The nearest railway station to Haridwar is Haridwar Junction, station code HW, located right in the heart of the city. It sits approximately 2.5 km from Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat on the Ganga, making it one of the most conveniently placed railway stations for any pilgrimage city in India. From the platform to the river takes less than 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw. This guide covers the trains that serve Haridwar Junction, the fares, what to do once you arrive, and how to plan your onward journey to your stay.
About Haridwar Junction
Haridwar Junction (HW) is a major station on the Northern Railway zone of Indian Railways. It serves as the primary rail gateway for pilgrims and tourists visiting Haridwar, Rishikesh, and the Char Dham route. The station has multiple platforms, a prepaid auto and taxi stand outside the main exit, cloak room facilities for luggage storage, and basic food stalls and waiting areas.
The station is well connected to Delhi, Dehradun, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Varanasi, Amritsar, and dozens of other cities across India, making it genuinely easy to reach from almost anywhere in the country.
Distance from Haridwar Junction to Key Locations
- Haridwar Junction to Har Ki Pauri: approximately 2.5 km, about 10 to 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw.
- Haridwar Junction to Mansa Devi Ropeway: approximately 2 km, about 10 minutes by auto.
- Haridwar Junction to Daksha Mahadev Temple, Kankhal: approximately 3.5 km, about 15 minutes by auto.
- Haridwar Junction to Baromas Retreat, Bahadrabad: approximately 10 to 12 km, about 25 to 30 minutes by taxi or auto.
Key Trains from Delhi to Haridwar Junction
There are currently 18 trains running between New Delhi and Haridwar Junction, with additional services from Anand Vihar Terminal and Old Delhi station. Journey times range from about 4 hours on the fastest trains to 9 hours on slower passenger services.
Some of the most popular and well-rated trains on this route include:
- Vande Bharat Express (22457/22458): one of the fastest options, covering the approximately 250 km journey in around 3.5 to 4 hours from New Delhi. Air-conditioned chair car only.
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express (12017/12018): a premium semi-high-speed train from New Delhi to Dehradun, stopping at Haridwar. Journey time approximately 4.5 hours. AC chair car and executive chair car classes.
- Nanda Devi Express (12205/12206): overnight service from New Delhi to Dehradun via Haridwar. Good for arriving fresh in the morning.
- Mussoorie Express (14041/14042): a popular overnight train from Old Delhi station. Sleeper and AC classes available, arrives early morning at Haridwar.
For the full current timetable and live seat availability, always check and book on IRCTC in advance, especially during festival season when trains fill weeks ahead.
Trains from Other Major Cities
Haridwar Junction is not just a Delhi route station. Direct or convenient connecting trains run from:
- Mumbai: the Bandra Terminus Haridwar Dehradun Express (19019/19020) runs daily, covering the journey in about 32 hours with AC and sleeper classes.
- Amritsar: the Amritsar Haridwar Jan Shatabdi (12053/12054) is a popular daytime service.
- Prayagraj (Allahabad): the Prayag Ghat Haridwar Express (14115/14116) runs three times a week.
- Lucknow, Varanasi, Kolkata: multiple weekly services connect these cities to Haridwar Junction.
Getting from Haridwar Junction to Your Destination
The station exit leads directly to a busy transport hub with several options:
Auto-rickshaw: the most popular and affordable option for short distances. The prepaid auto stand outside the station has fixed fares to common destinations. Har Ki Pauri typically costs around 30 to 50 rupees per person in a shared auto, or 80 to 120 rupees for a private auto.
Cycle rickshaw: a slower, quieter option for the 2.5 km to Har Ki Pauri, costing around 20 to 30 rupees. Good for those who want to take in the city at a gentle pace after a long journey.
Taxi or cab: available at the prepaid taxi stand and through app-based services. A taxi from the station to Har Ki Pauri costs approximately 100 to 150 rupees. For longer distances, such as to Bahadrabad or toward Rishikesh, a pre-booked cab is the most comfortable option.
Walking: the 2.5 km from the station to Har Ki Pauri is a pleasant walk of about 30 to 40 minutes through the city centre. It takes you past local markets and temples and is a good way to ease into the city after a train journey, assuming you are travelling light.
For detailed transport comparisons including road and air options, see our full guide on Delhi to Haridwar travel and our nearest airport to Haridwar guide.
Arriving in Haridwar: What to Do First
Once you step out of Haridwar Junction, a few practical habits make the arrival smoother:
- Use the prepaid auto stand rather than negotiating with auto-drivers outside. The fixed fares avoid overcharging after a long journey.
- Store luggage at the cloak room inside the station if you want to visit the ghats before checking in. Charges are minimal and the facility is reliable.
- Buy a local SIM or top up your data at one of the shops near the station exit if you need navigation for the first time.
- Eat near the station first if you have just arrived on an overnight train. Several clean vegetarian dhabas open early near the station and the aloo puri at the morning stalls is excellent.
For ideas on what to do once you have settled in, our guides to places to visit in Haridwar, the Ganga Aarti timings, and where to eat in Haridwar will help you plan your first day. For seasonal advice, check the best time to visit Haridwar, and for road and weather conditions see the India Meteorological Department.
Where to Stay After Arriving at Haridwar Junction
If you are staying close to the station, the central areas around Har Ki Pauri have plenty of options. For families, pilgrims, and anyone who prefers space and calm over proximity to the ghats, a base on the outskirts is better value and more restful.
Baromas Retreat in Bahadrabad sits approximately 10 to 12 km from Haridwar Junction, about 25 to 30 minutes by taxi. It offers comfortable, affordable rooms on Haridwar's quieter outskirts, with easy parking and a calm setting after a long train journey. For a breakdown of the different stay areas in the city, see our guide on where to stay in Haridwar, and browse more travel guides on the Baromas Retreat blog.
Just arrived at Haridwar Junction? Book your stay directly with Baromas Retreat on WhatsApp at 7248557777 for a warm, comfortable, and well-located welcome.