Lucknow to Nainital: How to Reach, Distance, Route, Best Travel Options & Stay Tour Guide

Okay, let’s toss out the cookie-cutter guide and keep it real for your Lucknow to Nainital escape. Who isn’t dreaming of bailing on city chaos and waking up to foggy hills with a hot cup of chai? Nainital is classic Uttarakhand—like a giant postcard but with extra Maggi stalls and sweater shops. From misty lake views and pine air to cozy old hotels with creaky stairs, this hill station screams easy moods and “let’s not go home yet” vibes.

How Nutty Is the Lucknow–Nainital Route? (And How to Survive It Without Screaming)

By Road – The Sweaty but Stunning Option

It’s about 400 km from Lucknow, taking 8–9 hours depending on traffic. Once the curves and forests kick in, you’ll forget Lucknow even existed. Road trips here mean chai breaks, pakoras at roadside dhabas, and sing-alongs that will test your vocal cords. Pro tip: pack snacks, water, and lots of patience—highways have a mind of their own.

By Train – Ride, Snooze, Repeat

Nainital doesn’t have its own station, but Kathgodam Railway Station (35 km away) is your stop. Trains like Bagh Express or Ranikhet Express connect directly from Lucknow. Sleep through the ride, wake up to greenery, then hop into a taxi for the uphill drive. Cheap, comfy, and surprisingly scenic.

By Flight – When Time is Money

Direct flights? Nope. You’ll need to fly via Delhi to Pantnagar Airport (70 km from Nainital). From there, taxis will gladly whisk you up to the lake. It’s pricey, but hey, you’ll be sipping hot chocolate in your hotel while your friends are still stuck at a tea stall on the highway.

Which Route Should You Pick?

Lucknow → Bareilly → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Nainital
Smooth roads, food joints, and a straightforward journey.
Lucknow → Rampur → Kathgodam → Nainital
Slightly longer but way less traffic. Perfect if honking horns drive you insane.

Travel Choices: Road, Rail, or Air?

By Road

Grab a cab, convince your buddy to drive, or hop on a UPSRTC bus. They’re cheap, noisy, and surprisingly fun with the right playlist.

By Train

Affordable, comfy, and the Kathgodam–Nainital stretch is so scenic you’ll forget to scroll Instagram for a while.

By Flight

The fast lane. Expensive, yes, but great if you want to flex about “arriving before lunch.”

Best Time to Visit Nainital (Don’t Mess This Up)

March–June, September–November: Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing, boating, and selfies.
Monsoon (July–August): Risky with landslides, but cheap deals on hotels.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowy vibes, honeymoon crowd, and inflated prices.

Where to Stay in Nainital

Luxury Resorts in Nainital

Spa days, private balconies, and breathtaking views—if you’ve been saving up, go all in.

Lake View Hotels in Nainital

Waking up to lake views? Unreal. Perfect for couples, families, and anyone with an Instagram account.

Hotels Near Mall Road

Stay here if “I want food now” is your vibe. Easy access to shops and midnight momos.

Budget-Friendly Resorts Near Nainital

Affordable, cozy, and great for travelers who’d rather spend their money on boating or shopping than rooms.

Crowd Favorites: Book These Fast

Lake View Resort Nainital – For lazy mornings and dramatic sunsets.
Nainital Resort Near Lake – Roll out of bed straight onto a boat.
Resort in Nainital on Mall Road – Stay in the heart of the action.

Must-Do Stuff in Nainital (Besides Sleeping and Eating)

Boating at Naini Lake

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it. Row, paddle, float—vibe with the ducks and take it all in.

Shopping on Mall Road

Woolen hats, keychains, snacks, and sweaters you’ll never wear again—Mall Road is irresistible.

Snow View Point Ropeway

Cable cars, mountain views, and Instagram spam incoming.

A Chill 3-Day Lucknow–Nainital Itinerary

Day 1: Get There + Sunset Stroll

Travel to Nainital, check into a lake view accommodation in Nainital, and stroll around Naini Lake at sunset. End with a hot dinner on Mall Road.

Day 2: See All the Things

Start with Naina Devi Temple, head to Tiffin Top, and explore Eco Cave Gardens. Evening boating and Mall Road shopping wrap it up.

Day 3: Last Sips, Last Shopping, Hit the Road

Breakfast with a view, one last walk by the lake, buy that random souvenir, and head back to Lucknow.

Wrap-Up (Because, Sadly, You Gotta Leave)

A Lucknow to Nainital trip is basically affordable soul therapy. From scenic drives and lake breezes to Maggi at hilltop cafés, it’s a perfect break from city chaos. Whether you go all out at a luxury resort in Nainital, book a lake view hotel in Nainital, or crash at a budget stay near Mall Road, you’ll leave refreshed (and carrying way too much fudge and sweaters your mom made you buy). So… pack, go, and don’t look back.

FAQs

Q1: What is the cheapest way to reach Nainital from Lucknow?
By train to Kathgodam, then a shared taxi to Nainital.

Q2: How far is Lucknow from Nainital by road?
Around 400 km, which takes 8–9 hours by car.

Q3: Which is the best resort in Nainital for families?
A lake view resort in Nainital is perfect for families.

Q4: Is Mall Road in Nainital good for staying?
Yes, a resort in Nainital on Mall Road offers convenience and easy access.

Q5: When should I book resorts in Nainital?
Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance during summer and winter peak seasons.