Lucknow to Mukteshwar: 430 km Across UP and Uttarakhand
Lucknow to Mukteshwar is approximately 430 km by road, taking 9–10 hours via Bareilly, Rampur, Haldwani, and Bhowali. The first 230 km to Bareilly is fast highway driving; the last 200 km includes the hill climb. Most travelers either break the drive into two days, or take the overnight train to Kathgodam.
Quick reference
- Distance: ~430 km
- Drive time: 9–10 hours
- Route: Lucknow → Bareilly → Rampur → Haldwani → Bhowali → Bhimtal → Mukteshwar
- Best break point: Haldwani (300 km from Lucknow, before the hills) or Bareilly (230 km)
- Train option: Bagh Express (15035) Lucknow → Kathgodam, ~12 hours overnight
- Self-drive vs taxi: taxi cost ~₹14,000–₹18,000 one-way
The route in detail
From Lucknow, exit on the highway toward Sitapur and Bareilly (~230 km, 4 hours). Bareilly is the natural midpoint — multiple dhabas and lunch stops. Continue to Rampur (60 km from Bareilly), then to Rudrapur and Haldwani (300 km cumulative). At Haldwani the plains end and the hills begin. From Haldwani take the Bhowali road (~30 km, 1 hour), then through Bhimtal and Sitla to Mukteshwar (~70 km, 2 hours). Total: ~430 km in 9–10 hours of total elapsed time.
Road vs rail — which is better from Lucknow?
For most Lucknow travelers, the overnight train to Kathgodam is the more relaxed option. Bagh Express leaves Lucknow around 10 PM and reaches Kathgodam by 10 AM, after which a 2-hour taxi gets you to Mukteshwar by lunch. Total elapsed: 14 hours including sleep. Driving requires 10 hours of active driving plus rest stops — a full lost day.
Recommended itinerary for Lucknow travelers
Option A — Train + taxi (recommended):
- Day 0 evening: Bagh Express from Lucknow to Kathgodam (overnight)
- Day 1 morning: arrive Kathgodam, taxi to Mukteshwar (2 hr), lunch at the property
- Day 4–5 return: reverse the same — depart Mukteshwar after breakfast, train back from Kathgodam evening
Option B — Two-day drive:
- Day 1: Lucknow → Haldwani (300 km, 6 hr). Stay overnight in Haldwani or Bhimtal.
- Day 2: Haldwani → Mukteshwar (130 km, 3 hr). Reach by mid-morning.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mukteshwar from Lucknow?
Lucknow to Mukteshwar is approximately 430 km by road, taking 9–10 hours with normal traffic. Most travelers split the drive into two days or take an overnight train to Kathgodam.
What's the best route from Lucknow to Mukteshwar?
Lucknow → Bareilly → Rampur → Haldwani → Bhowali → Bhimtal → Mukteshwar. The first 230 km to Bareilly is highway; the next 200 km includes the hill climb from Haldwani onwards.
Are there direct trains from Lucknow to Kathgodam?
Yes — the Bagh Express (15035) and a few others run between Lucknow and Kathgodam. Travel time is around 12 hours overnight. Then take a 2-hour taxi from Kathgodam.
Can I drive Lucknow to Mukteshwar in one day?
Yes but it's tiring — 10 hours of driving with the last 2 hours on hill road. Most travelers prefer to break the journey at Bareilly or Haldwani, or take the overnight train.
Coming from Lucknow?
We can arrange a Kathgodam pickup if you're taking the Bagh Express. Drop us a WhatsApp with your travel details.