Mussoorie, the “Queen of Hills,” is a postcard-perfect retreat in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, famous for misty promenades, British colonial charm, thriving bazaars, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Patna, the vibrant capital of Bihar on the banks of the Ganga, is a city steeped in history and culture. Traveling from Patna to Mussoorie offers an adventure that bridges bustling plains to serene heights. This guide walks you through distance, route options, transport modes, local tips, and traveler FAQs for a smooth Patna-to-Mussoorie escape.
Distance from Patna to Mussoorie
Understanding the journey’s scope helps you plan better:
- By Road: Patna to Mussoorie is approximately 1,080–1,200 km depending on your route through Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Typical Driving Time: 20–24 hours of non-stop driving, but most travelers combine trains, flights, or buses for comfort.
- Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: About 870–900 km (no direct air route; Mussoorie lacks its own airport).
Most journeys end with a scenic 34 km hill climb from Dehradun.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Patna
Several comfortable and budget-friendly options are available for travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the main routes and tips:
1. By Train + Road (Most Practical & Popular)
Ideal for most travelers who value comfort, cost, and restful journeys.
Step 1: Patna to Dehradun or Haridwar by Train
- No direct trains from Patna to Dehradun; most require a change at Delhi, Varanasi, or Lucknow.
- Options:
- Patna to Delhi: Multiple daily superfast and express trains (e.g., Rajdhani, Sampoorna Kranti, Magadh Express); 12–15 hours.
- Delhi to Dehradun/Haridwar: Frequent trains—Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Nanda Devi Express, Mussoorie Express; 5.5–8 hours.
- Alternative: Patna–Varanasi–Haridwar combinations or via Lucknow.
- Total Train Time: 17–24 hours including transfer.
- Booking: Reserve tickets on IRCTC well in advance, especially for summer/holiday periods.
- Fare: Sleeper ₹600–₹1,200; AC 3-tier ₹1,700–₹2,800 (depending on train/class/schedule).
Step 2: Dehradun/Haridwar to Mussoorie by Road
- Dehradun–Mussoorie: 34 km, 1.5–2 hours by taxi (₹1,200–₹2,500) or state/private buses (₹100–₹200).
- Haridwar–Mussoorie: 85 km, 2.5–3 hours by taxi or bus.
- Shared cabs and jeeps available—for solo/budget travelers.
Why Choose?
- Comfortable overnight travel by train, scenic hill climb by daylight, best value for solo, family, and student travelers.
Tips
- Book trains that reach Dehradun/Haridwar in the morning to ascend the hills in daylight.
- Plan for meal/snack breaks at major junctions.
2. By Air + Road (Fastest for Busy Professionals or Premium Comfort)
Step 1: Patna to Dehradun via Delhi by Air
- No direct Patna–Dehradun flights.
- Route: Patna (PAT) → Delhi (DEL) by air (~1.5 hrs), then Delhi → Dehradun (DED, Jolly Grant Airport, 1 hr).
- Total Air Time (including layover): 5–7 hours, plus time for airport transfers and check-in.
- Fare: ₹6,000–₹13,000 depending on how early you book and connections.
- Booking: Use airline sites, portals like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo.
Step 2: Dehradun Airport to Mussoorie
- Airport–Mussoorie: ~60 km, 1.5–2 hours by prepaid taxi (₹1,200–₹2,200).
- Tip: Shared taxis and buses are available from Dehradun city.
Why Choose?
- Fastest with minimum fatigue, especially for families, business travelers, or short holidays.
3. By Bus + Road (Budget, Backpacker-Friendly, Last-Minute Option)
Step 1: Patna to Delhi/Haridwar/Dehradun by Bus
- Daily government/private AC and sleeper buses from Patna to Delhi (18–22 hours), fare: ₹1,400–₹2,800.
- From Delhi, board a bus to Dehradun (6–8 hours, frequent Volvo and sleeper services).
- Dehradun/Haridwar–Mussoorie: as above by taxi or state bus.
Why/When Use?
- For spontaneous travel, overnight journeys, or when rail/air seats are unavailable.
4. By Road (Self-Drive/Taxi)—For Adventure Seekers
- Patna → Varanasi → Lucknow → Bareilly → Najibabad → Haridwar/Dehradun → Mussoorie via NH31/NH30/NH334.
- Distance: 1,080–1,200 km.
- Taxi/Car Cost: ₹18,000–₹30,000 one way (varies by car/operator).
- Travel Time: At least 20–24 hours spread over 2–3 days (not advised as a single stretch).
- Best For: Exploring en route cities: Varanasi, Lucknow, Haridwar/Dehradun.
Tips: Only for groups looking for a multi-day North India road adventure; ensure fuel, rest, and safety stops are planned.
Additional Local & Travel Advice
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Pleasant weather, peak season, book hotels/transport ahead.
- July–September: Monsoon—lush hills but risk of landslides or weather delays.
- October–February: Winters; prepare for snow in Jan–Feb, crisp air, lighter crowds.
What to Pack
- Summer: Light woolens, cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, sturdy shoes.
- Monsoon: Rain Jacket, umbrella, waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothing.
- Winter: Heavy jacket, gloves, thermals, woolen hat.
Must-See Places in Mussoorie
- Mall Road: Shops, colonial architecture, café culture.
- Kempty Falls: Famous waterfall picnic 15 km away.
- Gun Hill & Lal Tibba: Panoramic Himalayan viewpoints.
- Camel’s Back Road, Landour: Scenic walks, colonial bakeries.
- Company Garden, Jharipani Falls: For families and nature lovers.
Local & Safety Tips
- Book trains/flights/buses and hotels at least 2–3 weeks ahead for holidays.
- Carry cash or digital wallet—card acceptance can be patchy in the hills.
- Hill stretch: Avoid night driving unless experienced; plan to finish the climb by sunset.
- Motion sickness medicine advised for winding last 34 km.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a direct train from Patna to Mussoorie?
A: No. All journeys involve train to Dehradun/Haridwar/Delhi, then a taxi/bus to Mussoorie.
Q: How long does the journey take?
A: Fastest (flight): 7–10 hours; train + road (with good connections): 20–26 hours; car: 20–24 hours.
Q: Cheapest way to travel from Patna to Mussoorie?
A: Sleeper train to Dehradun, then state bus/shared cab to Mussoorie.
Q: Can I complete the trip in one day?
A: Only by taking an early-morning flight combo or overnight train with swift road transfer.
Q: What’s the most family-friendly route?
A: Train to Dehradun and a prepaid taxi up—comfortable, safe, and scenic.
Conclusion
The journey from Patna to Mussoorie traverses India’s heartland, linking the vibrant, historical capital of Bihar with the dreamy Himalayan hillside of Uttarakhand. Whether you opt for the speed of air+taxi, the economy and ease of trains plus road, or even a picturesque North Indian road trip, smart planning, advance booking, and packing for mountain weather ensure a memorable escape.
Pack your bags, book your connections, and prepare to be charmed by Mussoorie’s misty lanes, colonial promenades, and bracing Himalayan air!
