How to reach Auli is something every traveler wonders before planning their trip. Whether you take a flight to Dehradun, a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, or simply enjoy the long road journey, each route offers its own charm on the way to this ski destination.
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What’s The Best Way To Reach Auli ?
The best way to reach Auli is by road. The town is about 270 km from Rishikesh and around 500 km from Delhi, with well-connected highways that pass through scenic towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can either continue the 13 km uphill drive or take the Auli Ropeway, one of Asia’s longest cable cars, for a more exciting approach.
If you prefer air travel, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 280 km away), while the closest railway stations are Rishikesh (250 km) and Haridwar (273 km). From there, taxis and buses are easily available to reach Joshimath and then onward to Auli.
Why Visiting Auli Is Special ?
Auli is special because it combines adventure, nature, and peace in one place. From skiing on snowy slopes in winter to riding the ropeway over oak forests in summer, every season offers a new charm. Add to that the backdrop of mighty Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, and Auli becomes more than a destination—it feels like an experience.
How to Reach Auli by Road
Traveling to Auli by road is the most common and convenient choice for most tourists.
- From Delhi: Around 500 km / 12–14 hours drive via Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Auli.
- From Dehradun: Around 300 km / 9–10 hours drive via Rishikesh and Srinagar.
- From Rishikesh: Around 270 km / 8–9 hours drive.
The last major stop before Auli is Joshimath. From here, you can either:
- Drive 13 km uphill to Auli, or
- Take the Auli Ropeway, a 4 km cable car ride (one of Asia’s longest), which takes about 25 minutes and offers panoramic Himalayan views.
Pro Tips for Road Travel:
- Avoid night travel, especially in monsoon (July–September), due to landslide-prone areas.
- AC vehicles are generally switched off after Rishikesh because of steep inclines.
- Carry motion sickness tablets if you’re not used to hilly roads.
How to Reach Auli by Flight
The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (280 km away). After landing, you’ll need a taxi or bus to Joshimath, which takes 8–9 hours via Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag. Private cabs are more reliable than shared options, especially for families and senior citizens.
Flight Connectivity to Dehradun
- From Delhi – 1 hr flight (daily services by IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Alliance Air)
- From Mumbai – 2 hrs 20 min (direct flights available)
- From Bangalore & Lucknow – 2.5–3 hrs (non-stop flights)
- From Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad – direct/connecting flights by IndiGo & Air India
- New routes – Ahmedabad & Chandigarh (Air India Express)
Though flights save time, keep in mind the long 8–9 hr road journey from Dehradun to Auli. Most Uttarakhand holiday packages include airport pickup from Dehradun, followed by a scenic drive to Auli via Rishikesh and Joshimath.
How to Reach Auli by Train
Auli has no direct railway station, so the nearest options are Haridwar (273 km), Rishikesh (270 km), and Dehradun (300 km). Among these, Haridwar Junction offers the best connectivity with frequent trains from Delhi and other metros. Popular choices include:
- Vande Bharat Express (22457) – departs Delhi 17:50, ~3h 20m
- Jan Shatabdi Express (12055) – departs Delhi 15:20, ~4h 15m
- Kota–Dehradun AC Express (12401) – departs Delhi 23:50, ~4h 10m
On arrival at Haridwar or Rishikesh, you’ll find taxis and buses to Joshimath (10–12 hrs), followed by the final 13 km uphill drive or ropeway ride to Auli.
Delhi To Auli Uttarakhand Distance
For most travelers, Delhi is the common starting point to reach Auli. The journey can be done in different ways:
- By Road: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Auli. Total distance is about 500 km, taking 12–14 hours depending on road conditions.
- By Train: Overnight trains run from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh, from where you continue the journey by road.
- By Flight: Direct flights from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), followed by an 8–9 hour drive to Joshimath and onward to Auli.
Travelers often break the journey with a night halt at Rishikesh or Rudraprayag before heading further up, especially if traveling with kids or elderly family members. For a detailed breakdown of routes, distances, and travel tips, check out our guide on Delhi to Auli Uttarakhand Distance and Route Map.
