Planning a Trip from Delhi to Rishikesh? Here's the Best Route

Namaste, Adventurous Souls!

Ready to immerse yourself in the serenity and adrenaline of Rishikesh? Whether you’re drawn by the spiritual aura, the yoga retreats, or the thrill of adventure sports, this guide is your compass from Delhi to Rishikesh, ensuring a journey as splendid as the destination itself.

Consider this post your travel mantra if Rishikesh is calling you for spiritual rejuvenation, yoga, or heart-pounding adventure like white-water rafting and bungee jumping. Crafted with every traveler in mind, whether you’re here for a tranquil escape or an adrenaline rush, let’s navigate the journey together.

First, a little about Rishikesh – a gem nestled in the Himalayas, renowned for its spiritual vibe, yoga centers, and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s also the go-to place for adventure seekers, offering river rafting, trekking, giant swings, and bungee jumping. The journey from Delhi to Rishikesh is about 250 km, filled with scenic beauty and spiritual whispers.

Let’s explore the ways to reach this haven of peace and adventure:

Table of Contents

Rishikesh By Road

Embarking on a road trip from Delhi to Rishikesh presents you with a canvas painted with the vibrant colors of nature. The journey, approximately 250km, is a seamless blend of spiritual aura and natural beauty, promising to be an unforgettable experience.

By Bus: Embrace affordability without compromising comfort. With a plethora of buses ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 1800, choose from Volvo, AC, to Non-AC State transport buses. Departures are frequent from Delhi, ensuring you find a ride that matches your schedule and budget.
By Cab/Taxi: Ideal for those prioritizing flexibility, privacy, and comfort. Though costlier, starting from INR 5,000 one-way, it’s perfect for groups or those seeking a personalized journey. The drive is smooth, offering you the liberty to explore hidden gems along the way.
By Own Vehicle: The ultimate choice for adventurers at heart! Drive through the meandering roads at your own pace, making every mile count with unparalleled freedom and adventure. The journey takes about 6-7 hours, but the memories last a lifetime.

Delhi to Rishikesh by Train

The train journey from Delhi to Rishikesh is like turning the pages of a living book, where each chapter unfolds the diverse landscape, culture, and heritage of India. This journey, approximately 250 km long, can be both a retreat and an adventure, offering views of rustic villages, bustling towns, verdant fields, and the serene Ganges as you approach Rishikesh.

Trains and Journey Details:

Haridwar as the Gateway: Most travelers use Haridwar as the transit point, which is approximately 22 kilometers from Rishikesh. There are about 19 trains available from New Delhi to Haridwar, offering various travel classes to accommodate your comfort preferences and budget (Rail Yatri).

From Delhi to Haridwar: Among the numerous trains available, notable ones include the Bandra Terminus – Haridwar Express, Udaipur City – Yog Nagari Rishikesh Express, and the Yoga Express. These trains offer different classes such as II, SL, 3A, 2A, 1A, and even 3E for select services, providing a range of options from budget to luxury.

Fastest and Slowest Trains: The journey’s duration can vary significantly depending on the train chosen. The Anand Vihar Terminal – Dehradun Vande Bharat Express is the fastest option, taking about 3 hours and 21 minutes to cover the distance, while the Laxmi Bai Nagar – Yog Nagari Rishikesh Express is among the slower options, taking up to 8 hours and 55 minutes.

Train Booking and Travel Tips:

Advance Booking: It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure seat availability. The IRCTC website or app is the most direct method for booking.

Class Selection: Depending on your budget and preference for comfort, you can choose from various classes available on these trains. It ranges from Sleeper Class (SL) for budget travelers to First AC (1A) for those looking for luxury.

Journey to Rishikesh: Upon arrival in Haridwar, you can complete your journey to Rishikesh via bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw, enjoying the scenic views of the Ganges and the surrounding landscapes.

By Air from Delhi to Rishikesh

For those short on time but high on adventure, flying is your gateway. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, just a hop away from Rishikesh, connects you to the spiritual town just about an hour from Delhi. The fare starts from INR 2,500, making it a swift yet affordable option. From the airport, taxis are readily available to whisk you away to Rishikesh, just 25km away.

