Mussoorie, rightly called the “Queen of Hills,” is a captivating retreat in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, known for cool pine forests, colonial charm, vibrant bazaars, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. If you’re starting your journey from Mathura—the birthplace of Lord Krishna and a spiritual gem of Uttar Pradesh—this trip will take you across the heartland of North India and into the cool heights of Mussoorie. This comprehensive guide covers step-by-step travel routes, distances, practical modes, local insights, essential tips, and FAQs to ensure your Mathura-to-Mussoorie escape is smooth and memorable.
Distance from Mathura to Mussoorie
An accurate sense of distance is crucial for planning:
- By Road: The direct driving distance from Mathura to Mussoorie is approximately 325–360 km, depending on the specific route and traffic conditions.
- Travel Time: Most road journeys take 7 to 9 hours by car or taxi (not counting extended breaks), with travel times subject to road conditions, city exits, and rush around weekends/holidays.
- Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: About 225–240 km, but there are no direct flights covering this route; all trips involve road/rail combinations with a final scenic hill ascent.
Mussoorie lacks its own railway station or airport—so your journey will always conclude with a 34 km drive up from Dehradun, the hill gateway of Uttarakhand.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Mathura
You have several travel options, each with unique advantages for comfort, timing, and cost. Here’s an expertly curated breakdown:
1. By Road (Private Car / Self-Drive / Taxi)
This is the fastest, most direct, and flexible way—favorite for families or groups.
Route Details
- Common Route: Mathura → Ghaziabad/Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Dehradun → Mussoorie
- Distance: 325–360 km via NH44, NH334/NH307 (using the Yamuna Expressway up to Greater Noida, then connecting to national highways).
- Travel Time: 7–9 hours, depending on stops, meal breaks, and traffic especially near Ghaziabad and Meerut.
- Cab/Taxi Fare: Sedan: ₹4,500–₹7,500; SUV: ₹6,000–₹10,000 (fluctuates by season/demand).
- Self-Drive: Good highways till Dehradun; the final climb is winding but generally well-maintained.
Why Choose This?
- Door-to-door convenience.
- Flexible stops: Enjoy dhabas in Meerut/Muzaffarnagar, scenic breaks, or even short visits to Haridwar/Dehradun.
- Great for: Families, groups, travelers with luggage, or anyone prioritizing comfort.
Tips
- Start early to avoid city and highway traffic, especially on weekends/holidays.
- Check fuel, cash, and navigation apps before departure; recharge devices en route.
- In monsoon (July–September), verify hill road status for possible landslides or weather delays.
2. By Train + Road
Ideal for affordable, comfortable, and classic Indian travel lovers.
Step 1: Mathura to Dehradun / Haridwar / Saharanpur by Train
- Mathura Junction (MTJ) connects directly and indirectly with major North Indian railheads. No daily direct trains to Dehradun, but good connectivity via Delhi.
- Recommended route: Mathura → Delhi (by fast train; 2–2.5 hrs; multiple daily options), then board any Delhi → Dehradun/Haridwar express (Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express, Jan Shatabdi, Nanda Devi Express; journey: 5.5–8 hrs); or take an overnight express up to Haridwar.
- Alternative: Mathura–Saharanpur superfasts/border expresses, then road transfer up.
- Total Train Travel: 7–11 hours (Mathura–Delhi–Dehradun/Haridwar/Saharanpur with connections).
- Fare: Sleeper from ₹250, AC ₹700–₹1,800.
Step 2: Road to Mussoorie
- Dehradun–Mussoorie: 34 km, 1.5–2 hours by taxi (₹1,000–₹2,500) or state bus (₹100–₹200).
- Haridwar–Mussoorie: 85 km, 2.5–3 hours by taxi/bus; Saharanpur–Mussoorie (~110 km).
- Taxis, shared jeeps, and regular buses run throughout the day from rail stations.
Advantages
- Budget-friendly: Ideal for solo, student, or family travelers.
- Overnight/sleeper trains: Rest on the plains, relax before the hillside drive.
- Flexible options: Multiple morning/evening trains daily.
Booking Tips
- Reserve train tickets on IRCTC well in advance—especially in summer or festival periods.
- Prefer to reach Dehradun/Haridwar by daylight for a safe, scenic 34 km climb.
3. By Bus + Road (For Budget & Backpackers)
Cost-effective mode for solo/young travelers, or when tickets are sold out.
