Haridwar is the most convenient city to begin your Char Dham yatra, especially for those arriving from metro cities. The best train routes to Haridwar for Char Dham tour include daily and weekly services from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow—making it a reliable entry point. After reaching Haridwar, most pilgrims continue their journey by road or helicopter. For senior citizens, families, and budget travelers, trains remain the most comfortable and economical travel option.
This blog covers all important trains, their timings, routes, travel durations, seat types, and pro tips to help you reach Haridwar stress-free before your tour begins.
| Origin City | Train No. & Name | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firozpur Cantt. | 14625/14626 Firozpur–Haridwar Weekly Express | Weekly | ~9 h 50 m |
| Prayagraj (Allahabad) | 14115/14116 Prayagraj–Haridwar Express | Tue, Thu, Sun (3x weekly) | ~14 h 40 m |
| Amritsar | 12054 Amritsar–Haridwar Jan Shatabdi Express | Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun (6 days) | ~7 h |
| Jammu Tawi | 14605/14606 Haridwar–Jammu Tawi Express | Weekly | ~11 h 28 m |
| Mumbai (LTT) | 12171/12172 LTT–Haridwar AC Superfast Express | Monday & Thursday (2x/week) | ~29 h |
| Mumbai (Bandra) | 19019 Bandra Terminus–Haridwar Express | Daily | ~32 h 15 m |
| Bikaner | 14717 Bikaner–Haridwar Express | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun (4x/week) | ~15 h 35 m |
| Ahmedabad | 19031 Yoga Express | Daily | ~25 h 40 m |
| Surat | 22917 Surat–Haridwar Express | Weekly | ~22 h |
| Kolkata (Howrah) | 13009 Doon Express / 03169 Kolkata–Haridwar Special | Daily | ~33 h |
Best Trains to Reach Haridwar from Delhi NCR
Dehradun Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12017)
Dehradun Shatabdi is among the most reliable and fastest morning trains from New Delhi to Haridwar. It’s ideal for travelers who want to reach by noon and settle in comfortably.
- Departure: 06:45 AM from New Delhi
- Arrival: 11:30 AM at Haridwar Junction
- Duration: ~4 hours 45 minutes
- Classes: Executive Chair Car, AC Chair Car
- Runs Daily
Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22457)
This semi-high-speed luxury train is a newer and faster option with fewer stops. It offers a comfortable ride from Delhi to Haridwar in under 4 hours.
- Departure: 03:00 PM from Anand Vihar Terminal
- Arrival: 07:00 PM at Haridwar
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Classes: AC Chair Car, Executive Chair Car
- Runs six days a week (except Thursday)
Mussoorie Express (Train No. 14041)
This overnight train is a preferred option for budget travelers and groups. It helps you save on a night’s hotel stay and reaches Haridwar early in the morning.
- Departure: 10:25 PM from Old Delhi (DLI)
- Arrival: 07:00 AM at Haridwar
- Duration: ~8 hours 35 minutes
- Classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC
- Runs Daily
Jan Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12055)
A good option for day travelers who want decent seating with slightly lower fare than Shatabdi.
- Departure: 03:20 PM from New Delhi
- Arrival: 08:20 PM at Haridwar
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Classes: Second Seating (2S), AC Chair Car
- Runs Daily
Nauchandi Express (Train No. 14511)
Though it starts from Prayagraj, Nauchandi Express is useful for pilgrims boarding from Western UP like Ghaziabad, Hapur, and Meerut.
- Arrival at Haridwar: ~02:40 AM
- Classes: Sleeper, 3AC
- Runs Daily
Best Trains to Haridwar from Other Major Cities
From Mumbai
Lokmanya Tilak–Haridwar AC Superfast Express (Train No. 12171)
This is one of the best long-distance AC trains from Mumbai to Haridwar.
- Departure: Monday & Thursday, 07:55 AM from LTT
- Arrival: Next day at ~03:30 PM at Haridwar
- Duration: ~32 hours
- Classes: AC 1, AC 2, AC 3
Dehradun Express (Train No. 19019)
A slower but budget-friendly option running from Bandra to Dehradun via Haridwar.
