GreenDay Escapes offers safe, comfortable, and budget-friendly accommodation for solo travellers, female travellers, and international guests. Our hostel is known for its peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent value for money.
Click the button below to connect with us on WhatsApp and know more about our affordable prices, room options, and current availability.
Planning a trip to Rishikesh and wondering about the best way to get there? We’ve made this journey multiple times from different cities, and honestly, each route has its own charm. Let us break down all your options so you can pick what works best for you.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 kilometers from Rishikesh. It’s a small airport but handles daily flights from Delhi, and occasionally from Mumbai and Bangalore.
Once you land, you have three choices. Prepaid taxis at the airport cost around 700 to 1000 rupees and take roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. You can also book an Ola or Uber, which sometimes works out cheaper. The third option is taking a shared taxi, but you’ll need to wait until it fills up with other passengers.
The drive from the airport is actually quite beautiful. You’ll pass through small towns and get your first glimpses of the mountains. If you’re arriving during the day, keep your camera ready.
Flying makes sense if you’re short on time or coming from far away. But it’s definitely the most expensive option.
Rishikesh has its own railway station, but here’s the thing—it’s not well connected. Only a few trains stop here, and they’re mostly slow passenger trains.
Your better bet is Haridwar railway station, just 25 kilometers away. Haridwar connects to almost every major city in India. Trains from Delhi take about five to six hours, and you’ll find plenty of options throughout the day. The Shatabdi Express is the fastest and most comfortable if you don’t mind spending a bit extra.
From Haridwar station, getting to Rishikesh is easy. Local buses leave every 15 to 20 minutes and cost around 30 to 40 rupees. The ride takes about 45 minutes. Shared taxis are faster at 30 minutes but cost around 100 rupees per person. Private taxis will ask for 500 to 700 rupees.
This is probably the most flexible option, and the roads to Rishikesh are pretty good now.
If you’re driving from Delhi, it’s about 240 kilometers and takes five to six hours. Take the NH334 via Haridwar. The road is mostly highway until Haridwar, then it gets a bit narrow and winding as you approach Rishikesh. Start early morning to avoid Delhi traffic and reach by afternoon.
From Dehradun, it’s just 45 kilometers and takes about an hour. From Chandigarh, expect a four to five hour drive covering around 230 kilometers.
Many people prefer hiring a private cab for the whole journey. It costs more but you can stop wherever you want for photos or snacks. If you’re traveling with family or a group, splitting the cab fare makes it quite affordable.
State-run buses connect Rishikesh to Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, and several other cities. The government buses are cheap and reliable. From Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Uttarakhand Roadways runs regular buses to Rishikesh. The journey takes about six to seven hours and costs between 400 to 600 rupees depending on the bus type.
Volvo and semi-sleeper buses are more comfortable and worth the extra money for overnight journeys. Private operators like RedBus list several options where you can compare timings and prices.
From Haridwar, local buses run constantly and are super cheap at around 40 rupees. But they stop frequently, so it takes longer.
If you’re coming from Delhi and have time, take the train to Haridwar and then a taxi to Rishikesh. It’s the sweet spot between cost and comfort.
For a quick weekend trip, flying to Dehradun saves precious hours.
Driving yourself is fantastic if you enjoy road trips and want the freedom to explore along the way.
Budget travelers should stick to buses—they’re incredibly affordable and get the job done.
Book trains and buses in advance during peak season from September to November and March to May. Last-minute tickets get expensive or sold out.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, carry medication. The roads get curvy, especially after Haridwar.
Keep some cash handy for tolls, local transport, and small purchases. Not every place accepts cards once you’re in the hills.
Whatever route you choose, the journey to Rishikesh is part of the adventure. Safe travels!
