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How to Get from Rishikesh to Delhi

How to get from Rishikesh to Delhi by bus, by train or on a short flight from Dehradun, with journey times and tips for the trip back to the capital.

India Delhi

Last updated: October 29, 2026

How to Get from Rishikesh to Delhi

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Contents

Leaving Rishikesh means trading temple bells and the Ganges for India's capital. The way back is easy: buses run all day, and a short flight leaves from Dehradun.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Rishikesh to Delhi by Bus

The bus is the most common way to go. AC seater coaches leave Rishikesh from early morning until late at night, and AC sleepers and semi-sleepers run from the middle of the day into the late evening. The ride takes from about 4 hours 30 minutes, and 8 hours or more when traffic into Delhi is heavy. On booking platforms, bus fares start at about $4 (October 2026).[1]

Rishikesh to Delhi by Train

Rishikesh has its own railway station with frequent trains.[2] Haridwar, 24 km downstream,[3] is the main railhead and is well connected with Delhi.[4] Trains from Haridwar to Delhi take from about 4 hours 30 minutes, and fares start at about $5 (October 2026).[5] If you start from Dehradun, the Shatabdi Express 12018 leaves at 17:00 and reaches New Delhi at 22:45.[6]

Rishikesh to Delhi by Flight

Rishikesh has no airport of its own. Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest, about 21 km away, with daily flights to Delhi.[2] The flight takes 40 minutes to 1 hour, and the airport handles domestic flights only.[7] Ask your guesthouse to arrange a taxi to the airport. The flight is a good fit if you have an international connection in Delhi later the same day.

The terminal at Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun
The terminal at Jolly Grant Airport near DehradunPhoto: Trinidade / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Comparing Your Options

ModeJourneyGood for
BusFrom about 4 hours 30 minutes[1]Departures all day, straight from Rishikesh
TrainFrom about 4 hours 30 minutes from Haridwar[5]Travellers who prefer the rails
Flight from Dehradun40 minutes to 1 hour in the air[7]Tight connections in Delhi

Tips for Traveling from Rishikesh to Delhi

  • Book ahead in peak season: Buses and flights fill up around major Hindu festivals and holidays, so secure your seat early.
  • Allow a buffer by road: Traffic into Delhi can add hours. If you have a flight to catch, leave Rishikesh much earlier than you think you need to.
  • Pack a light layer: Indian AC buses run cold, even on a hot day.
  • Check the Delhi drop-off: Pick the stop closest to your hotel to save on the last taxi ride.

Timetable

Dehradun - Delhi More info / Tickets
Flight Dehradun - Delhi $ 38.88โ€“100.74 50m โ€“ 1h
  • โ†’ย  Economy 09:35, 12:50, 15:55, 16:50, 18:40, 19:45
Rishikesh - Delhi More info / Tickets
Bus Rishikesh - Delhi $ 3.64โ€“72.31 4h 30m โ€“ 8h 30m
  • โ†’ย  AC Sleeper 16:00, 19:10, 20:45, 20:50, 21:45, 22:25
  • โ†’ย  AC Seater 06:05, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:20, 11:55, 12:00, 12:15, 12:50, 13:00, 13:15, 14:05, 15:15, 15:25, 16:00, 16:15, 16:35, 17:30, 17:45, 18:45, 19:00, 19:15, 19:45, 20:00, 20:15, 21:15, 21:30, 21:45, 22:15, 22:35, 22:45, 22:50, 23:00, 23:05
  • โ†’ย  A/C Semi Sleeper 11:15, 15:45, 18:45, 21:30, 23:30

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Rishikesh to Delhi?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Rishikesh to Delhi, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Rishikesh to Delhi?

The bus is the cheapest option. On booking platforms, fares start at about $4 (October 2026).

What is the fastest way to get from Rishikesh to Delhi?

A flight from Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun to Delhi is the fastest. It takes 40 minutes to 1 hour in the air, plus the transfer from Rishikesh to the airport.

How long does it take to get from Rishikesh to Delhi?

The bus takes from about 4 hours 30 minutes and longer in heavy traffic. The flight from Dehradun takes 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Which airport is closest to Rishikesh?

Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, about 21 km from Rishikesh. It has daily flights to Delhi.

Is there a train from Rishikesh to Delhi?

Rishikesh has its own railway station, and Haridwar, about 24 km away, is well connected with Delhi by frequent trains. Trains from Haridwar to Delhi take from about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Rishikesh to Delhi. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  2. [2] Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board: Rishikesh. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  3. [3] District Dehradun, Government of Uttarakhand: Rishikesh. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  4. [4] Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board: Haridwar. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  5. [5] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Haridwar to Delhi. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  6. [6] Indian Railways: Shatabdi Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
  7. [7] IndiGo: Dehradun to Delhi Flights. Retrieved October 25, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.