Mussoorie—affectionately known as the “Queen of Hills”—is a glittering jewel in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas. Its inviting Mall Road, misty colonial charm, temperate climate, and breathtaking Himalayan panoramas draw travelers from across India, making it a popular retreat for those looking to escape city bustle. Traveling from Mumbai, India’s pulsating economic capital, is an adventure that takes you from the sea-skirting high-rises of Maharashtra to the serene, cloud-wreathed summits of North India. This comprehensive guide covers routes, distances, ideal travel modes, local insights, and frequently asked questions for a smooth Mumbai-to-Mussoorie trip.
Distance from Mumbai to Mussoorie
Understanding distance is crucial for planning an efficient journey:
- By Road: Mumbai to Mussoorie covers about 1,660–1,750 km depending on exact routes, often via Indore, Gwalior, Agra, Delhi, and Dehradun.
- Travel Time: Overland journeys take about 28 to 35 hours of driving; most travelers break the journey either by air or rail for comfort and speed.
- Aerial Distance: The straight-line (flight) distance is around 1,350–1,420 km, but Mussoorie lacks an airport; you’ll always need a final road transfer.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Mumbai
With no direct airport or railway station in Mussoorie, all travelers must finish their journey with a 34 km scenic ascent from Dehradun by taxi or bus. Here are the principal travel options:
1. By Air + Road (Fastest and Most Convenient)
This is the quickest and most hassle-free route for most travelers.
Step 1: Mumbai to Dehradun by Air
- Direct Flights: There are no direct flights from Mumbai (BOM) to Dehradun (DED) as of July 2025. Most flights connect via Delhi, and some via Lucknow.
- Common Route: Mumbai → Delhi (IGI) / Mumbai → Lucknow → Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport).
- Flight Duration: Mumbai–Delhi (2.2–2.5 hours); Delhi–Dehradun (1 hour). Total air time—excluding layovers and airport processes—ranges 4.5–7 hours.
- Fares: Mumbai–Dehradun (one-way): ₹4,800–₹12,000 (book early for deals).
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air, etc.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie by Road
- Distance: 34 km (airport to Mussoorie town center).
- Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours.
- How to Go:
- Prepaid taxis from the airport (₹1,200–₹2,500 for most cars).
- Shared taxis and state buses (₹80–₹200) from Dehradun city.
- Why Choose This Route?
- Speediest overall: Board a morning flight from Mumbai and reach Mussoorie for an evening stroll on Mall Road.
- Comfortable & seamless: Ideal for families, business travelers, and those short on time or wishing to avoid long road/train journeys.
Tips
- Book morning flights into Dehradun so the hill drive is done in daylight.
- If rolling in late, Dehradun has many hotels to break the journey overnight.
2. By Train + Road (Budget-Friendly, Scenic, and Classic)
Best for train lovers, students, and comfortable longer journeys.
Step 1: Mumbai to Dehradun/Haridwar/Saharanpur by Train
- Direct Mumbai–Dehradun Train:Dehradun Express (pronounced 19019/19020) runs from Bandra Terminus to Dehradun, twice a week.
- Duration: ~32–36 hours, depending on schedule and stops.
- Booking: Reserve at least 1–2 months in advance on IRCTC.
- Alternative: Take any Mumbai–Delhi/Haridwar/Saharanpur train and connect onwards to Dehradun.
- Multiple daily trains to Delhi; change to Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Nanda Devi Express to Dehradun.
- Fare: Sleeper class ₹800–₹1,200; AC 3-tier ₹2,000–₹3,000.
Step 2: Road Transfer from Dehradun/Haridwar to Mussoorie
- Dehradun–Mussoorie: 34 km; 1.5–2 hours by taxi (₹1,200–₹2,500); frequent buses (₹80–₹200).
- Haridwar–Mussoorie: 85 km; 2.5–3 hours by car/bus; less recommended unless you have Haridwar as a stopover.
Advantages
- Economical: Best value for solo travelers or families watching budgets.
