How to Get from New Delhi to Rishikesh: A Backpacker's Guide (2025)

Jack Thompson
Jul 5
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Travelling from New Delhi to Rishikesh? Whether you’re heading for yoga, hiking, hostels or holy dips in the Ganges; this post breaks down everything you need to know, from booking your bus to hopping in a tuk tuk on the motorway! Yes the motorway drop off!

I recently undertook this journey, so here’s the real backpacker breakdown, straight from the road, and you can even check out the vlog below to see the journey.

Cable bridge over a green river with a crowded boat below. Text: New Delhi to Rishikesh by Bus. Trees and buildings in the background.

New Delhi to Rishikesh Quick Overview:

Route: New Delhi → Rishikesh (Tapovan)
Time: ~5–6 hours
Cost: ~₹500–₹800 total depending on options
Best For: Budget travellers, solo backpackers, digital nomads

Step 1: Booking the Bus

Your best bet is to download the RedBus app; it’s the go-to platform in India for bus bookings. You can use your email to register, but having an Indian mobile number will make things far easier (for this and other travel bits like UPI payments).

Backpacker Tip: Grab an Indian eSIM or SIM via providers like Airalo before you land; data and local calls are cheap, and it saves you stress.

What to Look For:

Departure: New Delhi ISBT or New Delhi Railway Station
Type: AC Volvo or Semi-Sleeper
Arrival: Rishikesh Bus Stop called Nepali Farm (its outside Rishikesh)

Prices vary but expect to pay ₹300–₹600 for decent options.

Step 2: Getting to the Bus Terminal

Use Uber to get to New Delhi Station (or your bus terminal of choice). Be aware: it’s chaotic. Traffic is heavy, signage can be poor, and it’s unbelievably hot in summer; especially June, when the temperatures push 45°C, I was concerned for my health at one point sitting in the station at 1am sweating through my cloths and trying to be polite by talking to some locals who wanted to know why on earth I was in India and even more so why on earth I would be at the bus staying at 1am! But the tuck tuck driver should be able to drop you almost directly outside of the door.

I sweated buckets just waiting inside (no AC); so pack water and give yourself extra time.

Finding the bus can be a nightmare, but in the red bus app you can track the bus location so keep an eye on it. One of the best things you can do is ask. Whilst I was trying not to die talking to the kids they actually found my bus for me and walked me to it! Being polite really can pay off!

Step 3: The Bus Journey

The ride itself takes around 5 hours, depending on traffic. Most buses are comfortable enough, but don’t expect luxury, pack snacks, water and a power bank.

Pro tip: If you book onto a double sleeper bed and you are on your own, it will be filled with a stranger so book the singles!

In India you tend to get dropped off somewhere random and this is no exception. For Rishikesh you are dropped at Nepali Farm on the outskirts of Rishikesh. This is common and because of that the Tuk Tuks are waiting.

Step 4: Tuk Tuk into Rishikesh (Tapovan)

The good news? Drivers know what’s up. Just say "Tapovan" (the main traveller area in Rishikesh) and they’ll either:

Offer a private ride (~₹600)
Let you share with others (~₹100)

I shared to keep the backpacker budget alive (even though the driver assumed I wanted private, maybe my battered shoes didn’t give it away!).

Backpacker Budget Tip: Always ask for shared options. Most drivers won’t offer it unless you ask.

Step 5: Final Walk to the Hostel

You’ll be dropped at a tight corner at the top of Tapovan. From there, it’s walking distance to most hostels. If you’re staying across the river, be aware:

The footbridge is still under construction (as of mid-2025)
You’ll need to wait for the small boat ferry to cross
Again, cost is around ₹100, and depends on whether you share or not

I bumped into a friendly solo traveller also on the yoga trail – both of us a bit overwhelmed by the heat, the smells, the sheer intensity of India. But that’s all part of it, sitting writing this I only feel comfortable now (4 weeks in).

Arrival in Rishikesh

Once across the river, it’s a short walk to most backpacker hostels. Drop your bags, grab a chai, and take a deep breath; you’ve arrived in the yoga capital of the world.

🎥 Want to see the journey? Watch my full vlog – New Delhi to Rishikesh (coming soon) – now live on Backpackers Blueprint YouTube. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and comment where you’re heading next!

Key Takeaways

Step	Tip
Book Bus	Use *RedBus* to book your trip
Local SIM	*Airalo* or airport SIM is a game-changer
Heat	June travel = extreme heat; stay hydrated, I would *not* advice summer travel to India!
Arrival	Don’t stress if you get dropped off oddly; tuk tuks await
Budget	Shared tuk tuk = ₹100; Private = ₹600
River Crossing	No bridge yet; ferry costs another ₹100

Why Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is more than a backpacker stop – it’s a spiritual hub, a gateway to the Himalayas, and a place that tests and rewards the wandering soul. Yoga schools, hostels, riverside cafés and epic sunsets await.

From heat and chaos in Delhi to calm by the Ganges – the journey itself is a rite of passage.

Save This Blog

Bookmark this for later or share it with a fellow traveller. If you’ve done this route differently – let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram @Backpackersblueprint

Backpacker's Blueprint

For the intelligent explorer

☕️ Buy Me A Coffee ☕️

I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support Backpacker's Blueprint and helps me keep bringing you awesome travel content.

Thanks for the support! 🙌

✍️ Want to Write for Backpackers Blueprint? Are you a fellow traveler with a story to share? Passionate about architecture, how to explore it and how to read it or cultural deep dives? We’d love to feature your work! Drop us a message and let’s chat!