How long does it take to travel from Nainital to Leh?

By train: approximately 17 hrs 18 min. By road: approximately 16 hrs 26 min.

Nainital to Leh: 559 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Nainital to Leh?

The aerial distance from Nainital to Leh is approximately 559 km (347 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,125 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 17 hrs 18 min. Buses take about 22 hrs 30 min and are the most affordable.

Nainital

Uttarakhand

Leh

Ladakh

559 km

aerial distance (straight line)

347 miles · Road distance: ~1,125 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,125 km

Road distance

16 hrs 26 min

Drive time

559 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Nainital to Leh

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 30 min

Fly from Dehra Dun (DED), nearest to Nainital

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

17 hrs 18 min

1,125 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

22 hrs 30 min

1,125 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

16 hrs 26 min

1,125 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

559 km (347 mi)

Road distance

~1,125 km

Recommended

Train (17 hrs 18 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Nainital to Leh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Nainital to Leh is approximately 559 km (347 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,125 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Ladakh.

559 kmAerial distance

~1,125 kmBy road

17 hrs 18 minTrain

🚆 By train — Nainital to Leh

17 hrs 18 min ~1,125 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Nainital and Leh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 17 hrs 18 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 Leh

22 hrs 30 min ~1,125 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Nainital to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 22 hrs 30 min covering ~1,125 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 Leh Buses

🚗 By car — Nainital to Leh

16 hrs 26 min ~1,125 km

The drive from Nainital to Leh is a long one — approximately 1,125 km taking around 16 hrs 26 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Nainital to Leh

📅

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 16 hrs 26 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Leh

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Leh Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Leh

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 Leh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Nainital to Leh is approximately 559 km (347 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,125 km, which takes about 16 hrs 26 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Nainital to Leh? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 17 hrs 18 min. Buses take about 22 hrs 30 min and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from Nainital to Leh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Nainital to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 22 hrs 30 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 Leh? ▼

The train from Nainital to Leh takes approximately 17 hrs 18 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Nainital to Leh travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Nainital

Nainital to Leh Distance & How to Reach