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How to Get from Rishikesh to Dharamshala

How to Get from Rishikesh to Dharamshala

Last updated: October 17, 2026
🇮🇳 India
Contents

Rishikesh sits on the Ganges in Uttarakhand, Dharamshala in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, and McLeod Ganj, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile, lies above it at an elevation of 2,082 m.[1] There is no direct rail link: the nearest broad gauge station for Dharamshala is Pathankot, so most travellers go by road.[1] Rishikesh is on National Highway 58, with buses and taxis from Dehradun and Haridwar.[2]

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Houses on a forested slope in McLeod Ganj, with mountains rising behind
Houses on a forested slope in McLeod Ganj, with mountains rising behindPhoto: Aditya Chache / Unsplash

Rishikesh to Dharamshala by Bus

Booking platforms list a direct overnight A/C semi-sleeper coach taking about 12 hours, with fares from about $12 (October 2026).[3] Dharamshala is also served by public and private buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Kullu-Manali and Shimla, which gives you other routes if the direct coach is full.[1]

Rishikesh to Dharamshala by Private Transfer

Booking platforms list private cars to Dharamshala at about $125 up to about $325 depending on the vehicle, and to McLeod Ganj at about $235 up to about $445 (October 2026).[3] It is a long mountain drive, so a car mainly makes sense for groups that share the cost.

Flying

Kangra airport at Gaggal, 14 km from Dharamshala, has regular flights to and from Delhi.[1] Jolly Grant Airport near Rishikesh is 21 km away.[2] A flight route therefore means a connection through Delhi.

Timetable

Rishikesh - Dharamshala More info / Tickets
Bus Rishikesh - Dharamshala $ 11.99–12.59 12h
  • →  A/C Semi Sleeper 17:00, 17:30
Taxi Rishikesh - Dharamshala $ 123.27–320.39 5h – 5h 38m
  • →  Comfort 3pax
  • →  Van 6pax
  • →  SUV 6pax
  • →  Hatchback 4pax
  • →  Sedan
Rishikesh - McLeod Ganj More info / Tickets
Taxi Rishikesh - McLeod Ganj $ 235.51–440.87 5h – 5h 41m
  • →  Comfort 3pax
  • →  Van 6pax
  • →  SUV 6pax
  • →  Hatchback 4pax
  • →  Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Rishikesh to Dharamshala?

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

Is there a train from Rishikesh to Dharamshala?

No direct train. The nearest broad gauge railway station for Dharamshala is Pathankot, so the journey is mainly by road.

How long does the bus from Rishikesh to Dharamshala take?

Booking platforms list an overnight A/C semi-sleeper coach taking about 12 hours (October 2026).

How much does a private car from Rishikesh to Dharamshala cost?

Booking platforms list about $125 to about $325 to Dharamshala and about $235 to about $445 to McLeod Ganj, depending on the vehicle (October 2026).

Is it better to stay in Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj?

McLeod Ganj, at 2,082 m, is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and sits above Dharamshala. Private transfers are listed to both.

Is there an airport near Dharamshala?

Yes, Kangra airport at Gaggal is 14 km from Dharamshala and has regular flights to Delhi.

Sources and background

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

  1. [1] Himachal Pradesh Tourism: Dharamshala. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  2. [2] Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board: Rishikesh. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  3. [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Rishikesh to Dharamshala. Retrieved October 15, 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.