Passing through Pantnagar Airport? A layover in Nainital is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Nainital, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for India vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Nainital is roughly 60 minutes from PGH via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Exploring Nainital on a Layover
For a layover visit to Nainital, we’d suggest Boating on Naini Lake and Mall Road Stroll & Shopping. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PGH, you can spend time at Pantnagar Airport Waiting Lounge or try Airport Snack & Souvenir Kiosk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Transport from Pantnagar Airport to Downtown
From PGH, the Taxi gets you to Nainital in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Sher-e-Punjab Restaurant and Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Nainital.
- At the airport: Pantnagar Airport Canteen and Tea & Coffee Express will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Nainital, budget roughly $21 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $6 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Nainital, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PGH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Nainital itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for India that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at PGH aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Nainital itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Need a Nap? Options at PGH
Long overnight layover? Your options at PGH include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in India also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Nainital count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave PGH. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.