Delhi to Nainital, at a glance
Nainital is Kumaon’s beloved lake town, wrapped around the emerald Naini Lake and framed by forested ridges. It sits ~300 km from Delhi, a scenic seven-hour drive through Rampur and Haldwani before the road climbs into the hills. Boating, the buzzing Mall Road, hilltop temples and viewpoints fill an easy weekend — and with a car and driver waiting, the quieter lakes of Bhimtal and the orchards of Mukteshwar are simple to fold in.
Delhi to Nainital taxi fare
All-inclusive — toll, parking & state tax already in. Round trip is 1.85× the one-way.
| Car | Model | Seats | One-way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Dzire, Etios | 4 | ₹4,650 | ₹8,350 |
| SUV | Ertiga, XUV | 6-7 | ₹5,350 | ₹9,550 |
| Premium SUV | Innova Crysta | 7 | ₹6,500 | ₹11,600 |
| Tempo Traveller | Force 12–17 | 12-17 | ₹9,600 | ₹17,150 |
What to see in Nainital
A jewel of a lake, a lively Mall Road, and viewpoints that open onto the snow peaks on a clear day.
Naini Lake
The emerald crescent lake at the town’s heart — take a yellow-sailed boat or a paddle across the still morning water.
Naina Devi Temple
A revered Shakti Peeth on the north shore, its bells and flags reflected in the lake below.
Mall Road
The lively lakeside promenade for shopping, cafes and an evening stroll — especially pretty lit up at night.
Snow View & Himalaya point
A cable car or drive up for the classic view — on a clear day the Himalayan snow line stretches across the horizon.
Bhimtal
A larger, calmer lake with an island cafe — a quieter counterpoint to busy Nainital.
Tiffin Top & the ridges
Short walks and pony rides up to Tiffin Top and Land’s End for sweeping views over the valley.
Things to do in Nainital
A morning row across the glassy lake — the definitive Nainital moment, before the day-trippers arrive.
Ride up for Himalayan panoramas and a small temple and cafe at the top.
Candles, woollens, Kumaoni crafts and lakeside cafes — best in the cool of the evening.
Apple orchards, an old temple on a cliff and some of Kumaon’s finest snow views.
An easy hike or pony ride to the ridge viewpoints above the town.
Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal — a string of quieter lakes for a slow half-day.
How to reach Nainital from Delhi
Pick your mode — see the options and book, all in one place.
| Car (EZPZ) | Seats | One-way | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 4 | ₹4,650 | Book |
| SUV | 6-7 | ₹5,350 | Book |
| Premium SUV | 7 | ₹6,500 | Book |
| Tempo Traveller | 12-17 | ₹9,600 | Book |
All-inclusive · ~300 km, ~7 hrs via NH-9 (Rampur–Haldwani) · doorstep pickup, driver waits at every stop.
| Train | Delhi → Nainital | Fare | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranikhet Express15013 · to Kathgodam | overnight | ₹300–1,200 | IRCTC |
| Uttar Sampark Kranti15035 · to Kathgodam | ~16:00 → 21:40 | ₹350–1,300 | IRCTC |
| then road to Nainital~35 km · 1.5 hrs | by cab | — | IRCTC |
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, ~35 km below Nainital, from where it is a 1–1.5 hour climb by road. Confirm live seats on IRCTC.
A relaxed Nainital weekend
Two easy days around the lakes, with a Mukteshwar or Bhimtal side trip.
Leave Delhi, reach by afternoon
A morning start on NH-9; reach Nainital by mid-afternoon and settle in by the lake.
Naina Devi & the Mall Road
A lakeside temple visit, then an evening stroll and dinner along the lit-up Mall Road.
Boating & Snow View
An early boat on the still lake, then the ropeway up to Snow View for the panorama.
Bhimtal or Mukteshwar, then home
A quieter lake or the orchards of Mukteshwar, then the drive back to Delhi.
Extend to three days to add Sattal, Naukuchiatal and a slow morning in Mukteshwar.
Best time to visit
Warm days and cool evenings — peak season, so book stays and expect Mall Road crowds.
Clear Himalayan views and quiet lakes; December–January can bring light snow.
Lush and green, but watch for slow, misty hill roads and occasional landslides.
Nainital fills up on summer weekends — a midweek visit is calmer and cheaper.
Easy add-ons near Nainital
Apple orchards, a clifftop temple and the best snow views in the region.
India’s famous tiger reserve — an easy add-on for a jungle safari.
A cluster of calmer lakes, good for boating and birding away from the crowds.
A quiet cantonment hill town of pines, golf greens and open ridges.
One fare. Everything in.
The number we quote is the number you pay — no toll or tax sprung on you at the end.
- Highway toll & state tax — included
- Parking & driver allowance — included
- No surge, ever — even weekends
- Pay after the trip — cash, UPI or card
Delhi → Nainital, the EZPZ way
All-inclusive, no surge, no end-of-trip surprises on toll or tax.
Only going one way? Pay for one way — no forced return, no dead-km.
Experienced, courteous chauffeurs who know this route inside out.
Sightseeing or stops on the way — the same car stays with you throughout.
Cars for every group
Dzire, Etios
4 · 2 bags
from ₹4,650
Ertiga, XUV
6-7 · 3-4 bags
from ₹5,350
Innova Crysta
7 · 4 bags
from ₹6,500
Force 12–17
12-17 · plenty
from ₹9,600
Nainital travel tips
Vehicles are limited on parts of the Mall Road at peak times — your driver will drop you close and park.
Take your lake boat in the morning when the water is calm and the light is best.
Evenings are cool even in summer; winters need proper warm clothing.
Nainital is busiest on summer and holiday weekends — midweek is far more relaxed.
Lake-view rooms sell out fast in season — reserve early.
Himalayan views are best right after rain or on crisp winter mornings.
Delhi to Nainital taxi FAQ
A one-way sedan starts at about ₹4,650 (around 300 km). SUVs and Tempo Travellers cost more. All-inclusive — toll, parking and state tax already in.
About 7 hours over ~300 km via NH-9 through Rampur and Haldwani, then the climb to the lake.
Yes — the same car and driver can add Mukteshwar (50 km), Bhimtal, or a Jim Corbett safari. Tell us your plan for a package quote.
March–June for warm, lively lake days; October–February for crisp air and clear Himalayan views. The monsoon is green but the hill roads are slow.
Yes — you pay only for the Delhi→Nainital distance, with no return fare and no dead-km.