Getting Around Haridwar
Haridwar is a compact pilgrimage city on the right bank of the Ganges, at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. Its main sights cluster around the river and the old town, which makes getting around straightforward for most visitors. Central Haridwar can be comfortably covered on foot, and for longer hops you have a choice of cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis. Note that the city gets extremely crowded during pilgrimage season, and it is better to avoid travelling during the Hindu month of Sawan (around July), when important roads are blocked and hotels, buses and trains are packed. The monsoon (late May to August) is also a poor choice, as rain will hinder your visit.
On Foot
Walking is the most practical way to explore central Haridwar. The heart of the city is walkable, and the railway station sits on the south side of town, within walking distance of most hotels — though it is a 2-km hike from there to Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat. If you are staying near the station, plan on either a decent walk or a short rickshaw ride to reach the riverfront.
Cycle Rickshaws and Auto-Rickshaws
Cycle rickshaws are the classic short-hop option and are easy to flag down. As a rough guide, they usually cost around ₹10 for nearer distances and about ₹25 for longer runs, such as from the main station to Har Ki Pauri. Auto-rickshaws are also available at the train and bus stations and cover similar routes for more, in the region of ₹200 for comparable distances. Agree on the fare before you set off.
Taxis and Hiring a Vehicle
Taxis are available at the train and bus stations. If you want to spend more than three hours visiting ashrams and local temples, hiring a taxi for that purpose may cost around ₹400. For getting to Haridwar from elsewhere, you can rent a car or private taxi — for example from Delhi — though trains are generally less costly than private cabs.
Rail
Haridwar Junction (station code: HW) is well connected by train, with frequent services to Delhi (roughly 4–5 hours) and Dehradun (about 1 hour). There are also a few trains per day to Rishikesh, but buses are faster and much more frequent on that route. The station is on the south side of town, within walking distance of most hotels but a 2-km hike to Har Ki Pauri. Because the city is busy in pilgrimage season, book your train in advance.
Buses
Haridwar's bus station is close to the train station. Be warned that it is chaotic and has no signage whatsoever in English. There are regular bus services from Delhi (theoretically 4 hours), Rishikesh (one hour) and other important towns of North India. Before booking, check the condition of the bus and always go for cushioned, push-back seats — the long, bumpy ride will take a toll on your mood and body. During summer vacations there is a shortage of AC buses, so arrive an hour to an hour and a half before your intended departure to secure a reservation. As with trains, book in advance during pilgrimage season.
Airports and Reaching the City
The nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, a domestic airport about 20 km from the city centre. Taxis from the airport to Haridwar cost around ₹400, and there are frequent flights from Delhi. Delhi, around 200 km away, is the nearest international airport and is well connected to domestic and foreign destinations; from there you can continue to Haridwar by train, bus or private taxi.
Practical Tips
- Book trains and buses in advance, especially during pilgrimage season.
- Avoid the Sawan period (around July) and the monsoon (late May to August) if you can.
- Central Haridwar is best explored on foot; use rickshaws for the longer stretches.
- Agree on rickshaw and taxi fares before you start your journey.
- At the bus station, expect no English signage and inspect the bus before committing.
- From Jolly Grant Airport, a taxi into Haridwar costs around ₹400.