How to Reach Rishikesh from Delhi: All Options Compared

Planning a trip from Delhi to Rishikesh? Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a family, or a corporate team heading for a yoga retreat or adventure getaway, knowing your travel options makes the journey smoother. Rishikesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills on the banks of the Ganga, is around 240 km from Delhi, and it’s well-connected by road, rail, and air.

Let’s compare all the possible ways you can reach Rishikesh from Delhi — by bus, train, car, and flight — so you can pick the best option for your budget, time, and comfort.

🚌 1. Delhi to Rishikesh by Bus (Budget-Friendly & Frequent)

Distance: ~240 km
Duration: 6–8 hours
Cost: ₹300 – ₹1,200 depending on the bus type
Frequency: Very high (especially at night)

Pros:

Budget-friendly for solo travelers or backpackers.
Multiple options: Volvo, AC sleeper, non-AC, and government buses.
Overnight buses save on hotel stays.

Cons:

Comfort varies greatly depending on operator.
Bumpy ride during monsoons or roadworks.

Where to board in Delhi:

ISBT Kashmere Gate (Govt. buses like UTC)
Anand Vihar ISBT (for private operators)
Online platforms: RedBus, MakeMyTrip, UPSRTC

Where you arrive:

Rishikesh Bus Stand (near Triveni Ghat)

Tip: Book AC Volvo buses if you’re traveling overnight for better sleep and fewer delays.

🚆 2. Delhi to Rishikesh by Train (Comfortable & Scenic)

Nearest Station: Haridwar (20 km) or Yog Nagari Rishikesh (limited trains)
Duration: 5.5 to 7 hours
Cost: ₹140 (Sleeper) to ₹1,200 (AC 2-Tier)

Trains to consider:

Shatabdi Express (12017) – to Haridwar (Fastest & most comfortable)
Yoga Express (19031) – to Yog Nagari Rishikesh (Direct)
Mussoorie Express (14041) – Overnight to Haridwar

Pros:

Relaxed journey with scenic countryside views.
Ideal for families and seniors.
Station amenities and food available on board.

Cons:

Limited direct trains to Rishikesh.
Availability during peak season can be an issue.

What next?
From Haridwar, take:

Taxi (₹700–₹1,000)
Shared auto or local bus (₹60–₹100)

🚗 3. Delhi to Rishikesh by Car (Flexible & Scenic Drive)

Distance: ~240 km via NH334
Duration: 5.5 to 7 hours (depending on traffic)
Cost: Fuel (~₹1,500–₹2,000 round trip) + tolls + optional driver

Best route:
Delhi → Ghaziabad → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh

Pros:

Ultimate freedom and comfort.
You can take scenic detours (e.g., stop at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar).
Great for group trips or families.

Cons:

Delhi–Meerut traffic can be intense, especially weekends.
Road work and diversions may add delays.

Tips:

Leave early in the morning (by 5–6 am) to avoid city traffic.
Use FASTag-enabled toll lanes to save time.
Make rest stops at Khatauli (Cheetal Grand is a popular food point).

✈️ 4. Delhi to Rishikesh by Flight (Quickest, with Conditions)

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun – 21 km from Rishikesh)
Flight Duration: ~45 minutes
Cab from airport: ~45 minutes to Rishikesh (₹800–₹1,200)

Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara (direct flights from Delhi daily)
Average airfare: ₹1,800 – ₹3,000 (one-way, book early for best rates)

Pros:

Fastest option if you’re short on time.
Convenient for luxury travelers or foreigners arriving in Delhi.

Cons:

You still need to take a taxi from Dehradun Airport.
Flights can be delayed in foggy winter months.

🧭 Quick Comparison Table

Mode	Duration	Cost (Approx.)	Best For
Bus	6–8 hrs	₹300–₹1,200	Budget travelers, solo riders
Train	5.5–7 hrs	₹140–₹1,200	Families, relaxed journey
Car	5.5–7 hrs	₹2,000–₹3,000	Groups, flexible travel
Flight	45 min + cab	₹2,500–₹4,000	Short on time, premium comfort

💡 Final Recommendation: What Should You Choose?

Budget trip or backpacking? → Take a night bus or train.
Family with kids or seniors? → Prefer trains for comfort.
Group of 3–4 friends? → Road trip by car is fun and flexible.
On a tight schedule? → Book a flight to Dehradun, then cab to Rishikesh.

No matter which way you choose, the journey to Rishikesh is as memorable as the destination itself — a blend of urban escape and spiritual adventure.

🧳 Bonus Tip: Best Time to Travel from Delhi to Rishikesh

October–March: Pleasant weather, great for sightseeing and yoga.
April–June: Good for rafting, but gets hot during the day.
July–September: Monsoon season – beautiful, but be cautious of landslides and delays.

Disclaimer: This is just a how to reach Rishikesh guide, please also check all the other options independently for latest correct information from multiple sources and plan as per your comfort