Haridwar — one of the holiest cities in India and the gateway to Rishikesh, Kedarnath and the Char Dham Yatra — is just 214 km from Delhi. The train is the most comfortable and affordable way to make this journey.
Best Trains from Delhi to Haridwar
Dehradun Shatabdi Express (12017) — Fastest Option
Departs New Delhi at 06:50, reaches Haridwar at 10:30 — just 3 hours 40 minutes. Fully AC (Chair Car and Executive Chair Car). Meals included. Runs daily except Sunday. Best for a comfortable, fast journey especially during yatra season.
Jan Shatabdi Express (12055)
A more affordable AC option compared to the full Shatabdi. Reaches Haridwar in about 4–4.5 hours. Chair Car fare is significantly lower than the Shatabdi.
Overnight Mail/Express Trains
Multiple trains depart Delhi in the evening or night and reach Haridwar early morning, arriving in time for the famous Ganga Aarti. These have Sleeper class from ₹130.
Delhi to Haridwar Train Timings
| Train | Departs NDLS | Arrives HW | Fare (CC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dehradun Shatabdi (12017) | 06:50 | 10:30 | ₹700 |
| Jan Shatabdi (12055) | 15:20 | 19:45 | ₹430 |
| Overnight Express trains | Evening | Early morning | ₹130 (SL) |
Haridwar to Rishikesh After Arrival
From Haridwar station, Rishikesh is 25 km away — about 45 minutes by shared auto (₹50–₹80) or 30 minutes by taxi (₹300–₹400). A small railway line connects Haridwar to Rishikesh station, but most travellers prefer road transport for the flexibility.
Booking Tips for Yatra Season
- Book 60 days in advance — trains fill up completely during May–June yatra season
- If all seats are waitlisted, try Tatkal (opens day before at 10 AM for AC, 11 AM for Sleeper)
- Check trains from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) in addition to New Delhi (NDLS) for better availability
Track Your PNR
After booking, monitor your ticket at PNR Alert. Subscribe for free WhatsApp alerts to know immediately if your waitlisted seat confirms — especially important during peak pilgrimage season when cancellations happen frequently.