How to Reach Badrinath in 2026

Badrinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. From major Indian towns, cities, and states, it is easily accessible. Badrinath has easy access to various transportation modes, including air, road, and train. The best way to reach this holy site is via road or train.

You can also undertake a helicopter ride from Dehradun and Delhi to reach Badrinath. If you’re looking for information regarding how to reach Badrinath, then we have compiled a guide for you about the modes of transportation and the route.

Location and Accessibility

Badrinath is a Nagar Panchayat and holy Hindu town in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an elevation of around 11204 feet, between Nar-Narayana Hills in the shadow of Neelkanth Peak. This holy Hindu pilgrimage site is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River.

Badrinath is well connected to Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Joshimath, Kotdwar, and other hill stations of Kumaon and the Garhwal region. Due to its mountainous and remote setting, visiting Badrinath requires awareness of all the available travel options and thoughtful planning.

How to Reach Badrinath?

Badrinath is one of the most important cities of Uttarakhand. Take a look at how to reach Badrinath by flight, road, or train.

By Air

The nearest airport to Badrinath is Jolly Grant International Airport in Dehradun, at a distance of around 317 kms. For Uttarakhand, it is a major domestic airport with good connectivity to major cities through New Delhi. From the airport to Badrinath, taxis are easily available.

Nearest Airport: Dehradun, at a distance of around 317 kms from Badrinath

By Road

By a motorable road, Badrinath is connected to the major cities of Uttarakhand. From ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi, buses are available to Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. By regular buses, Badrinath is further connected to cities like Haridwar, Srinagar, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. Badrinath is connected through NH 58 to Ghaziabad.

This route is followed by most people who are planning to travel by road to Badrinath.

Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Gauchar – Nandprayag – Gopeshwar – Pipalkoti – Joshimath – Hanuman Chatti – Badrinath

From Major Cities in India

Starting Point	Distance to Badrinath	Approx Travel Time	Route Highlights
Delhi	530-540 km	14-16 hours by car or bus (with stops)	Route goes via Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Badrinath.
Haridwar	320 km	10-12 hours	Same route via Rishikesh, Devprayag, etc.
Rishikesh	290-300 km	9-11 hours	Same route via Rishikesh, Devprayag, etc.
Dehradun	310-340 km	10-13 hours	Same route via Rishikesh, Devprayag, etc.

By Train

There is no direct train to Badrinath. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Badrinath, located at a distance of around 295 kms from Badrinath. Other nearby railway stations to Badrinath are Haridwar and Dehradun. From both these railway stations, you can easily hire a bus or taxi to reach the Badrinath Temple.

By Helicopter

A helicopter is a convenient and fast way to reach Badrinath. From Phata, Sahastradhara, or Dehradun, most helicopters fly out from Dehradun. By helicopter, it takes around one to two hours to reach Badrinath. From May to October, helicopter services are mostly available.

Travel Requirements for Badrinath Yatra 2026

Those undertaking the Badrinath Yatra need to register themselves at designated counters or online. Registration helps with the proper management of the crowd and safe travel, especially during peak season.

• Make sure to stay up to date on the advisories issued by the government on the weather, the daily vehicle limit, and the condition of the road.
• Keep one or two days on hand, as there might be some delay due to roadblocks or adverse weather conditions.

Important Helicopter Guidelines

• There are no flexible timings, such as regular flights for helicopter rides to Badrinath. The exact departure time is usually confirmed one day in advance because it entirely depends on the aviation rules, permission from the defense, and weather conditions.
• One day before the flight, pilgrims need to reach Dehradun. A meeting will be held to discuss the next day’s expected departure times and safety guidelines.
• You’re allowed to carry a minimum weight of around 5 kilograms. You’re not allowed to carry hard bags and suitcases as there is limited space in the helicopter.

Badrinath Travel Guide 2026 FAQs

Q-1: Which is the nearest airport to Badrinath?

Ans: The nearest airport to Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, where all the charter helicopter services are available to Badrinath. You need to arrive at the helipad at least two to three hours before the departure time of the flight.

Q-2: Is taxi service easily available in Badrinath?

Ans: Many car rental services are available in Badrinath if you want to visit Badrinath’s surrounding areas, such as Auli, Joshimath, and Mana. Depending on the type of taxi you need and the distance covered, the charges vary.

Q-3: Which is the nearest railway station to Badrinath?

Ans: There is no direct train to Badrinath. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Badrinath, located at a distance of around 295 kms from Badrinath. Other nearby railway stations to Badrinath are Haridwar and Dehradun.

Q-4: How can you travel from Rishikesh to Badrinath?

Ans: Rishikesh is located at a distance of around 297 kms from Badrinath. Various private and state-run buses provide services to Joshimath from Rishikesh.

Q-5: Can you reach Badrinath by car?

Ans: You can also travel to Badrinath directly by car, but it is not advisable because the road journey is cumbersome and time-consuming. Driving in the mountains can also be dangerous if you are an inexperienced driver.