How to get from Haridwar to Delhi

Planning how to travel from the holy city of Haridwar to India’s bustling capital, Delhi? This step-by-step guide compares every major option so you can pick the route, budget, and comfort level that suits you best.

At A Glance (Haridwar to Delhi)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Train (Haridwar Jn → New Delhi / Hazrat Nizamuddin)	~3.5–5h (depending on train)	Most travelers – fast, comfortable, reliable
🗷️ Cost: ~₹200–₹800 one-way in reserved classes (Sleeper/Chair Car/AC) » compare trains | book on IRCTC
🚌 Government & Private Bus (Haridwar → Delhi ISBTs)	~4.5–6.5h (traffic-dependent)	Cheapest travel, frequent departures
🗷️ Cost: ~₹340–1,200 one-way (Non-AC/AC/Volvo) » compare buses | UTC online booking
🚕 Private Taxi / Door-to-Door Transfer	~4.5–6h (door-to-door)	Families, lots of luggage, late/early departures
🗷️ Cost: ~₹3,200–6,500 per vehicle one-way (small car to SUV) » quote private transfers | Haridwar–Delhi transfers
✈️ Flight via Dehradun (Jolly Grant) → Delhi	~1h flight + ~2–3h total road time	Those connecting to onward flights in Delhi
🗷️ Cost: ~₹3,000–8,000 one-way (airfare, variable) + taxis » search flights
🚙 Self-Drive or Rental Car	~4.5–6h (250 km via NH334)	Road trip lovers, flexible detours
🗷️ Cost: ~₹2,500–5,000/day rental in Delhi (plus fuel & tolls) » compare car rentals | scooter options

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient for most travelers: Take a reserved train – ideally an express or Vande Bharat-style service – if you want a smooth daytime journey with guaranteed seating and minimal traffic delays.
• Cheapest / Most Economical: Choose a government or private bus if you’re watching your budget, are okay with basic comfort, and value frequent departures through the day and night.
• Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Book a private taxi/transfer if you’re traveling with family, elderly travelers, kids, or lots of luggage, or if your timings don’t match the train/bus schedule.
• Best for Onward Flights from Delhi: Fly from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport to Delhi and continue your journey if you want to minimize overland time on a multi-flight itinerary – see Flight via Dehradun.
• Most Scenic / Flexible Schedule: Rent a car or scooter and drive yourself from Delhi (or for shorter stretches) if you’re confident on Indian highways and want to stop at places like Rishikesh or Meerut – see Self-Drive.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Trains: For official bookings use IRCTC (account required). If you prefer an easier interface or international cards, you can compare trains and prices on 12Go Asia and then still book via IRCTC or an authorised partner.
• Buses: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and other operators sell tickets at counters and online. Check UTC schedules and book seats via the official UTC online bus booking portal or compare private AC buses on 12Go Asia.
• Private taxis & transfers: For fixed-price door-to-door cars, you can request quotes on GetTransfer.com or book pre-arranged Delhi/Haridwar transfers via GetYourGuide. In both Haridwar and Delhi, app taxis like Uber and Ola are widely used for shorter hops.
• Flights & hotels around the trip: If you’re flying into or out of Delhi, search fares on Booking.com Flights and pair your trip with a hotel near New Delhi Railway Station or Connaught Place via Booking.com stays or Haridwar hotels via Trip.com.
• Airport transfers in Delhi: For late-night or luggage-heavy arrivals, prebook an airport pickup through Welcome Pickups or Klook airport transfers; otherwise, Uber, Ola, and regular airport taxis are easy to find.
• Luggage storage: If your train or bus gets in long before hotel check-in, consider left-luggage services around New Delhi Station using Radical Storage.
• Seasonal & festival crowds: Kumbh Mela, long weekends, and peak pilgrimage seasons make this route extremely busy. Book trains and AC buses as early as possible, travel in the day if you’re new to India, and keep extra buffer time for traffic or fog in winter.

🚆 Option 1 — Train (Most Popular, Comfortable)

Fast on land Reserved seating Book ahead

• Overview: Multiple daily trains run from Haridwar Junction (HW) to New Delhi (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM). Fast services like Vande Bharat and Jan Shatabdi cover the ~250 km in about 3.5–4.5 hours, while slower expresses take closer to 5 hours.
• Comfort levels: You can choose from unreserved seating (cheapest but crowded) to Sleeper (bunks), AC Chair Car (comfortable seats for daytime), or AC 2/3 Tier for overnight-style comfort if timings are late.
• How to book (with price idea): Reserved seats typically cost around ₹200–₹800 per adult depending on class and train. Check real-time fares and availability on IRCTC or compare schedules and options on 12Go Asia before booking.
• Pros: Quickest overland option, no traffic jams, relatively clean toilets and food options on faster trains, safer and more comfortable for families and solo travelers.
• Cons: Popular trains sell out days or weeks in advance; boarding with heavy luggage can be rushed; winter fog can cause delays to and from Delhi.