Step 1: Bus from Mathura to Dehradun / Haridwar
- Regular government and private bus services (including Volvo and sleeper) connect Mathura to Delhi (3–4 hours), then Delhi to Dehradun/Haridwar (6–8 hours).
- Fare: Ordinary bus ₹550–₹900, Sleeper/Volvo ₹1,200–₹2,000.
- Booking: Via Redbus, Paytm, UPSRTC, or UTC for assured seats.
Step 2: Local Bus/Taxi up to Mussoorie
- From Dehradun/Haridwar’s city/ISBT, frequent buses, shared cabs, or jeeps go to Mussoorie for ₹80–₹200 (bus), and ₹1,000–₹2,000 (taxi).
Tips
- Pick overnight buses for maximum efficiency; rest on the way, arrive fresh for the hill stretch.
- For comfort, opt for AC/volvo class.
- Book buses in advance, especially during school or festival holidays.
4. By Air + Road (Premium & Fastest Option)
Best for time-pressed, comfort-first, or business travelers.
Step 1: Mathura to Delhi by road/train
- Nearest airport: Delhi IGI, approximately 170–190 km from Mathura (3–4 hrs by car/train).
Step 2: Fly from Delhi to Dehradun
- Flights: Multiple daily, ~1 hr flight time.
- Fare: ₹2,800–₹7,000 depending on airline and booking time.
- Booking: Plenty of online options via airline sites or aggregators.
Step 3: Dehradun Airport to Mussoorie (60 km)
- Prepaid taxi or app-based car: 1.5–2 hours; fare ₹1,200–₹2,500.
- Final 34 km is winding, scenic hill road.
Why Choose?
- Fastest way: Home in Mathura to Mussoorie hotel in 7–9 hours under optimal connections.
- Perfect for international arrivals or those connecting to Delhi from elsewhere.
Additional Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Peak tourist season, sunny and cool, blooming rhododendrons. Book early!
- July–September: Monsoon; hills lush green, misty, but possible landslides.
- October–February: Crisp winter air, snow chances Jan–Feb; pack woolens.
What to Pack
- Light woolen clothing for evenings in summer.
- Warm jackets, gloves, scarves for winter.
- Waterproof jacket, shoes, and umbrella during monsoon.
- Camera, power bank, cash (Digital payments can be spotty in the hills).
Must-See in Mussoorie
- Mall Road: Shopping, food, classic colonial stonework.
- Kempty Falls: Iconic picnic spot 15 km from town.
- Gun Hill / Lal Tibba: Himalayan viewing points.
- Camel’s Back Road, Landour: Scenic walks, bakeries.
- Company Garden, Jharipani Falls: Nature and relaxation.
Safety & Local Tips
- Book all your buses/trains/cabs and lodging in advance at peak times.
- Carry motion sickness pills (for hilly final segment).
- Travel by daylight as the last stretch is winding and foggy after dark.
- At tolls and local shops, keep some cash handy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there direct buses/trains from Mathura to Mussoorie?
A: No; all journeys require a transfer at Dehradun, Haridwar, Saharanpur, or Delhi, followed by a final road ascent.
Q: How long is the total journey from Mathura to Mussoorie?
A: By taxi or car: 7–9 hours. Train + road: 8–12 hours (with good connections). By air: as little as 7–9 hours with smooth transfers.
Q: Cheapest way from Mathura to Mussoorie?
A: Train or non-AC bus to Dehradun, then a state bus/shared jeep up the final leg.
Q: Is it safe/easy for solo travelers?
A: Absolutely – trains, buses, and cabs are frequent, and Mussoorie is a popular, welcoming tourist town.
Q: Can I complete the journey in a single day?
A: Yes! With an early start, any mode allows arrival in Mussoorie by evening.
Conclusion
Traveling from Mathura to Mussoorie is an adventure, taking you from the spiritual richness of Braj to the misty slopes and colonial boulevards of Uttarakhand’s hills. Whether you choose the speed and luxury of air travel, the classic comfort of Indian Railways, value-centric sleeper buses, or the convenience of your own car, all routes lead to Mussoorie’s cool mountain air, iconic Mall Road, and breathtaking vistas. Plan and book in advance for holidays, pack for changing mountain weather, and enjoy a complete reset amid the hills.
