How to reach Rishikesh

Train to Haridwar, then half an hour

Rishikesh has its own station, Yog Nagari, but the fast trains do not go there. Getting off at Haridwar and driving the last 25 km beats the direct train by three hours.

Best option

Overnight coach from Delhi

The most common way backpackers arrive: leave Delhi late, wake up at the Rishikesh bus stand. Departures run round the clock, 240 km in all.

Jolly Grant airport (DED)

The nearest airport is genuinely close: about 21 km, or 26–28 km if you are staying up at Tapovan. Around 40–60 minutes by road.

Car with a driver from Delhi

Door to door with your luggage and no changes, which matters if you are heading straight to an ashram up the river.