Mussoorie, dubbed the “Queen of Hills,” is a charming hill station nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Revered for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, colonial architecture, and panoramic views of the Doon Valley and snow-capped peaks, Mussoorie remains a favored escape for travelers across India. If you are starting your journey from Allahabad (officially known as Prayagraj), a sacred city at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna, this article will offer a comprehensive travel guide on how to reach Mussoorie from Allahabad, covering distances, travel modes, tips, and important local insights for a smooth, enjoyable trip.
Distance from Allahabad to Mussoorie
Understanding the distance between these two places is crucial before planning your trip:
- Road Distance: The driving distance between Allahabad and Mussoorie is approximately 795 to 940 kilometers, depending on the route taken. This journey typically takes 11 to 18 hours, considering road conditions, stops, and traffic.
- Aerial (Straight-line) Distance: The aerial distance is roughly 650 kilometers, but no direct flights connect these two points.
Since Mussoorie lacks its own railway station and airport, travel from Allahabad involves combinations of road and rail or air plus road transfers to reach the final hill destination.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Allahabad
Travelers can avail themselves of multiple options — including by road, train, air as well as their combinations — to cover the journey from Allahabad to Mussoorie efficiently. Let’s explore these in detail.
1. By Air + Road: Allahabad to Delhi, then Road Transit to Mussoorie
This is the fastest and often the most convenient option for those who prefer air travel combined with the comfortable and scenic last leg by road.
Step-by-Step:
- Fly from Allahabad (Prayagraj) Airport (IXD) to Delhi (DEL):
- Allahabad Airport has regular flights connecting to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- Duration: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, and others operate direct flights on this route.
- From Delhi to Mussoorie by Road:
- The distance from Delhi to Mussoorie is about 280 to 300 km, often covered in 7 to 8 hours by taxi, rental car, or bus.
- Several options exist here:
- Private taxi/car hire: Comfortable door-to-door service.
- Volvo/ac buses: Available from Delhi ISBT (Kashmiri Gate), time-efficient and economical.
- Shared cabs: For budget-minded travelers.
Approximate Travel Time:
- Flight duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Layover and airport transit time: 1–2 hours (variable)
- Road journey Delhi–Mussoorie: 7–8 hours
Total: 9–11 hours approximately, depending on transit and traffic.
Tips:
- Book your flight from Allahabad to Delhi well in advance, especially in the tourist seasons (summer and winter).
- Leaving Delhi early morning allows for daylight travel in the hills, which is safer and more scenic.
2. By Train + Road: Allahabad to Dehradun Train, Then Road to Mussoorie
This option is popular among budget travelers seeking a comfortable overnight journey by train and a scenic drive for the last leg.
Step-by-Step:
- Train from Allahabad to Dehradun:
- Direct trains are available, such as the Subedarganj Dehradun Express, covering the approximately 870 km distance usually in 14 to 17 hours.
- You can book tickets online via IRCTC or at booking counters.
- From Dehradun to Mussoorie by Road:
- Dehradun is the nearest major railhead to Mussoorie, located about 34 km away.
- Taxi, rental cabs, shared jeep services, and state-run buses operate frequently between Dehradun and Mussoorie.
- Travel time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the scenic but winding hill roads.
Approximate Travel Time:
- Train travel: 14–17 hours
- Road transfer: 1.5–2 hours
Total: Approximately 16–19 hours including transfers.
Fare Estimates:
- Train Sleeper class: ₹300–₹650
- AC 3-tier/2-tier: ₹900–₹1,800
- Road taxi/bus charges: ₹300–₹1,500 (depending on vehicle and sharing)
Advantages:
- Economical, especially if booked in advance.
- Overnight journey means you can rest on train and arrive fresh for the hill drive.
- Dehradun is a pleasant city to explore if you have overnight layover options.
3. By Train + Road: Allahabad to Haridwar or Saharanpur, Then Road to Mussoorie
Another alternative is traveling via Haridwar or Saharanpur railheads, both well connected to Allahabad by trains.
- Allahabad to Haridwar trains: Available with travel times around 15–16 hours.
- Haridwar to Mussoorie: Road distance ~85 km; approx. 2.5–3 hours by taxi or bus.
- Saharanpur to Mussoorie: Saharanpur lies about 85 km from Mussoorie, reachable by taxi/bus.
This route is less popular but offers flexibility depending on train timings.
4. By Road (Direct Taxi or Self-Drive)
For adventure lovers or groups wanting flexibility, driving or hiring a private taxi for the entire journey from Allahabad to Mussoorie is an option.
Route Details:
- Distance by road: 795 to 940 km, depending upon the chosen highways (NH19, NH334, NH307 etc.).
- Estimated driving time: 13 to 18 hours non-stop, thus ideally split into 1 or 2 days with rest stops.
Popular Route Example:
Allahabad → Prayagraj bypass road → Mirzapur → Varanasi → Sultanpur → Lucknow → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Dehradun → Mussoorie.
Advantages:
- Complete freedom on stops and detours.
- Comfortable for groups and families who want door-to-door travel.
- Opportunity to explore cities en route such as Varanasi, Lucknow, or even Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Tips:
- Preplan overnight halt if needed in cities like Lucknow, Meerut, or Haridwar.
- Avoid night driving on mountain roads (Dehradun to Mussoorie).
- Weather watch especially in monsoon season to avoid landslide-prone zones.
- Hire experienced drivers familiar with hill driving if outsourcing.
Additional Travel Information
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie:
- March to June: Pleasant weather and most popular season.
- July to September: Monsoon season; romantic greenery but risk of landslides.
- October to February: Crisp winters with cold weather and occasional snowfall.
What to Pack:
- Summer: Light woolens, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Winter: Warm jackets, thermals, gloves, woolen caps.
- Monsoon: Waterproof jackets/ponchos, umbrellas, waterproof footwear.
Things to Do in Mussoorie:
- Visit The Mall Road, Camel’s Back Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba.
- Explore nearby gems like Landour, Dhanaulti, and Rishikesh.
- Enjoy trekking, nature walks, and local handicrafts shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there direct trains from Allahabad to Mussoorie?
A: No, Mussoorie does not have a railway station. You take a train to Dehradun or Haridwar and then travel by road.
Q: How long does it take by train and road combined?
A: Typically between 16 to 19 hours, depending on train schedules and connection time.
Q: Is flying a better option?
A: Flying from Allahabad to Delhi and then proceeding by road to Mussoorie saves time, totaling ~9–11 hours but at a higher cost.
Q: Is the road safe for self-driving?
A: Major highways are good, but caution is advised on hilly sections (especially night or monsoon).
Q: Can I book taxis online for the entire route?
A: Yes; many companies and aggregators offer taxi services from Allahabad to Mussoorie with advance booking.
Conclusion
Traveling from Allahabad to Mussoorie offers a fascinating transition from the plains steeped in spiritual heritage to the serene, misty hills of Uttarakhand. With multiple options ranging from economical train journeys plus scenic road transfers to quicker flights followed by hill drives, every traveler can pick a suitable route based on budget, time, and comfort preferences.
If you seek comfort and speed, fly to Delhi and then drive or take a bus to Mussoorie. Budget travelers find affordable overnight trains to Dehradun or Haridwar followed by road transfer best. Road adventurers can choose private cabs or self-drive with planned stopovers.
Plan ahead for your journey, book tickets early, and prepare for a memorable retreat to one of India’s most cherished hill stations!
