How to Reach Dehradun from Mussoorie

Mussoorie—the famed “Queen of Hills”—is perched at 2,005 meters above Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s bustling capital. Whether you’re ending a hill holiday, need to catch a train/flight, or simply want to explore Dehradun’s food and culture, traveling from Mussoorie to Dehradun is a frequently undertaken and scenic Himalayan descent. This guide details all major routes, transport options, fares, local tips, as well as FAQs for a smooth Mussoorie-to-Dehradun transfer.

Distance from Mussoorie to Dehradun

• By Road: The route is 34 km from Mall Road (Mussoorie) to Dehradun Clock Tower/ISBT/railway station, measured along the main hilly highway.
• Travel Time: Usually 1.5 to 2 hours by car, taxi, or bus under normal traffic; can be longer during peak season, monsoon, or holidays due to congestion or weather delays.
• Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: About 26–28 km (but only accessible by winding hill road).

There are no direct train or flight links; all journeys are completed by road.

Travel Options from Mussoorie to Dehradun

Convenient, frequent, and catering to all budgets and needs:

1. By Taxi – Private, Prepaid, or App-based (Fastest, Most Comfortable)

Best for families, groups, or travelers with luggage or time constraints.

• Private Taxi/Prepaid Stand: Taxis gather at designated stands on Mall Road, Landour, Library Chowk, and Kempty crossing.
  • Fare (July 2025):
    • Sedan: ₹1,200–₹2,200 (one way)
    • SUV/Innova: ₹1,700–₹2,900
  • Duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Advantages: Door-to-door, fast, can accommodate stops (Kempty Falls, Rajpur, Maggi points, etc.), best with luggage/elderly/kids.
• App Cabs (OLA, Uber): Sometimes available, but may not always be reliable in the hills due to patchy network; pre-book in advance if possible.
• Share Taxis: Shared jeeps/sumos ply to Dehradun from main stands, charging ₹150–₹500 per seat (slower, waits for passengers to fill).

Taxi Tips

• Morning and late afternoon get busy—book ahead in peak season.
• Agree on fare, especially with private/local taxis, before boarding.
• Carry cash as hill taxis may not accept digital payments.

2. By Bus – State Government & Private (Most Frequent & Budget-Friendly)

Suitable for solo travelers, students, or those wanting value for money.

• Departure: Buses leave from Mussoorie Bus Stand (Library/ISBT/Mall Road ends).
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm (extra/special buses during holiday rush).
• Bus Types:
  • Ordinary state buses (UTC/GMOU): Most common, cheapest.
  • Some AC/Volvo buses in tourist months.
• Fare: ₹80–₹200 per person.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours; sometimes longer with frequent stops.
• Comfort: Usually bench seating, simple but reliable.

Bus Tips

• Arrive at the bus depot 15–20 minutes early during peak periods.
• State buses run on schedule; private mini-buses may wait for more passengers.
• Express buses (fewer stops) may be available in the morning/late afternoon.

3. By Shared Jeep/Maxi Cab

Efficient for solo travelers or those with little luggage.

• Shared jeeps ply up and down all day between Library Chowk (Mussoorie) and Dehradun old bus stand/railway station.
• Charges: ₹150–₹500 per person (depending on season, demand, route).
• Why choose? Fills up quickly, especially mornings and afternoons; drops at main Dehradun points.

4. By Self-Drive/Private Vehicle

• Route: Follow the Mussoorie Road (NH307)—the route is well-marked and beautiful, descending through Barlowganj, Jharipani, and Rajpur into Dehradun.
• Road Condition: Well-maintained, though can be slippery during monsoon.
• Safety: Use low gear and brake with engine, as continuous use of brakes risks overheating on downhill stretches.

Best Departure Point in Mussoorie

• Library Chowk/Bus Stand: For buses and most taxis.
• Mall Road/Hotels: Taxis and cabs can be booked directly from accommodations.
• Landour: Some jeeps/taxis available; or hire to Library/Mall to catch mainline taxis/buses.

Key Stops and Sights En Route

• Kempty Falls: 13 km from Mussoorie, a popular picnic stop.
• Jharipani Falls: Small detour for those interested in natural sights.
• Rajpur: Famous for bakeries, suburban Dehradun atmosphere.

Additional Local & Safety Tips

• Monsoon (July–September): Allow extra time for weather delays; landslides or downed trees can slow traffic.
• Winter (December–February): Roads may be foggy or slippery; check for weather advisories.
• Baggage Caution: In shared jeeps, ensure you keep an eye on/wear your bags for safety.
• Cash: Have small notes ready for fare and short stops.

Arrival in Dehradun

• Central Drop Points: Dehradun ISBT, Railway Station, Clock Tower, Rajpur Road.
• Further Connectivity: From there, taxis and autos connect you to anywhere in Dehradun, including Jolly Grant Airport (24 km farther).
• Hotels: Many options at all drop points—prebook in peak season or holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How frequent are buses/taxis from Mussoorie to Dehradun?
A: Early morning until evening, every 30–60 minutes—plenty of options.

Q: Cheapest way to travel?
A: State bus or shared jeep—between ₹80 and ₹200.

Q: Fastest way to Dehradun from Mussoorie?
A: Private taxi (1.5 hours in low traffic); shared cabs may take longer if waiting for more passengers.

Q: Is the route safe for families and elders?
A: Yes; well-paved road, but drive slowly in monsoon or foggy conditions.

Q: Can I easily catch a connecting train/flight from Dehradun?
A: Yes—plan to arrive at least 2–2.5 hours before your train/flight if traveling in busy periods.

Conclusion

The descent from Mussoorie to Dehradun is among India’s most scenic short hill journeys. With a choice of frequent buses, reliable taxis, pocket-friendly shared jeeps, and the flexibility of private vehicles, travelers from solo backpackers to large families can pick what suits best. Plan ahead for weather or road conditions, pack accordingly, and enjoy the easy transition from Himalayan promenades back to the bustling capital of Uttarakhand.