Quick answer: For a one-day ride from Delhi, the usual picks are Neemrana (about 121 km) and Mathura–Vrindavan (about 166 km). For a two-day weekend, riders usually choose Rishikesh, Jim Corbett, Lansdowne, Jaipur or Nainital. Before you go, check which expressways allow motorcycles, and avoid the Kanwar Yatra weeks on the Haridwar road.
Know the rules before you pick a route
Not every fast road near Delhi is open to bikes. The Delhi–Meerut Expressway bans motorcycles on its main carriageway but allows them on the service roads. Two-wheelers are also prohibited on the Dwarka Expressway. Rider reports say two-wheelers have been allowed on the Yamuna Expressway since it opened in 2012. Rules change and signage varies, so check the entry point before you commit.
How far is each ride from Delhi?
Distances are approximate road distances, and riding times are typical estimates. Your starting point and route will change both.
| Ride | Distance | Typical riding time | Best as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sohna and Damdama Lake | about 64 km | about 1.5 hours | Sunrise or half-day ride |
| Neemrana | about 121 km | 2 to 3 hours | Day ride |
| Mathura–Vrindavan | about 166 km | about 3.5 hours | Day ride |
| Bharatpur | about 222 km | 4 to 5 hours | Day ride or overnight |
| Haridwar | about 214 km | 4 to 5 hours | Overnight |
| Rishikesh | about 231 km | 4 to 5 hours | Overnight |
| Agra | about 235 km | 4 to 5 hours | Overnight |
| Jim Corbett | about 238 km | 5 to 6 hours | Two-day ride |
| Lansdowne | about 255 km | 6 to 7 hours | Two-day ride |
| Jaipur | about 275 km | 5 to 6 hours | Two-day ride |
| Nainital | about 320 km | 6 to 7 hours | Two-day ride |
Short rides under 150 km
Sohna and Damdama Lake. This is the easiest early-morning ride from Delhi. It is close enough to be back before the day heats up.
Neemrana. A common route is Delhi, Bilaspur Kalan, Bawad, Neemrana, which takes only two to three hours. Neemrana has a fort-hotel, a historic stepwell and Siliserh Lake nearby. Start early and you can ride out, eat breakfast and be home by mid-afternoon.
One-day or overnight rides, 150 to 250 km
Mathura–Vrindavan is a straightforward day ride, mostly on one corridor.
Agra is a long day or an easy overnight. Leave early, because the traffic at the city end is heavy.
Haridwar and Rishikesh suit an overnight stay, so you can see the evening aarti and ride back fresh. Check the calendar first, because the Kanwar Yatra closes this road for days (see below).
Jim Corbett is best treated as a two-day ride. Check the entry rules for the park zone you plan to visit before you leave.
Two-day weekend rides, 250 km and beyond
Lansdowne is a quieter hill-station ride. Guides recommend going via Meerut, Mawana and Kotdwar for better road conditions and views.
Jaipur is the classic highway weekend, with a stay in the city. ILTR’s Royal Rajasthan tour covers Jaipur, so we know the road well.
Nainital is the longest of these, at about 320 km each way. Plan an early start on the way out and the way back.
When to ride, and when to avoid the road
Kanwar Yatra. Every year, usually in July and August, lakhs of pilgrims walk from Haridwar, and the Delhi–Haridwar highway shuts for days. In 2026, NH-58 and the Ganga Canal Road in Muzaffarnagar closed to all vehicles from 4 to 12 August. The Uttar Pradesh section of the Delhi–Meerut Expressway was also closed, from 7 to 12 August. Dates change every year, so check the current notices before planning any ride toward Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.
Winter fog. In ILTR’s experience on Rajasthan roads, fog appears only in December and January, at night when it is cold. Plan your day so you are not riding in the dark.
Monsoon. Pack rain gear. ILTR riders carry it on every monsoon ride. Hill roads are more affected by rain than the highways near Delhi.
Ride planning tips from ILTR
- Start early. On ILTR rides in hot months, groups leave at 6:00 AM and rest in the afternoon. In the cold season we leave around 9:00 AM.
- Reach before sunset. This is our rule for every day’s ride.
- Fuel together. Everyone fuels up at the same stops, coordinated in real time, so the group stays together.
- Avoid night riding on forest roads. Riding to Sariska in the evening or in the dark is not recommended because of poor visibility and wildlife.
- Ride your own ride. Keep a safe gap, agree a regroup point before you set off, and don’t chase the fastest rider.
Weekend motorcycle rides from Delhi: FAQ
What is the best one-day bike ride from Delhi?
Neemrana and Mathura–Vrindavan are the most common day rides. Sohna and Damdama Lake suit a shorter morning ride.
Can I ride a motorcycle on the Delhi–Meerut Expressway?
Not on the main carriageway. Two-wheelers must use the service roads.
Which weekend rides are best for beginners?
Start with Sohna, Neemrana or Mathura–Vrindavan. They are short, and you can build up to an overnight ride later.
When should I avoid riding to Haridwar or Rishikesh?
During the Kanwar Yatra, usually in July and August, when the Delhi–Haridwar highway is closed for several days.
Can I join a group ride from Delhi?
Yes. ILTR is a New Delhi-based riding community, and you can browse upcoming rides on our All Events page.
Ride with the ILTR community
India Loves To Ride is a motorcycle and cycling community based in New Delhi. To find a group ride or list your own for free, visit our All Events page. Planning something longer? Read our Ladakh motorcycle trip guide, or write to us at join@indialovestoride.in about planned tours.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026. Road rules, closures and distances change, so check before you ride. Sources: Bike trips from Delhi, distances and routes; Places near Delhi-NCR for a long weekend; Delhi–Meerut Expressway guide; Expressways where motorcycles are not allowed; Team-BHP, motorcycles on expressways; Business Today, Kanwar Yatra 2026 closures; Curly Tales, Kanwar Yatra 2026 traffic curbs.