- Departure: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
- Duration: ~34 hours
- Classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC
From Ahmedabad
Yoga Express (Train No. 19031)
Connects Gujarat directly to Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- Departure: Daily at 11:00 AM from Ahmedabad
- Arrival: Next day at 03:30 PM
- Duration: ~28 hours
- Classes: Sleeper, AC 3, AC 2
From Kolkata
Doon Express (Train No. 13009)
Popular among pilgrims from West Bengal and Bihar.
- Departure: Howrah at 08:25 PM
- Arrival: Day after next at ~06:00 AM
- Duration: ~33.5 hours
- Classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC
From Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur
Haridwar is well connected with various trains such as:
- Haridwar Express
- Dehradun Express
- Ganga Gomti Express
From Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore
No direct trains to Haridwar. You must:
- Travel to Delhi by train or flight
- Then board Vande Bharat or Shatabdi to Haridwar
Delhi to Haridwar Train Timings Summary
| Train Name | Train No. | Departs Delhi | Arrives Haridwar | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | 22457 | 03:00 PM | 07:00 PM | 4h | Premium |
| Shatabdi Express | 12017 | 06:45 AM | 11:30 AM | 4h 45m | Fast AC |
| Jan Shatabdi | 12055 | 03:20 PM | 08:20 PM | 5h | Budget |
| Mussoorie Express | 14041 | 10:25 PM | 07:00 AM (+1) | 8.5h | Overnight |
How to Choose the Best Train Routes to Haridwar for Char Dham Tour
If you’re starting from Delhi, take Vande Bharat or Shatabdi for comfort and punctuality.
If you’re coming in groups or prefer budget travel, choose Mussoorie Express or Jan Shatabdi.
For long-distance pilgrims, prioritize AC trains with shorter halts like LTT AC Superfast or Doon Express.
South Indian travelers should first reach Delhi or Dehradun, then connect to Haridwar by train or taxi.
Haridwar to Char Dham Route Distance (By Road)
- Haridwar to Yamunotri (via Barkot): 180 km – 7 to 8 hours
- Haridwar to Gangotri (via Uttarkashi): 290 km – 9 to 10 hours
- Haridwar to Kedarnath (via Guptkashi/Sonprayag): 230 km – 8 to 9 hours
- Haridwar to Badrinath (via Joshimath): 320 km – 10 to 11 hours
Most Char Dham tours start next morning after arrival in Haridwar.
Sample 12-Day Char Dham Tour Plan After Train Arrival
Day 1 – Board train from Delhi → Arrive Haridwar → Hotel stay
Day 2 – Haridwar to Barkot
Day 3 – Yamunotri trek and return to Barkot
Day 4 – Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 5 – Gangotri visit and return
Day 6 – Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Day 7 – Kedarnath Darshan (trek or helicopter)
Day 8 – Return to Guptkashi
Day 9 – Guptkashi to Badrinath
Day 10 – Badrinath Darshan and Mana visit
Day 11 – Drive to Rishikesh or Haridwar
Day 12 – Take return train to Delhi
Important Travel Tips
- Book IRCTC train tickets 90–120 days in advance for peak May–June and Sept–Oct
- If traveling with elderly pilgrims, prefer daytime trains like Shatabdi
- Carry printed e-tickets, photo ID, and lightweight luggage
- Haridwar station can get very crowded during Ganga Aarti time (6:30 to 8:00 PM)
- Local porters are available at Haridwar station for luggage help
Why Book Your Char Dham Tour with Travel Vaidya?
We provide premium, mid-range, and budget Char Dham Yatra packages from Haridwar with full arrangements:
- Hotel booking, meals, and private vehicle from Day 1
- Helicopter assistance for Kedarnath/Badrinath
- Local travel guides and support at every Dham
- Flexible plans for senior citizens and families
- Own fleet of vehicles and fixed departure options available
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 9990383938 to plan your Char Dham Yatra after train arrival.
