Planning to visit Lal Kuan in Haldwani this year? Whether you’re catching a train to the hills, stopping by the famous Lalkuan Junction Railway Station, or simply passing through on your way to Nainital or Kathgodam, this guide is for you.
We’ve put together everything you need to know — how to get there, train schedules, popular routes, and even tips on booking your train tickets online. From transport to nearby attractions, this blog covers it all for a smooth and well-informed journey.
Quick Facts about LalKuan
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Nainital district, Uttarakhand |
| Altitude | ~373 m (1,224 ft) |
| Station code | LKU |
| Distance from Haldwani | 18 km / 30 min drive |
| Nickname | “Gateway to Kumaon by rail” |
| Famous for | Paper mill, busy junction, red‑stone quarries |
Where is LalKuan Located
It is a small yet important town located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It lies at the foothills of the Kumaon region and is just a short drive from major tourist destinations like Haldwani, Nainital, and Kathgodam.
It is best known for the Lalkuan Junction Railway Station, which connects Uttarakhand to major cities like Delhi, Bareilly, and Lucknow. It’s a key stop for both local and long-distance trains.
Lal Kuan Railway Station
Lalkuan Junction Railway Station (station code: LKU) is one of the oldest and busiest railway stations in the Kumaon region. It operates under the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone and connects several important routes.
Key Features of Lalkuan Junction:
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Located 21 km from Haldwani city
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Easy connections to Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Kathgodam
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Basic amenities like food stalls, auto rickshaw stands, and parking
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Clean platforms and multiple train services daily
If you’re planning to visit hill stations like Nainital, Almora, or Bhimtal, it is the nearest railway junction serves as your gateway.
Inside Lalkuan Junction Railway Station
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | 3 broad‑gauge platforms |
| Amenities | Waiting room, retiring room, vegetarian café, water kiosks, cloakroom |
| Accessibility | Ramps & foot overbridge with railings |
| Ticketing | Counters + IRCTC automatic vending machines |
| Last‑mile | Shared autos to Haldwani & Kathgodam (₹40–50) |
Major Train Routes to and from here
Here are some of the most searched train routes related to LalKuan:
1. Kichha to Lal Kuan Train
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Distance: 23 km
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Travel Time: Around 35-40 minutes
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Popular Trains: Kumaon Express, Doon Express
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Frequency: Daily and bi-weekly options
2. Lal Kuan to Kathgodam Train
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Distance: 24 km
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Travel Time: Approx. 30-40 minutes
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Common Trains: Bagh Express, Nainital Express
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Frequency: Frequent service, especially in season
3. Lal Kuan to Delhi Trains
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Distance: 280 km approx
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Travel Time: 5.5 to 7 hours
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Popular Trains: Ranikhet Express, Doon Express, Bagh Express
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Best for: Overnight journey or early morning travel
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Tip: Lal Kuan trains are preferred for those heading towards hill stations as it’s less crowded than Kathgodam but well-connected.
Full Lalkuan Junction railway station train schedule
| Train Name | Train No. | Route | Dep. from LKU | Halt Time | Major Cities Covered | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti | 15035/36 | Delhi–Kathgodam | 21:22 | 2 mins | Ghaziabad, Rampur, Moradabad | Daily |
| Ranikhet Express | 15013/14 | Jaisalmer–Kathgodam | 03:44 | 2 mins | Delhi, Jaipur, Moradabad | Daily |
| Ramnagar–Bandra Terminus Special | 09062 | Ramnagar→Bandra Terminus (via Lal Kuan) | 08:00 | 10 mins | Kashipur, Bazpur, Rudrapur City | Special |
| Dehradun–Kathgodam Express | 14120 | Dehradun–Kathgodam | 06:15 | 1 min | Haridwar, Najibabad, Kashipur | Daily |
| Lucknow–Kathgodam Express | 15043 | Lucknow–Kathgodam | 07:00 | 2 mins | Lucknow, Bareilly, Kichha | Tri-weekly |
| Bagh Express | 13019/20 | Howrah–Kathgodam | 08:10 | 5 mins | Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow | Daily |
| Jan Shatabdi Express | 12091 | Dehradun–Kathgodam | 22:45 | 2 mins | Haridwar, Moradabad, Haldwani | 6 Days/Week |
| Kathgodam Shatabdi Express | 12039/40 | New Delhi–Kathgodam | 06:08 | 2 mins | Ghaziabad, Rampur, Haldwani | Daily |
| Garib Rath Express | 12208/07 | Jammu Tawi–Kathgodam | 12:24 | 2 mins | Ludhiana, Saharanpur, Roorkee | Weekly |
| Howrah–Lal Kuan SF | 12353/54 | Howrah–Lal Kuan | 06:55 | 3 mins | Asansol, Lucknow, Bareilly | Weekly |
| Lalkuan–Amritsar SF | 14615/16 | Lalkuan–Amritsar | 23:45 | 3 mins | Ambala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar | Weekly |
| Lalkuan–Anand Vihar Intercity | 15059/60 | Lalkuan–Delhi ANVT | 04:25 | 2 mins | Rudrapur, Rampur, Ghaziabad | Bi-weekly |
| Bandra–Lalkuan SF | 22543 | Bandra T. – Lal Kuan | 11:00 | 4 mins | Vadodara, Kota, Kanpur | Weekly |
| Kathgodam–Moradabad Passenger | 55301/04 | Kathgodam–Moradabad | 09:30 | 1 min | Haldwani, Kichha, Rampur | Daily |
| Lalkuan–Kashipur Passenger | 05383 | Lalkuan–Kashipur | 12:30 | 2 mins | Haldwani, Bazpur, Kashipur | Daily |
| Kasganj–Lalkuan Express | 15061/62 | Kasganj–Lalkuan | 21:55 | 3 mins | Gonda, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit | Daily |
| Agra Fort–Ramnagar Express | 15055 | Agra–Ramnagar (via LKU) | 18:10 | 2 mins | Mathura, Bareilly, Kashipur | Tri-weekly |
| Lalkuan–Sitapur Passenger | 05379 | Lalkuan–Sitapur | 10:15 | 2 mins | Bareilly, Pilibhit, Sitapur | Daily |
| Delhi Sarai Rohilla–Kathgodam | 14043 | Delhi–Kathgodam | 05:35 | 1 min | Gurgaon, Moradabad, Haldwani | Daily |
| Kathgodam–Ajmer Garib Nawaz | 12099 | Kathgodam–Ajmer | 14:50 | 2 mins | Haldwani, Rampur, Jaipur | Weekly |
| Lalkuan–Bareilly DEMU | 55378 | Lalkuan–Bareilly | 17:45 | 1 min | Kichha, Baheri, Izzatnagar | Daily |
| Ramnagar–Lalkuan Passenger | 05384 | Ramnagar–Lalkuan | 07:00 | 2 mins | Kashipur, Bazpur | Daily |
Note: Train timings and routes are subject to change. Always verify on
IRCTC or
Trainman before travel.
