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Haridwar to Rishikesh

Travel guide from Haridwar to Rishikesh: distance, duration and transport options.

Plan My Trip Taxi Fares

24 kmDistance

0.75 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹5,855

Ertiga₹7,430

Innova₹7,745

Innova Crysta₹9,570

Tempo Traveller (12)₹13,100

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹30

AC Seater₹40

Non-AC Sleeper₹40

AC Sleeper₹60

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹120

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Train

Sleeper₹40

Economy₹50

Third AC₹60

Second AC₹80

First AC₹100

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Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Overview

The journey from Haridwar to Rishikesh is a short but spiritually vibrant 24-kilometer drive along the banks of the Ganges, typically taking about 45 minutes by road via NH-58. This route connects two of India's holiest cities, passing through lush green landscapes, ashrams, and river ghats, making it a perfect prelude to the Himalayan foothills.

Route Map

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By Car: Haridwar to Rishikesh

24 km · ~29m · About 0h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Haridwar
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
24 km · 29m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Haridwar to Rishikesh

24 km · ~32m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Haridwar
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Haridwar. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Haridwar → Rishikesh
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~24 km
~32m|Tentative fare ₹30–₹120
Search buses Haridwar to Rishikesh
Arrive in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Hotels in Rishikesh

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Haridwar to Rishikesh

Nearest railway stations: Haridwar Jn for Haridwar, Raiwala for Rishikesh.

Direct trains

Dehradun Kathgodam Express#14120 · Express

12:20 AMHaridwar Jn

4m1 stops

12:24 AMJwalapur

1A2ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Dehradun-NewDelhi AC Express#12206 · Superfast

12:29 AMMotichur

6m1 stops

12:35 AMHaridwar Jn

1A2A3ARunning days & live status ↗

Varanasi Dehradun Janata Express#14265 · Express

04:25 AMHaridwar Jn

18m2 stops

04:43 AMRaiwala

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Haridwar Delhi Passenger#54476 · Passenger

05:15 AMHaridwar Jn

6m1 stops

05:21 AMJwalapur

Running days & live status ↗

Utkal Express#18478 · Express

06:00 AMHaridwar Jn

4m1 stops

06:04 AMJwalapur

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Haridwar to Rishikesh.

Raiwala10 km from Haridwar from Haridwar
Junction town on NH-58 close to the Rajaji National Park boundary.
Food courtsFuel stations
Muni Ki Reti20 km from Haridwar from Haridwar
Entry point to Rishikesh, near Parmarth Niketan ashram.
RestaurantsAshrams
Laxman Jhula23 km from Haridwar from Haridwar
Iconic suspension bridge area with cafes and shops.
RestaurantsShops

Hotels in Rishikesh

Treebo hotels in Rishikesh. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Itsy Hotels Nv, Tapovan

Rishikesh

Treebo Ak Residency

Rishikesh

Things to Do in Rishikesh

Attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Join the nightly ceremony at Parmarth Niketan, where hundreds of lamps are lit and offered to the Ganges, accompanied by chanting and hymns. The atmosphere is deeply…

1-2 hours

River Rafting on the Ganges

Raft the exhilarating rapids of the Shivpuri-Kaudiyala stretch, offering grades II to IV. The season runs from mid-September to mid-June, with options for both…

2-4 hours

Walk Across Laxman Jhula

Cross the iconic suspension bridge, built in 1929, and enjoy panoramic views of the Ganges and the surrounding hills. Legend says Lakshmana crossed the river here on a…

30-45 minutes

Yoga Class in an Ashram

Take a yoga or meditation class at one of the many ashrams, such as Parmarth Niketan or Sivananda Ashram. Classes are typically held in the morning and are suitable for…

1-2 hours

Explore the Beatles Ashram

Visit the abandoned ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968, now a heritage site with vibrant murals and graffiti. It's a fascinating blend of rock history and…

1-2 hours

Day Trip to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Drive 32 km into the hills to this ancient temple dedicated to Shiva, where he is said to have consumed the poison from the churning of the ocean. The winding road…

Half-day

See all places in Rishikesh →

Suggested Rishikesh Itinerary

Day 1Day 1

Cross Laxman Jhula (1929 suspension bridge) and take in views of the Ganges.
Explore the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) and its colorful murals and meditation cells.
Visit Swarg Ashram's vegetarian-only zone and browse its shops and cafes.

Day 2Day 2

Drive to Shivpuri (about 30 min) and do a 16 km rafting stretch (Grade II-III, season mid-Sep to mid-Jun).
Stop at a sandy beach for a cliff jump and swim (if water levels permit).
Walk across Ram Jhula (1986) and visit the nearby ghats and temples.

Day 3Day 3

Drive or take a shared taxi to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (32 km) and offer prayers at the shrine associated with Shiva's…
Return to Rishikesh and visit Triveni Ghat for a morning dip or just to watch the rituals.
Optional: Head to Mohanchatti for bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights (if you have a few extra hours).

Full 3-day itinerary →

Travel Tips

Start early (before 8 AM) to avoid traffic and enjoy cooler weather.

Carry small change for tolls (though none on this route) and local eateries.

If using a taxi, negotiate a fixed price before starting the journey.

During monsoon (July–September), roads may be slippery; drive cautiously.

Budget Estimate

taxi

Prepaid taxi: ₹600–₹900

App-based cab (Ola/Uber): ₹400–₹600

A comfortable and flexible option, ideal for families or groups, with the freedom to stop at viewpoints and ashrams along the way.

bus

Ordinary bus: ₹30–₹40

Express bus: ₹50–₹60

An economical and frequent bus service connecting Haridwar and Rishikesh, with several stops along the way.

auto

Shared seat: ₹50–₹80 per person

Private auto (full vehicle): ₹400–₹600

A budget-friendly shared auto-rickshaw ride, popular among backpackers, offering a local and adventurous journey.

Extend Your Trip

Add a nearby place to your Rishikesh trip and see the full Haridwar → Rishikesh → next stop route.

Rishikesh → Devprayag

About 40 km by road

Plan Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag Route Devprayag guide

Rishikesh → Dehradun

About 50 km by road

Plan Haridwar → Rishikesh → Dehradun Route Dehradun guide

Rishikesh → Mussoorie

About 55 km by road

Plan Haridwar → Rishikesh → Mussoorie Route Mussoorie guide

Rishikesh → Kotdwar

About 60 km by road

Plan Haridwar → Rishikesh → Kotdwar Route Kotdwar guide

Plan My Trip: Haridwar to Rishikesh

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh?

The distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh is approximately 24 km by road, taking about 0.75 hours depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions.

2. What is the best way to travel from Haridwar to Rishikesh?

Travellers can choose between Taxi / Private Car, State Bus (Uttarakhand Roadways), Shared Auto / Tempo. A comfortable and flexible option, ideal for families or groups, with the freedom to stop at viewpoints and ashrams along the way.

3. What are the major stops between Haridwar and Rishikesh?

Major stops include Raiwala, Muni Ki Reti, Laxman Jhula, offering food, fuel and rest facilities along the way.

4. Is the road condition good from Haridwar to Rishikesh?

Yes, the route runs mainly along NH-58 and is well maintained with smooth highways, though traffic can build up near towns during peak pilgrimage season.

5. How much does it cost to travel from Haridwar to Rishikesh?

Costs vary by mode: taxi (Prepaid taxi: ₹600–₹900), bus (Ordinary bus: ₹30–₹40), auto (Shared seat: ₹50–₹80 per person). Choose the option that matches your budget and comfort preference.