Complete Guide: Mussoorie to Dehradun
Mussoorie to Dehradun Distance & Travel Time
| Route | Distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie (Library) → Dehradun via Rajpur Road | 35 km | 45 min–1 hour |
| Mussoorie (Library) → Dehradun via Sahastradhara / Kempty road | 38 km | 60–75 min |
| Mussoorie → Dehradun railway station (DDN) | 38 km | 1 hour–1.5 hours |
| Mussoorie → Jolly Grant Airport (DED) | 58 km | 1.5–2 hours |
Transport Options: Mussoorie to Dehradun
GMOU State Bus (cheapest): GMOU (Garhwal Motor Owners Union) buses run from Mussoorie Library end to Dehradun ISBT approximately every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 9 PM. The journey takes 1–1.5 hours. Cost: ₹60–₈₀ per person. Buses stop at major points on the Rajpur Road and at the Dehradun ISBT. No reservation required — purchase tickets at the Library end GMOU counter or directly from the conductor.
Shared Taxi (fast and economical): Shared taxis (usually Sumo or similar SUVs, 4–6 passengers) run from near Mussoorie Kulri end or Library end to Dehradun clock tower, Dehradun ISBT or specific drop points. Cost: ₹100–₁₅₀ per seat. Depart when full. Journey: 45–60 minutes. The most practical and widely used option for solo travellers.
Private Taxi (most convenient): Private cab from Mussoorie to Dehradun: ₹600–₁,000 one-way. ₹900–₁,500 if you need the driver to wait and return. Hotels and taxi stands in Mussoorie can arrange private cabs. The private cab can drop you at any specific destination in Dehradun (railway station, specific hotel, FRI campus, etc.).
By own vehicle: The 35-km Rajpur Road is straightforward to drive (primary highway, well-maintained). Journey: 45 minutes. Note: the road is busy on weekends and during peak tourist season, with queues in the lower section near Rajpur.
Mussoorie–Dehradun Route Details
Primary route (via Rajpur Road): Mussoorie → Jharipani → Rajpur → Premnagar → Dehradun. SH-57. The road descends from 2,005m (Mussoorie) to 640m (Dehradun) over 35 km. The upper section (Mussoorie to Jharipani, first 10 km) has the steepest grade and most scenic views. The Rajpur town section (last 10 km into Dehradun) passes through the residential upper city and then the commercial centre.
Alternative route (via Kempty Falls road / Sahastradhara): Mussoorie → Kempty Falls (15 km west) → Sahastradhara → Dehradun. This route is slightly longer (38–40 km) but avoids the busy Rajpur Road and is scenic in the Kempty section. Less commonly used for through transport; more relevant for those visiting Sahastradhara (sulphur springs) as a stop en route.
What to Do in Dehradun
If adding Dehradun to your Mussoorie trip:
- Tapkeshwar temple: Shiva temple in a natural limestone cave, 7 km from Dehradun centre. The cave temple with a natural drip of water (tapakna = drip) is atmospheric and accessible.
- Forest Research Institute (FRI): A magnificent colonial-era building (1929) set in 450 acres of forest estate. A working research institute; the building and grounds are open for visits. Entry: ₹50. Best visited in the morning.
- Sahastradhara: "Thousand-fold spring" — sulphur spring complex in a river gorge, 14 km from Dehradun. Cable car, bathing pools, gardens. Entry: ₹₅₀. A half-day excursion from Mussoorie combining with the return journey via this route.
- Dehradun Clock Tower market: The main commercial bazaar. Good for shopping, street food, and the everyday energy of a Himalayan foothill city.
How to Reach Mussoorie
From Dehradun to Mussoorie: 35 km, GMOU bus ₹60–₈₀ (every 30 min from Dehradun ISBT), shared taxi ₹100–₁₅₀/seat. See Mussoorie travel guide.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Last bus timing: The last GMOU bus from Mussoorie Library end to Dehradun is typically around 9 PM. Check the current schedule at the Library end bus stand on the day of travel, as timing is subject to seasonal variation.
- Traffic on weekends: The Dehradun–Mussoorie road carries very heavy traffic on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings during May–June peak season. If returning to Dehradun on a weekend afternoon, expect 30–60 minutes of additional travel time.
- Combining with Rishikesh: Dehradun is an intermediate stop on the Mussoorie → Dehradun → Rishikesh route (Rishikesh is 45 km further from Dehradun). If extending your trip to Rishikesh, you can pass through Dehradun and the FRI on the way.
FAQs
- How far is Mussoorie from Dehradun?
- Mussoorie is 35 km from Dehradun city centre by road on the primary Rajpur Road (SH-57). The road climbs from 640m (Dehradun) to 2,005m (Mussoorie) over 35 km. Travel time is 45 minutes to 1 hour in normal conditions. On peak-season weekends (May–June), traffic can add 20–40 minutes to the journey, particularly on the lower Rajpur Road section.
- What is the cheapest way from Mussoorie to Dehradun?
- The GMOU state bus from Mussoorie Library end to Dehradun ISBT is the cheapest option — ₹60–₈₀ per person, departing every 30 minutes. The journey takes 1–1.5 hours (slightly slower than private transport due to stops). Shared taxis from the Library end or Kulri stand to Dehradun clock tower cost ₹100–₁₅₀ per seat and are slightly faster (45–60 min). A private cab costs ₹600–₁,000 for the full vehicle.