Traveling from Mussoorie to the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Dehradun is a quick and convenient journey, popular among locals and tourists heading to catch long-distance buses, trains, or flights from Dehradun. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide covering routes, transport options, timings, fares, and practical tips for a stress-free transfer.
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 34–40 kilometers, depending on your starting point in Mussoorie and the exact route to ISBT.
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by road in normal traffic.
- Route: The road descends from Mussoorie’s Library Chowk or Picture Palace down to Dehradun, then continues through the city to ISBT, which is located on the city’s southeastern outskirts.
Transport Options
1. Private Taxi or Cab (Most Convenient)
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Fare: ₹1,000–₹1,500 for a hatchback/sedan; may be higher in peak season, at night, or for larger vehicles.
- Booking: Easily available at Mussoorie’s main taxi stands (Library, Gandhi Chowk, bus station), hotels, and online platforms.
- Drop Location: Direct drop-off at ISBT’s main entrance.
- Why Choose: Flexible, door-to-door; recommended for travelers with luggage, families, or connecting with early/late buses.
2. Shared Jeep/Maxi Cab
- Shared jeeps run frequently between Mussoorie and Dehradun, often from Library or Picture Palace ends of the Mall. Fare is typically ₹100–₹200 per seat. Shared jeeps usually drop at Dehradun city or near the railway station.
- From here: Take an auto-rickshaw, OLA/Uber (if available), or local city bus to ISBT (7–8 km from railway station; 20–30 minutes).
3. Local/State Bus (Budget-Friendly)
- Direct Buses:
Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private buses connect Mussoorie to Dehradun at frequent intervals throughout the day. Most buses start from both the Library stand and Picture Palace bus stands. - Fare: ₹50–₹100 per head for ordinary buses.
- Journey Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
- Where They Drop: Most Mussoorie–Dehradun buses terminate at the Dehradun Hill Bus Stand (adjacent to Dehradun railway station), not directly at ISBT.
- Final Leg: From the railway station or Hill Bus Stand, take an auto-rickshaw, city bus, or taxi to ISBT.
- Auto fare: ₹120–₹170, 20–30 minutes.
- City bus: ₹20–₹30, 25–40 minutes.
4. Self-Drive/Private Vehicle
- The route is well-signposted and mostly paved but involves steep, winding mountain descent.
- Parking is available at ISBT Dehradun for private vehicles.
Step-by-Step Example Itinerary
| Step | Mode | Estimated Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie → Dehradun | Bus/Taxi/Jeep | 1.5–2 hours | ₹50–₹1,500 |
| Dehradun City → ISBT | Auto/Bus/Taxi | 20–40 minutes | ₹20–₹170 |
| Total | 2–2.5 hours | ₹70–₹1,700 |
Practical Tips
- Early morning/late night: Taxis run 24/7, but buses and shared jeeps reduce frequency after 7–8 PM.
- Booking: No advance ticket needed for buses or jeeps—simply show up at the stand.
- Luggage: Taxis are recommended if you have large bags.
- Weather: Monsoon or winter fog can slow travel; leave buffer time for onward connections.
- Refreshments: Multiple dhabas (roadside eateries) and tea stalls en route for quick meals or refreshments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a direct bus from Mussoorie to ISBT Dehradun?
A: No; most buses terminate at Dehradun Hill Bus Stand or the railway station. From there, a short local transfer (auto/city bus/taxi) takes you to ISBT.
Q: Cheapest way to reach ISBT?
A: Use a local bus from Mussoorie to Dehradun, then a city bus to ISBT—total under ₹100.
Q: How much time should I budget?
A: Minimum 2–2.5 hours; more during heavy traffic or monsoon.
Q: Are taxis always available for the trip?
A: Yes, but book in advance during festivals, early morning, or late night.
Summary Table
| Route | Distance (km) | Typical Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie to Dehradun (city) | 34–40 | 1.5–2 hours | ₹50–₹1,500 |
| Dehradun (city) to ISBT | 7–8 | 20–40 minutes | ₹20–₹170 |
| Total | 40–48 | 2–2.5 hours | ₹70–₹1,700 |
Conclusion
The journey from Mussoorie to ISBT Dehradun is simple and flexible: take a taxi all the way for comfort or use budget-friendly buses and local transfers if you are traveling light. With frequent connections and well-marked routes, reaching ISBT for further travel is easy at any time of year. For questions on onward routes, real-time bus schedules, or help with hotel pick-ups, just ask!
