Mussoorie—famously called the “Queen of Hills”—is a jewel in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas. It’s renowned for misty promenades, colonial-era architecture, vibrant bazaar life, and spellbinding Himalayan views. For residents of Pune, the cultural and IT hub of Maharashtra, a trip to this hill town is an epic cross-country escape: from the Deccan plateau to the cool Himalayan slopes. Here’s your practical, step-by-step guide: distances, travel modes, routes, practical advice, and FAQs for a smooth Pune-to-Mussoorie adventure.
Distance from Pune to Mussoorie
Understanding travel distances will help you plan better:
- By Road: Pune to Mussoorie is approximately 1,720–1,870 km by car/taxi, depending on the precise route.
- Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: About 1,350–1,390 km, but there’s no airport in Mussoorie.
- Travel Time: Overland road journeys take 28–34 hours of continuous driving but are rarely chosen except for major road trips. Most travelers break this up with flights or trains plus a scenic road ascent at the end.
Mussoorie does not have its own airport or railway station; all long-distance routes finish with a winding 34 km drive up from Dehradun.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Pune
Here’s a breakdown of the most efficient and comfortable travel options:
1. By Air + Road (Fastest and Most Convenient)
This is overwhelmingly the top choice for most travelers.
Step 1: Pune to Dehradun by Air
- No direct Pune–Dehradun flights currently operate (as of July 2025).
- Common Option: Take a direct or connecting flight from Pune (PNQ) to Delhi (DEL); then Delhi to Dehradun (DED, Jolly Grant Airport).
- Pune–Delhi: Multiple direct flights daily (2–2.5 hours).
- Delhi–Dehradun: Frequent flights (~1 hour), several each day.
- Total Air Time: Including layover, typically 4.5 to 8 hours, depending on connection timing.
- Fares (July 2025): Pune–Delhi: ₹3,800–₹9,000; Delhi–Dehradun: ₹2,800–₹7,500. Booking early saves money.
- Tip: Select morning flights for optimal connections and daylight hill climbs.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie by Road
- Distance: 34 km from Dehradun city/train station or airport (the airport is southeast of the city).
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours, with winding hairpin bends.
- Transport options:
- Prepaid taxi: ₹1,200–₹2,500 (depending on vehicle and season).
- State bus/shared cabs: ₹80–₹200 (buses from Dehradun Railway Station or ISBT).
- App cab services and private bookings are available at the airport.
- Advantages: Seamless transfer, maximum comfort, and speed—ideal for family, business, or those with tight schedules.
2. By Train + Road (Budget-Friendly, Relaxed Option)
Best for those who love rail journeys, are price-conscious, or prefer to avoid air travel.
Step 1: Pune to Dehradun/Delhi/Haridwar by Train
- No direct Pune–Dehradun train.
- Most practical: Take a Pune–Delhi (Hazrat Nizamuddin/New Delhi/Anand Vihar) superfast or express (Goa Express, Nizamuddin Express, Pune–New Delhi Duronto/Sampark Kranti, etc.), 24–28 hours.
- From Delhi, board a train to Dehradun (Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express, Nanda Devi Express, etc.; 5.5–8 hours) or to Haridwar (multiple trains).
- Fares: Sleeper class: ₹800–₹1,500; AC 3-tier/2-tier: ₹2,200–₹3,500 (Pune–Delhi), extra for Delhi–Dehradun leg.
Step 2: Road to Mussoorie
- From Dehradun: 34 km, 1.5–2 hours; taxis (₹1,200–₹2,000), state bus/shared jeep (budget option).
- From Haridwar: 85 km, 2.5–3 hours by cab or bus.
- Tip: Overnight trains let you rest, and you can start your hill climb fresh in the morning.
Why Choose This Option?
- Economical and immersive: Ideal for families, groups, and those who enjoy classic Indian train travel.
- Booking: Secure train tickets 1–3 months in advance, especially for summer, festival, or school holiday travel.
