Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is located in the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh along the India-Nepal border, spread across Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur districts. Reaching the reserve is straightforward from most major cities in North India, with good road, rail, and air connectivity available for all types of travellers. Whether you are planning a weekend trip from Lucknow or a longer wildlife tour from Delhi, this complete guide covers every route and travel option to help you plan your journey to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve smoothly.
Road is the most convenient and widely used mode of travel for reaching Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. The reserve is well connected to all major cities of Uttar Pradesh and North India via national and state highways. Private taxis, self-drive cars, and state buses are all viable options depending on your starting point.
Delhi to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is approximately 300 to 330 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours by road depending on traffic and the route taken.
Alternative Route: Delhi → NH 58 → Ghaziabad → Hapur → Moradabad → Bareilly → Pilibhit. Private taxis from Delhi are readily available and are the most comfortable option for families and groups.The road passes through Moradabad and Bareilly, both well-serviced towns where fuel, food, and rest stops are easily available.
Lucknow to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is approximately 250 to 260 km and takes around 5h 15m by road. Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and one of the most common starting points for visitors flying into the state before driving to the reserve.
The Lucknow to Pilibhit route is smooth and well-maintained throughout, passing through the fertile Terai plains of Uttar Pradesh.Private taxis from Lucknow are widely available and can be pre-booked for the full journey.
Bareilly is the nearest major city to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve at approximately 55 to 80 km, making it the most common last transit point for visitors arriving by train or bus from other cities.
The drive from Bareilly to Pilibhit takes approximately 55 to 80 km, and takes around 2hours. NH 730 connects Bareilly directly to Pilibhit town, from where the reserve entry gates are a short drive further. Taxis and shared cabs from Bareilly to Pilibhit are readily available throughout the day.
Nainital to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is approximately 150 km and takes around 3h 45m by road. Many visitors combine a Nainital hill station trip with a Pilibhit wildlife safari on the same itinerary, as both destinations are within comfortable driving distance.
Agra to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is approximately 300 km and takes around 7h 32m by road. Visitors combining a Taj Mahal visit with a Pilibhit Tiger Reserve safari can cover both on a 3 to 4 day North India itinerary.
Varanasi to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is approximately 630 km and takes around 9h 46m by road. Visitors combining a Varanasi trip with a Pilibhit safari should plan a minimum 2-night stay at the reserve to make the journey worthwhile.
The train is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to reach Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, especially for travellers coming from Delhi, Lucknow, and other major cities of North India.
Pilibhit Railway Station is the nearest railhead to the reserve, located approximately 30 km from the reserve entry gates. It is directly connected to Bareilly, Lucknow, and several other cities in Uttar Pradesh. From Pilibhit Railway Station, local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for the onward journey to the reserve gates. Pre-booking a taxi from Pilibhit town is recommended for early morning arrivals to ensure smooth access to the morning safari slot.
Bareilly Junction is the most well-connected major railway station for Pilibhit Tiger Reserve visitors. It is served by numerous express and superfast trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Mumbai, and other major cities. From Bareilly, private taxis and shared cabs to Pilibhit are available throughout the day. Major trains from Delhi to Bareilly include the Shatabdi Express — approx. 55 to 75 km and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
For visitors arriving from eastern India, South India, or other parts of the country where direct trains to Bareilly are less frequent, Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station is a good arrival point. From Lucknow, hire a taxi for the onward 5 to 6 hour road journey to Pilibhit.
Shahjahanpur is another nearby railway station well connected to Delhi and Lucknow. From Shahjahanpur, taxis to Pilibhit are available and the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
There is no commercial airport directly in Pilibhit. The nearest airports are in Pantnagar and Bareilly, with Lucknow serving as the nearest major international airport for long-distance and international travellers.
Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. It is connected to Delhi via regular flights operated by domestic carriers. From Pantnagar, hire a taxi for the approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours road journey to Pilibhit.
Bareilly has a domestic airport with limited but growing flight connectivity, primarily to Delhi. If flights are available on your travel dates, Bareilly Airport is the most convenient air arrival point for Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. From Bareilly Airport, taxis to Pilibhit town take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Lucknow Airport is the nearest major international airport and the most well-connected air hub for Pilibhit Tiger Reserve visitors. It is served by all major domestic airlines from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as select international routes. From Lucknow Airport, hire a private taxi for the 5 to 6 hour road journey to Pilibhit.
For international travellers and visitors flying in from outside India, Delhi is the most practical arrival point. From Delhi Airport, hire a private taxi or take a train to Bareilly for the onward journey to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
| City | Distance | Travel Time | Best Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Approx. 330 km | 6–7 hours | Road/Train to Bareilly |
| Lucknow | Approx. 260 km | 5–6 hours | Road/Train |
| Bareilly | Approx. 55–80 km | 1.5–2 hours | Road/Train |
| Nainital | Approx. 150 km | 3–4 hours | Road |
| Shahjahanpur | Approx. 80 km | 1.5–2 hours | Road/Train |
| Pantnagar | Approx. 75–85 km | 2–2.5 hours | Road |
| Dehradun | Approx. 360 km | 6–7 hours | Road |
| Haridwar | Approx. 310 km | 5–6 hours | Road |