Delhi to Rishikesh by road
The Delhi to Rishikesh distance by road is about 240 km, roughly 5 hr 30 min of driving. The direct route that ends at Rishikesh itself, passing Haridwar on the way. Facts last checked in October 2026.
- Distance
- 240 km
- Drive time
- 5 hr 30 min
- Tolls (car, one way)
- See tolls below
- Fuel (petrol car)
- ~₹1,750
The best route: Via Meerut, Roorkee and Haridwar
Highways: Delhi–Meerut Expressway → NH-334
- Delhi
- Meerut
- Khatauli
- Muzaffarnagar
- Roorkee
- Haridwar
- Rishikesh
Alternative: Via the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway
About 260 km, 4 hr via Baghpat, Shamli, Saharanpur, Dehradun. Opened in April 2026; about 2.5 hours to Dehradun, then around 45 km down to Rishikesh. Faster, with fewer towns but fewer food stops.
Toll plazas from Delhi to Rishikesh
| Toll plaza (in order) | Car, one way |
|---|---|
| Delhi–Meerut Expressway | Check FASTag app |
| Sivaya (Meerut) | Check FASTag app |
| Rohana (Muzaffarnagar) | Check FASTag app |
| Bahadrabad (Haridwar) | Check FASTag app |
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway uses distance-based closed tolling. NHAI revises toll rates every April; a return trip within 24 hours is usually cheaper than two single journeys.
Delhi to Rishikesh fuel and toll cost
A petrol sedan uses about ₹1,750 of fuel one way and an SUV about ₹2,450. Change the car, fuel price and group size to see your own cost.
- Fuel
- ₹3,500
- 480 km
- Tolls
- Not known
- check your FASTag app
- Total
- ₹3,500+
- return
- Per person
- ₹1,750+
- 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
Cheetal Grand, Khatauli~110 km from Delhi
The best-known highway food stop on this route, with parking and clean toilets.
Haridwar~215 km from Delhi
Stop for Har Ki Pauri; the evening Ganga aarti is a short detour if you time the drive for sunset.
Road conditions and tips
- Haridwar gets gridlocked during big festivals and the Kanwar Yatra (usually July), when parts of NH-334 are diverted.
- Traffic slows through Meerut and Muzaffarnagar bypass junctions at peak hours.
- Riverside camps beyond Rishikesh are on narrow hill roads; drive them in daylight.
- Leave Delhi by 6 am to clear Meerut before traffic builds and reach Rishikesh by lunch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Delhi to Rishikesh distance by road?
About 240 km on the recommended route (Via Meerut, Roorkee and Haridwar), which takes roughly 5 hr 30 min without long breaks. Rishikesh to Delhi is the same distance on the same route in reverse.
Which is the best route from Delhi to Rishikesh?
Via Meerut, Roorkee and Haridwar, via Meerut, Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar. The direct route that ends at Rishikesh itself, passing Haridwar on the way.
When should I leave Delhi for Rishikesh?
Leave Delhi by 6 am to clear Meerut before traffic builds and reach Rishikesh by lunch.
Can I reach Rishikesh without a car?
Trains such as the Dehradun Shatabdi reach Haridwar in about 4.5 hours, then Rishikesh is 25 km by road; Uttarakhand Roadways buses run from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, indianinfrastructure.com, traveltriangle.com. Distances and times are typical; traffic, weather and roadworks change them.