the largest, Anand Vihar is convenient for East Delhi/Noida). Confirm from where your chosen UTC or private bus leaves.
2. Book online via UTC Online (for state buses) or your preferred aggregator; choose an AC Volvo or similar for more comfort, especially in summer.
3. Arrive at the terminal 30–45 minutes before departure to locate the correct platform/bay; bus staff usually call out the destination.
4. Keep warm clothing handy, as AC buses can get chilly; pack light snacks and water, though most long-distance buses stop at highway food plazas.
5. On arrival in Haridwar, use autos/e-rickshaws to reach your hotel or Har Ki Pauri; always agree on the fare before starting.

Getting to the main embarking points (Delhi ISBTs)

• Kashmere Gate ISBT: Located in North Delhi, served directly by the Red, Yellow and Violet metro lines. From nearby areas you can also take an auto or app cab.
• Anand Vihar ISBT: Convenient for East Delhi and Noida; served by the Blue and Pink metro lines and well-connected by buses.
• App cabs & taxis: For early-morning or late-night departures, Uber and Ola are usually the easiest way to reach the bus terminal safely.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #3 — Private Taxi / Prebooked Transfer

Door-to-door comfort Flexible timing Higher cost

• Overview: A private taxi from Delhi to Haridwar takes roughly 4.5–6.5 hours depending on your exact pickup point and traffic. This is the most comfortable way to travel with elderly family members, children, or lots of luggage, and it allows for sightseeing stops en route.
• How to book (with price): Typical one-way fares for a comfortable sedan range from about INR 3,500–5,500, with SUVs closer to INR 5,000–7,500+. For transparent pricing and reviews, you can book an intercity ride via GetTransfer, or choose a dedicated Delhi–Haridwar transfer on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Door-to-door pickup from your hotel or the airport, no need to handle luggage at stations; flexible breaks for meals, temples or viewpoints.
• Cons: More expensive than train or bus; journey time can increase in peak traffic or during long holiday weekends.

Step-by-step: Private Taxi or Transfer

1. Decide on your pickup (hotel, New Delhi station area, or DEL airport) and preferred departure time. Early morning departures (5–7 am) usually avoid the worst traffic.
2. Compare quotes on GetTransfer or look for a well-reviewed transfer on GetYourGuide. For airport-only trips into Delhi before traveling onward by train, you can also use Welcome Pickups.
3. Confirm whether tolls, parking, and state taxes are included in the fare, and whether there are hourly/km limits.
4. Share your live location with friends/family and keep your phone charged; carry some cash for highway snacks, washrooms, and tips.
5. On arrival in Haridwar, ask the driver to drop you as close as possible to your hotel or to a vehicle-accessible point near Har Ki Pauri (some lanes are pedestrian-only).

Getting to the main embarking points (Your Pickup in Delhi)

• From the airport: If you’re landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can either meet your prebooked driver at arrivals (common with Welcome Pickups/transfer providers) or use Uber/Ola from the designated pickup zones.
• From central Delhi hotels: Most transfers will pick you up directly at your hotel; confirm exact lobby time and check-out timing so you’re ready when the car arrives.
• From railway/bus stations: If you’re switching from train/bus to a private car, choose a prominent pickup landmark (station entrance, metro gate, etc.) so your driver can find you easily.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚙 Option #4 — Self-Drive / Rental Car from Delhi

Flexible Scenic For confident drivers

• Overview: The road to Haridwar typically follows NH 334 via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee, taking around 4.5–7 hours depending on time of day and number of stops. This suits travelers who enjoy road trips and want to stop at dhabas or make detours to places like Rishikesh.
• How to book (with price): You can rent a car from Delhi city or DEL airport; comparison tools like Booking.com Cars (DEL) and Trip.com Car Hire show available vehicles and daily rates, often from about INR 2,000–4,000 for a compact vehicle (fuel and tolls extra).
• Two-wheelers: Experienced riders sometimes rent motorcycles in Delhi (for example via BikesBooking) and ride to Haridwar, but this is only recommended if you are used to Indian highways and weather conditions.
• Pros: Maximum freedom with departure time and route, easy to combine with Rishikesh/Dehradun and nearby attractions.
• Cons: Indian traffic can be stressful; tolls and fuel add to the cost; parking in central Haridwar near Har Ki Pauri can be limited during peak times.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive Route

1. Pick up your rental car in Delhi or at DEL airport and inspect it for any pre-existing damage; take photos and confirm paperwork and insurance coverage.
2. Set your navigation to Haridwar via NH 334 (often marked via Meerut/Roorkee). Leave early morning to minimize traffic leaving Delhi.
3. Keep cash or FASTag ready for toll booths and plan rest stops every 1.5–2 hours at reputable dhabas or highway food plazas.
4. Approaching Haridwar, expect slower traffic, especially near festival times and weekends; drive cautiously and watch for pedestrians and animals on the road.
5. Park at your hotel or an authorized parking area and use autos/e-rickshaws to get around busy ghat areas.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Locations)

• Airport rentals: Many chains have desks at or near DEL; you can prebook via Booking.com Cars or similar, then collect your vehicle after landing.
• City rentals: If you’re already staying in Delhi, consider picking up from a city office rather than driving in from the airport; check the exact pickup address and opening hours.
• Return options: Some companies allow one-way rentals; verify whether you can drop the car in Haridwar/Dehradun or must return to Delhi.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #5 — Flight to Dehradun (DED) + Taxi to Haridwar

