Mussoorie, nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is often called the “Queen of Hills.” It’s an idyllic hill station known for its colonial charm, panoramic mountain views, vibrant bazaars, and pleasant climate—making it a favored destination for travelers seeking respite from the plains. If you are starting from Meerut, a historically significant city in Uttar Pradesh and a gateway to the Himalayan region, this guide will provide comprehensive travel details covering distances, transport options, recommended routes, costs, travel tips, and frequently asked questions to help you plan your journey smoothly from Meerut to Mussoorie.
Distance from Meerut to Mussoorie
- By Road: The driving distance between Meerut and Mussoorie is approximately 180 to 210 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken.
- Typical Travel Time: The journey usually takes 5 to 7 hours by car or taxi, influenced by traffic, weather, and road conditions. Weekend or holiday travel might take longer due to increased tourist inflow.
- Aerial (Straight-line) Distance: Roughly 150 to 160 kilometers.
- Other Transfers: Mussoorie does not have a train station or airport; the nearest railhead and airport is Dehradun, about 34 km from Mussoorie.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Meerut
There are multiple convenient ways to reach Mussoorie from Meerut, each suited to different traveler preferences, budgets, and time constraints. This article covers:
1. By Road: Private Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive (Fastest and Most Flexible)
Traveling by road directly from Meerut to Mussoorie is the most popular and convenient option.
Route Details:
- Common Route: Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Saharanpur → Najibabad → Dehradun → Mussoorie.
- Distance: Approximately 180–210 km.
- Estimated Driving Time: 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and conditions.
Taxi/Private Car Options:
- Fare Estimate:
- Sedan: ₹2,500–₹4,500 one way.
- SUV or larger vehicles: ₹4,000–₹7,000 one way (prices may increase during weekends and holidays).
- Advantages: Door-to-door convenience with flexibility to stop en route for meals, breaks, or sightseeing.
- Self-Drive: The roads are mostly well-maintained up to Dehradun; the last 34 km to Mussoorie is a scenic, winding climb requiring cautious driving but is manageable with proper attention.
Route Insights:
- Highways up to Dehradun are predominantly good quality; expect tolls and moderate traffic especially during peak season.
- The climb from Dehradun to Mussoorie is hilly with hairpin bends; avoid night driving along this stretch.
- Popular pit stops include Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur for refreshments and fuel.
Tips for Road Travel:
- Start early to avoid city traffic in Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Dehradun.
- Check weather and road conditions during monsoons (July to September), as rains can cause delays and landslides.
- Carry cash or have FASTag for toll payments.
- Keep a physical or offline map handy as mobile signals may be patchy in hilly terrain.
2. By Train + Road Transfer (Economical, Comfortable Option)
Since Mussoorie lacks rail connectivity, the nearest railhead Dehradun is your destination by train, followed by a road transfer to Mussoorie.
Step 1: Meerut to Dehradun by Train
- Rail Connectivity:
- Direct trains are available from Meerut City Junction (MTC) or Meerut Cantt (MB) to Dehradun (DDN).
- Popular trains include the Dehradun Express and others that take approximately 3 to 5 hours.
- Booking: Tickets are available via IRCTC; book early on weekends and holiday seasons.
- Fares: Sleeper class fares typically range from ₹150–₹350; AC coaches cost more depending on availability.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie by Road
- Distance: 34 km uphill climb from Dehradun to Mussoorie.
- Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Transport Options:
- Private taxis or prepaid cabs (₹1,200–₹2,500).
- Frequent private and state-run buses offer economical travel (₹80–₹150).
- Shared jeeps and cabs providing budget solutions.
- Advantages:
- Comfortable, scenic, and convenient especially for those who prefer less time on road trips.
- Avoids peak traffic and allows travel at a relaxed pace.
Tips:
- Aim to arrive in Dehradun before dusk for a safe and scenic climb.
- Pre-book your taxi or check state bus timings via local websites or apps.
- The Dehradun station is well-connected to taxis and shared cabs for uphill journey.
3. By Bus (Budget-Friendly and Frequent)
Buses provide a low-cost option, best suited to solo travelers, students, and budget-conscious tourists.
Step 1: Direct or Connecting Buses from Meerut to Dehradun
- State-run Uttar Pradesh Roadways and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses operate on Meerut–Dehradun routes.
- Private operators run Volvo and ordinary sleeper buses.
- Journey time ranges from 5.5 to 8 hours depending on bus type.
- Fares range from ₹300 for ordinary buses to ₹900 for Volvo AC coaches.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie
- Frequent buses connect Dehradun ISBT to Mussoorie Bus Stand.
- The 34 km hill journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Bus fare: ₹50–₹150.
- Shared or private taxis are an alternative for faster travel on this final leg.
Tips:
- Book tickets ahead for holiday seasons via online portals like Redbus.
- Overnight buses can save daytime travel but may be less comfortable.
- Arrive early at bus stands to ensure boarding, especially in peak seasons.
4. Combination by Plane + Road (Less Practical from Meerut)
Since Meerut is close to Delhi, if you are traveling from other regions and plan to catch a flight, flying into Dehradun from Delhi and then traveling by road to Mussoorie is a great option.
- From Meerut, take a taxi or bus to Delhi (40–60 km, 1–2 hours).
- Fly from Delhi’s IGI Airport to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (1-hour duration).
- Then take a taxi or bus for the final climb to Mussoorie.
- This option is mostly used by travelers coming from distant cities via Delhi.
Additional Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March to June: Pleasant weather, clear skies perfect for sightseeing.
- July to September: Monsoon season; lush valleys but travel disruptions possible due to landslides.
- October to February: Cold winters with chances of snowfall; carry warm clothes.
What to Pack
- For summers: Light woolens or jackets, good walking shoes, sun protection.
- Monsoon travelers: Raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes.
- Winters require heavy jackets, thermals, gloves, and warm footwear.
Must-See Attractions in Mussoorie
- Mall Road for shopping and local eateries.
- Kempty Falls, a picturesque waterfall ideal for family picnics.
- Hilltop viewpoints like Gun Hill and Lal Tibba for panoramic Himalayan vistas.
- Scenic walks along Camel’s Back Road and visit Company Garden.
Safety and Travel Advice
- Book tickets and cabs in advance during peak tourist seasons.
- Avoid driving on mountainous roads at night.
- Carry medications in case of motion sickness on winding hill roads.
- Keep cash handy for toll plazas and small vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a direct train from Meerut to Mussoorie?
A: There is no direct train to Mussoorie. The closest station is Dehradun, reachable by train from Meerut with onward road travel.
Q: How long does the journey take by road?
A: Approximately 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get to Mussoorie from Meerut?
A: Bus from Meerut to Dehradun and then state/local bus or shared cab uphill to Mussoorie.
Q: Are taxis available on demand at Dehradun railway station?
A: Yes, prepaid and private taxis are plentiful at Dehradun station for Mussoorie transfers.
Q: Is it safe to drive the last stretch to Mussoorie in monsoon?
A: Caution is advised; check weather reports, avoid night driving and be prepared for possible delays.
Conclusion
Traveling from Meerut to Mussoorie offers a scenic and relatively short Himalayan escape, blending plains highways with beautiful mountainous ascents. Whether traveling by private car, comfortable train plus hill taxi, economical buses, or a combination of flight and road from Delhi, each mode offers its own advantages. Advance booking, early starts, and packing appropriately for hill weather will help you enjoy a smooth journey to Mussoorie’s quaint streets, misty peaks, and rejuvenating mountain air.
