Gurgaon to Rishikesh Distance

Sapient Team November 3, 2025 0 Comment

Gurgaon to Rishikesh Distance: Your Complete Travel Guide

Gurgaon, a city that’s always buzzing in the National Capital Region (NCR), is known for its top-notch corporate scene, modern infrastructure, and the fact that it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from Delhi. Rishikesh, on the hand, is widely regarded as one of India’s holiest spiritual destinations, & is often called the “Yoga Capital of the World”, although you may have also heard it referred to as the Land of the Gods. It’s a magnet for tourists all year round, whether they’re on a quest for enlightenment, in search of some thrills from adventure sports, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

If you’re planning to make the journey from Gurgaon to Rishikesh, one thing you probably want to know is just how far apart the two places are, and what are the best ways to get there. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how far away Rishikesh is, the different travel options you’ve got, the estimated costs involved, and we’ll also share some useful tips to help make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How Far is it from Gurgaon to Rishikesh ?

The distance from Gurgaon to Rishikesh by road is roughly between 250 & 300 km, depending on which route you take. Most of the time, the most popular routes will pass through major highways like the Delhi-Dehradun Highway (NH 58). The aerial distance is around 230 km, but since most visitors are more likely to be driving, the road distance is what we’re focusing on.

Road Distance from Gurgaon to Rishikesh

Gurgaon to Rishikesh via Delhi-Dehradun Highway (NH 58): This route is approximately 250-280 km (Taking around 5 to 6 hours to complete).\
Alternative Route: There are other routes you can take from Gurgaon to Rishikesh, including through Haridwar and other local roads, which may take a little longer, but offer some amazing views & a more off the beaten track experience.

The actual road distance can vary slightly, depending on exactly where you start & finish, but the general travel time is usually around 5-6 hours.

Popular Ways to Travel from Gurgaon to Rishikesh

By Car / Self Drive / Private Taxi

The most convenient way to get from Gurgaon to Rishikesh is by car or private taxi. Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to stop whenever you like & check out some of the other places along the way.

How Long Will the Journey Take?

The drive generally takes around 5 to 6 hours, but this all depends on the traffic conditions at the time. If you prefer a bit more control over your trip & want to explore some of the local scenery, then a road trip might be the way to go.

The Best Route to Take

The Delhi-Dehradun Highway (NH 58) is the most direct route, taking you through Haridwar before reaching Rishikesh. Along the way you’ll pass through small villages, beautiful countryside & other places of interest.

Road Conditions & Tolls

The roads are pretty good, with just a few stretches where there might be some construction work going on or traffic congestion. The Delhi-Dehradun Highway has some toll booths along the way, so just be prepared to pay the toll charges.

Costs & Considerations

Fuel Costs: If you’re driving your own vehicle, the fuel cost for a one-way trip will be around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 (depending on how fuel efficient your vehicle is).
Toll Charges: You’ll also need to factor in toll charges, which will be an extra ₹200 to ₹500.

Pros and Cons of Driving

Pros: Flexibility, lots of great views to check out, you’ve got the comfort of your own vehicle, and you can stop whenever you like.\
Cons: Long hours of driving can be pretty tiring, and the traffic around Delhi can be a real hassle.

By Bus

Taking a bus is an economical way to travel, though it takes longer compared to driving by car.

Estimated Travel Time:

Traveling by bus usually takes around 7 to 9 hours, depending on the type of bus and traffic conditions.

Bus Types:

Volvo Buses: Air-conditioned buses offer more comfort and tend to be quicker.
Non-AC Buses: These buses are more affordable but may be less comfortable for long journeys.

Average Ticket Cost:

Ticket Price: Bus tickets range from ₹400 to ₹1,200, depending on the bus type and class.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Budget-friendly, no need to worry about driving.
Cons: Longer travel times, less comfort, fewer stops for food or breaks.

By Train

There is no direct train from Gurgaon to Rishikesh, but you can take a train to Haridwar, which is the closest major railway station to Rishikesh, and then travel to Rishikesh by taxi or local transport.

