Delhi to Rishikesh: the Best Travel Options
You can travel from Delhi to Rishikesh by plane, train and Uber or private transfer. Since the opening of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway I think the best way to travel is by Uber or private transfer.
Rishikesh is only 250 km from Delhi, and my dog and I have made the journey a few times to visit friends that live there. It’s a nice break for both of us from Delhi.
How to Travel from Delhi to Rishikesh
Rishikesh used to be a nice quiet, spiritual town, but it’s a lot busier now.
Domestic tourism exploded after the pandemic, and the main road leading into Rishikesh can be a traffic nightmare, especially on weekends. Keep this in mind when you plan your trip.
Delhi to Rishikesh by Uber or Private Transfer
This is the easiest and fastest way. With the opening of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway the drive now takes about 2.5 hours (it used to be 5 hours).
Uber intercity does the drive for around INR 4000, including the expressway tolls. Private transfer will be more. I did this by private transfer a few years ago (before Uber intercity was an option) and paid INR 5500.
Private transfer can be booked through MakeMyTrip.
Delhi to Rishikesh by Air
Flying used to be the fastest option, but since the opening of the expressway, it’s not. If you’re flying into Delhi and travelling on to Rishikesh, then it makes sense to fly.
Rishikesh doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll fly into Dehradun. Dehradun is 40 km from Rishikesh and you can take an Uber from there for about INR 1200 ($12.50 USD).
Indigo and Air India have flights from Delhi to Dehradun. I have flown both airlines domestically and like them both.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport recommends you arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight.
If you’re flying directly into Delhi from overseas and on to Rishikesh, give yourself at least 3 hours between flights. You’ll have to clear customs, pick up your luggage and change terminals.
Delhi to Rishikesh by Train
Rishikesh does have a train station, but it doesn’t have good rail service from Delhi. The trains that do travel from Delhi to Rishikesh are the slowest ones, doing the journey in 7-9 hours.
Instead, take one of the express trains to Haridwar. The Vande Bharat Express makes the journey in less than 3.5 hours, and the Jan Shatabdi does it in just over 4 hours.
Haridwar is 25 km from Rishikesh, so take an Uber or taxi from the Haridwar railway station to Rishikesh.
Delhi has more than one main train station. Make sure you check which station your train is departing from.
India has an impressive rail network, and there’s a few ways to buy a train ticket in Delhi. Plus an Indian train journey is an iconic experience every visitor should try at least once.
Delhi to Rishikesh by Bus
The cheapest option is bus. The journey takes 5 to 7 hours. Unless you are on a super tight budget, I don’t recommend it.
You can buy bus tickets on MakeMyTrip or at the bus station. Most of these buses depart from Kashmiri Gate ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal).
I have taken the bus, and it’s a miracle the bus survived the journey. The windshield was cracked in a spider web pattern that stretched from the driver’s side to the passenger side, and the bumper was literally tied onto the bus with rope.
I have also heard stories from friends who booked tickets on the better Volvo class bus, only to arrive at the bus station to find the bus downgraded to something like the one above.
Why Visit Rishikesh?
Rishikesh has lots to see and do, whether you are a spiritual seeker, yoga enthusiast or adrenaline junkie.
For Indians it is considered a holy city because of the location on the sacred Ganges River. Each evening there are mesmerizing aarti ceremonies at the river bank.
Because Rishikesh is a holy city you cannot purchase alcohol or meat. Restaurants are vegetarian and dry.
Rishikesh is considered the yoga capital of the world. There are several amazing yoga ashrams, like Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, considered one of the best in India.
If you want to stay active, there’s great hiking in the area (these are the foothills of the Himalayas), and white water rafting.
Where to Stay in Rishikesh
I always stay with friends in Rishikesh, so I have not stayed at these properties. But, I am familiar with them so can recommend them based on reputation and location.
It’s a good idea to make accommodation bookings in advance. Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination for foreigners and Indians.
- Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas (luxury): A 5 star luxury resort in the Himalayan foothills near Rishikesh
- Yog Niketan By Sanskriti (mid-range): Excellent 4 star property with a terrific location for exploring Rishikesh
Last Words on Delhi to Rishikesh
Now that you know how to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh, there’s no excuse not to go! I think it’s one of the nicest Indian cities to escape to from Delhi, and well worth the trip.