Step-by-step: Train from Haridwar to Delhi

1. Check your preferred timing (morning, afternoon, or late-night) and class of travel. On busy dates, prioritize earlier-in-the-day departures to reduce the impact of delays.
2. Create or log into your IRCTC account and search for Haridwar Jn (HW) to New Delhi (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) on your travel date. Look at journey time, arrival station, and class availability.
3. Compare the options on aggregators like 12Go Asia or other authorised partners if you prefer simpler payment methods, then choose the exact train and class that suits you.
4. Book your ticket, noting the coach and seat/berth number. Keep a screenshot or printout of the e-ticket and ensure at least one passenger carries a valid photo ID.
5. Arrive at Haridwar Junction 30–45 minutes early (more if you have a lot of luggage) to find your platform. Platform numbers are displayed on station boards and apps like NTES.
6. Once on board, store luggage under the seat or above on the racks. For longer journeys, carry water, snacks, and a light jacket in case the AC is cool.
7. On arrival in Delhi (NDLS or NZM), follow signs to prepaid taxis, app-cab pickup zones, or the Delhi Metro. If your hotel is near New Delhi Station or Connaught Place, you can also walk or take a short tuk-tuk or rickshaw ride.

Getting to the main embarking points (Haridwar Junction)

• Within Haridwar: Most travelers stay near Har Ki Pauri or along the main highway. From these areas, you can reach Haridwar Junction by auto-rickshaw or taxi in about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
• Taxis and app cabs: Local taxis can be arranged via your hotel or local travel desks. In and around Haridwar/Rishikesh you may find Ola or Uber for some routes, but availability can be patchy compared to Delhi.
• From Rishikesh: If you are staying in Rishikesh, plan around 60–90 minutes by taxi or bus down to Haridwar Junction, especially in peak season or festival times.
• At New Delhi / Hazrat Nizamuddin: Once in Delhi, onward travel is easy by Delhi Metro, app taxis like Uber and Ola, or hotel pickups. If you arrive early and cannot check into your hotel yet, consider storing your bags near New Delhi Station with Radical Storage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option 2 — Government & Private Bus (Budget-Friendly)

Lowest cost Many departures Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Buses link Haridwar with major Delhi bus terminals such as ISBT Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, and sometimes Dhaula Kuan or other drop points. You can choose ordinary state buses or more comfortable AC/Volvo coaches.
• Journey time: Expect roughly 4.5–6.5 hours depending on traffic, roadworks, weather, and how many intermediate stops your bus makes.
• How to book (with price idea): Non-AC state buses are usually around ₹340–500, while AC and Volvo services can range from ₹700–1,200. Compare operators and departure times on 12Go Asia Haridwar–Delhi buses or use UTC’s official online portal via India.gov UTC booking.
• Boarding points: Government buses usually depart from the main Haridwar Roadways/ISBT bus stand. Private operators may use nearby hotels or ticket offices as pick-up locations – always confirm the exact landmark and arrival time.
• Pros: Very frequent, cheap, and simple; decent comfort in AC coaches; good choice for flexible or last-minute travel when trains are full.
• Cons: Subject to traffic jams near Delhi, varying seat comfort, and occasional rough driving or loud music. Night buses can be tiring if you are not used to Indian roads.

Step-by-step: Bus from Haridwar to Delhi

1. Decide whether you prefer a government bus (UTC) or a private AC coach. Government buses are more basic but predictable; private operators may offer reclining seats, blankets, and water.
2. For UTC buses, check schedules and seat availability online through the official UTC booking page, or buy tickets at the Haridwar bus stand counter on the day of travel.
3. To compare private operators and timings, search Haridwar to Delhi buses on 12Go Asia and select the departure that matches your schedule and comfort level.
4. Arrive at your boarding point 20–30 minutes early, especially in busy periods. Confirm the bus number, operator name, and destination board before loading your luggage.
5. Keep valuables with you in a small daypack; larger bags can go in the luggage bay or overhead rack. Bring water, light snacks, and maybe a travel pillow for night journeys.
6. On arrival in Delhi (commonly Kashmere Gate or Anand Vihar ISBT), follow signs to the Delhi Metro, local buses, app taxis (Uber/Ola), or pre-arranged hotel pickups.

