Pithoragarh is not the easiest place to reach, which is part of its appeal. The most common approach is from Kathgodam — the railhead for Kumaon, served by trains from Delhi — from where shared taxis and buses cover the 212 km to Pithoragarh in six to eight hours depending on road conditions and your driver's enthusiasm. The road climbs steadily through Almora and beyond, with increasingly dramatic scenery as you ascend.
Direct buses run from Haldwani and Almora. Private taxis can be hired from Kathgodam if you want a faster and more comfortable journey. The Naini-Saini Airport near town has occasional flights to Dehradun and Pant Nagar, but schedules are irregular and not to be relied upon. Most people travel overland.