Lansdowne is 250-280 km from Delhi. The fastest way is by car via Meerut Bypass and Najibabad. It takes 6-7 hours. By train, take Siddhabali Jan Shatabdi (12038) to Kotdwar, then a shared taxi for the last 40 km.
Knowing how to reach Lansdowne from Delhi is simple once you pick the right route. Most travelers miss the Meerut Bypass trick and waste 1-2 hours in city traffic.
This guide covers every option: road, train, and bus. All information is updated for 2026.
Lansdowne is a quiet hill station in Uttarakhand. No crowds, no chaos. Just clean air and good roads.
This guide gives you exact routes, train numbers, ticket costs, and local taxi tips.
Delhi to Lansdowne Distance and Route Overview
Lansdowne is 250-280 km from Delhi depending on your route. The road is smooth for most of the journey. Lansdowne is a cantonment town, so roads inside are well-maintained and clean.
| Mode | Distance | Average Time | Best For |
| Road (Car/Bike) | 260-280 km | 6-7 hours | Flexibility and comfort |
| Train + Taxi | 310 km (rail) | 7-8 hours total | Budget travelers |
| Bus | 260-280 km | 8-10 hours | Solo travelers on budget |
The road route via Meerut Bypass and Najibabad is the fastest. Avoid entering Meerut city. Take the highway and stay on it till Khatauli.
Train drops you at Kotdwar, 40 km before Lansdowne. From there, shared taxis cover the last stretch easily.
All three options are doable in a single day from Delhi.
How to Reach Lansdowne by Road (Car or Bike)
Driving is the most popular way to reach Lansdowne from Delhi. You get full freedom on timing, stops, and luggage. The road is straightforward once you know the right turns.
The Exact Route
Follow this sequence from Delhi:
Delhi >> Ghaziabad >> Meerut Bypass >> Khatauli >> Mirapur >> Bijnor >> Najibabad >> Kotdwar >> Lansdowne
Total distance is around 260-280 km. Google Maps sometimes shows shortcuts through Meerut city. Ignore them.
- Pro Tip: Stay on the highway and do NOT enter Meerut city. Traffic inside Meerut can add 1-2 hours to your trip. Keep going on the bypass road straight towards Khatauli. This one trick saves most of your time.
Road Conditions
The highway stretch from Delhi to Kotdwar is smooth and wide. After Najibabad, the road narrows slightly but remains in good condition.
After Kotdwar, the road climbs into the hills. This stretch is around 40 km and takes 1.5 hours. The road is well-paved because Lansdowne is a cantonment area.
Is This Route Safe for a Hatchback?
Yes, a hatchback handles this route without any problem. The hill climb after Kotdwar is steep in some sections but the road surface is smooth and traffic is very light.
Cars like Swift, Baleno, i20, and WagonR make this trip regularly. Just make sure your brakes are in good condition before you start.
Best Time to Start
Leave Delhi by 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. You will cross Meerut before peak traffic builds up. You will reach Lansdowne by noon or early afternoon.
Avoid starting after 8:00 AM on weekends. Traffic on the Delhi-Meerut stretch gets heavy.
Fuel and Food Stops
Good dhabas and petrol pumps are available at Khatauli, Bijnor, and Najibabad. Fill up fuel at Kotdwar before the hill climb. There are no major fuel stations between Kotdwar and Lansdowne.
Delhi to Lansdowne by Train (With Last Mile Info)
Lansdowne does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is Kotdwar Railway Station (KTW), located 40 km from Lansdowne. From Kotdwar, you take a shared taxi to complete the journey.
Train travel is a great option for budget travelers and solo visitors. Book tickets in advance on IRCTC to get confirmed seats.
Best Trains From Delhi to Kotdwar
| Train Name | Train No. | From | Departure | Arrives Kotdwar |
| Siddhabali Jan Shatabdi | 12038 | Old Delhi (DLI) | 07:00 AM | ~12:30 PM |
| Anand Vihar – Kotdwar Express | 14089 | Anand Vihar (ANVT) | 21:45 PM | ~05:00 AM |
The Siddhabali Jan Shatabdi (12038) is the best daytime option. You reach Kotdwar by afternoon and can be in Lansdowne before evening.
