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

By train: approximately 13 hrs 33 min. By road: approximately 12 hrs 52 min.

Rishikesh to Leh: 458 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Leh?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Leh is approximately 458 km (285 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 881 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 13 hrs 33 min. Buses take about 17 hrs 37 min and are the most affordable.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Leh

Ladakh

458 km

aerial distance (straight line)

285 miles · Road distance: ~881 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

881 km

Road distance

12 hrs 52 min

Drive time

458 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Rishikesh to Leh

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 22 min

Fly from Dehra Dun (DED), nearest to Rishikesh

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

13 hrs 33 min

881 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

17 hrs 37 min

881 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

12 hrs 52 min

881 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

458 km (285 mi)

Road distance

~881 km

Recommended

Train (13 hrs 33 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Rishikesh to Leh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Rishikesh to Leh is approximately 458 km (285 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 881 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Ladakh.

458 kmAerial distance

~881 kmBy road

13 hrs 33 minTrain

🚆 By train — Rishikesh to Leh

13 hrs 33 min ~881 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Leh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 13 hrs 33 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

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 — Rishikesh to Leh

17 hrs 37 min ~881 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Rishikesh to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 17 hrs 37 min covering ~881 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 Rishikesh to Leh Buses

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Leh

12 hrs 52 min ~881 km

A road trip from Rishikesh to Leh covers approximately 881 km and takes around 12 hrs 52 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh 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 12 hrs 52 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 Rishikesh to Leh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Leh is approximately 458 km (285 miles). The road distance is approximately 881 km, which takes about 12 hrs 52 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 13 hrs 33 min. Buses take about 17 hrs 37 min and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from Rishikesh to Leh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Rishikesh to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 17 hrs 37 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 Rishikesh to Leh? ▼

The train from Rishikesh to Leh takes approximately 13 hrs 33 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Leh travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Leh Distance & How to Reach