Getting to the main embarking points (Haridwar Bus Stand)

• Haridwar Roadways Bus Stand: Located near the city center, it’s reachable by auto-rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, or taxi from hotel areas around Har Ki Pauri and along the main highway.
• From Rishikesh: Shared jeeps and buses run between Rishikesh and Haridwar frequently. If your bus starts in Haridwar, allow at least 1.5 hours from Rishikesh including buffer time.
• In Delhi (ISBTs): ISBT Kashmere Gate is connected to the Red, Yellow, and Violet Metro lines, making onward travel to most of Delhi straightforward. Anand Vihar ISBT connects to the Blue Line and suburban rail services.
• Local connections: At both ends, you can use the Delhi Metro, auto-rickshaws, and app taxis (Uber/Ola) to reach your final accommodation.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option 3 — Private Taxi / Door-to-Door Transfer

Door-to-door Flexible timing Higher cost

• Overview: A private taxi or chauffeured car picks you up from your hotel or ashram in Haridwar and drops you at your exact address in Delhi. The drive is usually 4.5–6 hours via NH334, depending on traffic and breaks.
• Vehicle types: Small sedans are fine for 2–3 people with luggage; families often choose SUVs or minivans for more comfort.
• How to book (with price idea): Expect around ₹3,200–6,500 for a standard private transfer, varying by vehicle size, operator, and season. You can request quotes on GetTransfer.com or book curated Delhi–Haridwar/Dehradun transfers via GetYourGuide, which often include reliable vehicles and English-speaking drivers.
• Extras: Some services allow photo or food stops at viewpoints, roadside dhabas, or sacred spots along the Ganga. Clarify this before booking if it’s important to you.
• Pros: Zero changes of vehicle, no need to carry luggage through stations, flexible departure time, ideal for groups splitting the cost.
• Cons: More expensive than bus/train per person, and you are still exposed to traffic delays, especially when entering or exiting Delhi.

Step-by-step: Private Taxi / Transfer

1. Decide your pickup and drop-off points (for example, your Haridwar hotel to a specific Delhi neighborhood such as Paharganj, Connaught Place, or South Delhi).
2. Compare fixed-price offers on GetTransfer.com or pre-arranged transfer packages on GetYourGuide. Check vehicle type, inclusions, and cancellation policy.
3. Confirm your travel date, approximate departure time, and exact pickup location (hotel name, Google Maps link, or landmark). Share your WhatsApp number with the operator if requested.
4. On the day, keep your phone on and be ready 10–15 minutes before pickup. Verify the driver’s name and vehicle details when they arrive.
5. Carry water and snacks, and plan 1–2 short breaks at safe dhabas or fuel stations along NH334. In summer, try to start early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
6. On reaching Delhi, ask the driver to drop you as close as possible to your hotel’s entrance. If you are continuing to the airport, allow ample buffer time for city traffic.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel or Ashram Pickup)

• Hotel/ashram pickup: Most providers will collect you directly from your accommodation in Haridwar, so there is no separate “embarkation point” to find.
• Combining with local rides: If your chosen transfer cannot reach narrow lanes or riverside ghats, you might need a short auto-rickshaw ride to a nearby main road where your driver can meet you.
• Within Delhi: For additional city travel – for example, from your hotel to the airport or sights around Delhi – you can prebook an airport or city transfer with Welcome Pickups, reserve a car via Booking.com Car Rentals, or simply use Uber and Ola for pay-as-you-go rides.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option 4 — Flight via Dehradun (Jolly Grant) to Delhi

Good for connections Avoids long road leg Higher cost

• Overview: Haridwar itself has no airport, but Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED) lies about 40 km away. From there, several daily flights connect to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). This can be useful if you have tight international connections or want to avoid a second long road leg.
• Journey time: Plan for about 1–1.5 hours by road from Haridwar to Jolly Grant, a 45–60 minute flight to Delhi, and then at least 45–90 minutes from Delhi airport into the city, depending on your final destination.
• How to book (with price idea): One-way fares often range between ₹3,000 and ₹8,000+ depending on airline and season. Check and book on Booking.com Flights and combine this with overland options listed for Haridwar–Dehradun and Delhi city transfers.
• Pros: Useful if you are stringing together multiple flights, want airline through-check of luggage, or prefer flying over a second long road journey.
• Cons: By the time you add airport transfers and check-in time, overall door-to-door duration may rival the direct train or taxi; it is also significantly more expensive.

