Haridwar To Rishikesh- Best Means To Travel, Weather & Tips

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The short road trip from Haridwar to Rishikesh in the lush mountains of Uttarakhand offers an experience rich in culture, spirituality, and natural beauty! This 25-km journey between two of the holiest towns in North India on the banks of the sacred Ganga is most popular among pilgrims, couples, adventure lovers, and yoga enthusiasts.

While it’s an easy journey, most people have a hard time deciding the right mode of transport to use and the best time of the year to take the trip.

In this blog, we have established all available means of traveling from Haridwar to Rishikesh, including distances, routes, and places to see along the way. You’ll also find safety tips and the ideal weather conditions for this trip.

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Why travel from Haridwar to Rishikesh

The distance between these two cities is about 25 km or 16 miles. It takes an hour or less to cover the distance by road.

Taking you through the heart of Uttarakhand’s picture-perfect landscapes and verdant greenery, a trip from Haridwar to Rishikesh is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

The route via NH 7 is the most popular for this trip and bestows you with wonderful sights of Uttarakhand’s rolling hills as well as the river Ganga that runs parallel to this route.

It also lets you visit two of the most amazing tourist places in Uttarakhand along the way – Rajaji National Park and Triveni Ghat.

You can include a trip to these two fascinating destinations on your journey for a more enriching experience of traveling to Rishikesh from Haridwar.

When you reach Rishikesh, you’ll be blown away by the power package of thrill and adventure that is this city!

From exploring the Laxman Jhula suspension bridge, relaxing on the ghats, attending the lit Ganga Aarti, indulging in yoga and meditation, visiting the Beatles Ashram, to going river rafting, there’s a lot that you can do here in addition to paying homage to its many temples!

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Best time to travel from Haridwar to Rishikesh

September to November and March to May are the ideal times to take this trip when the weather is cool and pleasant with clear skies and misty mornings.

The temperature in these cities in the autumn season between September and November stays between 8°C to 30°C and is suitable for sightseeing, exploring temples, and indulging in adventure activities.

The temperature in the summer season between March and May ranges from 14°C to 35°C, and while it’s hot in the day, it’s the perfect weather for adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking. The International Yoga Festival also falls in this time period.

How to get from Haridwar to Rishikesh

There are various means of transport you can use for Haridwar to Rishikesh travel.

We’ve listed them out for you so that you can pick the one best suited for your travel preferences, needs, and budget.

Haridwar to Rishikesh by car or bike

It takes about 30-40 minutes to drive from Haridwar to Rishikesh. This route is always more fun to drive as it gives you the freedom to explore the places and scenery along the way at your own pace. You can drive your vehicle or rent one.

Many people also choose to ride a bike from Haridwar to Rishikesh to taste the thrill of biking through hills and letting the cool mountain breeze tickle their senses!

You can rent a bike from Haridwar for anywhere between INR 300/- to INR 500/- on a per-day basis.

Haridwar to Rishikesh by bus

The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and several private operators run a frequent bus service between these two cities and other cities in Uttarakhand.

These buses ply as per a strict daily schedule, which makes it easy for travelers to book a ticket online as per their preferred travel time.

A Haridwar to Rishikesh bus journey usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. This time is inclusive of the stop it makes along the way for refreshments.

The per-person fare ranges between INR 50/- (for government buses) and INR 200/- (for private coaches, Volvos, and Tempos).

You can book a ticket online or at the Haridwar Bus Stand ticket counter itself before boarding your bus from there. The bus stand is located close to Haridwar Railway Station.

Haridwar to Rishikesh by taxi or prepaid cab

Hire a cab in Haridwar and sit back and relax while it takes you to the holy city of Rishikesh through the enchanting landscapes of Uttarakhand!

Plenty of taxis are available in Haridwar that are always willing to cover the short and frequently traveled distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh. You can also book a prepaid cab in advance at nominal rates for this journey.

Cabs typically charge between INR 1,000/- and INR 2,500/- one way for this distance in Uttarakhand depending on the vehicle type (AC/non-AC), model, and size.

Ola and Uber Interstation cabs are readily available for commuting between popular cities of Uttarakhand, including the famous Haridwar Rishikesh tour.

If you’re looking for a more economical taxi option, you can also opt for shared cabs depending on your comfort level.

Fun fact: Seeing as it’s a popular route and a really short distance, you can also book an auto-rickshaw in Haridwar to cover it! A private auto-rickshaw or tuk-tuk will charge around INR 500/- to INR 800/- for this route (one way). It’s a much more economical, scenic, and thrilling way to ride than cabs!

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Haridwar to Rishikesh by shared Tempo

Shared Tempos are another economical way of taking a Haridwar and Rishikesh tour. Plenty of Tempos are available in both cities taking passengers from one to another at affordable rates.

They take about 45 minutes to an hour to cover the distance and charge between INR 100/- to INR 300/- per seat depending on various factors.

They are a popular and highly preferred mode of transport among travelers between Haridwar and Rishikesh. You can find them at several bus stands, near the railway station, and in Haridwar’s main market.

Haridwar to Rishikesh by train

Several passenger trains run between Haridwar Junction Railway Station and Rishikesh Railway Station on a daily basis at set timings.

It’s super easy to book a seat either online or at the train station and enjoy a comfortable ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Uttarakhand! The whole journey takes about an hour and costs between INR 50/- and INR 150/- per person one way.

Haridwar Rishikesh travel tips

• Cover the Haridwar Rishikesh distance early in the morning to avoid traffic.
• Take care of your belongings in shared cabs and Tempos.
• Book your train and bus tickets online to avoid last-minute hustle and price hikes.
• Carry cash as small towns in Uttarakhand tend to rely on cash transactions instead of online payment.
• If you’re traveling by shared transport, the journey might take longer than an hour with several unplanned stops to let passengers on and off. Hire private transport to avoid that.
• If you’re visiting during major festivals, book your transport and stay in advance as hotel rooms tend to fill fast during such times.

Haridwar to Rishikesh travel allows one to experience both the rich spiritual side of Uttarakhand as well as its endless scenic beauty. Why wait? Start planning your holiday right away! Happy tripping!