How to Reach Pithoragarh from Delhi (Distance, Bus, Train, Taxi & Route Guide)
Pithoragarh is connected to Delhi by road, rail, and air. If you are a first-time visitors you may find the route so long and a bit complicatet but if you plan well start your journey with all things in mind this route is straight forward.
In this article I will explain you how to reach Pithoragarh using different travel options, which route you should avoid and other aspects.
Distance Between Delhi and Pithoragarh
-
Approximate distance: 470–500 km
-
Average travel time:
-
By road: 12–15 hours
-
By train + road: 14–18 hours
-
By flight + road: 7–9 hours (when flights operate smoothly)
-
Reaching Pithoragarh from Delhi by Road
I personally chose this option when i travel to Pithoragarh from Delhi. I find this more practical. There are two routes to reach Pithoragarh if you start from Delhi. one is via Tanakpur and other one is via Haldwani.
Both routes are commonly used and connect Delhi to Pithoragarh through different entry points into the Kumaon hills.
Delhi to Pithoragarh via Tanakpur
Road route from Delhi to Pithoragarh via Tanakpur, with plain roads until Tanakpur and wider, smoother hilly roads beyond.
Delhi → Moradabad → Rudrapur → Tanakpur → Champawat → Lohaghat → Pithoragarh
I often prefer this route, this route is also preferred by local people who travel to Pithoragarh on regular basis. Reason for preferring this route is after Tanakpur the hill road starts, and the hill road is wider and smoother, which make my driving expressing less tiring compared to the other route. Travel time from this route is around 12 to 15 hours. It can extend during peak season and monsoon time due to heavy rain and landslides.
This route more comfortable, especially for long road journey, as it involves fewer sharp curves and relatively better road conditions in the hill stretch. Because of this, it is often chosen by people. Distance from Anand Vihar ISBT Delhi to Pithoragarh via Tanakpur route is around 470 km.
Toll Information on Delhi to Pithoragarh via Tanakpur
You will cross 8 toll plazas and last one is just before Khatima (near Tanakpur) Once you cross that there are no tolls till Pithoragarh. Cost of all tolls is somewhat around ₹800 to ₹900
Delhi to Pithoragarh via Haldwani
Road route from Delhi to Pithoragarh via Haldwani, with plain roads up to Haldwani and hilly terrain beyond.
Delhi → Moradabad → Rudrapur → Haldwani → Almora → Pithoragarh
This is another commonly used route. However i do not prefer this route until i have a necessity. If you also wants to visit places like Nainital, Bhimtal and other places you can choose this route. Travel time is usually 12 to 15 hours & Can extend during monsoon or peak travel seasons.
Hill roads on this road are narrower and there are more sharp turns, which makes the journey tiring. Despite this if you want to also visit the beauty of Almora you can choose this route. Delhi to Haldwani is mostly smooth highway driving. After Haldwani, road becomes hilly. Distance from Anand Vihar ISBT Delhi to Pithoragarh via Haldwani route is around 500 km.
Toll Information on Delhi to Pithoragarh via Haldwani
With this route as well you will cross 8 toll plazas and last one is just before Haldwani. Once you cross that there are no tolls till Pithoragarh. Cost of all tolls is somewhat around ₹800 to ₹900
Bus Travel - Delhi to Pithoragarh bus
Regular bus services are available from Anand Vihar ISBT Delhi to Pithoragarh, this mode is convenient option for those who prefer public transport and also pocket friendly.
Buses usually departing in the evening and reaching Pithoragarh the next day.
-
Departure point: Anand Vihar ISBT, Delhi
-
Ticket price: Approximately ₹900–₹1,000 (varies by bus type and route you take)
-
There are 2 routes for buses as well. via Tanakpur and via Haldwani. Most buses operates via Tanakpur route.
-
Journey time: Around 14–16 hours, depending on route and road conditions
For official schedules, ticket availability, and bookings, it is recommended to check the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation website.
Practical Road Travel Tips
-
Night driving in the hills can be tiring if you’re unfamiliar with mountain roads
-
During monsoon, landslides may cause delays without prior notice
-
Starting early from Delhi often saves several hours
Road travel works well if you are comfortable with long journeys and hill driving, but it can feel exhausting if done in one stretch.
Reaching Pithoragarh from Delhi by Train
There is no direct train to Pithoragarh, but many people still prefer train journey because of the comfort.
Nearest Railway Stations
-
Kathgodam – better connectivity from Delhi. Kathgodam is located right next to Haldwani, and both places function as a single transit point for travelers entering the Kumaon hills.
-
Tanakpur – slightly closer to Pithoragarh but fewer train options
Most travelers prefer Kathgodam, even though it is farther, because trains are more frequent and reliable.
Train Journey from Delhi via Kathgodam
-
Kathgodam Shatabdi in the morning, Ranikhet Express overnight and the Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti afternoon. If you want your journey in 1 day no overnight you can take Kathgodam Shatabdi which runs from Delhi at around 6:00 AM will reach Kathgodam at 12:00 PM then you can take taxi from there.
-
Travel time from Delhi to Kathgodam : 6 to 8 hours
Continuing the Journey by Road
From Kathgodam:
-
Shared taxis
-
Private cabs
-
Uttarakhand Roadways buses
The road journey from Kathgodam to Pithoragarh usually takes 7–9 hours, depending on traffic and weather.
Reaching Pithoragarh from Delhi by Taxi
Taxis are available from Delhi to Pithoragarh on both shared and full-booking bases. This option is often chosen by travelers who prefer door-to-door convenience or are traveling with family, luggage, or elderly members.
Taxi Options from Delhi
-
Shared taxis:
Available through travel operators, usually following common routes via Tanakpur or Haldwani. -
Full booking (private taxi):
Ideal for travelers who want flexibility in timing, breaks, and route choice.
Why Many Travelers Choose Taxis
The biggest advantage of taxi travel is pickup and drop convenience. Taxis can pick you up directly from your home, hotel, or airport in Delhi and drop you at your exact destination in Pithoragarh.
Other benefits include:
-
No need to change transport mid-journey
-
Flexibility to stop for food or rest
-
Comfortable for long journeys compared to buses
Travel time by taxi is similar to road travel, typically 12–15 hours, depending on the chosen route and road conditions.
Reaching Pithoragarh from Delhi by Flight
Flying is the fastest option on paper, but also the most unpredictable.
Airport Information
- Naini Saini Airport, Pithoragarh
Flights operate on limited regional routes and are often affected by:
-
Weather conditions
-
Visibility in mountainous terrain
-
Seasonal schedule changes
Because of this, travelers sometimes book flights with flexibility or keep a road backup plan in mind.
Some visitors also consider flying to Pantnagar Airport and continuing by road, though this still involves a long drive afterward.
Which Is the Best Way to Reach Pithoragarh from Delhi?
There is no single “best” option for everyone.
-
Train + road works well for most first-time visitors
-
Road travel suits those who prefer flexibility or are traveling in groups
-
Flights save time only when schedules align and weather cooperates
Most people choose their route based on time constraints, comfort, and the season of travel.
Useful Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
-
Carry motion sickness medication if hill roads affect you
-
Start hill journeys early in the day
-
Avoid monsoon travel unless necessary
-
Keep buffer time for delays
-
Mobile network coverage may drop in remote stretches
Final Thoughts
Reaching Pithoragarh from Delhi is a long but manageable journey. As the route leaves the plains and enters the Kumaon hills, the pace naturally slows, and road conditions become more variable. With realistic expectations and a bit of planning, the journey is safe and rewarding.
Understanding the route in advance helps avoid last-minute confusion and makes the overall travel experience smoother.