Mussoorie, often hailed as the “Queen of Hills,” is a captivating hill station nestled in the lush Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Renowned for its pleasant climate, stunning mountain vistas, vibrant bazaars, and colonial charm, Mussoorie has been a timeless favorite for travelers seeking respite from the plains. If you are starting your journey from Bikaner, Rajasthan—a city rich in history, culture, and desert landscapes—this comprehensive guide will prepare you for the exciting journey ahead. We cover distances, travel options, routes, expected travel times, local tips, and frequently asked questions to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable trip from Bikaner to Mussoorie.
Distance from Bikaner to Mussoorie
Before diving into transport options, it’s crucial to understand the distances involved:
- By Road: The road distance from Bikaner to Mussoorie is approximately 900 to 1,000 kilometers depending on the chosen route. The journey by road typically takes between 16 to 20 hours without extended stops.
- By Aerial (Straight-line) Distance: The straight-line distance between Bikaner and Mussoorie is around 700 kilometers, but due to the lack of direct flights and Mussoorie’s hilly terrain, air travel includes connecting flights and road transfers.
Since Mussoorie does not have its own airport or railway station, your travel will combine flights/trains to nearby hubs (especially Dehradun or Haridwar) with road transport to the final hill station.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Bikaner
Here are detailed travel options from Bikaner to Mussoorie depending on your preferences for speed, comfort, and budget:
1. By Train + Road
This is a popular and economical choice for many travelers who prefer train travel combined with a scenic drive.
Step 1: Train from Bikaner to Dehradun or Haridwar
- Since Mussoorie lacks a railway station, the nearest railheads are:
- Dehradun Railway Station (34 km from Mussoorie)
- Haridwar Railway Station (about 85 km from Mussoorie)
- Trains from Bikaner to Delhi:
- Bikaner is well connected to Delhi via multiple trains such as the Bikaner–Delhi Intercity Express, Ranikhet Express, etc.
- The train journey takes around 9–12 hours to Delhi.
- From Delhi to Dehradun or Haridwar:
- You can take an express or Shatabdi train from Delhi to Dehradun (5.5–7 hours) or Haridwar (4.5–6 hours).
- Overall Journey Duration:
- About 16 to 22 hours depending on train connections and waiting times.
- Booking: Use the IRCTC portal to book seats in advance for the long journey.
Step 2: Road Transfer from Dehradun or Haridwar to Mussoorie
- From Dehradun:
- 34 km drive, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi or bus.
- From Haridwar:
- 85 km drive taking around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Transport Options:
- Prepaid taxis, shared cabs, private hires, and state buses operate on this route.
- Estimated Taxi Fare:
- ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 (Dehradun to Mussoorie)
- Slightly higher from Haridwar.
2. By Air + Road
If you want to minimize travel time, flying part of the way is the best option.
Step 1: Fly from Bikaner to Delhi
- Airport: Bikaner Nal Airport (BKB) connects to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Airlines: IndiGo and other domestic airlines operate daily flights.
Step 2: Fly from Delhi to Dehradun
- Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is the closest airport to Mussoorie.
- Flights from Delhi to Dehradun take about 1 hour, with multiple daily flights available.
Step 3: Road Journey from Dehradun to Mussoorie
- 34 km winding road, approximately 1.5–2 hours drive.
- Taxi fares range from ₹1,800 to ₹2,500, with shared cabs or buses offering budget alternatives.
Estimated Total Travel Duration
- Flights total approximately 4-6 hours including layovers.
- Taxi ride adds another 1.5–2 hours.
- Total door-to-door journey time can be as low as 6 to 9 hours.
3. By Road (Taxi or Self-Drive)
For travelers seeking adventure or preferring to keep their itinerary flexible, a road trip from Bikaner to Mussoorie offers a memorable experience.
Route Overview:
- Common route: Bikaner → Jaipur → Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Dehradun → Mussoorie
- Total distance: About 900 to 1,000 km depending on the exact route.
- Estimated driving time: 16 to 20 hours without overnight stops; realistically spread over 2 days or more.
Road Conditions:
- Most of the highways, including stretch from Jaipur to Delhi and Delhi to Dehradun, are good national highways or expressways.
- The last 34 km from Dehradun to Mussoorie involves a winding ascent through the hills requiring careful driving.
Taxi Fare Estimate:
- Approximate one-way fares range from:
- Sedans: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000
- SUVs: ₹15,000 to ₹22,000
Advantages of Road Trip:
- Complete flexibility of timing, stops, and sightseeing.
- Ideal for families or groups traveling with luggage.
- Opportunity to visit places en route such as Jaipur, Delhi, or Haridwar.
Tips:
- Avoid driving the hilly part at night.
- Plan stopovers in cities like Jaipur or Delhi.
- Check weather and road conditions, especially during monsoon.
Additional Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March to June: Pleasant weather and ideal for sightseeing.
- July to September: Lush greenery due to monsoon, but travel can be affected by occasional landslides.
- October to February: Crisp winters with snowfall likely in December and January.
What to Pack
- Light woolens for mornings and evenings in summer.
- Woolens, jackets, gloves and caps for winter.
- Rain gear such as waterproof jackets or umbrellas in monsoon.
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
Popular Attractions in Mussoorie
- The Mall Road
- Kempty Falls
- Gun Hill and Lal Tibba viewpoints
- Camel’s Back Road
- Company Garden and Jharipani Falls
- Nearby towns of Landour and Dhanaulti
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there direct trains from Bikaner to Mussoorie?
A: No, there is no railway station in Mussoorie. Travelers typically go to Dehradun or Haridwar by train and then take road transport.
Q: How long is the train journey from Bikaner to Dehradun?
A: Around 14-18 hours including connection times.
Q: Is flying faster than train?
A: Yes, flights from Bikaner to Delhi plus Delhi to Dehradun, followed by road travel, cuts down travel time significantly.
Q: Can I hire a taxi from Bikaner directly to Mussoorie?
A: Yes, but it is expensive and a long drive. Splitting the journey with flights/trains is generally preferred.
Q: Is it safe to drive through the hilly stretch?
A: Yes, with cautious driving and daytime travel, especially avoiding monsoon rains and night.
Conclusion
Traveling from Bikaner to Mussoorie entails a transition from the arid desert landscapes of Rajasthan to the cool, lush Himalayan hills. Whether you choose the economical train plus road route, the fastest air plus road option, or an adventurous road trip, each mode offers distinct advantages.
For comfort and speed, flying via Delhi and Dehradun with a final taxi ride to Mussoorie is recommended. Budget travelers enjoy train journeys through northern plains into the Dehradun valley. Road trip lovers have the freedom of exploring attractions en route while experiencing India’s diverse terrain firsthand.
Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather forecasts, and preparing for the scenic hills. Mussoorie’s cool breezes, crisp mountain air, and stunning vistas await your arrival.
