Mussoorie, famously known as the “Queen of Hills,” is a scenic hill station situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Renowned for its pleasant climate, panoramic mountain views, colonial heritage, and vibrant bazaars, Mussoorie is a favorite getaway for travelers seeking respite from the plains. If you are traveling from Aurangabad, Maharashtra — a city steeped in historical grandeur with attractions such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves — your journey to Mussoorie combines a vast cultural contrast and offers varied travel options covering air, rail, and road segments.
This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip efficiently by covering distances, transport options, routes, costs, travel tips, and local insights to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip from Aurangabad to Mussoorie.
Distance from Aurangabad to Mussoorie
Before making travel plans, it is helpful to understand the distance and approximate travel time between Aurangabad and Mussoorie:
- By Road: The distance by road ranges from approximately 1,500 km to 1,650 km, depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions. Traveling by road usually takes about 28 to 32 hours, making it a long but scenic journey if done by car or taxi with planned stops.
- By Air (Aerial Distance): The straight-line (aerial) distance between Aurangabad and Mussoorie is around 1,250 km, but since Mussoorie does not have its own airport, travel by air requires flying to nearby airports plus a road journey.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Aurangabad
Since direct connectivity to Mussoorie is unavailable by train or air, travelers typically combine flights or trains to nearby hubs such as Dehradun or Haridwar, followed by a road transfer to Mussoorie. Here are detailed options:
1. By Air + Road: Aurangabad to Dehradun (Via Major Airports), Then Road to Mussoorie
This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Aurangabad to Mussoorie.
Step 1: Fly from Aurangabad to Dehradun (via Connecting Airports)
- No direct flights currently operate between Aurangabad Airport (IXU) and Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED).
- Most travelers take connecting flights via major hubs like Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi (DEL).
- Typical air route options include:
- Aurangabad → Mumbai → Delhi → Dehradun
- Aurangabad → Mumbai → Delhi (1st segment), then Delhi → Dehradun (direct flights available)
- Total air travel time ranges roughly from 5 to 8 hours, depending on layovers and connections.
- Airlines flying on these routes include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara.
Step 2: Road Transfer from Dehradun to Mussoorie
- Dehradun is the closest major urban center with a railway station and airport, approximately 34 km from Mussoorie.
- From Dehradun Airport or railway station, travelers can take:
- Private taxis/cedcabs: Takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, costing around ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 for a standard cab.
- State-run and private buses: Available regularly; more economical but less comfortable.
- The road journey features scenic mountain ascent with pleasant views, but it is winding, so plan accordingly.
Estimated Total Travel Time
- Air travel (including layovers): 5–8 hours
- Road transfer to Mussoorie: 1.5–2 hours
- Total: 7 to 10 hours
Advantages
- Fastest way to reach Mussoorie from Aurangabad.
- Minimizes exhaustion of long overland travel.
Tips
- Book flights well in advance to secure the best connections and fares.
- Early morning flights to Dehradun allow daylight driving in the hills.
- Consider cab pooling or shared taxis for more economical last-mile travel.
2. By Train + Road: Aurangabad to Dehradun or Haridwar by Train, then Road to Mussoorie
For budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer train journeys, this option is suitable.
Step 1: Train from Aurangabad to Dehradun or Haridwar
- There is no direct train from Aurangabad to Dehradun or Haridwar.
- Typical route involves:
- Aurangabad → Mumbai or Delhi (by train)
- Mumbai/Delhi → Dehradun or Haridwar by train
- For example:
- Aurangabad to Mumbai: Several trains daily, approx. 7-8 hours.
- Mumbai to Delhi by Rajdhani or Duronto Express (about 15-17 hours).
- Delhi to Dehradun by train (approximately 6–8 hours).
- Alternatively, Delhi to Haridwar route also available as Haridwar lies about 85 km from Mussoorie.
- Total travel time: 30 to 40+ hours, depending on train schedules and layovers.
