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

By train: approximately 13 hrs 35 min. By road: approximately 12 hrs 55 min.

Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh: 459 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh is approximately 459 km (285 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 883 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 13 hrs 35 min. Buses take about 17 hrs 40 min and are the most affordable.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Leh Ladakh

Ladakh

459 km

aerial distance (straight line)

285 miles · Road distance: ~883 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

883 km

Road distance

12 hrs 55 min

Drive time

459 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh

🚆

By Train

13 hrs 35 min

883 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

17 hrs 40 min

883 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

12 hrs 55 min

883 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

459 km (285 mi)

Road distance

~883 km

Recommended

Train (13 hrs 35 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh is approximately 459 km (285 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 883 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Ladakh.

459 kmAerial distance

~883 kmBy road

13 hrs 35 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Leh Ladakh by air

No direct airport

Leh Ladakh does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Leh (IXL). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh

13 hrs 35 min ~883 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Leh Ladakh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 13 hrs 35 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 Ladakh

17 hrs 40 min ~883 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh route. The journey takes approximately 17 hrs 40 min covering ~883 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 Ladakh Buses

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh

12 hrs 55 min ~883 km

A road trip from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh covers approximately 883 km and takes around 12 hrs 55 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh

📅

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 55 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Leh Ladakh

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 Ladakh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh is approximately 459 km (285 miles). The road distance is approximately 883 km, which takes about 12 hrs 55 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 13 hrs 35 min. Buses take about 17 hrs 40 min and are the most affordable. Leh Ladakh doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Leh (IXL).

Are there buses from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh route. The journey takes approximately 17 hrs 40 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 Ladakh? ▼

The train from Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh takes approximately 13 hrs 35 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Leh Ladakh Distance & How to Reach