Uttarakhand road trip
Delhi to Haridwar by Self Drive Car
Haridwar is a natural family trip by car. Elders travel in comfort, you can time the drive around the evening aarti, and you are free to visit Kankhal, Mansa Devi and Rajaji on your own schedule.
- Distance215 km
- Drive time4.5–5.5 hours
- Ideal trip2 days
- TerrainPlains
The drive from Delhi to Haridwar
Route: Delhi–Meerut Expressway, then NH334 through Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee.
Leave the city on the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, which runs past Ghaziabad and Dasna to Meerut. NH334 then continues as a four-lane highway through Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee before entering Haridwar from the south. The highway itself is in good shape, but traffic slows through town sections, and in the cane crushing season slow tractor-trolleys, often without proper lights, are common at night. Haridwar's own roads are the hardest part: the area around Har Ki Pauri is crowded, and on major bathing days police close large parts of the city to cars. Aim to arrive by early afternoon so you can park, check in and walk to the ghats well before the aarti.
Best time to go: October to April, avoiding the Kanwar Yatra in Sawan and the busiest bathing festivals unless you are going for them.
Stops on the way
- Delhi0 km
Pick up your car at home, the airport or a station. Leave early to clear city traffic.
- Meerut~75 km
The Augharnath temple, linked to the 1857 uprising, is a short detour from the bypass.
- Khatauli~105 km
Large highway restaurants with ample parking make this a comfortable halt for families and elders.
- Muzaffarnagar~125 km
Turn off here for Shukratal, a Ganga pilgrimage site about 30 km away associated with the Bhagavata Purana.
- Piran Kaliyar~185 km
The dargah of Sabir Pak near Roorkee draws pilgrims of all faiths and is a short detour from the highway.
- Haridwar~215 km
You have arrived. Park, check in and explore.
Things to do in Haridwar
- Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri at sunset; arrive at least an hour early for a place on the ghats
- Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples, both reachable by ropeway
- Daksha Mahadev temple and the old ashrams of Kankhal
- Bharat Mata Mandir, a multi-storey temple near Sapt Rishi
- Jeep safaris in Rajaji National Park's Chilla range, usually open from mid-November to mid-June
- Kachoris, sweets and street food in the lanes of Moti Bazaar
Driving tips for this route
- Cars cannot go right up to Har Ki Pauri. Use the large paid parking lots near the ghats and walk the last stretch.
- Check traffic advisories before major bathing days such as Kartik Purnima, Ganga Dussehra and Somvati Amavasya, when diversions can add hours.
- Watch for slow, overloaded sugarcane trolleys around Muzaffarnagar between October and April, especially after dark.
- Leave Haridwar early on your return day; traffic towards Delhi builds up at Muzaffarnagar and Meerut by the afternoon.
- If elderly passengers are with you, ask your hotel about drop-off access, as many lanes near the ghats are pedestrian-only.
Best cars for Delhi to Haridwar
Estimated rental cost for a 2-day trip
| Car | Rent (2 days) | Est. distance | Free km | Extra km cost | Est. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | ₹5,998 | ~430 km | 600 km | None | ₹5,998 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹10,598 | ~430 km | 600 km | None | ₹10,598 |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | ₹4,398 | ~430 km | 600 km | None | ₹4,398 |
Estimate assumes a round trip of 430 km plus some local driving. Fuel, tolls (FASTag), parking and any state entry tax are extra. Refundable deposit applies. Your exact quote depends on dates and car availability.
Delhi to Haridwar self drive: FAQs
Which car is best for a family trip to Haridwar?
For six or seven people, the Maruti Ertiga is economical and easy to drive, while the Toyota Innova Crysta gives elders more legroom on the return. A couple or small family will find the Maruti Dzire comfortable and simple to park in Haridwar's busy streets.
Can I drive into Haridwar during the Kanwar Yatra?
It is best avoided. For roughly two weeks in Sawan, NH334 and the roads into Haridwar carry huge numbers of pilgrims on foot, and private vehicles are diverted or stopped. Check police advisories before planning a trip in July or early August.
Is Haridwar doable as a day trip from Delhi?
It is possible but tiring, with about 9–10 hours of driving in total. An overnight stay lets you see the evening aarti without rushing back after dark. Two days also leaves time for Kankhal or a Rajaji safari.
Ready for Haridwar? Book your self drive car now.
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