How to Reach Rishikesh – By Air, Train & Road

Rishikesh is an enchanting city that has earned many monikers, including 'yoga capital of the world,' 'the spiritual hub of India,' and 'the places of sagas.' A popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has the perfect blend of spiritual vibe, cultural vibrance, and infinite natural beauty that incites all five senses of the tourists. 

For time immemorial, Rishikesh is famed for being the home of ancient temples that draw devotees from all over India. People come here not just to seek the blessings of God but also to take a dip in the holy River, the Ganges.

In this blog, we provide a complete Rishikesh travel guide on how to reach the city by air, road and rail. 

Travelling to Rishikesh by Air

Rishikesh does not have its own airport. So, the nearest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is located just about 35 km from Rishikesh. 

Dehradun, being a popular tourist place in Uttarakhand, has great flight connectivity to all parts of the country. Almost all major airlines in the country operate multiple flights to Dehradun. Once you reach Dehradun, you can take the state-run bus to reach your destination in Rishikesh. 

If you don't feel comfortable travelling by bus, you can book a private cab or take a taxi from the airport. The journey from Dehradun to Rishikesh may take about two hours. 

If you are travelling from overseas, you can take a flight from your country to Delhi and from Delhi, take a bus or cab to Rishikesh. The total distance between Delhi and Rishikesh is about 230 km. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours via NH334. 

Travelling to Rishikesh by Road

Travelling to Rishikesh by road can be a wonderful experience. Many buses are from Delhi and nearby towns like Haridwar and Dehradun to Rishikesh. If you are not sure how to go to Rishikesh by bus, it is advisable to take an early morning bus or start late evening. 

This way you can avoid travelling in the heat and the daily city traffic. Also, since the journey from Delhi to Rishikesh takes about five hours, you can relax on the bus, have a good sleep and get off at your destination feeling fresh. There are different types of operating in Rishikesh, from regular to deluxe and luxury, and you can choose one based on your budget. 

The buses coming to Rishikesh from other cities typically stop at one of the two bus stands – the Main bus stand and the Yatra bus stand. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by National Highway 58. 

If you wish to drive yourself, you can enjoy a great road trip. The drive to Rishikesh is smooth as the highways all over Uttarakhand are well-maintained. However, you must be careful while driving through the hilly terrain. An alternative way of travelling to Rishikesh by road is to take a shared taxi or jeep from Dehradun. It is the cheapest way to travel to Rishikesh. 

Travelling to Rishikesh by Train

India has one of the largest train networks in the world. The Indian Railways has connected every corner of the country. No matter where you are from, you can easily travel by train to your destination. Many Indians prefer travelling by train because it allows them to travel a long distance at an affordable price. More importantly, the train journey is very comfortable. 

Rishikesh has a small railway station with limited trains to and from varied cities in India. The closest and larger railway station is Haridwar, located about 25 km away. It is well-connected to all major cities in India, like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jaipur, etc. 

You can take a train from your city to Haridwar and then take a bus or book a cab to reach Rishikesh. You can get a good amount of rest, and when you get off the train, you will be fresh and ready to explore the city right away. 

How to travel within Rishikesh?

Now that you know how to reach Rishikesh by flight and other modes of transport, it would help to know the best way to travel within the city. Since Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination, many travellers come here daily. The local authorities have ensured that they have different options to commute within. 

You can travel around the city in taxis and jeeps, which are readily available all around the city. You can take these jeeps on a per-seat basis. Another alternative is to take an auto. It is a better way to travel with your family by yourself. However, unlike other cities in India, in Rishikesh, the autos don’t have a meter, so you must bargain with the driver and fix the charge before you start the journey. 

Lastly, since all the famous religious attractions are close to each other, it is best to travel on foot. Walking allows you to make your way through the crowd easily, and it lets you enjoy the splendour and glory of the town in a completely different way.