Jim Corbett National Park is about 240–280 km from Delhi, and the base town for most safaris is Ramnagar, on the park’s southern edge. You can get there by car in roughly six to seven hours, by overnight train straight into Ramnagar, or by flying to the nearest airport and driving the rest. Here is how each option works, and how to time your arrival around safari shifts.
By road: Delhi to Jim Corbett (Ramnagar)
Driving is the most popular option. The usual route heads east out of Delhi on NH9 through Ghaziabad, Hapur and Moradabad, then north via Kashipur to Ramnagar.
- Distance: about 240–280 km.
- Time: about 6–7 hours, longer at weekends and on holidays.
- Tip: leave Delhi before 6:00 to beat traffic around Ghaziabad and Hapur.
Taxis from Delhi are easy to book for one-way or round trips. If you are driving yourself, note that tracks inside the park are only open to registered safari jeeps, so you will still need to book a safari vehicle.
By train: Delhi to Ramnagar for Jim Corbett
Ramnagar has its own railway station, a short drive from the main gates. Overnight and day trains run from Delhi to Ramnagar, which means you can sleep on the train and arrive in time for an afternoon safari or rest before the next morning’s shift. The overnight Ranikhet Express (15013) leaves Delhi in the late evening and reaches Ramnagar in the early morning, and the Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express (15035) leaves in the afternoon and arrives in the evening. Check current timings on IRCTC before booking.
If direct trains are full, Kathgodam is the next-best station. It is well connected to Delhi, but you will need a road transfer of roughly two hours from there to Ramnagar.
By air: nearest airport
The nearest airport is Pantnagar, roughly 80 km from Ramnagar, with limited flights from Delhi. For most travellers, flying saves little time over the train once you add airport transfers, so it suits those combining Corbett with Nainital or other Kumaon destinations.
By bus from Delhi to Jim Corbett
Uttarakhand state and private buses run from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT to Ramnagar. It is the cheapest option but usually slower and less comfortable than driving.
From other nearby cities
- Nainital: about 60–70 km, around 2 hours by road.
- Haridwar: about 170–185 km, around 4–5 hours by road.
Our plan your visit page has more on combining Corbett with other stops.
Timing your arrival around your safari
Morning safaris start around sunrise, so arriving on the same morning from Delhi rarely works. The easiest plan is to arrive the day before, check in near your gate and take the next morning’s shift. If you arrive by midday, you can still make an afternoon shift. Check current shift times on our timings and entry fee page, and pick a hotel near your zone’s gate using our where to stay guide and gate guide.
Frequently asked questions
Ramnagar, the base town for Jim Corbett National Park, is about 240–280 km from Delhi, roughly 6–7 hours by road.
Driving or an overnight train to Ramnagar are the most practical options. The train lets you arrive rested, while driving gives flexibility to reach any gate.
Ramnagar railway station is the nearest, a short drive from the main gates. Kathgodam is the next-closest major station.
Pantnagar is the nearest airport, roughly 80 km from Ramnagar, though flights are limited.
Source: Jim Corbett National Park (Wikipedia). Check train and flight schedules with the operators before travelling.