How to Reach Mussoorie from Varanasi

Mussoorie—famed as the “Queen of Hills”—is a misty Himalayan escape, famous for its colonial boulevards, Mall Road buzz, bracing air, and spellbinding views. For travelers in Varanasi—a sacred city on the Ganges and one of India’s spiritual capitals—the journey to Mussoorie is a classic transition from bustling plains to cool, pine-draped slopes. This comprehensive guide details the route, transport options, tips, local advice, and FAQs to ensure a seamless Varanasi-to-Mussoorie experience.

Distance from Varanasi to Mussoorie

Start by understanding the scale:

• By Road: The direct driving distance is about 900–1,000 km (depends on route/city exits).
• Aerial (Straight-Line) Distance: Approximately 670–720 km.
• Travel Time: By car, the journey takes 16–20 hours nonstop (most people use train or flight for speed/comfort).

All routes end with a final 34 km hill ascent from Dehradun to Mussoorie.

How to Reach Mussoorie from Varanasi

Varanasi is well linked to Dehradun/Haridwar by train and flight, enabling multiple convenient options:

1. By Train + Road (Comfortable, Budget-Friendly Choice)

The preferred method for many solo, group, or family travelers.

Step 1: Varanasi to Dehradun/Haridwar by Train

• Direct Trains:
  • The Doon Express runs from Varanasi Junction (BSB) to Dehradun (DDN), four times a week.
    • Duration: ~21–24 hours
    • Fare: Sleeper ₹600–₹1,000, AC ₹1,600–₹2,200 (book via IRCTC well in advance).
  • Varanasi–Haridwar connections: Multiple weekly trains; slightly better frequency and similar fare/timing.
  • Alternative: Varanasi–Delhi (overnight fast trains, e.g., Shiv Ganga Express), then Delhi–Dehradun by train.

Step 2: From Dehradun/Haridwar to Mussoorie by Road

• Dehradun to Mussoorie: 34 km, 1.5–2 hours by taxi (₹1,200–₹2,500) or state/private bus/shared jeep (₹80–₹200).
• Haridwar to Mussoorie: 85 km, 2.5–3 hours; taxi or bus.
• Frequency: Taxis and buses run throughout the day from railway stations and bus terminals.

Why Choose This?

• Rest overnight: Board in afternoon/evening, arrive next day to start your hill ascent fresh.
• Budget-friendly: Good for families and students.
• Scenic last leg: Enjoy the mountain views on the Dehradun–Mussoorie ascent.

Tips

• Book Doon Express tickets 2–3 weeks in advance, especially in summer/festivals.
• Try for a train arriving in Dehradun/Haridwar before noon for a daylight hill drive.
• Snacks and cash recommended for railway journeys and the Mussoorie climb.

2. By Air + Road (Fastest, Most Comfortable Route)

Best for business or premium travelers and those short on time.

Step 1: Varanasi to Dehradun by Air (via Delhi)

• No direct Varanasi–Dehradun flight (as of July 2025).
• Route: Varanasi (VNS) → Delhi (DEL), Delhi → Dehradun (DED/Jolly Grant Airport).
  • Varanasi–Delhi: Multiple daily flights, ~1 hr 40 min.
  • Delhi–Dehradun: Several flights/day, 1 hour.
  • Total time (with layover): 4.5–8 hours; earliest combos can get you there by afternoon.
  • Fare: Varanasi–Delhi ₹3,000–₹7,000; Delhi–Dehradun ₹2,500–₹7,000. (Book early for savings.)

Step 2: Dehradun Airport to Mussoorie by Road

• Distance: ~60 km; 1.5–2 hours by prepaid taxi (₹1,200–₹2,500) or transfer cab to Dehradun city, then bus, jeep, or taxi up.
• Why Choose? Fastest, most comfortable, lowest fatigue (great for those with kids or elders).

Tips

• Book morning flights for daylight hill drives.
• Airport cabs and buses are always available; book in advance for holidays.

3. By Bus + Road (Budget/Backpacker Option)

• No direct Varanasi–Mussoorie bus; take Varanasi–Delhi/Haridwar/Dehradun luxury sleeper/Volvo buses (16–22 hours, ₹1,200–₹2,200).
• Continue by taxi/bus from Delhi/Haridwar/Dehradun.
• Not as comfortable as train or flight, but affordable for last-minute travel.

4. By Car/Self-Drive/Private Taxi

• Distance: 900–1,000 km, typically via Varanasi → Lucknow → Bareilly → Moradabad → Najibabad → Haridwar/Dehradun → Mussoorie.
• Travel Time: 16–20 hours best split into two days.
• Cab Fare: Typically ₹16,000–₹30,000 one way (sedan/SUV); best for groups or those wanting to visit mid-way attractions (e.g., Lucknow, Haridwar).
• Not recommended as a single-day drive except for two drivers.

Additional Practical Advice

Best Time to Visit Mussoorie

• March–June: Mild, clear, busiest—book everything ahead!
• July–September: Monsoon: beautiful and green, some landslide risk, plan for delays.
• October–February: Crisp and cold, possible snow in Jan–Feb; pack heavy woolens.

What to Pack

• Summer: Light woolens, sturdy shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Monsoon: Raincoat, waterproof footwear, umbrella, quick-dry clothes.
• Winter: Heavy jackets, gloves, thermals, scarf.

Must-See in Mussoorie

• Mall Road: Colonial-era cafés, shopping, Himalayan views.
• Kempty Falls: Family picnic spot 15 km away.
• Gun Hill, Lal Tibba: Iconic viewpoints.
• Camel’s Back Road, Landour: Forested walks, local bakeries.
• Company Garden, Jharipani Falls: For nature enthusiasts.

Local Travel Tips

• Book trains/flights/hotels early (peak seasons—May–June, Diwali, New Year).
• Carry some cash as cards/UPI can be unreliable in the hills.
• The final 34 km Dehradun–Mussoorie is winding and steep—motion-sickness medicine may be helpful.
• Avoid night-time hill climbs; safer and far more scenic by day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a direct train or bus from Varanasi to Mussoorie?
A: No. Take a train/bus to Dehradun or Haridwar, then a taxi or bus for the last 34–85 km up the hills.

Q: How long does the trip from Varanasi to Mussoorie take?
A: Fastest is 7–10 hours (flight + cab); train+road 21–26 hours; self-drive 16–20 hours.

Q: Cheapest way to go?
A: Doon Express (sleeper) to Dehradun, then state/shared bus to Mussoorie.

Q: Is the journey family-friendly?
A: Yes; flights, trains, prebooked cabs and Mussoorie hotels are all family-friendly. For groups, road trips are also great.

Q: Can I do this in one day?
A: Only with well-coordinated flights; all other routes require at least one overnight segment.

Conclusion

Traveling from Varanasi to Mussoorie is a multi-stage adventure: sacred city to colonial hill charm. The best blend of speed and comfort is a flight via Delhi to Dehradun, then a taxi up the hills. Budget and classic travelers often opt for the Doon Express to Dehradun plus a short mountain ride. Whichever route you chooses, plan ahead for comfort, pack for variable weather, and prepare for Mussoorie’s iconic air, misty promenades, and Himalayan views—the perfect mountain escape from Varanasi’s hallowed lanes.