How to Reach Haridwar
If you are coming to Haridwar for the first time, you may be thinking, How to Reach Haridwar? Should I come by train, bus, car or flight? And after reaching Haridwar, how do I reach my stay near Ganga Ji?
I get these questions from guests quite often.
One guest once called us from Delhi and said, “I have reached Haridwar but I am confused where to go now.” He was near the railway station and our Ganga Cottages is in the Motichur side, near Sant Shadani Ghat. We simply guided him step by step. After some time he reached us, had tea, sat near Ganga Ji and said, “Ab lag raha hai Haridwar aa gaya.”
This is why I have written this simple How to Reach Haridwar guide. If you are coming for Ganga Ji, Yoga, meditation, pilgrimage, Ayurveda or just some quiet days, this will help you plan your trip.
Where Is Haridwar?
Haridwar is in Uttarakhand, at the foothills of the Himalayas. The Ganga enters the plains here, and the city has many temples, ashrams and ghats.
Haridwar is also a common starting point for Rishikesh and many pilgrimage trips in Uttarakhand. Places like Har Ki Pauri, Kankhal, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi are well known among visitors.
For official information about Haridwar, you can also check Uttarakhand Tourism – Haridwar.
How To Reach Haridwar By Train
For many people, train is the easiest way to reach Haridwar.
Haridwar Railway Station is well connected with Delhi and many other cities of India. Trains also connect Haridwar with places such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Dehradun and other major cities.
If you are coming from Delhi, train is one option I personally like. You can sit comfortably, enjoy the journey and reach Haridwar without worrying about driving.
Once you reach Haridwar Railway Station, you can take an auto, taxi or other local transport towards Motichur.
Our Ganga Cottages is at:
Thokar Number 14, near Sant Shadani Ghat, Motichur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411
If you are coming to stay with us, call us before leaving the railway station. We can help you with directions.
How To Reach Haridwar By Flight
If you are coming from a faraway city, flying can save travel time.
The nearest airport for Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Uttarakhand Tourism lists it at around 37 km from Haridwar, with taxi services available between the airport and Haridwar.
So the simple route is:
Flight → Jolly Grant Airport → Taxi/Car → Haridwar → Ganga Cottages
Jolly Grant Airport is also known as Dehradun Airport. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India.
If you have elderly parents with you, I feel a direct taxi from the airport is much easier than changing vehicles many times.
How To Reach Haridwar By Road
Haridwar is well connected by road with Delhi, Meerut, Dehradun, Rishikesh and other places in North India.
Buses to Haridwar are available from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Meerut. Taxis and buses are also available from places like Dehradun and Rishikesh.
If you are coming from Delhi by your own car, road travel can be a good choice, specially when you are travelling with family and luggage.
One thing I always tell our guests — don’t plan only according to the distance. Traffic, festival days and busy pilgrimage periods can make the road journey longer.
Coming From Delhi To Haridwar
Delhi is one of the main places from where our guests come.
You can come from Delhi to Haridwar by:
- Train
- Bus
- Private car
- Taxi
- Flight to Dehradun followed by road travel
For many families, I feel train or private car are the easiest choices.
If you are coming by car, keep the exact Ganga Cottages address saved in your phone:
Ganga Cottages, Thokar Number 14, near Sant Shadani Ghat, Motichur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411.
Coming From Dehradun To Haridwar
Dehradun is another easy starting point.
You can travel from Dehradun to Haridwar by road. Taxi and bus options are available.
If you land at Jolly Grant Airport, you can take a taxi directly towards Haridwar. From there, continue towards the Motichur and Sant Shadani Ghat side.
For a guest coming with parents or children, I would personally choose a direct cab. It is less running around with bags.
Coming From Rishikesh To Haridwar
Many people first visit Rishikesh and then come to Haridwar.
The two places are well connected by road. You can take a taxi or bus from Rishikesh to Haridwar.
I actually like this route for spiritual travelers. You can spend some time in Rishikesh for Yoga and the river, then come to Haridwar for Ganga Darshan, temples and Ganga Aarti.
From Haridwar, you can then come to our Ganga Cottages in the Motichur area.
How To Reach Ganga Cottages From Haridwar Railway Station
This is something our guests ask a lot.
After reaching Haridwar Railway Station, tell your driver that you are going towards:
Motichur – Sant Shadani Ghat – Thokar Number 14
Our full address is:
Ganga Cottages
Thokar Number 14, near Sant Shadani Ghat
Motichur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411
I suggest calling us before you start from the railway station or airport. Local roads can have different traffic conditions, specially during busy days.
Coming To Haridwar During Festivals
Haridwar gets very busy during major religious events.
The city hosts Kumbh Mela, which is held here every 12 years, and Kanwar Mela is held every year during the rainy season.
During these periods, roads can be much more crowded than normal. Some roads may also have traffic restrictions.
My opinion is simple — if you are coming during a major festival, book your room and travel plan early. Don’t wait for the last day.
Why Stay Near Ganga Ji?
After reaching Haridwar, where you stay makes a big difference.
Ganga Cottages is a small 6-room Ashram near Ganga Ji with private Ganga Ghat access.
The property is maintained by Dr. Swami Niranjan Dev Ji, who is also a Yoga Guru. Guests come here for Yoga, meditation, spiritual time, Ayurveda healing and a peaceful stay.
I have seen guests arrive tired after a long journey. Then they sit near the Ganga Ghat for some time. Slowly the mood changes. The phone goes into the pocket, the talking becomes less, and people simply sit and watch the river.
That is one of the reasons we wanted Ganga Cottages to be here.
A Simple Way To Plan Your Journey
If you are still confused about How to Reach Haridwar, keep it simple.
From Delhi: Train, bus, car or taxi.
From other cities: Train or flight to Jolly Grant Airport, followed by road travel.
From Rishikesh: Taxi or bus by road.
From Haridwar Railway Station: Take a taxi or local transport towards Motichur and Sant Shadani Ghat.
And when you are close to Ganga Cottages, call us. We will help you find the property.
Come Stay Near Ganga Ji
Haridwar is not only a place you visit and leave. For many people, it is a place where they come to slow down, pray, do Yoga, sit near Ganga Ji and spend some time with themselves.
At Ganga Cottages, we try to keep things simple.
Six rooms. A peaceful Ashram environment. Yoga and meditation. Ayurveda and wellness. A private Ganga Ghat. And Ganga Ji close by.
If your plan is to come to Haridwar for a spiritual stay, Yoga, meditation or some peaceful time near the river, we would be happy to welcome you.
Ganga Cottages
Thokar Number 14, near Sant Shadani Ghat, Motichur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411