Step 2: Road Transfer from Dehradun or Haridwar to Mussoorie
- From Dehradun, follow same taxi or bus option as above.
- From Haridwar, the road journey uphill is about 85 km or 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Fare Estimates
- Total train fare:
- For Sleeper class: ₹1,200–₹2,000 approximately for multi-leg journey.
- AC 3-tier or 2-tier: ₹2,500–₹4,000 plus.
- Taxi fares from Dehradun or Haridwar around ₹1,500–₹3,500.
Advantages
- A scenic and comfortable option for those who enjoy train travel.
- Economical compared to flights if booked early.
- Overnight trains can save on hotel costs.
Travel Tips
- Check train ticket availability well in advance on IRCTC.
- Always plan connections with buffer times for delays.
- Dehradun is a good place to stay overnight if train timings do not match road travel to Mussoorie.
3. By Road: Aurangabad to Mussoorie by Car or Taxi (Long-Distance Drive)
For seasoned road travelers and adventure enthusiasts, driving all the way from Aurangabad to Mussoorie is feasible.
Route Overview
- The distance is 1,500 to 1,650 km, with an estimated non-stop driving time of 28–32 hours.
- A typical route is via:
- Aurangabad → Nashik → Mumbai → Surat → Vadodara → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Dehradun → Mussoorie.
- Mostly national highways and expressways till the foothills of the Himalayas.
Advantages
- Flexibility to stop at places of interest en route (such as Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi).
- Ideal for family groups, friends, or bikers seeking an epic road trip.
Considerations
- Due to length, it’s advisable to break the journey into two or three days with overnight stays in major cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, or Delhi.
- The Dehradun-Mussoorie last leg is mountainous and requires careful driving.
- Long-distance taxi fares typically range from ₹25,000 upwards depending on car type, operator, duration, and return policies.
Additional Travel Tips and Information
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March to June: Pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and clear views.
- July to September: Monsoon season with lush greenery but occasional travel delays due to landslides.
- October to February: Crisp winters, foggy mornings, and snow possible in January and February.
What to Pack
- Light woolen clothes for evenings during summer visits.
- Heavy sweaters, jackets, thermals, gloves, and woolen caps for winters.
- Waterproof jackets and shoes during monsoon.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing in hilly terrain.
Places to Explore in Mussoorie
- Mall Road for shopping and cafes.
- Kempty Falls, Gun Hill viewpoint, Lal Tibba (highest point), Camel’s Back Road.
- Nearby day trips: Landour heritage town, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh, and Rajaji National Park.
Health and Safety Tips
- If prone to motion sickness, keep medicines handy for the hilly final stretch.
- Avoid nighttime driving in the hills due to winding roads and limited lighting.
- Carry sufficient cash apart from digital payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there direct flights from Aurangabad to Dehradun?
A: No, currently there are no direct flights; connecting flights via Mumbai and Delhi are needed.
Q: Is train travel feasible from Aurangabad to Mussoorie?
A: Yes, by taking multiple trains via major junctions like Mumbai and Delhi, though total travel time is longer.
Q: How long does the entire journey take by air plus road?
A: Approximately 7 to 10 hours depending on flight connections and road traffic.
Q: Can I hire a private taxi for the entire Aurangabad to Mussoorie journey?
A: Yes, but it can be costly (₹25,000+ one way) and requires planning for overnight halts.
Conclusion
Traveling from Aurangabad to Mussoorie involves crossing a significant distance that spans several Indian states and diverse geographies. Whether you choose the fastest option of flying via Mumbai and Delhi to Dehradun followed by the picturesque drive to Mussoorie, the economical and classic train journey combined with road travel, or embark on a brave and scenic road trip by car or taxi, each option offers its own adventure.
Plan your travel according to your budget, time availability, and comfort preferences. Book tickets and accommodations in advance, especially in peak travel seasons, and get ready to experience the breathtaking charm of Mussoorie’s hills after a journey blending heritage, culture, and stunning landscapes.
