Badrinath is one of the famous pilgrimages in India, in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Getting there takes planning. As This guide shows all the ways, distances, travel tips, best time to go, and what to watch out for. After reading this, you’ll know exactly how to reach Badrinath safely and comfortably. You can choose our Chardham Yatra by helicopter package in 2026.
What You Should Know First
Routes & Modes of Travel
There are basically three ways to get to Badrinath, and each has its own vibe as You can go by road, which is straightforward and gives you time to enjoy the scenery. Or you can take a train first and then continue by road—works well if you’re on a budget. The third option is to fly to Dehradun and then take a taxi or even a helicopter if one’s available. There’s no direct train or airport at Badrinath itself, so some kind of road travel is always needed.
Each way has its pros and cons as It all depends on what matters to you—money, comfort, or how fast you want to reach there. Just pick what feels easiest and enjoy the journey—honestly, that’s half the fun of going to Badrinath!
1. By Road (Full Journey by Car, Taxi, or Bus)
This is the most straightforward way after you arrive in the region. You drive or take a bus/taxi the full distance.
From Major Cities in India
Road Travel Tips
- Start early in the morning as roads in mountain areas get tricky sometimes during the evening.
- Plan your stops in towns like Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Joshimath are good for rest, meals.
- In monsoon or after rains, check local updates about landslides or road closures.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good shape, all things are prefect – brakes, tires, fuel, etc.
- If you drive your own car, carry all documents (driving license, vehicle registration, insurance, etc.).
2. By Train + Road
Since there is no railway station in Badrinath, train travel gets you part of the way. Then complete by road.
Nearest Railway Stations
What to Do After Train
3. By Air + Road (or Helicopter)
This option is faster, more comfortable, though costlier.
By Air
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Distance ~ 310-320 km to Badrinath by road.
- Domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and some other Indian cities connect to Dehradun. If you arrive internationally, you’ll fly into Delhi (or Mumbai) then take a connecting flight.
By Helicopter
- Available during pilgrimage season from Dehradun and other helipads (Phata etc.).
- Helicopter saves time compared to road but costs more. Also weather-dependent; services may be cancelled in bad weather.
Best Time to Travel
Choosing the right time avoids many issues.
What to Plan / Prepare
To have a smooth trip, organise these ahead.
- Accommodation
Book hotels or guest houses in advance in places like Joshimath, Rudraprayag, or even nearer. These fill up during yatra season. - Transport Bookings
Reserve buses, taxis, or helicopter tickets ahead where possible. Especially for helicopter, and for shared jeeps from town to temple. - Clothing & Gear
Warm clothes, rain gear (coat, umbrella), good footwear. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) because high altitudes have strong sun. - Health & Safety
Altitude can affect breathing; keep medicines, first aid kit. Check weather forecasts. Avoid driving at night. - Permits / Documentation
If flying in, passport/visa (for foreign travellers). If driving, valid driver’s license, vehicle papers. ID proofs. - Local Rules / Timings
Temple timings (darshan hours) change. Roads may have time restrictions (e.g. no vehicle after certain hour at night). Helmets for bikes, etc.
Costs & What to Expect
- Buses (government/private): among cheapest ways. Fares depend on comfort (ordinary, deluxe).
- Taxi / Car hire: more expensive; good if travelling with group or family.
- Helicopter rides: high cost; worth if you want speed and avoid long road journey. Be prepared for possible cancellations.
- Accommodation: modest in small towns; more costly near Badrinath during yatra season.
Summary: Best Way Depends on You
Look, getting to Badrinath can actually be simple if you plan a bit. Flying to Dehradun is the fastest way, honestly. From there, sometimes there’s a helicopter — super quick and kind of fun. But if it’s not running, just take a taxi. The road is nice, mountains, rivers, small towns… makes the ride worth it. If you don’t want to spend too much, trains work just fine. You can go to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then catch a bus, jeep, or taxi. Easy enough, and you see a bit of the countryside too. Some people love just driving. From Delhi or Haridwar, with a night stop or two, it’s not tiring. You actually get to enjoy the scenery, breathe the fresh air, and feel the calm vibe of the mountains.