Delhi to Rishikesh Trip: Distance, Routes & Travel Options
Rishikesh is one of the most popular weekend escapes from Delhi — close enough for a two-day trip, yet a world away in atmosphere. Here's how to plan the journey for 2026.
Distance & Travel Time
| Mode | Distance/Duration |
|---|---|
| By road (self-drive/taxi) | ~240 km, 6–7 hours |
| By overnight Volvo/private bus | ~240 km, 6–7 hours |
| By train to Haridwar + taxi | ~4.5–5 hours train + 45 min taxi |
| By flight to Dehradun + taxi | ~1 hour flight + 40 min taxi |
By Road
The standard route is Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh via NH334, mostly a well-maintained highway. Driving yourself takes 6–7 hours with a couple of stops; hiring a private taxi runs roughly ₹6,000–9,000 one-way depending on vehicle type. Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi's Kashmere Gate or Anand Vihar ISBT are a popular budget option, arriving early morning in time for a full first day.
By Train
There's no direct broad-gauge line all the way to Rishikesh from Delhi with frequent service, so most travellers take a train to Haridwar Junction — well connected with multiple daily trains including the Shatabdi and several overnight options — then a 45-minute taxi or shared auto onward to Rishikesh (21 km).
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun has multiple daily flights from Delhi, taking about an hour. From the airport, Rishikesh is roughly 18 km, a 40-minute prepaid taxi ride. This is the fastest option if you're short on time, though flight prices vary widely by season and booking window.
Best Way to Plan a Weekend Trip
For a Friday-night-to-Sunday-evening trip, an overnight bus or a Friday evening drive works well — you arrive early Saturday with two full days ahead. If flying, a Saturday morning flight and Sunday evening return maximises time without needing to take Friday off. See our Rishikesh 2-day itinerary for exactly how to fill those two days.
Combining with Haridwar
Since Haridwar sits directly on the route, many travellers add a half-day stop for the Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti, arguably even grander than Rishikesh's version, before continuing 21 km onward. Check the Haridwar destination page for details.
Approximate Cost from Delhi
| Mode | Approx. one-way cost |
|---|---|
| Volvo/private bus | ₹700–1,500 |
| Train to Haridwar (AC chair car) + taxi | ₹800–1,500 |
| Private taxi (whole car) | ₹6,000–9,000 |
| Flight to Dehradun + taxi | ₹3,000–8,000+ (seasonal) |
FAQs
What is the fastest way from Delhi to Rishikesh?
Flying to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport and taking a taxi is fastest overall, at roughly 1 hour 40 minutes door-to-door excluding airport time.
Is the Delhi–Rishikesh road trip safe to drive overnight?
The highway is generally safe and well-lit for most of the route, but hill sections near Rishikesh are best driven in daylight if you're unfamiliar with them.
Once you arrive, dive into the full Rishikesh Travel Guide 2026, explore the Rishikesh destination page, or let the AI Trip Planner handle the itinerary end to end. Looking for other short getaways? See our 12 best weekend trips from Delhi to Uttarakhand.
