Delhi to Nainital by road
The Delhi to Nainital distance by road is about 300 km, roughly 7 hr of driving. Highway across the plains to Haldwani, then a 35 km climb from Kathgodam to the lake. Facts last checked in October 2026.
- Distance
- 300 km
- Drive time
- 7 hr
- Tolls (car, one way)
- See tolls below
- Fuel (petrol car)
- ~₹2,190
The best route: Via NH-9 and Haldwani
Highways: NH-9 → NH-109
- Delhi
- Hapur
- Garhmukteshwar
- Moradabad
- Rampur
- Haldwani
- Kathgodam
- Nainital
Tolls from Delhi to Nainital
The tolls are on NH-9 in the plains; the hill road from Kathgodam has none. NHAI revises toll rates every April, and paying by FASTag avoids the double cash rate.
Delhi to Nainital fuel and toll cost
A petrol sedan uses about ₹2,190 of fuel one way and an SUV about ₹3,060. Change the car, fuel price and group size to see your own cost.
- Fuel
- ₹4,380
- 600 km
- Tolls
- Not known
- check your FASTag app
- Total
- ₹4,380+
- return
- Per person
- ₹2,190+
- 2 sharing
Delhi pump prices, October 2026. Hill roads, AC and traffic use more fuel than highway driving; parking, state entry taxes and local sightseeing drives are extra.
Fuel calculator for other trips.
Where to stop on the way
Garhmukteshwar (Brijghat)~100 km from Delhi
The Ganga crossing, with food stops on both sides of the bridge.
Gajraula~130 km from Delhi
Highway food plazas with clean toilets, popular as a breakfast stop.
Haldwani~270 km from Delhi
Last big town before the hills: fill fuel and pick up anything you've forgotten.
Road conditions and tips
- The 35 km from Kathgodam to Nainital has many hairpin bends; plan a break for anyone prone to motion sickness.
- Nainital restricts vehicles into the town on busy weekends and holidays; park at the outer lots and use shuttles when asked.
- Monsoon (July–September) brings landslides on the hill section; check road status before you leave.
- Leave by 5:30–6 am to clear Ghaziabad and Hapur and reach the hills before afternoon traffic.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Delhi to Nainital distance by road?
About 300 km on the recommended route (Via NH-9 and Haldwani), which takes roughly 7 hr without long breaks. Nainital to Delhi is the same distance on the same route in reverse.
Which is the best route from Delhi to Nainital?
Via NH-9 and Haldwani, via Hapur, Garhmukteshwar, Moradabad, Rampur, Haldwani, Kathgodam. Highway across the plains to Haldwani, then a 35 km climb from Kathgodam to the lake.
When should I leave Delhi for Nainital?
Leave by 5:30–6 am to clear Ghaziabad and Hapur and reach the hills before afternoon traffic.
Can I reach Nainital without a car?
Trains run to Kathgodam (the Shatabdi takes about 6 hours), then it's 35 km to Nainital by taxi or bus.
Sources: trivenicabs.in, ghumakkar.com. Distances and times are typical; traffic, weather and roadworks change them.