3. By Bus + Road (For the Adventurous/Backpackers)
A budget method with more transfers, suited to students and backpackers.
Route
- Long-distance sleeper/Volvo buses go from Pune to Delhi (18–20 hours, ₹1,400–₹3,200).
- Delhi to Dehradun: Multiple daily/night Volvo, AC, and ordinary buses from Kashmiri Gate ISBT (6–8 hours, ₹500–₹1,200).
- Dehradun to Mussoorie: Local bus/shared cab or taxi as above.
Pros & Cons
- Cheapest way, but slowest and least comfortable—best for youth or groups with minimal luggage.
- Booking via Redbus, Paytm, or operator websites is recommended.
4. By Road/Self-Drive/Taxi (For the True Road-Tripper)
- Total Distance: 1,720–1,870 km; Route: Pune → Indore → Gwalior → Agra → Delhi → Meerut → Dehradun → Mussoorie.
- Travel Time: 28–34 hours, realistically spread over 2–3 days with night halts.
- Taxi/Fare: ₹25,000–₹40,000+ one way (plus tolls, petrol, etc.).
- Advantage: Flexibility, stops at major cities; ideal for groups wanting to sightsee or with lots of time.
Additional Travel & Local Tips
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Pleasant, clear weather; peak tourist months.
- July–September: Monsoon; scenic and green but possible travel delays.
- October–February: Crisp cold winter; snow possible Jan–Feb (pack heavy woolens).
What to Pack
- Summer: Light woolens, sunglasses, hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen.
- Monsoon: Raincoat/umbrella, waterproof footwear.
- Winter: Heavy jackets, gloves, thermals, woolen cap/scarf.
Must-See in Mussoorie
- Mall Road: Bustling shopping, food, and colonial alleys.
- Kempty Falls: Iconic waterfalls/picnic spot.
- Gun Hill, Lal Tibba: Himalayan panoramas.
- Camel’s Back, Landour, Company Garden: For scenic walks and quiet.
- Nearby: Jharipani Falls, Dhanaulti—extend your trip with day tours.
Local & Safety Tips
- Book all tickets and hotels early during May–June, Diwali, and New Year.
- Carry cash (UPI/Cards less accepted in small hill shops/markets).
- Be mindful of motion sickness: final 34 km to Mussoorie involves sharp hill turns—carry medication if needed.
- Avoid hill road night driving, especially in monsoon/fog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there direct flights from Pune to Mussoorie?
A: No. Fly Pune–Delhi, then Delhi–Dehradun, then taxi/bus up the final 34 km.
Q: Fastest way from Pune to Mussoorie?
A: Morning flight to Delhi, transfer to Dehradun, then a 1.5–2 hour taxi up to Mussoorie: 7–10 hours point-to-point with smooth connections.
Q: What’s the cheapest way?
A: Train Pune–Delhi; train Delhi–Dehradun; bus or shared jeep up. Takes longer, but saves money.
Q: Can I drive myself all the way?
A: Yes (very long haul); plan for several overnight halts and only for seasoned drivers.
Q: Is the trip family-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Premium train/flight+taxi routes are comfortable for elders or kids; bus routes best for students or very budget-minded.
Q: Can I finish the journey in a day?
A: Only if you catch early flights and quick road transfers; otherwise, most combos take 18–36 hours.
Conclusion
Traveling from Pune to Mussoorie is an exciting, multi-mode journey bridging India’s urban Deccan plateau and the cool, colonial charm of the Garhwal hills. The fastest and most comfortable option—flight to Dehradun plus taxi—is recommended for most. Trains and buses connect budget-seekers and the adventurous, with the final 34 km offering a taste of mountain drama and beauty. Book smart, pack for the season, and prepare to enjoy the magic of Mussoorie’s promenades, mountain mists, and Himalayan views—all just a day’s travel from Pune.
