Delhi to Haridwar Travel Guide – Routes, Tips & Distance

The journey from Delhi to Haridwar is one of India’s most popular routes, serving as the spiritual artery connecting the bustling National Capital Region (NCR) to the serene foothills of the Himalayas. For many, Haridwar is the essential gatewaa place to bathe in the holy River Ganga and the mandatory starting point for the auspicious Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. This guide provides rich, genuine content focused on the various routes, essential tips, and expected distance for this vital journey.

Distance and Overview

The average road distance between Delhi and Haridwar is approximately 210 to 250 kilometers (130 to 155 miles), depending on the specific starting point in Delhi and the chosen route.

• Time Taken: Under ideal conditions (low traffic, good road speed), the journey typically takes 4.5 to 6 hours. However, heavy traffic, especially while exiting Delhi and passing through major towns in Uttar Pradesh, can extend this travel time significantly.
• Significance: Haridwar, meaning “Gateway to God” (Hari ka Dwar), is where the Ganga exits the mountains and enters the plains. It is a major center for Hindu rituals and the traditional jumping-off point for Himalayan pilgrimages, including the Char Dham Yatra.

Primary Travel Routes

There are two main routes connecting Delhi to Haridwar, with the most popular and efficient one being via the national highway.

Route 1: The National Highway (NH 334) – The Fastest Option

This is the preferred and fastest route, largely comprising well-maintained National Highways.

Segment	Road Name/Number	Distance (Approx.)	Key Towns/Stops
Delhi to Meerut	NH 334 / Eastern Peripheral Expressway (Optional)	80Km	Ghaziabad, Muradnagar, Modinagar
Meerut to Muzaffarnagar	NH 334	60Km	Khatauli
Muzaffarnagar to Roorkee	NH 334	65Km	Manglaur
Roorkee to Haridwar	NH 334 / State Highway	30Km	Bahadrabad
Total Distance		235Km	Haridwar

Route Experience & Tips:

• Road Quality: The majority of this route is a four-to-six-lane highway, offering a relatively smooth ride.
• Traffic Points: Expect congestion, particularly near the Delhi border (Ghaziabad) and in the commercial areas of Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee. Utilizing the Meerut Expressway (NE-3) can significantly bypass much of the initial traffic, offering a more direct and faster path out of the NCR.
• Infrastructure: Excellent facilities, including large food courts (dhabas), fuel stations, and rest stops, are abundant along this highway.
• The Ganga: The first sight of the Ganga river near Roorkee or the Upper Ganga Canal marks the imminent arrival in the sacred land of Haridwar.

Route 2: Via Saharanpur – Scenic Alternative

This route is longer and less traveled, sometimes used to avoid heavy truck traffic on the main highway, though it may take more time.

• Route: Delhi -> Ghaziabad -> Baghpat -> Shamli -> Saharanpur -> Roorkee -> Haridwar.
• Experience: This path winds through rural roads and small towns, offering a glimpse into the agricultural heartland of Western Uttar Pradesh. It is a less recommended option for those prioritizing speed.

Mode-Specific Travel Guide

1. By Car (Self-Drive or Taxi)

Driving is the most flexible option, allowing for customized stops and rest breaks.

• Fastest Time: Aim to leave Delhi very early (before 6:00 AM) to minimize traffic delays on the exits.
• Tolls: Expect multiple toll plazas on the major highway, especially when using the expressways. It’s advisable to have an operational FASTag to ensure smooth passage.
• Safety: The highway stretch is generally safe, but drivers should remain vigilant, especially on sections prone to farm traffic crossing the road.

2. By Bus

Bus travel is economical and widely available, managed by both government and private operators.

• Operators: Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) and Uttar Pradesh Roadways (UPSRTC) offer frequent services. Private companies also run luxury and sleeper buses.
• Boarding Points: Buses typically depart from ISBT Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar in Delhi.
• Booking: Tickets can be booked online or directly at the bus terminus.

3. By Train (Recommended for Comfort)

The train is arguably the most comfortable and reliable way to travel this route, bypassing road traffic entirely.

• Major Stations: Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Delhi Junction (DLI), and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), arriving at Haridwar Junction (HW).
• Popular Trains: Key daily services include the Jan Shatabdi Express (fastest day train) and various overnight express trains.
• Duration: Train journeys typically take 4 to 5.5 hours. Booking is highly recommended, particularly for the busy pilgrimage season.

Essential Travel Tips

1. Fuel and Refreshments: Plan to refuel before exiting the highway stretch near Roorkee. The highway boasts numerous quality stops like Bikanerwala and various well-established dhabas for meals.
2. Stay Updated: Check the weather and road conditions, especially during the monsoon season (July–September), as heavy rain can cause localized flooding and delays.
3. Haridwar Arrival: Upon arrival at Haridwar, the main points of interest are the Har Ki Pauri ghat and the numerous temples, including those that offer resources for pilgrims embarking on the Char Dham Yatra towards the inner Himalayas.
4. Local Transport: Once in Haridwar, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the primary modes of transport. Be sure to agree on the fare beforehand.

The journey from Delhi to Haridwar is a transition from the urban sprawl to a deeply rooted spiritual landscape, efficiently managed by India’s robust transport network, setting the perfect stage for an onward spiritual adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)