Nainital weekend trip from Delhi
Lake boating, Naina Devi and ridge walks
- By road
- 374 km
- By bus
- ≈ 8 h
- Best months
- Oct–Dec, Mar–Jun
- Trip length
- Fri–Sun
From
₹5,730 per person, all-in
Our estimate for 2 people on Comfortable, Fri 16 Oct – Sun 18 Oct, for the whole trip: travel both ways (the train or bus fare, which we book for you, plus its booking service charge), the stay, local transport and our fee. Everything is checked live before you pay.
Plan this weekendHow to get there
Overnight trains from Delhi
Ranikhet Express 15013Daily
10:05 pm
Old Delhi
7 h
5:05 am+1
Kathgodam · 15 km away
Timetable times; trains can run late. Station distances are in a straight line to Nainital.
- Direct busAbout 8 h (fastest 5½ h). Lowest fare we've seen: ₹500 a seat.
- By road374 km from central Delhi.
- Nearest railheadKathgodam, 15 km away in a straight line.
- Nearest airportPantnagar, 39 km away in a straight line.
When to go
Best: Oct–Dec, Mar–Jun
Avoid: Jul–Aug
Jan
11°
1°
4d rain
Feb
13°
2°
5d rain
Mar
16°
6°
6d rain
Apr
21°
11°
7d rain
May
22°
13°
13d rain
Jun
23°
15°
17d rain
Jul
21°
16°
28d rain
Aug
21°
15°
27d rain
Sep
20°
14°
19d rain
Oct
18°
10°
4d rain
Nov
15°
6°
1d rain
Dec
12°
3°
2d rain
A sample 2-day plan
Saturday — lake, temple and the Mall
- 10:30 amNaina Devi temple at Mallital
- 11:30 amRowboat or yacht on Naini Lake
- 1:30 pmLunch at Sakley's on the Mall
- 3:30 pmSnow View ropeway; Himalayan view on clear days
Sunday — Tiffin Top and Eco Cave
- 7:30 amHike from Ayarpatta to Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
- 10:30 amEco Cave Gardens
- 12:30 pmLunch, then shop for candles and pahadi jams
- 2:30 pmDrive down to Kathgodam for the train
Your own plan is timed around the train or bus you take and where you stay.
Nearby alternatives
Nainital: questions people ask
How far is Nainital from Delhi?
About 374 km by road from central Delhi. By public transport, direct buses take about 8 h and the Ranikhet Express takes 7 h to Kathgodam.
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
Oct–Dec, Mar–Jun. Avoid Jul–Aug.
Is there a train from Delhi to Nainital?
Yes. The best overnight option is the Ranikhet Express (15013): it leaves Old Delhi at 10:05 pm and reaches Kathgodam at 5:05 am the next day (daily). Kathgodam is 15 km from Nainital in a straight line.
How much is the bus from Delhi to Nainital?
The lowest fare we've seen on a direct bus is ₹500 a seat, and the journey takes about 8 h. Fares move with dates and demand.
What is the weather like in Nainital?
Warmest in Jun (days around 23°C), coldest in Jan (nights around 1°C). The wettest month is Jul, with about 28 rainy days.
Can I do Nainital in a weekend from Delhi?
Yes. Leave Delhi on Friday evening and be back by Sunday night or early Monday; the sample plan above covers 2 days there.
How much does a weekend trip to Nainital cost?
From about ₹5,730 per person for 2 people on our Comfortable style for Fri 16 Oct – Sun 18 Oct, for the whole trip: travel both ways (the train or bus fare, which we book for you, plus its booking service charge), the stay, local transport and our fee. It's an estimate until we check it live; the price for your dates is on the trip page.
Go to Nainital this weekend
The train, bus or cab, where you'd stay, every day planned and one all-in price per person for the whole trip. We book your train, bus or flight, stay and cabs, and confirm them before you pay.