- Comfortable: Sleep, relax, and see India’s dramatic shift from sea to mountains.
- Scenic: The Dehradun Express passes through heartland India—perfect for long-haul rail fans.
Tips
- Prefer overnight trains to arrive in Dehradun in the morning for a relaxed hill drive.
- Secure taxis or bus connections at Dehradun ahead of time in peak season.
3. By Bus + Road (For Budget Backpackers & Adventurers)
- No direct Mumbai–Mussoorie bus exists. You can:
- Travel by bus to Delhi (16–22 hours; fare ₹1,900–₹3,400).
- From Delhi, multiple buses (Volvo, AC sleeper, ordinary) run to Dehradun (6–8 hours).
- Then take a taxi or local bus for the last stretch to Mussoorie.
Why Choose This?
- Budget-friendly: Useful for last-minute seat seekers or those wanting stopovers in North India.
- **Not recommended for families or elderly due to length and need for multiple connections.
4. By Car/Self-Drive/Taxi (Epic Road Trip)
- Total Distance: 1,660–1,750 km.
- Time: 28–35 hours (nonstop; typically two or more days with stops).
- Best Route: Mumbai → Indore → Gwalior → Agra → Delhi → Meerut → Dehradun → Mussoorie (following NH52, NH44, and NH334/NH307).
- Why Choose? Only for adventurous groups, bikers, or road-trip families wanting pit stops at Indore, Delhi, Agra, etc.
- Cab/Rental Fare: ₹25,000–₹35,000+ (one way; depends on car/operator).
Additional Travel Details
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Warm, pleasant; peak tourist season—book ahead.
- July–September: Monsoon magic, but landslide-prone; plan for delays.
- October–February: Winters—crisp, with possible snow Jan–Feb; pack warmly.
What to Pack
- Summer: Light woolens, sun gear, sneakers.
- Monsoon: Raincoat, umbrella, quick-dry clothes, grip shoes.
- Winter: Heavy jackets, gloves, thermals, woolen cap.
Must-See in Mussoorie
- The Mall Road: Shopping, colonial charm, cafés.
- Kempty Falls: Classic waterfalls and picnic spot (15 km out).
- Gun Hill & Lal Tibba: Spectacular Himalayan viewpoints.
- Landour, Camel’s Back Road: Nature, bakeries, old-town walks.
- Nearby: Jharipani Falls, Company Garden, Dhanaulti for nature lovers.
Safety and Local Tips
- **Book flights/trains and Mussoorie hotels 2–3 months ahead in summer/winter holidays.
- Carry some cash as digital payments can be patchy in hills.
- If prone to motion sickness: Carry medicine for winding Dehradun–Mussoorie drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there direct flights from Mumbai to Mussoorie?
A: No, Mussoorie has no airport. Fly Mumbai–Dehradun (with a Delhi stop), then taxi or bus for the last 34 km.
Q: What’s the fastest way from Mumbai to Mussoorie?
A: Early morning flight to Dehradun via Delhi, then taxi to Mussoorie—door-to-hill in 7–10 hours (with good connections).
Q: Cheapest route?
A: Sleeper train from Mumbai to Dehradun or Haridwar, then state bus/shared taxi to Mussoorie.
Q: Is the journey family-friendly?
A: Yes! Flights, trains, and pre-booked cabs are all family-friendly; night driving in hills is best avoided.
Q: Can I make the journey in a day?
A: Yes—morning flight connections with a quick transfer allow same-day arrival; trains require at least one overnight journey.
Conclusion
Traveling from Mumbai to Mussoorie is a journey across the incredible river valleys, plains, and historical corridors of India, ending in the cool, cloud-blanketed promenades of one of the Himalayas’ most iconic towns. For the best mix of comfort and speed, fly via Delhi to Dehradun and taxi to Mussoorie. Train + road offers scenic, cost-effective alternatives for relaxed travelers. No matter your route, smart planning, early booking, and a sense of adventure will reward you with Mussoorie’s misty air, colonial boulevards, and majestic mountain vistas.
