Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is a bustling hub known for its pleasant climate and connectivity. Auli, located in the Chamoli district, is a popular hill station famed for its skiing slopes and panoramic Himalayan views. This route is favored by tourists seeking adventure and nature, especially during winter and summer seasons.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Dehradun to Auli, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find detailed travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on the best time to visit, ensuring a hassle-free journey to this scenic destination.

Getting from Dehradun to Auli – Main Options

Train

While Dehradun is well-connected by rail, Auli does not have a direct train link due to its mountainous terrain. Train travel is useful for reaching nearby towns before switching to road transport.

• Nearest railway stations:

  Dehradun Railway Station is the main hub with frequent trains from major cities. The closest railhead to Auli is Rishikesh or Haridwar, about 150 km away, from where road travel begins.

• Train duration and cost:

  Trains to Dehradun from Delhi take around 5–6 hours, costing ₹200–₹800 depending on class. From Dehradun, onward travel to Auli is by road only.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Dehradun has multiple daily trains, including Shatabdi and express trains. Booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially in peak seasons.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  After reaching Dehradun, travelers must switch to bus or taxi services to reach Joshimath, the gateway to Auli, as no direct trains exist beyond this point.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Auli from Dehradun, especially for budget travelers. The mountainous roads offer scenic views but can be winding and slow.

• Bus routes:

  Direct buses from Dehradun to Joshimath run by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators. From Joshimath, shared taxis or local buses take you to Auli.

• Travel time and fares:

  The bus journey takes approximately 8–10 hours covering around 280 km, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹700 depending on the bus type.

• Bus types and frequency:

  Both ordinary and Volvo buses operate on this route. Volvo buses are more comfortable but less frequent. Booking tickets in advance during winter is advisable.

• Road conditions and stops:

  The NH7 and NH109 highways connect Dehradun to Joshimath. Roads are well-maintained but can be narrow in hilly stretches. Regular stops for refreshments are available at towns like Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.

• Seasonal challenges:

  Monsoon may cause landslides leading to delays. Winter buses may face snow blockages near Auli, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car/Self-Drive

Driving from Dehradun to Auli offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the scenic Himalayan landscape at your own pace. It is a preferred option for families and groups.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH7 and NH109 passing through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath before ascending to Auli. The total distance is about 280 km.

• Travel time and road conditions:

  The drive takes around 8–9 hours depending on traffic and weather. Roads are mostly good but narrow and winding in the mountains, requiring careful driving.

• Car rental and tolls:

  Several car rental services operate from Dehradun, with prices starting at ₹2500 per day for a sedan. Expect tolls on NH7 and NH109 highways totaling around ₹200–₹300.

• Best time to drive:

  Early morning departures help avoid traffic and allow daylight driving through tricky mountain roads. Avoid night driving due to limited visibility and wildlife crossings.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Fuel stations are available in major towns en route. Popular rest stops include Rishikesh and Rudraprayag, where you can find eateries and clean restrooms.

Flight

Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport offers the fastest access to the region, but there is no direct flight to Auli. Flights are useful for reaching Dehradun quickly before continuing by road.

• Nearest airport:

  Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is about 45 km from Dehradun city center and well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other metros.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Flights from Delhi to Dehradun take about 1 hour, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From airport to Auli:

  After landing, travelers must hire taxis or take buses to Joshimath and then Auli. The road journey from Dehradun airport to Auli takes around 8–9 hours.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights early during peak tourist seasons like winter skiing months. Use apps like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip for best deals.

• Airport facilities:

  Jolly Grant Airport has basic amenities, prepaid taxi counters, and car rental desks for onward travel arrangements.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Dehradun to Auli, ensuring smooth transitions between transport modes and minimizing confusion.

• Book your train or flight to Dehradun:

  Secure your tickets early via IRCTC or airline websites, especially during winter and holidays.

• Reach Dehradun station or airport early:

  Arrive at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and confirm your onward transport to Joshimath.

• Choose your onward transport to Joshimath:

  Depending on budget and comfort, pick a bus, taxi, or rental car. Pre-book taxis or Volvo buses during peak season.

• Travel from Joshimath to Auli:

  Hire a shared taxi or cable car (ropeway) from Joshimath to Auli. The ropeway offers spectacular views and saves time.

• Carry essentials for mountain travel:

  Pack warm clothes, water, snacks, and a power bank. Mobile network may be weak in some stretches.

• Confirm accommodation in Auli:

  Book hotels or guesthouses in advance, especially during ski season, to avoid last-minute hassles.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on mountain roads:

  Drive cautiously on narrow, winding roads. Avoid night travel and check weather forecasts to prevent risks from landslides or snow.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and snacks as eateries are limited en route. Try local Kumaoni cuisine in Joshimath for an authentic experience.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for trains, MSRTC or UTC websites for buses, and trusted car rental platforms. Pre-book ropeway tickets for Auli during peak times.

• Local commute in Auli:

  Walking is common within Auli. For longer distances, shared taxis or hotel shuttles are available.

• Luggage considerations:

  Pack light due to limited porter services. Use sturdy bags to protect against rough handling during transfers.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Monsoon months (July–September) may cause roadblocks. Winter (December–February) requires warm gear and awareness of snowfall delays.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to visit Auli depends on your interests. Winter attracts skiers and snow lovers, while summer offers pleasant weather and trekking opportunities.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, affecting road safety and transport availability. Planning your trip around these factors ensures a comfortable journey.

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Dehradun, typically early mornings and evenings, to escape city congestion.

• Steer clear of major festival weekends like Diwali and Holi when roads and trains are crowded.

• Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides; best to avoid traveling during July to September.

• Depart early in the morning from Dehradun to reach Auli before dusk, especially in winter when daylight hours are short.

Arrival at Auli & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Auli, travelers are greeted by breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush meadows. The town is compact, with easy access to ski slopes, trekking trails, and local markets.

Local transport includes shared taxis and ropeways. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Essential amenities like ATMs and medical facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.

For onward local travel, use the Auli ropeway for quick access to Joshimath or hire taxis for nearby sightseeing. The best stay areas are near the ski slopes or central market for convenience.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Auli from Dehradun combines a train or flight to Dehradun, followed by a comfortable Volvo bus or private taxi to Joshimath, and finally a scenic ropeway ride to Auli. This blend balances speed, comfort, and the chance to enjoy Uttarakhand’s natural beauty.

With proper planning and awareness of seasonal conditions, travelers can confidently embark on this journey. Whether for adventure sports or serene mountain views, reaching Auli from Dehradun is an enriching experience that’s well within your reach.