DELHI TO RISHIKESH GUIDE
Trip to Rishikesh from Delhi: How to Reach, Distance by Car and Cost
The Delhi to Rishikesh distance is 250 km by road via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee and Haridwar. The drive takes 5 to 6 hours. We are local people from Tapovan, Rishikesh, and every week we receive guests from abroad who ask us the same question: how to do a trip to Rishikesh from Delhi in the easy way? So here is our honest answer, step by step.
Overview: Quick Answer
- Distance: about 250 km by road (155 miles)
- Time: 5 to 6 hours by car, 4.5 to 5 hours by train, 1 hour by flight plus airport transfer
- Best way for most foreigners: pre-booked private taxi from Delhi, or Vande Bharat train to Dehradun / Shatabdi train to Haridwar, then taxi
- Cost (2 days, per person, budget): around INR 9,000 to 14,000 all included
- Best months: September to November and February to April
Distance from Delhi to Rishikesh by Car
The distance from Delhi to Rishikesh by car is about 250 km. You go on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, then NH-334 up to Haridwar, and the last 25 km is the river road to Rishikesh. Road is good, but traffic near Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Haridwar can make you slow, especially on weekends and festival days.
| Route stage | Distance (approx.) | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Meerut (expressway) | 70 km | 1 hour |
| Meerut to Muzaffarnagar | 60 km | 1 hour |
| Muzaffarnagar to Roorkee | 50 km | 1 hour |
| Roorkee to Haridwar | 30 km | 40 minutes |
| Haridwar to Rishikesh | 25 km | 40 to 60 minutes |
| Total Delhi to Rishikesh | about 250 km | 5 to 6 hours |
How to Reach Rishikesh from Delhi
There is no one best way. It depends on your budget and how much comfort you want. This is how to travel to Rishikesh from Delhi in simple words:
| Way | Time | Approx. cost (one way) | Our comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi | 5 to 6 hrs | Sedan from INR 4,500, SUV from INR 6,500 | Best for 2 to 4 people with luggage. Door to door, you can stop for breakfast. |
| Train | 4.5 to 5 hrs to Haridwar or Dehradun | From about INR 1,000 (chair car) | Comfortable. Book early on IRCTC. Then 45 minutes taxi to Rishikesh. |
| Bus | 6 to 7 hrs | INR 350 to 1,500 | Cheap, but long. Choose AC Volvo bus from Kashmere Gate or Anand Vihar. |
| Flight | 1 hr flight + 45 min taxi | Flight often from INR 5,000 + taxi INR 1,200 to 1,500 | Save time if you are tired after the long international flight. |
Flight to Rishikesh from Delhi
Rishikesh has no airport of its own. The nearest is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 20 km from Rishikesh. So for a flight to Rishikesh from Delhi, you fly Delhi to Dehradun, then take a taxi to Rishikesh in around 45 minutes. There is no public bus from the airport, so please book the taxi before you land.
Train from Delhi
The classic train is the Shatabdi Express from New Delhi to Haridwar, around 4.5 hours. The Vande Bharat from Anand Vihar to Dehradun is also popular, around 4 hours 45 minutes, and some Delhi trains go directly to Yog Nagari Rishikesh station. Train timing can change, so always check IRCTC before booking.
Rishikesh Trip Cost from Delhi
Many guests ask about Rishikesh trip cost from Delhi. Below is an easy estimate for 2 days, per person. Price is approximate and can change in season (October to March is costly).
| Expense | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Rishikesh and back (shared taxi cost or train) | INR 2,000 to 3,500 | INR 4,000 to 6,500 |
| Stay, 1 night (homestay or hostel / good hotel) | INR 800 to 2,500 | INR 3,500 to 7,000 |
| Food, 2 days | INR 800 to 1,500 | INR 2,000 to 3,500 |
| Local transport (auto, e-rickshaw, taxi) | INR 500 to 1,000 | INR 1,500 to 2,500 |
| Activities (sunrise trek, rafting, ashram entry) | INR 1,500 to 3,000 | INR 3,000 to 6,000 |
| Total | INR 5,600 to 11,500 | INR 14,000 to 25,500 |
For reference, our own local tours are: Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek INR 2,500, Beatles Ashram walking tour INR 1,500 (ashram entry fee extra), and Devprayag and Vashistha Cave day trip INR 3,500 per vehicle. International exchange rate changes every day, so please check the rate of your currency.
One Day Trip to Rishikesh and Haridwar from Delhi
A one day trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh from Delhi is possible, but be ready for a long day, around 10 to 11 hours on the road. If you have only one day, this is how we suggest. A one day trip to Rishikesh from Delhi without Haridwar is also easy: just skip the first two steps.
