How to reach Ranikhet — roads from Delhi, Kathgodam and Nainital
Ranikhet is in the Kumaon hills at about 1,869 m. There is no railway or airport in town, so every journey ends on a hill road.
By road from the plains
From Delhi it is about 354 km on our routing, free-flow about 355 minutes; Wikipedia gives about 350 km. Chandigarh is about 465 km. Wikivoyage says the main road, NH87, climbs from Kathgodam, and that a more scenic route through Bhimtal is slightly shorter but not as well kept in patches. The last stretch through the pines after Khairna Bridge is described as spectacular.
Rail and air
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, about 77 km and 157 minutes away on our routing; Wikipedia gives 68 km and Wikivoyage 85 km, so the sources disagree and we quote our own figure. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 116 km and 196 minutes by road. Taxis run from Kathgodam, and Wikivoyage says a government bus from the bus stand takes about 4 hours.
From other hill towns
Almora is about 46 km and 93 minutes away, Kausani about 58 km and 111 minutes, and Nainital about 59 km and 120 minutes. Wikivoyage describes the road to Almora as running via Jageshwar.
Once you are here
Ranikhet is built on several levels, and Wikivoyage recommends walking the shortcuts between roads. For plans, see the one-day plan, when to visit and things to do in Ranikhet.
Places around Ranikhet
The Ranikhet guide →
Nearby destinations
All destinations →
Questions people ask
How far is Ranikhet from Delhi?
About 354 km by road, and free-flow routing says about 355 minutes. Wikipedia gives 350 km. The hill road above Kathgodam is slower than the plains, so most people break the journey at Haldwani or Kathgodam. From Chandigarh it is about 465 km on the same routing.
What is the nearest railway station and airport?
Kathgodam railway station, about 77 km and 157 minutes by road on our routing, though Wikipedia says about 68 km and Wikivoyage about 85 km. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 116 km and 196 minutes away. From either, the rest of the way is by taxi or bus.
How far is Ranikhet from Nainital and Almora?
Nainital is about 59 km and 120 minutes by road on our routing, and Almora about 46 km and 93 minutes. Wikipedia gives 60 km for Nainital and 50 km for Almora. Kausani is about 58 km and 111 minutes, so the four can be linked in one trip.