New Delhi to Almora covers about 360 to 390 kilometres, depending on which road you take. By car, plan on 8.5 to 11 hours. By bus, it usually stretches to 10–12 hours. Almost all of that extra time comes from one stretch: the last 90 km after Kathgodam, where the flat highway ends and the hill climbing begins. From there on, no matter how you’re travelling, expect narrow bends and slower speeds.
Almora itself sits on a ridge in the Kumaon hills, with views that stretch toward the Nanda Devi range on a clear day. It’s an old hill town, known for its temples, its markets, and the slower pace that comes with altitude.
Two Roads Up From Delhi
If you’re driving or taking a taxi, there are really two sensible ways to go, and they split apart after Moradabad.
The Highway Run via Haldwani
New Delhi → Ghaziabad → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Bhowali → Almora
This is the route most people take, and for good reason.
- Distance: around 365 km
- Time: 8.5 to 9.5 hours
- Why people pick it: the NH9 highway stretch is smooth, and you get a lake stop at Bhimtal along the way
- What slows you down: traffic near Haldwani, and at the exit points leaving Delhi
The Forest Route via Ramnagar and Ranikhet
This one takes longer, but it’s worth considering if you’re not in a rush.
- Distance: around 390 km
- Time: 9.5 to 11 hours
- Why people pick it: dense forest for most of the drive, lighter traffic, and it’s easy to combine with a stop at Jim Corbett National Park
- Trade-off: slower overall, since the roads are narrower once you’re past Ramnagar
Road Route Comparison Table
| Route Name | Key Waypoints | Approx Distance | Est. Time | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Haldwani | Moradabad → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal | ~365 km | 8.5h – 9.5h | Fastest and easiest for a first trip; good dhabas along the way |
| Via Ramnagar | Kashipur → Ramnagar → Ranikhet | ~390 km | 9.5h – 11h | Quieter and greener, but adds an hour or more if you’re not stopping at Corbett |
Bus Options
Direct Bus (Budget)
- Boarding Point: ISBT Anand Vihar, New Delhi
- Operator: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation
- Time: 11–12 hrs
- Cost: ₹500–₹700
- Verdict: Cheapest but less comfortable
Haldwani Switch (Recommended)
Step 1: Volvo bus → Haldwani / Kathgodam
- Time: ~6 hrs | Cost: ₹800–₹1,200
Step 2: Shared taxi / local bus → Almora
- Time: ~3.5–4.5 hrs (including wait time for the connecting taxi/bus) | Cost: ₹250–₹400
Verdict: Best mix of comfort + cost
Private operators worth checking for seat availability and pricing include Redbus, Zingbus, and Abhibus.
Traveling by Train (Best Balance)
There is no railway station in Almora. The nearest railhead is Kathgodam.
Top Train Options
- Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (12040)
- Departs: New Delhi – 06:20 AM
- Arrives: Kathgodam – 11:40 AM
- Best for same-day arrival
- Ranikhet Express (15013)
- Departs: Delhi – Night
- Arrives: Early morning
- Ideal overnight journey
From Kathgodam to Almora:
- Distance: 90 km
- Time: ~3 hrs (taxi/bus)
Flying In: Is It Actually Faster?
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
- Distance to Almora: ~115 km
- Airlines: Alliance Air
Verdict:
Fast flight but overall travel time similar to train due to onward road journey. Expensive option.
All Four Ways to Get There, Side by Side
| Travel Mode | Strategy | Travel Time | Est. Cost (One Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Car / SUV | Via Moradabad & Haldwani | 8.5–9.5 Hours | Fuel & Tolls: ₹3,500+ | Families/Groups wanting complete freedom for scenic pitstops |
| Train Combo | Shatabdi to KGM + Taxi to Almora | 8.5–9 Hours | Train (₹700) + Shared Cab (₹400) | Comfort seekers wanting the most relaxing and reliable way to travel |
| Bus (Premium Combo) | Volvo to Haldwani + Cab/Bus | 10–11 Hours | ₹1,200–₹1,600 | Solo travelers wanting comfortable overnight travel from Delhi |
| Bus (Direct) | UTC Ordinary from Anand Vihar | 11–12 Hours | ₹500–₹700 | Budget travelers wanting the cheapest direct option available |
Picking a Season for This Drive
- March to June: Warm days in Delhi, but pleasant, cool air once you climb into the hills.