Step-by-step: Flight via Dehradun

1. Search for flights between Dehradun (DED/Jolly Grant) and Delhi (DEL) on your travel date via Booking.com Flights or your preferred booking platform, and select a departure that allows comfortable time to reach the airport from Haridwar.
2. Book a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport. You can arrange this privately or bundle it with a transfer service, for example via GetYourGuide transfers or GetTransfer.com.
3. Arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before your flight, allowing extra time in peak tourist seasons.
4. Fly to Delhi, then follow signs to the metro, taxi counters, app-cab pickup zones, or prebooked pickup.
5. For late-night or very early arrivals, prebook an airport pickup through Welcome Pickups or Klook airport transfers so your driver is waiting in the arrivals hall.

Getting to the main embarking points (Jolly Grant Airport & Delhi Airport)

• Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport: Taxis and private cars typically take around 60–90 minutes. Leave extra time if traveling at rush hour, during heavy rain, or on weekends.
• Delhi Airport to city: From Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can take the Airport Express Metro to New Delhi or Shivaji Stadium stations, use app taxis (Uber/Ola), or book a dedicated airport transfer with Welcome Pickups or Klook.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚙 Option 5 — Self-Drive from Delhi or Partial Road Trip

Maximum freedom Scenic highway Requires confident driving

• Overview: Many travelers rent a car or scooter in Delhi to explore the wider region, including Haridwar and Rishikesh. The highway distance between Delhi and Haridwar is about 230–250 km, typically 4.5–6 hours by car depending on traffic.
• How to book (with price idea): Daily car rentals from Delhi generally start around ₹2,500–5,000 per day excluding fuel and tolls. Compare options on Booking.com Car Rentals. For two-wheelers and scooters within Delhi, browse deals on BikesBooking.
• Route: Most routes follow NH334 via Meerut and Muzaffarnagar. Expect busy stretches, toll plazas, and mixed traffic of trucks, buses, cars, and bikes.
• Pros: Full flexibility to stop at roadside dhabas, viewpoints, and towns; ideal for travelers planning a longer Uttarakhand road trip or visiting multiple hill stations.
• Cons: Indian driving conditions can be intense if you are not used to them; self-driving at night or in dense fog is not recommended for first-time visitors.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive or One-Way Rental

1. Decide whether you need a round-trip rental from Delhi or a one-way rental that allows pick-up in Delhi and drop-off closer to Uttarakhand (availability varies by company).
2. Compare rental companies, vehicle classes, and insurance options on Booking.com Car Rentals. Make sure “Unlimited kilometers” or a sufficient kilometre allowance is included.
3. Pick up the car, inspect it thoroughly (photos help), and save emergency numbers. Check that the spare tyre, jack, and basic tools are present.
4. Plan your route in advance using Google Maps or another navigation app, but stay alert to local signage and occasional road diversions.
5. Drive during daylight when possible, take regular breaks, and avoid speeding. In smaller towns and villages, expect pedestrians, animals, and slow vehicles sharing the road.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Offices and City Start)

• Delhi pick-up: Many rental offices are clustered near the airport and central Delhi. You can reach them by metro, app taxi, or hotel transfer.
• Parking in Delhi and Haridwar: City-center parking can be tight, so confirm whether your hotel in both cities has secure parking.
• Using two-wheelers: Scooters or motorbikes are best kept for local exploration rather than the entire Delhi–Haridwar highway, unless you are an experienced long-distance rider.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Haridwar to Delhi)

What is the best way to travel from Haridwar to Delhi for a first-time visitor?
Most first-time visitors prefer a reserved train seat (especially on faster express services) because it combines speed, comfort, and safety with predictable timings. If trains are sold out or your schedule is very last-minute, comfortable AC buses or a private taxi are good alternatives.

How far is Haridwar from Delhi, and how long does the trip usually take?
The road and rail distance is roughly 230–250 km depending on the exact route and stations. Trains typically take about 3.5–5 hours, buses and taxis around 4.5–6.5 hours in normal conditions, and more if there is heavy traffic, fog, or road works.

Is it safe to travel this route at night?
Many people travel overnight by train or bus, but if you are new to India, a daytime journey is generally more comfortable and scenic. Night buses can be bumpy, and highway visibility drops during fog or rain. For taxis, try to avoid very late departures unless you are with a trusted driver and operator.

Do I need to book in advance?
For popular trains, AC buses, and private transfers in peak pilgrimage or holiday periods (and around major festivals or long weekends), advance booking is highly recommended. Off-season, you may sometimes get same-day tickets for buses and slower trains, but seats on premium services can still sell out.

Can I combine Haridwar–Delhi travel with other tours and sightseeing?
Yes. Many travelers pair this journey with Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) or broader North India itineraries. You’ll find multi-day packages and day trips from Delhi on platforms like GetYourGuide and curated regional tours that include Haridwar and Rishikesh on Trip.com.