Shortest air time Good for onward flights More expensive overall

• Overview: Haridwar does not have its own airport, but Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED) lies about 40 km away. Direct flights between Delhi (DEL) and DED take around 45–60 minutes, followed by a 1–1.5 hour taxi ride to Haridwar.
• How to book (with price): Search DEL–DED flights on tools like Booking.com Flights or on the combined overview at 12Go. One-way fares often start around INR 2,000–3,000 in off-peak seasons, rising to INR 5,000+ during busy holidays. Taxis from DED to Haridwar usually cost roughly INR 1,200–2,000 depending on vehicle and negotiation.
• Pros: Useful if you are connecting from another flight in Delhi and don’t want to spend many hours on the road; Dehradun is also handy for exploring Mussoorie and the Garhwal hills.
• Cons: By the time you factor in airport transfers and security, door-to-door time may be similar to a direct road or rail journey; weather can occasionally affect flights, especially in monsoon or winter fog.

Step-by-step: Flight + Taxi

1. Book a morning or midday DEL–DED flight with enough buffer after any inbound flight. Check baggage rules, especially on low-cost airlines.
2. On arrival at DED, collect your luggage and head to the taxi counters or meet a prebooked driver (you can use intercity services such as GetTransfer or local operators recommended by your hotel).
3. Confirm whether your fare is fixed or metered and whether it includes any parking/airport charges before you start.
4. Enjoy the scenic drive along the Ganga valley; on reaching Haridwar, ask to be dropped at your hotel or near Har Ki Pauri.

Getting to the main embarking points (DEL & DED Airports)

• Reaching DEL in Delhi: Use the Airport Express metro line from New Delhi or Shivaji Stadium for a fast, reliable connection, or call an Uber/Ola/airport taxi.
• At DED (Dehradun Airport): The airport is compact; taxis and prebooked transfers wait outside arrivals. In peak times, prebooking a car can save waiting.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🕉️ Option #6 — Organized Tour or Package (From Delhi)

Hassle-free Guided sightseeing Less flexibility

• Overview: If you’d like guides, hotel, and transport all bundled, consider a day trip or 2–4 day Haridwar–Rishikesh tour from Delhi. These typically include hotel pickup, private or shared transport, and guided visits to key spots such as Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi, and Rishikesh’s suspension bridges.
• How to book (with price): Browse options and reviews on GetYourGuide or Klook. Prices vary widely, from around INR 3,000–5,000 for basic day trips to INR 8,000–12,000+ per person for multi-day private experiences with comfortable hotels.
• Pros: Ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time; you don’t have to worry about routes or local logistics, and you still get time for the Ganga aarti and a quick taste of Rishikesh.
• Cons: Fixed schedules, less free time to explore on your own, and sometimes higher cost than arranging train + hotel independently.

Step-by-step: Joining an Organized Tour

1. Choose your preferred tour length (same-day vs multi-day) and style (group vs private) on platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook and read recent reviews carefully.
2. Confirm inclusions: hotel pickups, meals, entrance fees, cable car tickets, and whether the aarti at Har Ki Pauri is definitely covered.
3. Share your exact Delhi pickup address and keep your phone reachable on the morning of your tour.
4. Bring modest clothing suitable for temples and ghats, a light shawl or jacket in winter, and comfortable footwear.
5. After the trip, you can ask the operator to drop you at your next hotel, the railway station, or the airport if that’s part of the package or available as an add-on.

Getting to the main embarking points (Delhi Hotel / Meeting Point)

• Hotel pickup: Most operators pick you up directly from central Delhi hotels; check if airport or Gurugram pickups cost extra.
• Common meeting points: If your tour uses a central meeting point, it is usually in Connaught Place, Paharganj, or near a metro station. Take the metro, auto or an Uber/Ola to get there in time.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Delhi to Haridwar)

How long does it take to travel from Delhi to Haridwar?
Most travelers take 4–7 hours by road depending on traffic and stops, or around 3.5–6 hours by train depending on the service. Flights to Dehradun take under an hour, but you must add airport time plus a 1–1.5 hour taxi to Haridwar.

What is the safest way to travel — train, bus, or taxi?
All three can be safe when booked with reputable operators. Trains and government buses are well-regulated; private Volvos and licensed taxis are generally reliable. Always wear seatbelts in cars, avoid very late-night highway travel if possible, and keep valuables close.

Do I need to book in advance?
For weekends, school holidays, and festival seasons (especially during the Kumbh or Kanwar yatra), it is wise to book trains and accommodation several weeks in advance. Buses and taxis are often available closer to the date, but choice and prices may be less favorable.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Haridwar on arrival?
In low or shoulder seasons, you can usually find budget rooms on arrival, but quality varies. For a smoother experience, especially if you’re arriving late or during busy periods, prebook a stay via platforms like Booking.com or Trip.com so you know exactly where you’re going when you reach the city.

What about monsoon or weather-related disruptions?
Heavy rain can slow highway traffic or cause local disruptions, and dense winter fog may delay trains or flights. Always keep an eye on local news and railway/airline alerts near your travel dates, and allow some buffer time if you have tight onward connections.

Is Haridwar suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Haridwar is a major pilgrimage town and sees many solo travelers. Choose centrally located, well-reviewed accommodation, keep your belongings secure at crowded ghats, and follow standard safety precautions, especially at night.