- September to November: Arguably the better window — the monsoon has cleared the dust and haze, and the Himalayan views from Almora tend to be at their sharpest.
- July–August (peak monsoon): Best avoided — this route does see landslides on the hill stretches after heavy rain, and delays are common.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Set Off
- Leave Delhi early — traffic builds up fast near the Ghaziabad border, and losing an hour there sets back the whole day.
- Try to finish the Bhowali–Almora stretch in daylight. The bends get harder to judge after dark.
- If you get carsick on winding roads, carry medication for it — this last stretch has a lot of turns, back to back.
- Bhimtal or Nainital make for a natural halfway stop, whichever route you take.
So, Which One Should You Actually Pick?
- First time making this trip: The drive via Haldwani is the easiest to get right — it’s fast, well-signed, and forgiving if you’re not used to hill roads.
- Comfort matters more than driving yourself: The Shatabdi-plus-taxi combination gets you there in about the same time with a lot less effort.
- Want the scenery over the schedule: The Ramnagar–Ranikhet road, especially paired with a Corbett stop, is the one to take.
- Budget is tight: The direct UTC bus still gets the job done — just go in expecting a long, plain journey rather than a comfortable one.
Common Questions Before You Book This Trip
1. What is the distance between New Delhi and Almora?
The distance is approximately 360 to 390 kilometers, depending on the route you choose.
2. What is the fastest way to reach Almora from Delhi?
The fastest way is by car via Haldwani, taking around 8.5 to 9.5 hours. Alternatively, the train to Kathgodam plus taxi is equally efficient and more comfortable.
3. Is there a direct train to Almora?
No, Almora does not have a railway station. The nearest station is Kathgodam, about 90 km away, from where you can take a taxi or bus.
4. Which is the best road route from Delhi to Almora?
The best and most recommended route is: Delhi → Moradabad → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Almora. This route offers the best road conditions and shortest travel time.
5. Are there direct buses from Delhi to Almora?
Yes, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation operates direct buses from Anand Vihar ISBT. However, many travelers prefer breaking the journey at Haldwani for better comfort.
6. What is the best time to travel from Delhi to Almora?
The best time is March to June (pleasant weather) and September to November (clear Himalayan views). Avoid peak monsoon months due to landslides.
7. How is the road condition from Kathgodam to Almora?
The road from Kathgodam to Almora is well-maintained but winding, with sharp turns and scenic views. Daytime driving is recommended.
8. Can I visit Nainital on the way to Almora?
Yes, you can take a slight detour via Nainital. It adds about 1–2 hours but offers beautiful lake views and a great stopover.
9. Is the Ramnagar route better than the Haldwani route?
The route via Ramnagar and Ranikhet is more scenic and less crowded, but slightly longer. The Haldwani route is faster and more practical.
10. What is the cheapest way to travel from Delhi to Almora?
The cheapest option is a direct bus operated by UTC, costing around ₹500–₹700.
11. Is it safe to drive from Delhi to Almora at night?
Driving in the plains is safe, but night driving in the hills (after Kathgodam/Bhowali) is not recommended due to fog, sharp turns, and low visibility.
12. Which is the nearest airport to Almora?
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 115 km away. From there, you need a taxi to reach Almora.
13. How much does a taxi cost from Kathgodam to Almora?
A taxi from Kathgodam to Almora typically costs around ₹2,500 to ₹3,500, depending on the vehicle type and season.
14. Are shared taxis available from Kathgodam or Haldwani?
Yes, shared taxis (Bolero/Max) are easily available from both Haldwani and Kathgodam, costing around ₹300–₹500 per person.
15. Is Almora suitable for a weekend trip from Delhi?
Yes, Almora is perfect for a 2–3 day weekend getaway, especially if you start early or take an overnight train to Kathgodam.
Travel Information Disclaimer
The travel information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and may change without notice. Road conditions, travel times, fares, weather, transport availability, fuel access, and local regulations can vary due to traffic, maintenance, landslides, snowfall, or other unexpected events, so travelers should verify current details before departure. The publisher is not responsible for delays, losses, injuries, damages, or other issues arising from reliance on this information. Travel at your own risk and use appropriate caution, especially in mountain or remote areas.