Mussoorie, the “Queen of Hills,” is a top retreat in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas—loved for its colonial charm, misty promenades, vibrant Mall Road, and breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Traveling from Surat—a dynamic city in Gujarat known for business, diamonds, and food—to Mussoorie is a classic cross-country adventure, involving planes, trains, and scenic roads. Here’s your in-depth guide to navigating this journey: routes, transport modes, fares, local tips, and FAQs for seamless Surat-to-Mussoorie travel.
Distance from Surat to Mussoorie
Knowing the magnitude of the route is essential for planning:
- By Road: Surat to Mussoorie takes about 1,350–1,550 km depending on the route.
- Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: Around 1,130–1,200 km.
- Travel Time: By road—24–30 hours non-stop (uncommon except for road-trip fans). Most travelers use trains or flights for the longer part and then drive up from Dehradun.
- No direct flights or trains to Mussoorie: The town lacks both a railway station and airport. Most journeys end with a 34 km, 1.5–2 hour scenic hill drive from Dehradun.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Surat
Several efficient and comfortable travel modes suit a range of budgets and needs. Here’s a breakdown:
1. By Air + Road (Fastest and Most Comfortable)
The favored option for most travelers.
Step 1: Surat to Dehradun via Air (Usually via Delhi or Mumbai)
- No direct flights from Surat to Dehradun as of July 2025.
- Surat (STV) to Delhi (DEL): Multiple daily non-stops; flight time 1.5–2 hours.
- Delhi to Dehradun (DED): Several flights daily; about 1 hour.
- Total Air Time (with layovers): 4.5–7 hours, plus airport transfers.
- Fares: Surat–Delhi: ₹3,000–₹8,000; Delhi–Dehradun: ₹2,800–₹7,000 depending on airline, booking time, and season.
Step 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie by Road
- From Jolly Grant Airport: 60 km to Mussoorie; 1.5–2 hours by prepaid cab.
- Taxi Fare: ₹1,200–₹2,500 (July 2025, varies by car/company).
- By Bus/shared jeep: First, take a cab/bus to Dehradun city; then a state/private bus or shared cab up the hill to Mussoorie.
Why Choose This Route?
- Fastest and least tiring: Morning flight connections get you to Mussoorie by late afternoon.
- Ideal for: Families, business travelers, short holidays, or comfort seekers.
Tips
- Book morning flights or as early as possible for a daylight drive up the hill.
- Dehradun city offers many bakeries/cafés for breaks before the final climb.
2. By Train + Road (Economical and Comfortable for All)
Best for price-conscious travelers, students, and groups.
Step 1: Surat to Dehradun/Haridwar by Train
- No direct trains from Surat to Dehradun.
- Common Route: Surat (ST) → Delhi (NDLS/HNZM) on any superfast/express (e.g., August Kranti Rajdhani, Gujarat Express, Surat–New Delhi Express; 14–17 hours).
- Delhi→Dehradun: Multiple daily trains (Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Nanda Devi Express, Mussoorie Express; 5.5–8 hours).
- Surat→Haridwar: Some trains (e.g., Haridwar Weekly Express, Bandra–Haridwar Express; 19–24 hours; check IRCTC for up-to-date timings).
- Fares: Sleeper ₹900–₹1,800 (for each segment); AC ₹2,100–₹3,800.
Step 2: By Road from Dehradun/Haridwar
- Dehradun–Mussoorie: 34 km (1.5–2 hours by taxi for ₹1,200–₹2,200, state bus/shared jeep for ₹80–₹200).
- Haridwar–Mussoorie: 85 km (2.5–3 hours by taxi/bus).
Why Choose?
- Overnight trains allow restful journeys and daytime arrival for scenic hill ascent.
- Cost-effective for long holidays, students, or groups.
Tips
- Book IRCTC tickets well in advance, especially for festival/summer dates.
- Arrive in Dehradun/Haridwar by morning for a daylight hill drive.
3. By Bus + Road (Backpackers & Budget Adventure)
- Surat–Delhi: Luxury sleeper/Volvo buses (22–26 hours, ₹2,000–₹3,200). Not recommended for those with tight schedules.
- Delhi–Dehradun: Volvo, AC, and ordinary buses run frequently from ISBT Kashmiri Gate (6–8 hours, ₹400–₹1,200).
- Dehradun–Mussoorie: As above.
Why Choose This?
- Cheapest option for last-minute travel.
- Possible for backpackers and those wanting extended road journeys with stopovers.
Tips
- For comfort on long legs, select premium or sleeper buses.
- Book buses online for weekends and peak seasons.
4. By Road/Self-Drive (For Road-Trip Enthusiasts)
- Route: Surat → Vadodara → Udaipur → Ajmer → Jaipur → Gurugram/Delhi → Meerut → Dehradun → Mussoorie.
- Distance: 1,350–1,550 km.
- Driving Time: 24–30 hours (best split into two or three days).
- Cab/Rental Fare: ₹22,000–₹36,000 one way (varies by car/operator).
- Why Go? For groups/families who want full flexibility, sightseeing stops at Rajasthan and NCR, or authentic overland travel.
Tips
- Avoid starting the hill climb late or in monsoon/fog.
Additional Local Tips & Travel Advice
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
- March–June: Pleasant—peak season; advance bookings essential.
- July–September: Monsoon, great for lush greenery but watch for landslides/delays.
- October–February: Crisp winter—snow possible Jan–Feb (pack heavy woolens).
What to Pack
- Summer: Light jackets, hat, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, sunscreen.
- Monsoon: Raincoat, umbrella, waterproof shoes.
- Winter: Heavy jackets, thermals, gloves, woolen cap.
Places to See in Mussoorie
- Mall Road: Shopping, food, colonial architecture.
- Kempty Falls: Classic picnic spot 15 km from town.
- Gun Hill/Lal Tibba: Iconic viewpoints.
- Camel’s Back Road, Landour, Company Garden, Jharipani Falls: For walks, scenic cafés, and nature.
Booking & Safety Advice
- Book all major tickets and hotels at least 3–4 weeks ahead for festivals/summer.
- ATMs are present, but carry cash for small market purchases in the hills.
- For the final 34 km Dehradun–Mussoorie, carry motion sickness pills if sensitive.
- Avoid climbing after dark or in heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there direct trains or flights from Surat to Mussoorie?
A: No. Travel via Delhi/Dehradun/Haridwar by train or flight, then road for the final stretch.
Q: Fastest route?
A: Flight Surat–Delhi, Delhi–Dehradun; prepaid taxi up to Mussoorie—can be completed the same day with good timing.
Q: Cheapest way?
A: Sleeper train Surat–Delhi/Haridwar/Dehradun, then state bus/shared cab up the hills.
Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Flights, trains, and prebooked cabs suit families of all ages.
Q: Can I complete the journey in one day?
A: With early flights and pre-arranged road transfer, yes. Trains/buses will need an overnight section.
Conclusion
Surat to Mussoorie is an exciting, multi-mode route—spanning the vibrant business hubs of Gujarat, through the heartland of India, and up into the Himalayan mists. The fastest and most comfortable is by air to Dehradun via Delhi, then a breezy taxi up the final climbs; trains and road combos offer budget and adventure for every traveler. Plan and book early for holidays, pack for all seasons, and prepare for Mussoorie’s cool promenades and stunning vistas—a perfect Himalayan escape from Surat’s sunny plains.
