Many trains and buses stop at Haridwar, so most travellers make the short hop up to Rishikesh by road. The two towns are about 25 km apart.
Ways to get from Haridwar to Rishikesh
- Taxi or cab: the easiest with luggage; about 45 minutes to an hour to Tapovan, longer on festival days. We can send a cab to Haridwar station if you message us your train.
- Shared autos (vikrams) and buses: cheap and frequent from outside Haridwar station to Rishikesh town; change there for Laxman Jhula and Tapovan.
- Train: some trains continue to Yog Nagari Rishikesh station, but they are few; check times before you plan around them.
Where to get off
For Tapovan and Laxman Jhula, ask for Tapovan on Badrinath Marg rather than Rishikesh bus stand, which is in the town about 6 km away. Getting to Tapovan covers flights and trains from Delhi too.
See both towns
Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri aarti is bigger and louder than Rishikesh’s. Our Rishikesh & Haridwar Spiritual Escape covers both, with nights in Tapovan.
Frequently asked
How far is Rishikesh from Haridwar?
About 25 km by road, usually 45 minutes to an hour by taxi.
Which is better to stay in, Haridwar or Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is calmer and better for yoga, rafting and views; Haridwar is best for a pilgrimage-focused visit and the Har Ki Pauri aarti. Many people see Haridwar on a day trip and stay in Rishikesh.
