Mussoorie, celebrated as the “Queen of Hills,” is perched high in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, famed for its crisp air, colonial-era boulevards, lively Mall Road, and breathtaking Himalayan views. Roorkee, a historic city on the banks of the Ganga Canal—renowned for its engineering institute and vibrant bazaars—is well-positioned for an easy, scenic getaway to Mussoorie. This in-depth guide details all your travel options, distance, routes, local tips, and answers to the most frequently asked questions for a smooth Roorkee-to-Mussoorie journey.
Distance from Roorkee to Mussoorie
Understanding the journey’s scale frames your trip planning:
- By Road: The driving distance from Roorkee to Mussoorie is about 90–105 km, depending on the precise route and Roorkee’s starting point.
- Typical Travel Time: 2.5 to 4 hours by car, taxi, or bus, influenced by traffic, season, and weather. Expect longer durations during monsoon and peak tourist weekends.
- Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: About 65–70 km as the crow flies, but the hilly terrain means all trips involve scenic winding roads.
Mussoorie lacks its own railway station or airport; all journeys conclude via a final hill drive from Dehradun.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Roorkee
Travelers enjoy several convenient, affordable, and flexible options—private car, taxi, bus, or combined train plus road.
1. By Road – Private Car, Self-Drive, or Taxi (Fastest & Most Flexible)
This is the most popular and seamless route, especially for families or groups.
Main Route
- Roorkee → Haridwar Bypass → Dehradun → Mussoorie (via NH344, NH7, NH307).
- Distance: 90–105 km (depending on Dehradun routing)
- Total Travel Time: 2.5–4 hours
Cab/Taxi Fare
- Sedan: ₹2,200–₹4,000 one way (July 2025 rates)
- SUV: ₹3,200–₹5,500
- Advantages: Door-to-door comfort, luggage flexibility, the option to stop en route (e.g., Dehradun’s famous bakeries or Maggi/tea points on the hill climb)
- Self-Drive: Roads are well-paved up to Dehradun; the last 34 km (Dehradun–Mussoorie) is a beautiful, winding mountain ascent—drive confidently and avoid late-night ascents.
Local Driving Tips
- Leave by 7–8 am to avoid Haridwar and Dehradun rush.
- In monsoon (July–September), check for landslide/weather advisories near Mussoorie.
- Refuel in Dehradun, as options are limited on the uphill segment.
- The final hill climb requires steady, low-gear driving and offers magnificent valley views.
2. By Train + Road (Economical & Convenient)
A great option for solo, student, or budget travelers wanting a restful journey.
Step 1: Roorkee to Dehradun by Train
- Frequent trains: Roorkee (RK) to Dehradun (DDN) is a common route with several express, superfast, and passenger trains daily.
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours on most express trains.
- Fares: Sleeper ₹90–₹200, AC Chair/3-tier ₹180–₹600.
- Booking: Reserve via IRCTC, especially in summer and on weekends.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie by Road
- Distance: 34 km up the hill.
- Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours.
- By Taxi: ₹1,000–₹2,000 (station taxi stands, prepaid and app-based cabs).
- By State Bus: UTC and private buses run every 30–60 minutes from Dehradun Railway Station, ISBT, or Old Bus Stand; fare ₹80–₹200.
- Shared cabs/jeeps: Available for Rs.100–₹250 (per person; best for budget travelers).
Why Choose This Route?
- Sleep, read, or work on board the train; arrive fresh for the scenic, winding final ascent up to Mussoorie.
- Safe and budget-friendly, especially for solo or female passengers.
Tips
- Aim for a morning train to reach Dehradun by noon and begin your hill drive in daylight.
- Travel light on public transport; most buses/taxis have limited trunk space.
3. By Bus (Budget-Friendly & Frequent)
Best for students, solo travelers, or last-minute plans.
Step 1: Bus from Roorkee to Dehradun
- Regular government (UTC/UPSRTC) and private (Volvo, AC, non-AC, sleeper) buses.
- Journey Time: 2–2.5 hours.
- Fares: ₹100–₹400 depending on bus class.
- Boarding: Roorkee bus stand, ticket booking on site or in advance online via Redbus.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie
- Continue as outlined above (state/private bus, taxi, or shared cab).
Advantages
- Bus connections between Roorkee and Dehradun are frequent—every 20–40 minutes during the day.
- The transfer in Dehradun is simple; bus stands and taxi offices are central.
Tips
- For best comfort, book a deluxe/Volvo bus for Roorkee–Dehradun.
- Stick to daytime travel for better safety and hill views.
4. By Air + Road (Not Practical)
- Roorkee has no airport. The closest is Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport, 60 km from Mussoorie).
- Air travel is only needed for international/distant arrivals, not for the short Roorkee–Mussoorie trip.
Additional Local & Practical Advice
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Peak season; clear skies, lively street life, busiest shops—book hotels early!
- July–September: Monsoon; lush hills, but landslides and delays are possible.
- October–February: Cool, crisp winters; possible snow in Jan–Feb—pack thick woolens.
What to Pack
- Summer: Light jacket, sunglasses, cap, sunscreen, sneakers.
- Monsoon: Raincoat/umbrella, waterproof sandals or shoes.
- Winter: Heavy jacket, gloves, scarf, thermal, woolen cap.
En Route Sights & Must-See in Mussoorie
- Dehradun: Robber’s Cave, Forest Research Institute, street food at Paltan Bazaar.
- Mussoorie: Mall Road (shops, cafes, colonial ambiance), Kempty Falls (picnic spot), Gun Hill & Lal Tibba (panoramic views), Camel’s Back Road, Company Garden, Landour’s bakeries.
Safety & Local Tips
- Always book train/bus/cab tickets in advance for summer/weekends.
- Carry cash (small bills) for highway dhabas and local markets.
- Avoid driving up the final hill after sunset, especially in monsoon or winter fog.
- For motion sickness, carry medicine (the last 34 km is winding).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a direct train or bus from Roorkee to Mussoorie?
A: No; all direct services go to Dehradun. From there, continue by taxi, shared jeep, or state/private bus up the final 34 km.
Q: How long does the trip take?
A: By car/taxi: 2.5–4 hours; by train+taxi/bus: 3.5–5 hours; by bus+bus: 4–6 hours with waits.
Q: What’s the cheapest way?
A: Ordinary train or bus to Dehradun, then a state bus or shared cab up to Mussoorie.
Q: Are taxis available from Dehradun station to Mussoorie?
A: Yes—prepaid and private taxis are plentiful and can be booked on arrival.
Q: Can I finish the journey in half a day?
A: Absolutely—with an early start, you’ll have lunch on Mussoorie’s Mall Road!
Conclusion
Traveling from Roorkee to Mussoorie is a quick, scenic, and easy Himalayan getaway, whether you choose the direct comfort of a taxi, the affordability of a train or bus, or the flexibility of self-drive. Plan your mode to suit your group and budget, book in advance for holidays, and get ready to enjoy Mussoorie’s cool breeze, heritage promenades, and the legendary views that have captured generations of travelers—just a few hours from Roorkee’s historic heart.
