Route to Rishikesh at a glance
Rishikesh is easy to reach from Delhi by road or train. Drivers can take the new Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and continue 45 km from Dehradun, or the older highway via Haridwar. Haridwar, 25 km away, also has many more trains than Rishikesh.
Rishikesh by bus
Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) and private operators run ordinary, AC and Volvo buses from Delhi's ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Rishikesh through the day and night. Buses also run often from Haridwar and Dehradun.
From the Rishikesh bus stand, shared autos (vikrams), e-rickshaws and taxis go to Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and Tapovan.
- Overnight buses arrive early in the morning, which is handy for a sunrise walk by the river.
- On Friday evenings and holiday weekends, book a seat in advance.
Rishikesh by train
Yog Nagari Rishikesh is the town's main railway station and has direct trains from some cities. Haridwar, about 25 km away, is far better connected, including Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi trains from Delhi. From Haridwar, buses, shared autos and taxis take 45 minutes to an hour to Rishikesh.
The new Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line is under construction and will eventually link Rishikesh with the Garhwal hills.
- Check both Yog Nagari Rishikesh and Haridwar when searching for trains.
- Prepaid taxis and autos wait outside Haridwar station.
Rishikesh by air
Jolly Grant Airport lies between Dehradun and Rishikesh and is the closest airport. Taxis from the airport reach Rishikesh in about 30 to 45 minutes; shared autos also run from the main road outside.
- Ask for a taxi to your exact area (Tapovan, Swargashram or town), as fares and routes differ.
Rishikesh by car
Since 2026, the fastest drive is usually the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to Dehradun (about 210 km), then 45 km on to Rishikesh via Doiwala. The older route along NH 334 through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee and Haridwar is shorter in distance but slower, especially around Haridwar on weekends and festival days.
Inside Rishikesh, lanes on the Swargashram and Laxman Jhula side are narrow. Park at a paid parking and walk or take an e-rickshaw.
- Compare both routes on a live map before you leave; traffic decides which is faster.
- Avoid driving during the Kanwar Yatra in July, when roads are often diverted.
Distance to Rishikesh from major cities
| From | Distance | Approx. time by road |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (via expressway and Dehradun) | ≈ 255 km | 4.5-5.5 hrs |
| Delhi (via Haridwar) | ≈ 240 km | 6-7 hrs |
| Haridwar | ≈ 25 km | 45-60 min |
| Dehradun | ≈ 45 km | 1-1.5 hrs |
| Mussoorie | ≈ 75 km | 2.5-3 hrs |
| Jyotirmath (for Auli) | ≈ 255 km | 9-11 hrs |
Distances and times are approximate and depend on traffic, especially around Haridwar.
How to Reach Rishikesh: FAQs
How do I reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
Drive via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway (about 4.5 to 5.5 hours) or via Haridwar (6 to 7 hours), take a bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, or a train to Haridwar or Yog Nagari Rishikesh.
Which is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh?
Yog Nagari Rishikesh is the main station in town. Haridwar, 25 km away, has many more trains.
How far is Jolly Grant Airport from Rishikesh?
About 20 km, or 30 to 45 minutes by taxi.