As a hill station, Nainital has no railway station. However, several railway stations near Nainital have rail connections to other parts of India. Some nearby stations include Haldwani, Ranikhet, Dehradun, etc. The best choice for rail commuters among these would be the Kathgodam Railway Station.
Nearest Railway Station to Nainital?
The nearest railway station to Nainital is the Kathgodam Railway Station. Located about 35-41 km away from Nainital, Kathgodam acts as the rail gateway to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. If you are looking for the closest station near Nainital or the nearest train station to Nainital, then Kathgodam is your choice.
What Makes Kathgodam the Best Nainital Near Railway Station?
One of the reasons why Kathgodam is regarded as the best Nainital near railway station is because of its efficient transport facilities. After reaching Kathgodam, visitors have options like taking taxis, shared jeeps and buses to reach Nainital.
A journey by road from Kathgodam to Nainital is very beautiful as one will get to see mountains, jungles, and twisty routes. The duration of the trip is mostly between 1 and 1.5 hours.
Many travelers have mentioned on Reddit and travel forums that people opt for Kathgodam because buses and taxis are easily available near the station. Kathgodam is also well known as the nearest railway station to one of most famous winter trek - Brahmatal Trek.
Distance between Kathgodam and Nainital
The distance between Kathgodam and Nainital is 35 km. While some travel guides claim that it is 34 km, others say that it is around 41 km.
A commonly travelled path is like this:
Kathgodam → Haldwani → Jeolikote → Nainital
Such a mountain drive is considered one of the best and most scenic drives in Uttarakhand.
How to Travel to Nainital from Kathgodam Railway Station?
After reaching the nearest railway station near Nainital, one can easily take many modes of transportation.
Taxi Services
Private taxis are the easiest way to travel. These taxis are easily found near Kathgodam railway station. It is perfect for a family, a couple or for travelers who have heavy luggage.
Taxi fares generally depend on:
- Season
- Vehicle type
- Tourist demand
- Shared or private booking
- Shared Cabs
Tourists usually prefer shared jeeps or shared taxis. These forms of transport are cheap and easily accessible near the railway station.
From reviews found on the Internet by tourists about Kathgodam, shared taxi services have been mentioned frequently as available and economical from Kathgodam to Nainital.
Bus Facilities
Both government and private buses run regularly between Kathgodam and Nainital. Buses are cheap and suitable for travel at an economical cost.
Trains From Kathgodam To Major Cities:
The major factor making Kathgodam the choice of a nearby railway station for Nainital travellers is direct train connectivity between Kathgodam and other major cities.
A few trains that run regularly between Kathgodam and major Indian cities are:
- Ranikhet Express
- Kathgodam Shatabdi Express
- Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express
- Lucknow Kathgodam Express
- Garib Rath Express
Some cities that are connected directly by train with Kathgodam are Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun, and Kolkata. Travellers coming from Delhi find the night train very appealing because it enables them to catch the train early in the morning for Nainital. Before starting their trip, passengers can also check the live train status to stay updated on any delays, expected arrival times, and schedule changes for a hassle-free travel experience.
Other Railway Stations Near Nainital
Though Kathgodam is preferred as the nearest station to Nainital, there are others that tourists might want to keep in mind.
Haldwani Railway Station
Another important railhead near Nainital is Haldwani Railway Station. This station is around 40-42 km from Nainital city.
| Particulars | Details |
| Station Code | HDW |
| Distance from Nainital | Around 42 km |
| Platforms | 3 |
Note:- You can also check out our blog on Top 7 Trekking Destinations Of Uttarakhand
Lal Kuan Junction Railway Station
Lal Kuan Junction is yet another option for people trying to find near railway station nainitall, and it is located about 56-60 km away from Nainital.
| Particulars | Details |
| Station Code | LKU |
| Distance from Nainital | About 60 km |
| Platforms | 4 |
Best Time to Visit Nainital
Knowing the best time to visit will help people plan better once they reach the nearest railway station to Nainital.
Summer Season (March – June)
This is the most touristy season in Nainital. The weather is pleasant and cool, making it the best time to explore the destination.
Monsoon Season (July - September)
This season makes Nainital lush green and picturesque. But sometimes, due to heavy rains, roads may be blocked, and landslides may occur.
Winter Season (October to February)
In winter, Nainital becomes a tranquil hill station. Snowfall can be seen by tourists when visiting the place during December and January.
Nainital Tourist Places Nearby
Once travellers reach Nainital near the railway station named, there are various attractive places to visit in and around Nainital town.
| Location | Details |
| Naini Lake | Naini Lake is the centre point of Nainital. One must try boating while visiting this beautiful lake. |
| Snow View Point | Another beautiful attraction in Nainital is Snow View Point, offering scenic views of the Himalayas, which can be enjoyed through a cable car ride. |
| Mall Road | Mall Road is a popular place for shopping, enjoying food at cafes and restaurants, as well as local foods. |
| Naina Devi Temple | It is another important place located near Naini Lake. It is one of the famous religious spots in Nainital. |
| Eco Cave Gardens | Another attractive spot loved by families and children for its natural cave formation is Eco Cave Gardens. |
Tips for Reaching Nainital by Train
Certain important tips should be kept in mind by travellers planning to come to Nainital via train.
- Get Your Train Tickets Well in Advance: During the holidays, especially in the summer, there will be a lot of tourists travelling via Kathgodam trains.
- Wear Warm Clothes: It gets cold even during summertime in Nainital.
- Start Early from Kathgodam: Trains from Kathgodam to Nainital offer scenic mountain views in the mornings and a more comfortable travel experience.
- Check Weather Conditions: Weather conditions can play havoc on road journeys during monsoons and winters.
- Book meals on Wheel - Make your train journey more enjoyable by ordering food in train from FSSAI-approved restaurants, delivered right to your seat.
Conclusion
While planning your visit to the enchanting hills of Nainital, it is recommended that you choose the nearby station of Kathgodam Railway Station, which can be considered the best choice for visitors. The proximity of this station to Nainital allows easy connectivity through good roadways and direct train links from the important cities of India.
When you search for the nearby stations from Nainital, or the name of the nearby station near Nainital, or the name of Nainital nearby station, Kathgodam is always the best choice for tourists. Travelling through beautiful roadways and getting taxis easily will make your journey to Nainital by train a memorable one.
You can also check out our blog on 7 Best Hill Stations In Uttarakhand To Visit In 2026
FAQs
Is Kathgodam Better Than Haldwani for Nainital Travel?
Yes, it is better as it is located slightly nearer to Nainital. It is actually designed for tourist travel to the Kumaon region only. Moreover, tickets are not available from Kathgodam; you may consider Haldwani, which is located close by. According to many travellers, you should also consider Haldwani and Lal Kuan in peak tourist times.
How Much Time to Travel From Delhi to Nainital by Train?
Travelling to Nainital from Delhi requires an overnight train journey. A train journey to Kathgodam takes around 6 to 8 hours, while the road journey to Nainital takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This makes it one of the most comfortable and cheapest ways to travel.
.webp?v=580f4117a8daabdbb54f275344b76491)
 (1).webp?v=4b48fc7932a80ae9e747a815a9122bb6)