Embracing the Journey

Every mode of travel to Rishikesh offers its unique charm, but if the spirit of adventure guides you, the journey by road or train promises not just a destination, but a journey filled with stories, sights, and soul-searching moments.

So, dear travelers, as you set your sights on Rishikesh, remember, it’s not just about reaching; it’s about experiencing. Every turn, every river, and every chant on the way is a step closer to your own discovery.

Pack your bags, set your spirit free, and embark on a journey to Rishikesh from Delhi that promises to be as enriching as the destination itself. Here’s to a journey of discovery, adventure, and peace!

Happy Travels!

What is the best way to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh?

Traveling to Rishikesh by train is the best way to go.

Travelling from Delhi to Rishikesh by train presents various options, embracing the beauty and diversity of the journey across India’s landscapes. Although there’s no direct train connecting Delhi and Rishikesh directly, many trains reach Haridwar, a city near Rishikesh, making it a common route for travelers headed to Rishikesh.

Traveling from Delhi to Rishikesh by train is a convenient and economical option, especially when using services like the New Delhi – Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Express (12055) and the Vande Bharat Express. The Jan Shatabdi offers a journey of approximately 4 hours and 13 minutes to Haridwar, departing daily from New Delhi at 15:20 and arriving in Haridwar at 19:33. From Haridwar, Rishikesh is a short distance away, easily accessible via taxi within about an hour.

For those looking for a faster option, the Vande Bharat Express stands out as a premier choice, reducing travel time significantly. It covers the distance between New Delhi and Haridwar in roughly 3 hours and 21 minutes, making it the fastest option available. This service underscores the convenience of train travel, offering speed, comfort, and efficiency.

Ticket booking for these trains can be done through IRCTC or other booking platforms, where you can find detailed information on availability, classes, and fares. Although specific fare details might vary and were not available at the moment of inquiry, these platforms ensure a smooth booking experience.

Both trains provide a remarkable journey through India’s diverse landscapes, leading to Rishikesh, a city known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak seasons, to secure your seat and enjoy a hassle-free trip to one of India’s most serene destinations.

Delhi-Haridwar Vande Bharat Express

Delhi-Haridwar Vande Bharat Express, India’s forefront in semi-high-speed rail travel. With state-of-the-art amenities and cutting-edge technology, this express train offers a blend of comfort, efficiency, and speed, setting a new standard in Indian rail travel. As we delve into the details of timings, pricing, and routes, let’s explore what makes the Vande Bharat Express the preferred choice for travelers seeking a seamless journey to the spiritual heart of Haridwar.

Timing

The journey begins with train 22458 departing from Dehradun at the break of dawn, 7 am, gliding through the serene landscapes to reach Haridwar by 8.04 am. After a brief halt, it sets off again at 8.08 am towards Anand Vihar Terminal, arriving in the bustling capital of Delhi at 11:45 am. The reverse journey on the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat train (22457) starts at 5:50 pm from Delhi, reaching Haridwar at dusk (9:19 pm) and finally Dehradun at 11:35 pm, covering 302 km in just four hours and forty-five minutes.

Pricing

A journey on this express doesn’t just cut travel time but also offers an affordable luxury experience. For a full journey from Delhi to Dehradun, an AC chair car ticket is priced at Rs 1,065, while the plush comfort of the executive chair car can be enjoyed for Rs 1,890. Compared to the Dehradun Shatabdi Express, the predecessor in speed, the Vande Bharat Express’s ticket prices are marginally higher, with a small premium for significantly enhanced comfort and reduced travel time. For shorter trips, such as the Delhi-Haridwar leg, prices are thoughtfully adjusted to Rs 975 for the AC Chair Car and Rs 1705 for the Executive Class, ensuring accessibility for various travel budgets.

Route

The express train carves through the heartland, connecting Delhi and Dehradun in an unprecedented time of 4 hours and 45 minutes. Its route is a scenic canvas, passing through historic cities like Haridwar, Roorkee, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Meerut City, offering passengers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of India’s northern landscapes.

Conclusion:

So, dear travellers, as you set your sights on Rishikesh, remember, it’s not just about reaching; it’s about experiencing. Every turn, every river, and every chant on the way is a step closer to your discovery.

Happy Travels!

Delhi to Rishikesh: Best Route – Road, Train, or Air

Rishikesh By Road