Estimated Travel Time:

Train Journey: It takes around 5 to 7 hours to travel by train from Gurgaon to Haridwar.
From Haridwar to Rishikesh: The journey from Haridwar to Rishikesh takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour by taxi or bus.

Train Options:

Popular trains from Delhi (about 30 minutes from Gurgaon) to Haridwar include the Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi Express.

Train Ticket Costs:

Ticket Price: Depending on the class, fares range from ₹300 to ₹1,500 (Sleeper class to AC class).

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Comfortable, scenic journey, no driving stress.
Cons: Need to transfer from Haridwar to Rishikesh, and train availability might vary.

By Flight

While there are no direct flights from Gurgaon to Rishikesh, you can fly from Delhi to Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to Rishikesh, and then take a taxi to Rishikesh.

Estimated Travel Time:

Flight: The flight from Delhi to Dehradun takes about 1 hour.
From Dehradun to Rishikesh: The taxi ride takes 1 hour.

Cost:

Flight Ticket: One-way flights from Delhi to Dehradun typically cost between ₹1,500 and ₹3,500.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Fastest option for those who prefer flying.
Cons: Additional transfer time from Dehradun to Rishikesh, higher cost.

Route Details & What to Expect

The Delhi-Dehradun highway – NH 58 – is the main route that most travellers take. The road is mostly well-paved, but be prepared for hairy traffic conditions – especially near Delhi where congestion can bring things to a grinding halt.

Pit Stops & Rest Areas:

Along the way there are plenty of rest stops and cafes where you can pull over for a bite to eat or a break. Places like Haridwar (just before you hit Rishikesh) are worth a visit, where you can take in the sights at Har Ki Pauri and try some local grub.

Scenic Views:

As you drive along you’ll see some truly stunning landscapes unfolding before your eyes – lush green countryside, rivers and distant mountains, especially as you get closer to Rishikesh.

Traffic and Weather Considerations:

Try to avoid driving during the peak hours of rush hour in Delhi (morning and evening) when possible, and in the winter be aware that morning fog can play havoc with visibility – so get an early start if you can. And then there’s the monsoon season (June to September) to contend with – heavy rainfall can lead to roadblocks so keep an eye on the forecast.

Cost Considerations

Here’s a breakdown of costs for the different modes of transport:

By Car: Fuel costs around ₹1,500–₹2,000, plus toll charges of ₹200–₹500.
By Bus: Ticket costs range from ₹400 to ₹1,200.
By Train: Tickets cost around ₹300 to ₹1,500, depending on the class of travel.
By Flight: Flights range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 (plus transfer charges from Dehradun to Rishikesh).

Time Considerations

Here’s a rough estimate of the time required for each travel mode:

By Car: Approximately 5-6 hours.
By Bus: Approximately 7-9 hours.
By Train: Approximately 6-8 hours, plus 30 minutes to 1 hour for the journey from Haridwar to Rishikesh.
By Flight: Around 2.5 to 3 hours including flight time and transfer to Rishikesh.

Best Time to Travel:

Summer (March to June) is ideal for adventure sports in Rishikesh, although it can be hot.
Winter (October to February) is the best time for a spiritual retreat due to the pleasant weather.
Monsoon should be avoided for travel due to heavy rains.

Travel Tips & Safety

For road trips: Ensure your car is in good condition. Carry water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a charger for your phone.
For bus travelers: Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends or during festivals.
For train travel: Ensure you book your tickets early to avoid last-minute rush.
For flights: Plan your airport transfers and book taxis in advance.

Why Travel from Gurgaon to Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is known for its spiritual significance, attracting thousands of visitors each year for its ashrams, yoga retreats, and the iconic Ganges Aarti. It’s also a popular destination for adventure sports like white-water rafting, trekking, and camping. Whether you’re seeking peace or adrenaline, Rishikesh has something for everyone.

Summary

The distance from Gurgaon to Rishikesh is approximately 250–300 km by road, and the journey can be completed in 5-6 hours by car, 7-9 hours by bus, and around 6-8 hours by train. While buses and trains are more affordable, self-driving offers the most flexibility. Flights, although quicker, are less direct and more expensive.

Whatever mode of travel you choose, plan ahead to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip to one of India’s most fascinating spiritual and adventure destinations.