Mussoorie, lovingly referred to as the “Queen of Hills,” is a breathtaking hill station nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Famous for its misty mountains, colonial-era charm, vibrant bazaar life, and stunning natural beauty, Mussoorie stands as one of North India’s top getaway destinations. If you are traveling from Bangalore—India’s Garden City and Silicon Valley—this journey spans the entire subcontinent, taking you from the dynamic culture of southern India to the serene heights of the Himalayas.
This comprehensive travel guide will explain the distances, transport options, practical tips, frequently asked questions, and local insights to help you plan a smooth and memorable trip from Bangalore to Mussoorie.
Distance from Bangalore to Mussoorie
Before planning your travel, it’s essential to understand the scale of the journey:
- By Road: The driving distance between Bangalore and Mussoorie is approximately 2,350 km to 2,500 km, depending on the specific route you take. The quickest routes traverse major national highways via Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jhansi, Delhi, and Dehradun.
- Aerial Distance: The straight-line (aerial) distance is about 1,850 km, but Mussoorie has no airport.
- Travel Time: Direct road trips can take 40–48 hours (nonstop), but this is rarely attempted unless as part of a multi-day road adventure. Most travelers combine air/rail with the final leg by road.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Bangalore
Several convenient routes combine air, train, and road legs. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the best options for time, comfort, and budget:
1. By Air + Road: Bangalore to Dehradun, then Road to Mussoorie
This is the fastest and most popular route.
Step 1: Fly from Bangalore to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport, DED)
- Direct flights: As of 2025, there are no direct flights from Bangalore (BLR) to Dehradun (DED). Travelers typically take connecting flights via Delhi (most common), Mumbai, or Hyderabad.
- Typical Air Route: Bangalore → Delhi → Dehradun
- Total Flight Time:
- Bangalore to Delhi: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
- Delhi to Dehradun: 1 hour.
- Including layovers: Total air travel time generally ranges from 4.5 to 7 hours depending on layover duration.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, Akasa Air, and others operate on these routes.
- Approximate Airfare (one-way): ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 depending on booking time, season, and class.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie (by Road)
- Distance: About 34 km.
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours uphill via winding but well-maintained roads.
- Transport Options:
- Prepaid taxis: Available at Dehradun Airport and Dehradun Railway Station (₹1,800–₹2,500).
- State buses/shared cabs: Budget-friendly, slightly slower than private cabs.
Why Choose This Route?
- Fastest door-to-hilltop option—you can reach Mussoorie the same day with an early morning flight.
- Maximum comfort and minimal transfer hassles.
- Scenic mountain drive as the final stretch.
2. By Air + Train + Road: Bangalore to Delhi by Air, then Train/Road to Mussoorie
Ideal if you want to experience India’s railway and maximize budget options.
Step 1: Fly from Bangalore to Delhi
- Frequent daily flights, every hour from Bangalore Kempegowda Airport to Delhi IGI Airport.
- Flight time: 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Fares: Often ₹3,500–₹9,000 depending on timing and class.
Step 2: Delhi to Dehradun/Haridwar by Train
- Delhi to Dehradun: Multiple express, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, and overnight trains daily. Travel time: 5.5 to 7.5 hours.
- Delhi to Haridwar: Even more frequent trains; Haridwar is about 85 km from Mussoorie and can be a good base for exploring more of Uttarakhand.
- Popular Trains: Nanda Devi Express, Mussoorie Express, Dehradun Shatabdi.
Step 3: Dehradun/Haridwar to Mussoorie by Road
- From Dehradun: 34 km, 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi/bus.
- From Haridwar: 85 km, 2.5 to 3 hours by taxi/bus.
3. By Rail + Road: Bangalore to Dehradun/Haridwar by Train, then by Road
Best for train fans and budget travelers, but takes 2+ days.
Step 1: Bangalore to Delhi by Train
- Trains: Karnataka Express, Sanghamitra Express, Rajdhani Express.
- Travel Time: 34 to 40 hours.
- Cost: Sleeper ₹950–₹1,200; AC 3-tier ₹2,400–₹3,500.
Step 2: Delhi to Dehradun/Haridwar by Train
See option above.
Step 3: Dehradun/Haridwar to Mussoorie by Road
See option above.
Advantages
- Budget-friendly and scenic but most time-consuming.
- Ideal for those who enjoy classic train journeys.
4. By Road: Bangalore to Mussoorie by Car or Taxi
A true adventure!
- Distance: 2,350–2,500 km.
- Travel time: 40–48 hours non-stop, but plan for 3–4 days with breaks.
- Suggested Route: Bangalore → Hyderabad → Nagpur → Jhansi → Agra → Delhi → Dehradun → Mussoorie, mainly along NH44.
- Why Try? Best for slow travelers, road trip enthusiasts, or those seeking to explore major cities along the way.
- Costs: Typically, taxi fares for outstation trips of this length are ₹35,000–₹50,000+ one way, depending on car and return plan.
Additional Travel Information
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Pleasant weather; best for sightseeing, trekking, and café culture.
- July–September: Monsoon; lush greenery but occasional landslide risk.
- October–February: Winter and snow season; magical hillside views but colder.
What to Pack
- Summer: Light woolens, T-shirts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Monsoon: Raincoat/poncho, waterproof shoes.
- Winter: Jackets, thermals, gloves, woollen caps.
Must-See Places in Mussoorie
- The Mall Road: Vibrant heart of the town for shopping and street food.
- Kempty Falls: Popular waterfall picnic spot.
- Gun Hill and Lal Tibba: Panoramic viewing points.
- Camel’s Back Road: Scenic strolling path.
- Landour, Company Garden, Jharipani Falls: Perfect for day trips and short hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a direct Bangalore–Mussoorie flight?
A: No—no airport exists in Mussoorie. The nearest is Dehradun (DED), which you can reach from Bangalore via connecting flights.
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Mussoorie from Bangalore?
A: Fly Bangalore–Dehradun (via Delhi or Mumbai), then 1.5–2 hours by cab or bus to Mussoorie.
Q: Which is the cheapest way?
A: Train from Bangalore to Delhi/Haridwar/Dehradun, then bus/taxi to Mussoorie—takes longer but saves money.
Q: Can I try a self-drive trip all the way?
A: Yes—spread over several days, it’s a classic Indian overland adventure, best for groups with plenty of time.
Q: Is online booking available for everything?
A: Yes. Air, train, and bus tickets plus cabs can all be booked via internet or reputable travel platforms.
Conclusion
Traveling from Bangalore to Mussoorie is a journey that takes you from the tech capital of southern India to the dreamy cloud-hugged peaks of the north. The most convenient and time-saving route is to fly into Dehradun with a connecting flight, followed by a taxi ride up the Himalayan slopes. Budget travelers and train aficionados can opt for the train via Delhi then onward by rail or bus. Adventurers wishing for a classic Indian road trip can drive up, making the journey itself a story.
