Pantnagar Airport (PGH): The Gateway to Nainital and Jim Corbett
Pantnagar Airport (IATA: PGH) in Uttarakhand is the closest airport to Nainital and the Jim Corbett National Park, two of North India’s most popular hill and wildlife destinations. The airport is about 72 km from Nainital and 90 km from the Dhikala Zone of Jim Corbett. Uttarakhand welcomed over 3.8 crore tourists in 2023-24 (Uttarakhand Tourism Board, 2024), and Pantnagar is a key air entry point for Kumaon region visitors.
TL;DR: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is your fastest air link to Nainital and Jim Corbett National Park. IndiGo operates the main route from Delhi. Flight time is under 1 hour, but road transfer from PGH to Nainital takes 2-2.5 hours. Book at happyfares.in for the best fares.
Which Airline Flies to Pantnagar?
IndiGo is the primary (and often sole) scheduled commercial carrier at Pantnagar Airport. The airline operates the Delhi-Pantnagar sector with reasonable frequency. Schedules can be thin, so this is a route where checking well in advance matters.
- IndiGo: Delhi (primary route), with occasional connections to other cities depending on the season
Check the latest schedule and fare options at happyfares.in before finalising your Kumaon trip.
Routes Served from Pantnagar Airport
The Delhi-Pantnagar route is the airport’s backbone. Delhi is 285 km from Pantnagar by road (around 6-7 hours), making the 45-minute flight a major time-saver for travellers heading to Nainital or Jim Corbett. Seasonal additions to routes are sometimes announced by IndiGo during peak tourist periods.
- Pantnagar to Delhi: ~45-55 min, multiple times per week
Terminal Facilities at Pantnagar Airport
Pantnagar is a very small airport with basic facilities. It is a civil enclave within a larger complex, and its terminal is compact. The brevity of the terminal is actually convenient since check-in, security, and boarding all happen quickly with minimal walking.
- IndiGo check-in counters
- Security screening
- Small waiting area
- Basic snack counter (tea, biscuits, packaged snacks)
- ATM near the entrance
- Taxi stand at arrivals
How to Reach Nainital and Jim Corbett from Pantnagar Airport
The airport is well-connected to major Kumaon destinations by road. Private taxis are by far the most practical mode of transfer, as public transport is sparse and slow.
Pantnagar to Nainital
- Distance: 72 km
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours by taxi
- Cost: Approximately ₹1,200-1,800 for a private cab
- Route: Via Kathgodam, the route winds into the Kumaon hills and gets scenic quickly
Pantnagar to Jim Corbett National Park
- Distance to Ramnagar (entry town): ~90 km
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Cost: Approximately ₹1,500-2,200 by private taxi
- Note: Safari zones (Bijrani, Dhikala) have separate gate distances from Ramnagar
Pantnagar to Corbett Dhikala Zone
If you’re staying at the Forest Rest House inside Dhikala, the total distance from Pantnagar is closer to 130 km. Allow 3-3.5 hours. Book your Dhikala FRH or resort accommodation and safari permits well in advance through the official Corbett portal.
Travel Tips for Pantnagar Airport
- Pre-book your taxi: Taxi availability at PGH is not guaranteed, especially on early morning or late arrivals. Book in advance through your hotel or a local operator.
- Peak season: October-June is peak tourist season for both Nainital and Corbett. Fares rise and flights can book out. Plan at least 3-4 weeks ahead.
- Corbett safari booking: Safari permits for Dhikala and Bijrani zones are in high demand. Book on the Uttarakhand Forest Department portal the moment your flight is confirmed.
- Alternative route: Kathgodam railway station (75 km from Nainital) is served by trains from Delhi (Shatabdi, Ranikhet Express). Some travellers prefer the train for cost and convenience.
- Weather: Nainital roads can close briefly during monsoon (July-September) due to landslides. Check road conditions before travel in this period.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pantnagar Airport
Is Pantnagar Airport the closest airport to Nainital?
Yes. Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the closest commercial airport to Nainital, at about 72 km. The nearest alternative is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is over 200 km away.
How many flights per week does IndiGo operate from Pantnagar to Delhi?
IndiGo typically operates the Delhi-Pantnagar route several times a week. Frequency can increase during peak tourist seasons. Check current schedules on happyfares.in for accurate information.
Can I get a taxi to Jim Corbett from Pantnagar Airport?
Yes. Taxis are available at the airport. For Ramnagar (Jim Corbett gateway), the fare is approximately ₹1,500-2,200. Pre-booking through your resort is recommended to avoid unavailability issues.
Is there a train from Pantnagar to Nainital?
There is no direct train to Nainital (it’s a hill station without a railway line). The closest railhead to Nainital is Kathgodam, about 34 km from the lake. Kathgodam is about 30 km from Pantnagar Airport.
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
March-June (spring and early summer) and September-November (post-monsoon) are the most popular periods. December-February is pleasant for those who enjoy cold weather, and Nainital in snow is a special experience.
Book Your Pantnagar Flight on HappyFares
Planning a Nainital or Corbett escape? Book your Delhi-Pantnagar flight at happyfares.in and set a fare alert so you’re the first to know when prices drop.