- Leave Delhi by private car. Early start is the secret. Take breakfast in Meerut or Muzaffarnagar on the way.
- Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri. Take a short walk at the main ghat and see the Ganga water. Visit Mansa Devi by ropeway if you have energy.
- Lunch in Rishikesh. Simple vegetarian food near Laxman Jhula. Most places in Rishikesh serve only vegetarian food.
- Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and Beatles Ashram. Walk across the iron bridges and see the Chaurasi Kutia ashram with its painted walls.
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Sit near the river for the evening prayer. This is the most beautiful moment of the day.
- Return to Delhi. You reach around midnight to 1 am. Honestly, if you can, take the 2 days plan below.
2 Days Trip to Rishikesh from Delhi
The 2 days trip to Rishikesh from Delhi is the plan we recommend for foreign guests. You are less tired and you can feel the real Rishikesh.
- Delhi to Rishikesh (morning). Reach by lunch time, check in, take rest. Afternoon: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, small cafes on the Ganga side. Evening: Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
- Sunrise and Beatles Ashram. Early morning go to Kunjapuri Temple for the sunrise view of the Himalaya. After breakfast visit Beatles Ashram, then try yoga class or river rafting (rafting is usually closed in monsoon months).
- Return to Delhi after 3 pm. Leave by 3 or 4 pm so you reach Delhi at night. If your flight is next morning, keep one more night buffer.
If you have extra time, add one more day for Devprayag, where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet. Our team can also arrange day tours from Rishikesh with private vehicle and local guide.
Trip to Rishikesh from Mumbai and Bangalore
Trip to Rishikesh from Mumbai: The easiest way is a flight from Mumbai to Dehradun (direct on some days, or via Delhi), then taxi to Rishikesh. Train from Mumbai to Haridwar takes more than one day, so only take it if you love long train journeys.
Trip to Rishikesh from Bangalore: Take a flight to Delhi or Dehradun. After landing in Delhi, follow the same road, train or flight options explained above. From Bangalore, a direct train is not practical, because it is very far.
Tips for Foreign Tourists
- Pre-book your taxi. From Delhi airport, ask your hotel or a trusted company to send a driver with your name board. Agree the price first.
- Best season: September to November and February to April have nice weather. Summer is hot, and monsoon (July to September) has heavy rain and river activities can stop.
- Dress simple. Cover shoulders and knees at ashrams and ghats. Take shoes that are easy to remove.
- Food and drink: Rishikesh is a holy town. Most restaurants are vegetarian and alcohol is not easily available. Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Money: Keep some cash in small notes for auto, tea and temple donation. ATMs are there in Tapovan and Laxman Jhula area.
- Stay in Tapovan or Laxman Jhula. It is peaceful, with yoga and cafes. Our Om Homestay is also in Upper Tapovan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Delhi to Rishikesh by car?
The distance from Delhi to Rishikesh by car is about 250 km. It takes around 5 to 6 hours via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee and Haridwar.
How to reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
You can reach Rishikesh from Delhi by private taxi (5 to 6 hours), by train to Haridwar or Dehradun and then taxi, by AC bus (6 to 7 hours), or by flight to Dehradun and taxi.
Is there a flight to Rishikesh from Delhi?
No flight lands in Rishikesh itself. You can take a flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 20 km from Rishikesh, and then take a taxi.
How much is the Rishikesh trip cost from Delhi?
A 2 days trip costs around INR 5,600 to 11,500 per person for budget travellers and INR 14,000 to 25,500 for comfortable travel, including transport, stay, food and activities.
Can I do a one day trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh from Delhi?
Yes, it is possible if you leave Delhi around 5 am and return at night. But the road time is more than 10 hours, so 2 days is better for most foreign guests.
Is a 2 days trip to Rishikesh from Delhi enough?
Yes, 2 days is enough to see the bridges, Ganga Aarti, Beatles Ashram, a sunrise trek and one activity like yoga or rafting. If you want more peace, stay 3 to 4 days.
What is the best time for a trip to Rishikesh from Delhi?
September to November and February to April are the best months. Avoid heavy monsoon days if you want river rafting.
How can I plan a trip to Rishikesh from Mumbai or Bangalore?
Fly from Mumbai or Bangalore to Dehradun or Delhi, then continue to Rishikesh by taxi or train. Direct flights to Dehradun are not available on all days, so please check before booking.
Is Rishikesh safe for foreign tourists?
Yes, Rishikesh is a popular and friendly place for travellers from all countries. Use normal care, pre-book taxis, avoid walking alone in lonely areas at night and keep your passport copy with you.
Plan Your Rishikesh Trip with Local People
We are Rishikesh Day Tour, based at Om Homestay, Tapovan. Tell us your dates and we will help with taxi, stay and tours.