Mussoorie, known as the “Queen of Hills,” sits atop Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas and is famed for its colonial charm, brisk mountain air, Mall Road buzz, and captivating Himalayan vistas. For travelers in Saharanpur—a bustling city in western Uttar Pradesh and the last big stop before Uttarakhand’s hills—the gateway to Mussoorie is close, scenic, and easily accessible. This guide takes you through all travel options, practical advice, suggested routes, local tips, and answers to FAQs for a smooth Saharanpur-to-Mussoorie trip.
Distance from Saharanpur to Mussoorie
- By Road: Approximately 110–125 km depending on your starting point and chosen route.
- Travel Time: Typically 3–4.5 hours by car or taxi under normal conditions; extra delays during holidays, monsoon, or peak traffic.
- Aerial Distance: About 75–80 km—no direct flight.
All journeys conclude with the scenic 34 km hill ascent from Dehradun to Mussoorie.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Saharanpur
Saharanpur offers several convenient, well-connected travel options—road trip by car/taxi, superfast train plus road, or frequent buses. Here’s an in-depth look:
1. By Road – Private Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive (Fastest and Flexible)
For most travelers, road is the simplest and most direct route.
Route & Timing
- Preferred Route: Saharanpur → Dehradun → Mussoorie (NH307)
- Distance: 110–125 km (Saharanpur to Mussoorie; ~75–85 km to Dehradun, then 34 km uphill)
- Time: 3–4.5 hours; the last 34 km hill climb from Dehradun takes 1.5–2 hours
- Taxi Fares: ₹2,800–₹5,500 one way (sedan/SUV; as of July 2025), more for larger groups
Advantages
- Door-to-door convenience: Ideal for families, groups, or those with luggage.
- Pause in Dehradun: Enjoy city bakeries, refreshments, and sight-seeing en route.
- Flexible stops: Fuel and meal breaks at Behat, Rampur Maniharan, and Dehradun.
Tips for Safe Travel
- Start early (by 7am) to beat traffic and enjoy a daylight climb up the hill.
- Direct driving is safe and scenic, but avoid the hill road (Dehradun–Mussoorie) at night or in heavy rain, especially in monsoon.
- Refuel at Dehradun, carry some cash for tolls and dhabas (digital payments can be unreliable in hills).
2. By Train + Road (Budget-Friendly and Comfortable)
This is the best value option for solo travelers, students, and families seeking comfort.
Step 1: Saharanpur to Dehradun by Train
- Frequent direct trains: Saharanpur Junction (SRE) to Dehradun (DDN) is well served, with express and superfast options such as Dehradun Jan Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express, and Nanda Devi Express.
- Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours by train (frequent departures morning, noon, and evening).
- Fares: ₹150–₹500 (sleeper/AC)
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie by Road
- Distance: 34 km; 1.5–2 hours by taxi, shared cab, or state bus.
- Taxi Fare: ₹1,000–₹2,200 (negotiable, prepaid menu at station).
- State Bus: ₹80–₹200; frequent departures from Old Bus Stand/ISBT.
- Shared cabs: Available just outside Dehradun station for budget travelers.
Advantages
- Trains are fast, comfortable, and largely on time.
- Easy connections for onward taxis/buses at Dehradun station.
- Great for those preferring to avoid long road journeys.
Tips
- Book train tickets on IRCTC in advance during peak weekends/summer/holidays.
- Plan train arrival for broad daylight for sightseeing and hill drive safety.
3. By Bus + Road (Budget/Backpacker-Friendly)
Perfect for solo travelers and those who want the cheapest ride.
Step 1: Saharanpur to Dehradun by Bus
- UPSRTC and private operators run frequent buses from Saharanpur Bus Stand to Dehradun (ordinary, AC, sleeper).
- Time: 2–2.5 hours; buses run all day (early morning to evening).
- Fare: ₹100–₹350 depending on bus type.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie
- Continue as above: taxi, bus, or shared cab (1.5–2 hours).
Tips
- Book tickets online via Redbus/UPSRTC for guaranteed seats on weekends.
- State buses are reliable for backpackers; private buses offer recliners, more comfort.
4. By Air + Road (Not Practical for This Trip)
- Saharanpur has no airport; Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is accessible but not efficient compared to rail/road.
- Use this option only if connecting from a flight-bound trip to Dehradun.
Additional Local & Travel Advice
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Clear, pleasant; peak tourist season.
- July–September: Monsoon—lush greenery, but check road advisories for landslides.
- October–February: Winter; snow possible Jan–Feb, crisp air, less crowded.
What to Pack
- Summer: Light jacket, walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Monsoon: Raincoat, umbrella, waterproof shoes.
- Winter: Heavy woolens, scarf, gloves, thermal inners.
Must-See in Mussoorie
- Mall Road: Shops, cafés, and colonial architecture.
- Kempty Falls: Popular picnic waterfall (15 km from main town).
- Gun Hill & Lal Tibba: Himalayan viewpoint peaks.
- Landour, Camel’s Back Road, Company Garden: For history buffs and nature lovers.
Local & Safety Tips
- Book taxis/buses/trains well ahead for summer, festivals, or weekends.
- Carry cash—card/UPI acceptance is patchy in hill markets.
- Avoid the last stretch (Dehradun–Mussoorie) in darkness or fog unless experienced with hills.
- Carry motion sickness tablets for the winding 34 km climb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get a taxi directly from Saharanpur to Mussoorie?
A: Yes—numerous travel agencies and cabs offer direct service (~3.5–4.5 hours).
Q: What’s the cheapest way to reach Mussoorie from Saharanpur?
A: Take a train or ordinary bus to Dehradun, then a state bus or shared jeep up the hill.
Q: Are trains frequent from Saharanpur to Dehradun?
A: Yes, with departures through the day, especially mornings and late afternoons.
Q: Is the hill drive safe in monsoon?
A: Yes, but landslides and traffic slowdowns are possible; travel by daylight and check advisories if bad weather is forecast.
Q: Can I make the journey in a single day?
A: Absolutely. Early morning start means a lunch or tea stroll on Mussoorie’s Mall Road by mid-day.
Conclusion
Traveling from Saharanpur to Mussoorie is a classic North India hill escape—swift, scenic, and accessible, whether you choose a direct taxi, train plus road, or backpacker buses. With smart travel timing, advance booking, and the right packing for hill weather, you’ll enjoy Mussoorie’s colonial lanes, mountain air, and legendary vistas just a few hours after leaving Saharanpur’s bustling bazaars.