How to Book Your Train Ticket Online
Booking a train to or from Lalkuan Junction Railway Station (LKU) is simple. Here’s how:
Method 1: Using IRCTC (Official)
1. Visit www.irctc.co.in
2. Sign in or create an account.
3. Enter From: Lalkuan (LKU) and your destination.
Select date → Choose your train → Confirm seats → Pay online.
Download or print your e-ticket.
Method 2: Using Trusted Booking Apps
These platforms are beginner-friendly and fast:
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ConfirmTkt – live seat prediction
Pro Tips
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Book at least 2 weeks in advance during peak season (March–June).
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Use UPI for fast payments.
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Always double-check station code: LKU = Lalkuan Junction
How to Reach Lal Kuan
By Train
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Lalkuan Junction Railway Station (LKU) handles express and MEMU trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun, Bareilly and more (full details in Section 6).
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Overnight options: Ranikhet Express, Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti, Garib Rath.
By Road
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NH‑109 connects Lal Kuan to Haldwani (30 min), Nainital (1 h 20 min) and Delhi (6 h).
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Frequent Uttarakhand Roadways buses run every hour from Anand Vihar ISBT, Delhi.
By Air
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Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is 29 km away (45 min taxi). Limited daily flights from Delhi.
7. Things to See and Do Nearby
| Spot | Distance | Why Go? |
|---|---|---|
| Gaula Barrage | 4 km | Sunset stroll & birdwatching |
| Umeshwaram Mahadev Temple | 6 km | Cave‑style Shiva shrine |
| Walkway Mall, Haldwani | 18 km | Largest shopping complex in Kumaon |
| Kathgodam Riverside | 22 km | Picnic & cool breeze |
| Jim Corbett (Ringora Gate) | 48 km | Easy tiger‑spotting detour |
Hidden foodie gems
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Garg Chole Bhature outside the platform‑1 gate.
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Pandey Pahadi Momo cart near NH‑109 bend—open evenings only.
Where to Stay Near Lal Kuan
While LalKuan itself has limited hotel options, nearby cities like Haldwani and Kathgodam offer plenty of choices:
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Budget Hotels in Haldwani
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Family Lodges in Kathgodam
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Resorts near Bhimtal or Nainital (for scenic stays)
Use platforms like Booking.com, Goibibo, or WanderSky Tour Packages for better deals.
Conclusion
Lal Kuan in Haldwani is more than just a railway stop — it’s your smooth entry point into the beautiful Kumaon hills. Whether you’re traveling to Nainital, Bhimtal, or Almora, the Lalkuan Junction Railway Station offers great connectivity without the crowd you’d find at Kathgodam. From updated train schedules to nearby attractions, food joints, and stay options, everything you need for a comfortable trip is right here.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Uttarakhand, consider starting your journey from Lal Kuan. It’s convenient, well-connected, and offers a quieter travel experience — ideal for both solo travelers and families.
FAQs About LalKuan
1. Is Lal Kuan and Lalkuan the same?
Yes, both refer to the same town. “Lalkuan” is often used in a railway context.
2. Which is the nearest hill station to Lal Kuan?
Nainital is the closest hill station, about 32 km away.
3. Can I get direct trains to Lal Kuan from Delhi?
Yes. Ranikhet Express, Bagh Express, and Doon Express connect directly from Delhi.
4. Is it better to get down at Lal Kuan or Kathgodam for Nainital?
Kathgodam is slightly closer, but Lal Kuan is less crowded and well connected by road.
5. How can I check Lal Kuan train timings?
Use apps like IRCTC Rail Connect, NTES, or visit train booking sites for live schedules.
6. Is Lal Kuan the same as Kathgodam?
No. Lal Kuan Junction is 22 km before Kathgodam; both serve Kumaon but are different stops.
7. How long is the Kichha–Lal Kuan rail run?
About 18 km, 25–35 min depending on the train.
8. Can I get a bus to Nainital directly from Lal Kuan?
Yes—Uttarakhand Roadways buses start at 06:00; journey 1 h 20 min.
9. Are there budget hotels near the station?
Dharamshalas start at ₹350, mid‑range lodges at ₹1,200 per night.
