How to get to Bareilly

Located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh state, Bareilly is an important commercial and cultural centre of India. This city, known for its furniture production and traditional embroidery, offers travellers an immersion into the authentic atmosphere of the region, away from standard tourist routes.

You can get to Bareilly in various ways: it has its own airport, a developed railway network, and a road network linking the city to neighbouring regions. The choice of route depends on your budget and comfort preferences.

The fastest way to reach the city is to take a flight to Bareilly (BEK) airport. This air hub receives domestic flights and is conveniently located relative to the centre, which allows for significant time savings on the journey.

If direct tickets are unavailable, one can consider flying to neighbouring cities. The nearest airport is in Pantnagar (73 km), and options via Aligarh or Nepalese Dhangadhi are also available, from where the journey can be continued by ground transport.

The railway is one of the most popular and accessible ways to reach the city. Bareilly is a major railway hub in North India (Bareilly Junction station), where trains regularly arrive from Delhi, Lucknow, and other metropolises.

For those travelling from neighbouring regions, it is convenient to plan a route via stations in Pantnagar or Aligarh if a direct train is not available. A journey by rail allows you not only to reach your destination in comfort but also to see picturesque landscapes from the carriage window.

Bus services connect Bareilly with many settlements in the region, offering a budget-friendly travel option. One of the popular routes leads from the city of Aligarh: the bus covers the distance of 160 km in an average of 5 hours.

Travel time may vary depending on traffic and the class of the bus (state-run or private Volvo bus). This is an excellent way to see the real life of the Indian province on the way to your destination.

A trip by car or taxi gives maximum flexibility in route planning. The shortest path lies from the city of Pantnagar: a distance of about 85 km can be covered in just 2 hours.

Routes from the city of Aligarh (about 4 hours) and from the Nepalese border, from the city of Dhangadhi, are also popular. In the latter case, the road stretching 189 km will take approximately 4.5 hours, opening up views of diverse landscapes.

To ensure your trip to Bareilly goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled several important recommendations considering local specifics.

1. Clothing and Dress Code. The climate here is hot, so choose loose clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen). Try to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to avoid attracting undue attention.
2. Urban Transport. The most convenient way to get around is by auto-rickshaw. Be sure to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before you get into the vehicle.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Indian Rupee. Large hotels may accept cards, but in markets and small shops, you will need cash, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health. Drink exclusively bottled water and check the seal integrity when purchasing. Avoid ice in drinks at street cafes.
5. Language. The main language of communication is Hindi. English is understood in tourist places, but by learning a couple of phrases in the local language, you will show respect for the culture.
6. Etiquette. When entering temples and private homes, one must always remove shoes. It is also not customary to publicly display affection between partners.
7. Safety. Keep an eye on bags and pockets in crowded places. Women are not recommended to walk alone in remote areas after dark.
8. Shopping. The city is famous for its bamboo furniture and "zari" (gold thread) embroidery. These are the best souvenirs to bring back from your trip.

Observing these simple rules will help you feel confident and enjoy the hospitality of Bareilly without unnecessary worries.