Getting Around Rishikesh: Uber, Ola, Autos, Bicycles and Scooties

The short answer: the Uber and Ola apps do cover Rishikesh, but travellers report that availability for short trips inside town is patchy, and they work better for longer runs such as Haridwar or Dehradun airport. The everyday way of getting around is shared autos, and many visitors who stay more than a day or two end up renting a scooty. Availability changes, so open the app at your exact pickup point before you rely on it.

Uber and Ola in Rishikesh

Both apps list Rishikesh, and they can be useful for a pre-booked transfer from Haridwar, Dehradun airport or the railway station. Inside the town, around Laxman Jhula, Tapovan, Ram Jhula and Swarg Ashram, reports differ: some visitors get a car in a few minutes, others wait a long time or find none. Narrow lanes and car-free bridge areas also mean a car cannot always reach where you are staying. We cannot promise what the apps will show on the day, so treat them as one option, not the plan.

Shared autos, the main way around

Shared autos (often called vikrams) run set routes between Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Tapovan, Muni Ki Reti and the main market, and you pay the driver directly. Travel guides such as Wikivoyage's Rishikesh page have quoted fares of roughly ₹10 to ₹30 per hop, though those figures date from a few years ago and prices change, so agree the fare first. Autos stop running late in the evening, and they do not go where you want, only where the route goes.

Taxis and shared jeeps

For longer trips, such as Neelkanth, Haridwar or the hills beyond Rishikesh, taxis and shared jeeps are available. A taxi is a sensible choice for a one-way transfer with luggage. It is an expensive way to explore for several days.

Is there a bike taxi in Rishikesh?

Some visitors look for a ride-hailing bike taxi. We cannot confirm reliable bike-taxi coverage in Rishikesh, so do not plan a trip around it. If you want a two-wheeler, renting your own is the dependable option.

Bicycle rental in Rishikesh

Bicycles can be hired in town, but we do not rent them. Our fleet is one Honda Activa 125 scooty and five Royal Enfield motorcycles. The area is hilly, hot in summer, and the road between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula and Tapovan is busy, so most visitors who want freedom to move choose a scooty.

Why many visitors rent a scooty

• Cost. The Activa is from ₹500 a day, ₹400 a day for a week, and ₹9,000 for a month. For a stay of several days that is usually less than paying for autos and taxis between every stop.
• Reach. Cafés, yoga schools, Kunjapuri for sunrise and the Neelkanth road are all easy on two wheels. See the scooty rental page.
• No gears. The Activa is automatic. A gearless licence is enough.
• Delivery. We deliver free anywhere in Rishikesh, including the railway station and bus stand. See bike rental at the railway station and bus stand.

Check the documents you need before you arrive, and read how safe it is to ride a scooty in Rishikesh.

Frequently asked questions

Is there Uber in Rishikesh?

The Uber app lists Rishikesh, but short in-town availability is reported as inconsistent. Check the app at your pickup point.

Is Ola available in Rishikesh?

Ola also operates in the area, with similar caveats. It tends to be more dependable for longer transfers than for hops between the bridges.

What is the cheapest way to get around Rishikesh?

For one short trip, a shared auto. For several days of exploring, a rented scooty is usually cheaper than repeated autos and taxis.

Can I rent a bicycle in Rishikesh?

Bicycles are available in town, but we do not rent them. We rent a Honda Activa 125 scooty and Royal Enfield motorcycles.