The ANVT KTW EXP (14089) is a night train. You travel while sleeping and arrive at Kotdwar early morning. This saves you a day of travel time.
Both trains run regularly. Check current schedules and availability on IRCTC before booking.
Kotdwar to Lansdowne (The Last 40 km)
Kotdwar is a small town. Getting to Lansdowne from here is easy and cheap.
Where to find shared taxis: Walk out of Kotdwar station and head to Najibabad Chowk. Shared taxis (Sumo or Bolero) are available directly opposite Hotel Ambey. You cannot miss it.
Cost: Rs 100 to Rs 150 per person for a shared taxi.
Time: The ride takes around 1.5 hours. The road climbs through forests and small villages. It is a scenic drive.
Taxis fill up and leave when full. Morning hours between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM have the most frequency. If you arrive late at night on the overnight train, wait for morning before heading up.
Private taxis from Kotdwar to Lansdowne cost around Rs 800 to Rs 1,200.
Delhi to Lansdowne by Bus
Bus is the cheapest way to travel from Delhi to Lansdowne. It takes longer but works well if you are on a tight budget.
How to board:
- Go to Kashmere Gate ISBT in Delhi. It is the main interstate bus terminal.
- Catch a state bus or private bus headed to Kotdwar.
- Journey time from Delhi to Kotdwar is around 7-8 hours.
- From Kotdwar, take a shared taxi to Lansdowne (Rs 100-150, 1.5 hours).
Things to know:
- Uttarakhand Roadways buses run on this route regularly.
- Private buses (Volvo and semi-sleeper) are also available for more comfort.
- Book private bus tickets on RedBus or Abhibus in advance for weekends.
- No direct bus goes all the way to Lansdowne. Kotdwar is always the last stop.
Total bus journey including taxi can take 9-10 hours door to door.
Delhi to Lansdowne by Air
The closest airport to Lansdowne is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED). It is around 148 km from Lansdowne.
Why this is not practical from Delhi:
- Delhi to Dehradun by air takes 45 minutes but flights cost Rs 3,000-6,000 one way.
- After landing, you still need 3-4 hours of road travel to reach Lansdowne.
- Total cost and time makes no sense when road or train is faster and cheaper.
Skip the flight. Drive or take the train instead.
Must-Visit Places
Once you reach Lansdowne, these three spots are worth your time:
- Bhulla Lake: A small, peaceful lake perfect for a morning walk. Paddle boats are available.
- Tip n Top: The best viewpoint in Lansdowne. Clear days give you Himalayan range views.
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: A forest temple around 38 km from Lansdowne town. Calm, quiet, and worth the detour.
Lansdowne is compact. You can cover all three spots in a single day.
Final Verdict:
If you want the best experience, drive via the Meerut Bypass and Khatauli route. You get full flexibility, scenic stops, and you reach faster than any other option.
Traveling with a group? Split fuel costs and the road trip becomes the cheapest option too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lansdowne from Delhi?
Lansdowne is approximately 250 to 260 km from Delhi. By road, the journey takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and the route you take.
Which is the best route from Delhi to Lansdowne by road?
The best road route is: Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Bijnor → Kotdwar → Lansdowne. The highway stretch up to Kotdwar is smooth. After Kotdwar, it is a scenic 40 km uphill drive that takes about 1.5 hours.
What is the nearest railway station to Lansdowne?
Kotdwar Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Lansdowne. It is about 40 km away. From Kotdwar, you can hire a private cab or take a shared jeep to reach Lansdowne in around 1.5 hours.
Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Lansdowne?
No, there are no direct buses from Delhi to Lansdowne. You first take a bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Kotdwar. From Kotdwar Bus Stand, you then take a local bus or shared jeep to Lansdowne.
What is the best time to visit Lansdowne from Delhi?
The best time to visit Lansdowne is from March to June and September to November. Avoid July and August as heavy monsoon rains can cause landslides on the hilly roads making travel unsafe.
Can I do a Delhi to Lansdowne trip in one day?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The drive alone takes 6 to 8 hours one way. Most travelers plan at least a 2 night stay to actually enjoy Lansdowne. A weekend trip from Friday night to Sunday works perfectly.