Nearest Airport to Nainital

Nainital has no airport of its own — the nearest is Pantnagar (PGH), ~70 km away. Here is the complete fly-and-drive guide.

🏔️ Nearest: Pantnagar (PGH)🚗 ~70 km · 2–2.5 hrs🚆 Railhead: Kathgodam (~35 km)
Last updated: June 2026 · confirm flight availability and schedules before booking
⚠️ There is no airport in Nainital Nainital is a Himalayan lake town in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand with no commercial airport. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (PGH), about 70 km away, but it has very limited flights — currently only to and from Delhi. Most travellers either take that Delhi–Pantnagar hop or fly into Delhi and continue by road or rail.

Best Airports to Fly Into for Nainital

✓ Nearest
Pantnagar Airport
PGH
Distance: ~70 km to Nainital
Drive time: 2–2.5 hours
The nearest airport. Flights are limited and mostly to/from Delhi, so check availability for your dates. Taxis and shared buses run from Pantnagar to Nainital.
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Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
DED
Distance: ~285 km to Nainital
Drive time: 7–8 hours
More flight choices than Pantnagar, but a long road journey. Usually only worth it if you cannot get a convenient Pantnagar or Delhi connection.
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Delhi (Indira Gandhi)
DEL
Distance: ~300 km to Nainital
Drive time: 6.5–7.5 hours by road
The practical choice for most travellers — by far the widest flight network. From Delhi, drive or take a train to Kathgodam, then a 35 km taxi up to Nainital.
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By Train

🚆 The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (KGM), about 35 km (1–1.5 hrs) from Nainital, well connected to Delhi by trains such as the Ranikhet and Uttar Sampark Kranti expresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an airport in Nainital?
No. Nainital has no commercial airport. The nearest is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 70 km away — roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive. Pantnagar has limited flights, mostly to and from Delhi.
Which is the nearest airport to Nainital?
Pantnagar Airport (IATA: PGH) is the nearest airport to Nainital at about 70 km (2–2.5 hours by road). Because Pantnagar has only a handful of flights — currently mainly Delhi — many visitors instead fly into Delhi (about 300 km away) and continue by road or rail.
How do I reach Nainital by flight from Delhi?
You have two options. Fly Delhi to Pantnagar (PGH) — about a 1 hour hop — then take a taxi or bus the 70 km to Nainital. Or fly into Delhi and drive the roughly 300 km (6.5–7.5 hours), often breaking the journey at Kathgodam. Always confirm Pantnagar flight availability for your dates, as the schedule is thin.
What is the nearest railway station to Nainital?
Kathgodam (KGM) is the nearest railway station, about 35 km (1–1.5 hours) from Nainital. It is the last broad-gauge station in the Kumaon region and has direct trains from Delhi. From Kathgodam, taxis and buses run up to Nainital.
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
March to June is the most popular season — pleasant weather, ideal for boating on Naini Lake. September to November is clear and uncrowded after the monsoon. December to February is cold with occasional snow. Avoid peak monsoon (July–August) due to the risk of landslides on the hill roads.

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