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Lucknow to Nainital — Distance, Route & Travel Guide

Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand · Compare flights, trains, buses & driving options

Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh
Nainital
Uttarakhand
319 km
aerial distance (straight line)
198 miles · Road distance: ~431 km
How to get from Lucknow to Nainital
✈
By Flight
No direct flights
Nearest to Nainital: Pantnagar (PGH)
🚆
By Train
~7.8 hrs
431 km · Multiple daily trains
View Trains
🚌
By Bus
~10.8 hrs
431 km · AC/Non-AC available
Search Buses
🚗
By Car
~8.6 hrs
431 km via highway
Quick facts
Aerial distance
319 km (198 mi)
Road distance
~431 km
Fastest mode
Train (~7.8 hrs)
Cheapest mode
Bus
📍 Lucknow to Nainital distance overview

The straight-line (aerial) distance from Lucknow to Nainital is approximately 319 km (198 miles). By road, the distance increases to approximately 431 km due to the terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand.

319 kmAerial distance
~431 kmBy road
~7.8 hrsFastest route
✈️ Reaching Nainital by air
No direct airport

Nainital does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (PGH). Travellers typically fly to the nearest airport and then continue their journey by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport
🚆 By train — Lucknow to Nainital
~7.8 hours ~431 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Lucknow and Nainital with multiple daily services. The journey takes around 7.8 hours — Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins
AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable
AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value
Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC
🚌 By bus — Lucknow to Nainital
~10.8 hours ~431 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option. The journey takes approximately 10.8 hours covering ~431 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats
AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight
AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range
Non-ACBudget-friendly, basic comfort

Night buses are especially popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Lucknow to Nainital Buses
🚗 By car — Lucknow to Nainital
~8.6 hours ~431 km

A road trip from Lucknow to Nainital covers approximately 431 km and takes around 8.6 hours. Actual time depends on traffic, road quality, and stops along the way.

Start early to avoid city traffic and use daylight hours, especially on mountainous or rural terrain. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry sufficient fuel for remote stretches.

💡 Travel tips for Lucknow to Nainital
📅
Book early
Book flights and trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.
🌧️
Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.
💳
Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.
Where to stay in Nainital
Budget to luxury hotels from ₹999/night. Compare prices on FareEagle.
View Nainital Hotels
🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions
What is the distance from Lucknow to Nainital? ▼
The aerial (straight-line) distance from Lucknow to Nainital is approximately 319 km (198 miles). The road distance is approximately 431 km, which takes about 8.6 hours by car.
What is the fastest way to travel from Lucknow to Nainital? ▼
The fastest option is by train, taking approximately 7.8 hours. Nainital does not have a major airport, so flying requires reaching the nearest airport at Pantnagar (PGH).
Are there buses from Lucknow to Nainital? ▼
Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Lucknow to Nainital route. The journey takes approximately 10.8 hours. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.
What is the best time to travel from Lucknow to Nainital? ▼
The best time to travel depends on the weather at your destination. Generally, October to March offers the most pleasant weather across most of India. Avoid monsoon season (June-September) if travelling by road, as heavy rains can cause delays and road closures. For hill stations, summer (April-June) is peak season.
How long does the train take from Lucknow to Nainital? ▼
The train journey from Lucknow to Nainital takes approximately 7.8 hours. Express trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi are faster, while mail/passenger trains take longer with more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.
Can I book Lucknow to Nainital travel on FareEagle? ▼
Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Lucknow to Nainital route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
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