Haridwar to Auli
The distance from Haridwar to Auli is 290 km, where the motorable road continues till Joshimath. From Joshimath, a 10 km steep drive connects to Auli but is often subject to weather and road conditions. Travelers can also choose the Auli cable car, with tickets sold only at the offline counter in Joshimath.
- Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Auli
- Total duration: 10–12 hours by road
- Cable car: Runs 4 km from Joshimath to Auli, offline ticketing only
Haridwar to Auli Distance
Haridwar to Auli distance is about 290 km, and the road journey takes 10–12 hours depending on stops and traffic. The drive is smooth till Rishikesh, after which the route turns hilly through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath before reaching Auli.
- Road distance: 290 km via Rishikesh and Joshimath
- Travel duration: 10–12 hours
- Last stretch: 10 km steep uphill road or ropeway from Joshimath
Haridwar to Auli by Bus
Haridwar to Auli by bus is a budget option but requires a break at Joshimath, as no direct buses operate to Auli. From Joshimath, travelers continue by shared jeeps or take the ropeway to reach Auli. Buses start early morning from Haridwar bus stand daily around 5-6AM.
- Haridwar → Joshimath: Buses by Uttarakhand Transport and private operators (8–9 hours)
- Joshimath → Auli: 15 km by shared taxi/jeep or 4 km ropeway
- Ideal for: Solo travelers and budget tourists
Haridwar to Auli by Private Taxi
Haridwar to Auli by private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, giving flexibility to stop at confluences and towns en route. Families and groups often prefer taxis for convenience.
- Distance covered: ~280 km, 10–12 hours
- Taxi fare: ₹8,000–10,000 for Sedan, ₹11,000–14,000 for SUV
- Benefits: Door-to-door service, flexible halts at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag
Travel Vaidya also arranges private taxi services and end-to-end Auli tour packages. With over a decade of on-ground expertise in Uttarakhand, our team helps families, senior citizens, and groups plan a smooth journey with reliable vehicles, trusted drivers, and complete travel solutions.
Rishikesh to Auli Uttarakhand
Rishikesh to Auli Uttarakhand is a 250 km mountain drive that usually takes 9–10 hours. The road follows the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers, crossing Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag before reaching Joshimath. From there, Auli is another 10 km uphill or a quick ropeway ride.
- Distance: 250 km by road
- Travel time: 9–10 hours
- Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Auli
- Last stretch: 10 km road or 25-minute cable car
Distance from Rishikesh to Auli
Distance from Rishikesh to Auli is about 250 km by road, and the journey takes close to 9–10 hours. The drive is smooth till Devprayag, after which the road turns hilly all the way to Joshimath. From Joshimath, Auli is another 10 km by road or a ropeway ride.
- Total distance: ~250 km
- Average travel time: 9–10 hours
- Road type: Plains till Devprayag, mountain roads beyond
- Last stretch: 10 km uphill road or 25-minute ropeway
Rishikesh to Auli by Bus
Rishikesh to Auli by bus is not a direct connection, as buses only run till Joshimath. From there, travelers either continue the 10 km uphill by jeep or taxi, or take the ropeway to reach Auli. It’s budget-friendly but takes longer.
- Rishikesh → Joshimath: 8–9 hours by state or private buses
- Joshimath → Auli: 10 km by road or 25-minute ropeway
- Best suited for: Budget travelers, solo backpackers
- Downside: No direct bus to Aul
Rishikesh to Auli by Private Taxi
Rishikesh to Auli by private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to cover the 250 km route. Taxis take around 9–10 hours and allow halts at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag before reaching Joshimath, from where you continue the last 10 km to Auli.
