Complete Guide: Rishikesh to Mussoorie
Route & Distance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 75 km (via Dehradun) |
| Driving time | 1.5–2 hours |
| Route | Rishikesh → Dehradun (43 km, 1 hr) → Mussoorie (35 km, 1 hr) |
| Road type | NH-7 to Dehradun (4-lane), then Rajpur Road or Library Road to Mussoorie (hill road) |
| Best travel time | Morning departure (7–9 AM) to avoid Dehradun city traffic |
How to Travel from Rishikesh to Mussoorie
By private taxi (recommended, ₹1,500–₂,₅₀₀): The most convenient option — a private cab from Rishikesh goes directly to your hotel in Mussoorie without stopping. The 75-km journey takes 1.5–2 hours. Taxi from Rishikesh to Mussoorie can be arranged through your hotel or at the Rishikesh bus stand taxi counter. Price varies: ₹1,500 (hatchback), ₹2,000 (sedan), ₹2,500 (Innova). The most comfortable option — you stop as you wish, and the Dehradun-to-Mussoorie stretch on Rajpur Road has viewpoints and chai shops.
By bus (₹60–₁₅₀): Take a Rishikesh–Dehradun bus (frequent services from Rishikesh ISBT, every 20–30 min, ₹40–₆₀, 1 hour). From Dehradun, take a Dehradun–Mussoorie bus from the Gandhi Park bus stand (every 15–20 min, ₹35–₅₀, 1 hour). The bus option costs ₹75–₁₁₀ total for both legs — the cheapest way to travel. Journey time with the Dehradun transfer: approximately 2.5–3 hours total. Seats are not guaranteed on busy holiday weekends.
By shared jeep/sumo (₹100–₂₀₀): From Rishikesh bus stand, shared jeeps run to Dehradun (₹60–₈₀, 1 hour). From Dehradun (Parade Ground or Gandhi Park), shared sumos to Mussoorie run frequently (₹50–₈₀, 1 hour). Slightly faster and more comfortable than the bus at a marginally higher price. Good option for solo or couple travellers.
Route Description: Rishikesh → Dehradun → Mussoorie
Rishikesh to Dehradun (43 km, 1 hour): The Rishikesh-Dehradun road (NH-7) passes through the flat Doon Valley — past the Rajaji National Park boundary, through Doiwala and into Dehradun city. The road is well-maintained and generally fast. Dehradun city can be congested — pass through the city on the Clock Tower–Rajpur Road axis and avoid the inner city areas. The Rajpur Road out of Dehradun toward Mussoorie is a 4-lane divided highway for the first section then narrows.
Dehradun to Mussoorie (35 km, 1 hour): The Dehradun-to-Mussoorie climb on Rajpur Road is one of Uttarakhand's classic mountain drives — the road gains 1,500m of altitude over 35 km through forests and small hill villages. The last 10 km into Mussoorie have hairpin bends and the first views of the hill station's ridge. Several viewpoint stops are popular en route (Barlowganj, Picture Palace viewpoint).
Combining Rishikesh and Mussoorie in One Trip
Both destinations are worth 2 nights each, so the ideal combined Uttarakhand trip (from Delhi) is: Delhi → Rishikesh (2–3 nights) → Mussoorie via Dehradun (2 nights) → Delhi. Total driving: Delhi to Rishikesh 239 km, Rishikesh to Mussoorie 75 km, Mussoorie to Delhi 285–295 km. This is a triangular circuit that avoids doubling back to Delhi between the two destinations. See the Mussoorie travel guide for what to do there.
How to Reach Rishikesh
239 km from Delhi (5–6 hrs), 24 km from Haridwar. See Rishikesh overview.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Best departure time: Leave Rishikesh between 7–9 AM to avoid Dehradun morning traffic and reach Mussoorie before the afternoon crowds on the Rajpur Road. Afternoon departures (2–4 PM) hit Dehradun traffic and the Rajpur Road switchback queue.
- Private taxi vs bus: For groups of 3–4, a private taxi at ₹2,000 works out cheaper per person than individual bus fares and is far more convenient. For solo travellers or couples on a budget, the Rishikesh–Dehradun bus + Dehradun–Mussoorie bus (total ₹75–₁₁₀) is perfectly workable.
- Haridwar option: Many travellers go Rishikesh → Haridwar (24 km, 45 min) → Dehradun (48 km, 1 hr) → Mussoorie (35 km, 1 hr) to see Haridwar en route. The Haridwar detour adds 2–3 hours total (including a stop at Har Ki Pauri). Worth it if you haven't seen Haridwar yet.
FAQs
- Is there a direct bus from Rishikesh to Mussoorie?
- There is no direct Rishikesh–Mussoorie bus service. You must change at Dehradun — take the Rishikesh–Dehradun bus (40–60 min), then the Dehradun–Mussoorie bus from Gandhi Park (45–60 min). The total journey with the transfer takes approximately 2.5–3 hours including the Dehradun transit. A private taxi (₹1,500–₂,₅₀₀) goes directly to Mussoorie without changing vehicles.
- How long does it take to drive from Rishikesh to Mussoorie?
- The Rishikesh-to-Mussoorie drive is approximately 75 km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours in good conditions. The Rishikesh-to-Dehradun section (43 km, ~55 min on NH-7) is generally fast; the Dehradun-to-Mussoorie section (35 km, ~55 min on Rajpur Road) involves a steady mountain climb with winding roads. Total: 1.5–2 hours on a weekday, 2–2.5 hours on a weekend or holiday when Rajpur Road is congested.