Every Jim Corbett trip runs through one town: Ramnagar, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It holds the Forest Department permit office, the railway station and most of the resorts. Whatever route you take, Ramnagar is the destination.
Here is how people actually get there, and which option makes sense depending on where you start.
Quick answer
From Delhi: roughly 250 km. An overnight train into Ramnagar is the most practical option because it puts you in town early enough for a morning safari. By road it is a five to seven hour drive.
By air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport at about 80 km, but flight options are limited. Most visitors fly into Delhi and continue overland.
The thing that catches people out: safari slots start at 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning. If you arrive in Ramnagar late at night, plan to stay over rather than trying to go straight to a gate.
By train
Ramnagar has its own railway station, which is the single biggest convenience for Corbett travellers. It is inside the town, not an hour away, so transfers are short.
Overnight services from Delhi are the popular choice. You board in the evening, sleep through the journey and arrive early morning. That timing lines up neatly with a morning safari slot, and it means you are not losing a day to travel.
Book train tickets well ahead for weekends and holiday periods. Ramnagar is a small station and the Corbett season puts real pressure on seats.
By road
Driving from Delhi typically takes five to seven hours, depending largely on how long it takes to clear the city. The route runs through Moradabad and Kashipur before reaching Ramnagar.
Driving makes most sense if you intend to continue into the hills afterwards. Nainital, Ranikhet and Mukteshwar are all within a few hours of Ramnagar, and having your own vehicle turns a safari trip into a proper Uttarakhand loop. Our guide to places to visit near Jim Corbett covers those onward options.
Buses also run to Ramnagar from Delhi and other regional hubs. They are inexpensive but slower and less comfortable than the train.
By air
Pantnagar Airport is the closest at around 80 km, roughly a two hour drive. Flight frequency is limited, so check schedules carefully before planning around it.
In practice most visitors, particularly those coming from abroad, fly into Delhi and take the train or a car onward. It is the more reliable route even though it looks longer on a map.
From other cities
| From | Approx. distance to Ramnagar | Usual route |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ~250 km | Overnight train, or road via Moradabad and Kashipur |
| Nainital | ~65 km | Road, around two hours |
| Dehradun | ~230 km | Road via Haridwar and Kashipur |
| Pantnagar Airport | ~80 km | Road, around two hours |
Distances are approximate and journey times vary with traffic and season. Treat them as planning guides rather than exact figures.
Which gate to head for
Arriving in Ramnagar is only half the question. Your zone gate decides how early you leave on safari morning.
Bijrani is roughly 2 km from town, so a 6:00 AM slot means leaving around 5:30. Kaladhungi is about 26 km and Mohaan around 30 km, both needing earlier starts.
One genuine exception: Pakhro is entered via Kotdwar, not Ramnagar. If you book Pakhro, your whole travel plan changes, so decide the zone before you book accommodation. Compare all twelve on our safari zones page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest railway station to Jim Corbett?
Ramnagar railway station is the nearest, and it sits in the town itself. Most zone gates are a short drive from there, so you can arrive by overnight train and be on a morning safari the same day.
How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?
Ramnagar is roughly 250 km from Delhi. By road it is usually a five to seven hour drive depending on traffic leaving the city.
What is the nearest airport to Jim Corbett?
Pantnagar is the closest airport, around 80 km from Ramnagar. Most international visitors fly into Delhi and continue by road or rail.
Should I drive or take the train to Jim Corbett?
The overnight train is usually easier because it lands you in Ramnagar early, in time for a morning safari. Driving gives you flexibility if you plan to continue to Nainital or Ranikhet afterwards.
More Jim Corbett Safari Guides
- Jim Corbett Safari with Kids
- What to Pack for a Jim Corbett Safari
- Jeep vs Canter Safari: Which to Book
- Wildlife of Jim Corbett
Browse all our Jim Corbett travel guides and safari tips.
Plan your safari
Our team has run safaris out of Ramnagar for over 25 years. Tell us your dates and we will recommend the right zone, arrange Forest Department permits and handle the jeep and guide.
Check prices and book online, browse Corbett tour packages, or message our team for a free recommendation.