- Distance: ~250 km, 9–10 hours
- Sedan fare: ₹9,000–12,000 | SUV: ₹15,000–18,000
- Advantage: Door-to-door travel with sightseeing stops
- Option at Joshimath: 10 km road or 25-minute ropeway
Travel Vaidya provides private taxi services and complete Auli packages from Rishikesh. With 10+ years of local experience, we arrange trusted drivers, safe vehicles, and end-to-end support for families, senior citizens, and group travelers.
Dehradun to Auli
Dehradun to Auli is about 300 km by road and takes nearly 10–11 hours. The drive goes through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath before reaching Auli. From Joshimath, Auli is another 10 km uphill by road or 4 km by the ropeway.
- Distance: ~300 km by road
- Travel time: 10–11 hours
- Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Joshimath → Auli
- Last stretch: 10 km drive or 25-minute ropeway
Dehradun to Auli Distance
Dehradun to Auli distance is nearly 300 km. The road is smooth till Rishikesh and turns hilly afterwards, following the Alaknanda valley up to Joshimath. Auli sits at about 2,800 meters, making the final 10 km climb steep but motorable most of the year.
- Road distance: ~300 km
- Time: 10–11 hours depending on road conditions
- Terrain: Plains till Rishikesh, hills beyond Devprayag
- Altitude: ~2,800 m at Auli
Dehradun to Auli Uttarakhand Distance by Train
Dehradun to Auli Uttarakhand distance by train cannot be covered directly, as Auli has no railway station. The nearest railhead is Haridwar (approx. 280 km from Auli) or Rishikesh (approx. 250 km from Auli). From these stations, travelers continue the journey by taxi or bus to reach Auli.
- No direct train to Auli
- Nearest stations: Haridwar (280 km), Rishikesh (250 km)
- Next leg: Taxi or bus till Joshimath, then road/cable car to Auli
- Best option: Combine Dehradun train access with road travel
Dehradun to Auli Taxi
Dehradun to Auli taxi is the most convenient way to travel, especially for families and groups. The 300 km route takes around 10–11 hours, with stops possible at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag. From Joshimath, taxis continue on the steep 10 km road to Auli or drop you at the ropeway base.
- Distance: ~300 km, 10–11 hours
- Sedan fare: ₹8,000–10,000 | SUV: ₹11,000–14,000
- Advantage: Flexible halts for food and sightseeing
- Drop option: Auli road point or ropeway station
Travel Vaidya arranges private taxis and full Auli packages from Dehradun. With 10+ years of expertise in Uttarakhand tours, we provide safe vehicles, trusted drivers, and complete trip solutions for senior citizens, families, and groups.
Dehradun to Auli Uttarakhand Bus
Dehradun to Auli Uttarakhand bus service is not direct. Buses from Dehradun run till Joshimath, and the last 10 km to Auli is covered by jeep, taxi, or the ropeway. It’s cheaper than private taxis but less flexible for long journeys.
- Dehradun → Joshimath: 9–10 hours by state or private bus
- Joshimath → Auli: 10 km by road or ropeway
- Ideal for: Budget travelers and solo visitors
- Downside: No direct bus till Auli
Best Time & Road Conditions
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Roads are open but expect snow near Auli. Chain-tyres may be required.
- Summer (April–June): Smooth and safe; pleasant weather.
- Monsoon (July–Sept): Heavy rain, risk of landslides; best to avoid.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear skies, good road conditions.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Keep at least 2 buffer days in case of road delays.
- Carry light woolens even in summer; nights get chilly.
- The ropeway between Joshimath and Auli sometimes halts due to high winds or technical issues—so always keep the road option as a backup.
- Book hotels in advance, especially in winter, as Auli gets fully booked by skiers and families.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Auli isn’t difficult once you know the routes and connections. If you enjoy road trips, driving through the Garhwal Himalayas is the most rewarding way. For faster options, flights to Dehradun or trains to Haridwar/Rishikesh work well, followed by a scenic road journey. No matter which route you pick, the journey itself feels like part of the Auli experience—filled with river valleys, mountain turns, and glimpses of snow peaks that prepare you for what’s ahead.
