How to Reach Rishikesh for River Rafting
Rishikesh is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here's everything you need to plan a smooth journey to India's rafting capital.
Rishikesh – Distances from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Approx Time (Road) | Best Way to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ~250 km | 5–6 hours | Road / Rail |
| Haridwar | ~24 km | 45 min – 1 hr | Road / Auto |
| Dehradun | ~43 km | 1–1.5 hours | Road / Bus |
| Mussoorie | ~70 km | 2–2.5 hours | Road |
| Chandigarh | ~200 km | 4–5 hours | Road |
| Jaipur | ~440 km | 8–9 hours | Road / Rail to Haridwar |
| Mumbai | ~1,500 km | Flight 2 hrs | Air to Dehradun |
How to Reach Rishikesh by Road
🚗 From Delhi (NH-334)
Delhi → Meerut
Take NH-58 or NH-334. Drive through Meerut (about 1.5 hrs from Delhi).
Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee
Continue on NH-334 through Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee. Excellent roads throughout.
Roorkee → Haridwar
About 30 km. Enter Uttarakhand at Haridwar (total ~5 hrs from Delhi).
Haridwar → Rishikesh
Just 24 km more. Take NH-58 or the riverside road to reach Rishikesh in 45 min.
🚌 Bus Options from Delhi
- GMOU / Uttarakhand Roadways: Regular AC and non-AC buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi. Tickets ₹300–600. Duration: 6–7 hours.
- Volvo/AC Bus: Premium overnight buses from Delhi to Rishikesh. ₹500–900. Very comfortable.
- Private Taxis: Delhi to Rishikesh taxi costs ₹2,500–4,000 one-way for a cab.
🏍️ Local Transport in Rishikesh
- Auto rickshaw: Best for short distances within Rishikesh
- Shared Vikram (jeep): Cheap local transport ₹10–30
- Taxi to rafting points: ₹300–800 from Rishikesh to Shivpuri/Marine Drive
- Bike rental: ₹400–800/day for exploring on your own
How to Reach Rishikesh by Train
🚂 Nearest Railway Stations
- Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH): Small station with limited trains. Located in town center.
- Haridwar Railway Station (HW): Major junction — 24 km from Rishikesh. Best option with more train connections.
- Dehradun Railway Station (DDN): 43 km from Rishikesh. Well-connected to major cities.
| Train Name | From | To | Approx Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanda Devi Express | Delhi (NDLS) | Haridwar | 4–5 hours |
| Jan Shatabdi Express | Delhi (NDLS) | Dehradun | 4.5 hours |
| Mussoorie Express | Delhi (NDLS) | Dehradun | 6–7 hours |
| Shatabdi Express | Delhi (NDLS) | Haridwar | 3.5–4 hours |
After arriving at Haridwar, take a taxi (₹500–700) or shared auto (₹50–100) to Rishikesh. Journey takes about 45 minutes.
How to Reach Rishikesh by Air
✈️ Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun
- Distance from Rishikesh: ~35 km
- Drive time: ~1 hour by taxi
- Taxi fare from airport to Rishikesh: ₹700–1,200
- Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India operate regular flights
🛫 Flights from Major Cities to Dehradun
- Delhi → Dehradun: ~45–50 minutes, ₹2,500–6,000
- Mumbai → Dehradun: ~2 hours, ₹4,000–9,000
- Bengaluru → Dehradun: ~2.5 hours, ₹5,000–12,000
- Kolkata → Dehradun: ~2 hours, ₹4,500–10,000
From Airport to Rafting Points
Land at Jolly Grant Airport
Pre-book your taxi or use airport taxi services. Cost: ₹700–1,200 to Rishikesh city.
Reach Rishikesh (~1 hour)
Check in to your hotel near Laxman Jhula or Ram Jhula for best access to rafting zones.
Head to Rafting Point
Take a local taxi (₹300–700) or arrange with your rafting operator for pickup to Shivpuri or Marine Drive.
Best Areas to Stay in Rishikesh for Rafting
Laxman Jhula Area
Most popular tourist area. Close to cafes, yoga centers, and easy transport to rafting points. Excellent budget and mid-range hotels.
Riverside Camps (Shivpuri)
Stay right at the rafting start point! Riverside camps offer tent accommodation, meals, and rafting packages bundled together.
Ram Jhula Area
Quieter than Laxman Jhula, with good restaurants, ashrams, and easy river access. Perfect for spiritual + adventure combo trips.
Tapovan Area
Upscale hotels, resorts, and yoga retreats. A bit further from rafting points but excellent facilities and stunning views.
💡 Accommodation Tip for Rafters
If your main purpose is rafting, consider staying in a riverside camp at Shivpuri or Brahmapuri. Most camps offer rafting + stay + meals packages for ₹2,000–4,000 per person, saving you transport time and costs.