How long does it take to travel from Nainital to Dal Lake?

By train: approximately 15 hrs 31 min. By road: approximately 14 hrs 55 min.

Nainital to Dal Lake Distance: 681 km

Q: What is the distance from Nainital to Dal Lake?

The aerial distance from Nainital to Dal Lake is approximately 681 km (423 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,009 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Nainital to Dal Lake?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 15 hrs 31 min. Buses take about 20 hrs 11 min and are the most affordable.

Nainital

Uttarakhand

Dal Lake

Jammu and Kashmir

681 km

aerial distance (straight line)

423 miles · Road distance: ~1,009 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,009 km

Road distance

14 hrs 55 min

Drive time

681 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Nainital to Dal Lake

🚆

By Train

15 hrs 31 min

1,009 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

20 hrs 11 min

1,009 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

14 hrs 55 min

1,009 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

681 km (423 mi)

Road distance

~1,009 km

Recommended

Train (15 hrs 31 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Nainital to Dal Lake distance overview

The straight-line distance from Nainital to Dal Lake is approximately 681 km (423 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,009 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Jammu and Kashmir.

681 kmAerial distance

~1,009 kmBy road

15 hrs 31 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Dal Lake by air

No direct airport

Dal Lake does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Srinagar (SXR). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Nainital to Dal Lake

15 hrs 31 min ~1,009 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Nainital and Dal Lake with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 15 hrs 31 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

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 — Nainital to Dal Lake

20 hrs 11 min ~1,009 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Nainital to Dal Lake route. The journey takes approximately 20 hrs 11 min covering ~1,009 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, frequent service

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

Search Nainital to Dal Lake Buses

🚗 By car — Nainital to Dal Lake

14 hrs 55 min ~1,009 km

The drive from Nainital to Dal Lake is a long one — approximately 1,009 km taking around 14 hrs 55 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Nainital to Dal Lake

📅

Book early
Book 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.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 14 hrs 55 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Dal Lake

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 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 Nainital to Dal Lake? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Nainital to Dal Lake is approximately 681 km (423 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,009 km, which takes about 14 hrs 55 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Nainital to Dal Lake? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 15 hrs 31 min. Buses take about 20 hrs 11 min and are the most affordable. Dal Lake doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Srinagar (SXR).

Are there buses from Nainital to Dal Lake? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Nainital to Dal Lake route. The journey takes approximately 20 hrs 11 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Nainital to Dal Lake? ▼

The train from Nainital to Dal Lake takes approximately 15 hrs 31 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Nainital to Dal Lake travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Nainital to Dal Lake route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Nainital

Nainital to Dal Lake Distance & How to Reach