Traveling from New Delhi to Almora is a scenic transition from bustling city life to the peaceful hills of Kumaon. Nestled along a ridge with panoramic Himalayan views, Almora is known for its cultural heritage, temples, and proximity to the majestic Nanda Devi range.
- Distance: ~360–380 km
- Travel Time: 8.5–10 hours (car) | 10–12 hours (bus)
- Last Stretch: 90 km of winding hill roads from Kathgodam
🚗 Section 1: Traveling by Road (Car/Taxi)
A road trip is the most flexible and scenic way to reach Almora, especially for families and groups.
🛣️ Route A: Via Moradabad & Haldwani (Recommended)
Best For: Fastest route, smooth highways, first-time travelers
Route: New Delhi → Ghaziabad → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Bhowali → Almora
- Distance: ~365 km
- Time: 8.5 – 9.5 hrs
- Highlights: Smooth NH9 highway, Bhimtal lake stop
- Note: Traffic near Haldwani and Delhi exit points
🌲 Route B: Via Ramnagar & Ranikhet (Scenic Corbett Route)
Best For: Nature lovers, less traffic, combining trip with Jim Corbett National Park
Route: New Delhi → Hapur → Moradabad → Kashipur → Ramnagar → Bhatrojkhan → Ranikhet → Almora
- Distance: ~390 km
- Time: 9.5 – 11 hrs
- Highlights: Dense forests, peaceful hill climb
- Verdict: More scenic, slightly longer
🗺️ Road Route Comparison Table
| Route Name | Key Waypoints | Approx Distance | Est. Time | Verdict |
| Route A: Via Haldwani (Recommended) | Moradabad → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal | ~365 km | 8.5h – 9.5h | Best Choice. Safest, fastest, and most straightforward. Best dhabas on the way. |
| Route B: Via Ramnagar (Scenic) | Kashipur → Ramnagar → Ranikhet | ~390 km | 9.5h – 11h | Nature Drive. Bypasses the busy Kathgodam stretch. Great if pairing with a Corbett trip. |
🚌 Section 2: Traveling by Bus
🪑 Option 1: 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
🚍 Option 2: 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 hrs | Cost: ₹250–₹400
Verdict: Best mix of comfort + cost
Bus Operators:
- Redbus Ticket Booking: https://www.redbus.in/bus-tickets/delhi-to-almora
- Use a referral code red0xf889410 to sign up. Use code FIRST to get 20% upto Rs 150 off & Rs 100 Cashback on your first bus booking!
- Zingbus Ticket Booking: https://www.zingbus.com/bus-tickets/delhi-to-almora-bus-route
- You get an 30% discount coupon code, v2Pp1TFGDI0maOk → Add this under “Have a referral code?” when signing up or in the profile section.
- Abibus Ticket Booking: https://www.abhibus.com/buses/169068/Delhi-Almora
- Use a referral code DMIJIIC to sign up on AbhiBus app to get 20% upto 250 instant off 250 cashback on your very first bus booking!
- Offers for signing up may change according to Zingbus, Redbus and AbhiBus terms and policies.
🚆 Section 3: 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)
IRCTC Train: https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search
✈️ Section 4: Traveling by Air
- 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.
📊 Overall Travel Options Comparison
| 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. Complete freedom for scenic pitstops. |
| Train Combo | Shatabdi to KGM + Taxi to Almora | 8.5 – 9 Hours | Train (₹700) + Shared Cab (₹400) | Comfort Seekers. 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. Comfortable overnight travel from Delhi. |
| Bus (Direct) | UTC Ordinary from Anand Vihar | 11 – 12 Hours | ₹500 – ₹700 | Budget Travelers. The cheapest direct option available. |
💡 Final Travel Tips
- Start early from Delhi to avoid traffic at Ghaziabad borders
- Daylight hill driving is safer, especially beyond Bhowali
- Avoid travel during heavy monsoon due to landslides
- Carry motion sickness meds for hill roads if needed
- Plan a scenic halt at Bhimtal or Nainital
🏁 Final Verdict
- Best Overall: Road trip via Haldwani
- Most Comfortable: Train + Taxi via Kathgodam
- Most Scenic: Ramnagar–Ranikhet route
- Budget Option: Direct UTC Bus
❓ FAQs: Delhi to Almora Travel Guide
1. What is the distance between New Delhi and Almora?
The distance is approximately 360 to 380 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 + taxi is equally efficient and more आरामदायक.
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 (Summer): Pleasant weather
- September to November (Autumn): 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.