I Ditched My Car for a Weekend Bus to Rishikesh — Here’s What Actually Happened

For as long as I can remember, “weekend getaway” meant one thing: I drove. Windows down, music up, snacks within arm’s reach. That’s how I’d always done it. If it was within 6–7 hours of Delhi, I’d just hop in the car and go. No questions asked.

But last month? I hit a wall.

Not the kind of tired a nap could fix. I was running on empty, mentally, physically, all of it. Still, the mountains were calling, and I knew I had to get away. But this time, I just couldn’t bring myself to do the whole drive.

So, on a whim, I tried something different. I booked a zingbus to Rishikesh.

And to my surprise… It kind of changed everything.

Why I Left My Car Keys at Home

I’ve done the Delhi–Rishikesh road trip more times than I can count. It’s not terrible, but let’s be honest, it’s not relaxing either.

You spend hours weaving through unpredictable traffic. Google Maps keeps changing its mind. And once you finally get to Rishikesh, finding parking in Tapovan is like a game you never asked to play.

Plus, six hours behind the wheel (each way) isn’t exactly how I want to start and end a relaxing weekend.

So I thought, what if I just… didn’t?

I booked an overnight zingbus, packed light, and let someone else do the driving.

Booking Was Easy Like, Weirdly Easy

I booked my seat in under five minutes on the zingbus app. Picked my departure point (close to home), selected a seat, paid, done. I even added zingbus Plus for some added perks (more on that in a bit).

Boarding was simple. No chaos. The bus was clean, on time, and didn’t smell weird (you know what I mean).

And the ride? Honestly better than expected.

• AC was just right—not freezing, not stuffy
• The seat actually reclined, and I’m not just saying that
• Charging port worked (I fully charged my phone before reaching)
• Polite staff, helpful when needed
• Live tracking on the app gave me zero reason to stress

I grabbed a few snacks, threw on my favorite playlist, and let the road carry me away.

Welcome to Rishikesh—With a Lounge, No Less

We reached Tapovan around 6:30 AM. Normally, this is where I’d be half-asleep, standing with my backpack, googling “cafes near me.”

But not this time.

zingbus has a lounge in Rishikesh and I swear, it was the best surprise of the trip.

Tucked away near Laxman Jhula, the lounge was quiet, clean, and exactly what I needed after an overnight journey. It had:

• Comfy chairs to just sit and breathe
• Clean washrooms (this alone deserves a shoutout)
• Charging points (phone = alive)
• A calm, secure vibe—way better than wandering the streets at sunrise

I chilled there for a bit, freshened up, drank some water, and watched the hills light up as the city slowly woke up. It was peaceful. Effortless. Kinda perfect.

Things I Didn’t Miss (At All)

The moment I stepped into Rishikesh without the weight of my car keys, it hit me how much smoother this trip was already going.

• No fuel stops
• No toll booths
• No parking madness
• No arriving exhausted
• No debating whether to book early check-in at a hotel

I wasn’t just in Rishikesh I was ready for it.

What zingbus Plus Got Me

My friend had told me about zingbus Plus, so I added it while booking. For a small fee, I got:

• Easy boarding, which meant no “excuse me, that’s my seat” drama
• Priority support in case something went wrong (it didn’t, but nice to have)
• Free seat selection which, if you’re particular about window seats like I am, is everything

It felt like a small upgrade that made a big difference.

Money Talk: Did I Save Anything? Yep.

Here’s how the math stacked up:

*Please note: These prices are subject to change based on demand and booking time.

Not only did I save a solid ₹1,000+, I also got there without feeling like I needed a nap and a chiropractor.

A Weekend That Felt Like a Vacation, Not a Task

Since I didn’t spend half my energy on driving, I could:

• Head straight from the lounge to my hike
• Spend lazy hours at cafes without glancing at the clock
• Stay out late Saturday and still be well-rested Sunday
• Catch the return bus and actually sleep on it

By the time I was back in Delhi, I didn’t feel drained. I felt good. Like I had a real break.

Next Move: Subscribing to zingprime

After two solid trips like this, I signed up for zingprime.

If you’re even an occasional weekend traveler, this one’s a no-brainer. You get:

• Extra discounts on every booking
• Priority refunds if plans change last minute
• Complimentary Travel Insurance
• Exclusive Prime-only offers like On-time Guarantee, etc.

It pretty much pays for itself after one or two trips, and just makes booking smoother going forward.

Would I Do It Again? Already Planning My Next One

This trip changed the game for me.

I always thought road trips meant I had to be behind the wheel. Turns out, the road still feels like yours—even when someone else is driving.

zingbus gave me back time, energy, and a sense of ease I didn’t know I was missing.

So if you’re burnt out from driving, or just want a break that actually feels like a break, take the bus. Let the hills come to you.

Thinking About Your Own Escape? Here’s How to Start:

1. Download the zingbus app
2. Search for your route (try Rishikesh—it’s a vibe)
3. Add zingbus Plus for those little comforts
4. Subscribe to zingprime if you’re planning more trips

That’s it. No stress. No traffic. Just a better way to get away.