Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is a bustling hub known for its rich history and temples. Dehradun, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is famous for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Traveling between these two cities connects the eastern plains to the Himalayan region, making it a popular route for tourists, students, and business travelers alike.

This guide covers all practical ways to reach Dehradun from Bhubaneswar, including trains, buses, self-drive options, and flights. Whether you prefer comfort, budget travel, or speed, you will find detailed insights and tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Bhubaneswar to Dehradun – Main Options

By Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance route. Although there is no direct train connecting Bhubaneswar and Dehradun, several options with one or two changes are available, offering a balance between cost and comfort.

• Key stations:

  Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) and Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) are the main terminals. Common interchange stations include Howrah Junction (HWH) or New Delhi (NDLS).

• Duration and cost:

  The total journey can take approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train and route chosen. Ticket prices range from ₹600 for sleeper class to ₹2,500 for AC 3-tier.

• Train frequency and booking:

  Trains like the Howrah Dehradun Express or services via New Delhi run regularly. Booking through IRCTC is recommended at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure preferred classes.

• Comfort and services:

  AC coaches provide decent comfort for the long journey. Pantry cars and station vendors offer meals, but carrying snacks is advisable for convenience.

• Travel tips:

  Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons like Durga Puja or Diwali when trains get crowded. Night travel is common, so carry essentials for rest and hydration.

• Challenges:

  Train delays are common on this route due to congestion near Howrah and Delhi. Plan buffer time if you have connecting transport from Dehradun station.

By Bus

Direct bus services between Bhubaneswar and Dehradun are limited due to the long distance of over 1,700 km. However, a combination of state and private buses can be used with transfers at major cities.

• Route overview:

  Typical routes involve traveling from Bhubaneswar to Delhi by bus, then taking a local bus or taxi to Dehradun. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private operators run buses to Delhi.

• Duration and cost:

  The bus journey can take 36 to 40 hours with fares ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 depending on the bus type (AC sleeper or non-AC).

• Comfort and frequency:

  Volvo AC sleeper buses offer better comfort but are less frequent. Non-AC buses are cheaper but less comfortable for such a long trip.

• Booking tips:

  Book tickets online via MSRTC or private bus portals. Reserve seats early, especially during holiday seasons.

• Rest stops and breaks:

  Buses stop at major highway dhabas and rest areas along NH16 and NH44. Carry water and light snacks as stops can be brief.

• Challenges:

  Long bus journeys can be tiring and prone to delays due to traffic jams near metro cities. Night travel is possible but less safe for solo travelers.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bhubaneswar to Dehradun is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route. The distance is about 1,700 km, covering multiple states and diverse landscapes.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH16 to Delhi, then NH334 to Dehradun. This route passes through Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

• Travel time and distance:

  Expect around 30 to 35 hours of driving time, usually split over 2-3 days. Plan overnight halts in cities like Varanasi or Lucknow.

• Road conditions:

  NH16 is mostly four-lane and well-maintained, but some stretches in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh may have potholes. Avoid monsoon months for safer driving.

• Fuel and rest stops:

  Numerous fuel stations and eateries are available along the route. Popular stops include Kharagpur, Varanasi, and Meerut for meals and rest.

• Permits and tolls:

  Carry valid driving license and vehicle documents. Expect tolls on expressways; keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Challenges:

  Traffic congestion near metro cities can cause delays. Night driving is not recommended in rural areas due to poor lighting and stray animals.

By Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Bhubaneswar and Dehradun, especially for business travelers and tourists with limited time.

• Airports:

  Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) and Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED) serve this route.

• Flight options:

  No direct flights currently operate between Bhubaneswar and Dehradun. Connecting flights via Delhi or Mumbai are available with airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

• Duration and cost:

  Total travel time including layovers is around 5 to 8 hours. Airfares range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on booking time and season.

• Booking tips:

  Book at least 3 weeks in advance for better fares. Use airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip.

• Airport transfers:

  From Dehradun airport, prepaid taxis and Ola/Uber cabs are available to reach city center in 30 minutes.

• Challenges:

  Flight delays can occur due to weather in the Himalayan region. Check flight status regularly and plan accordingly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers plan their journey from Bhubaneswar to Dehradun efficiently, minimizing hassles and ensuring comfort.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether train, bus, or flight, secure your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance via IRCTC, airline portals, or bus booking sites to avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Pack essentials for long travel:

  Carry water, snacks, a power bank, and light blankets or shawls, especially for overnight journeys by train or bus.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at Bhubaneswar railway station or airport at least 1 hour before departure to manage check-in and security smoothly.

• Use prepaid or app-based taxis:

  At both Bhubaneswar and Dehradun, use prepaid taxi counters or Ola/Uber apps to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides.

• Plan rest stops if driving:

  If self-driving, schedule overnight halts in safe cities with good hotels like Varanasi or Lucknow to avoid fatigue.

• Stay updated on travel conditions:

  Monitor weather and traffic updates, especially during monsoon or winter fog, to adjust your travel times accordingly.

Practical Travel Tips

• IRCTC booking:

  Use the official IRCTC app or website for train tickets. Tatkal bookings open at 10 AM daily, useful for last-minute plans.

• Food and water safety:

  Carry bottled water and avoid street food during transit. Opt for station vendors with good hygiene ratings or packed meals.

• Local commute in Dehradun:

  Auto-rickshaws and Ola/Uber are widely available. Negotiate fares beforehand if using autos without meters.

• Luggage handling:

  Keep valuables in carry-on bags. Use lockable suitcases and avoid overpacking for easier mobility.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon months (July-August) due to landslides and roadblocks near Dehradun.

• Safety tips:

  Prefer daytime travel on highways. Keep emergency contacts and vehicle breakdown kits ready if self-driving.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Bhubaneswar to Dehradun depends on weather and traffic considerations. Avoiding peak festival seasons and extreme weather ensures a smoother journey.

Winter months (October to March) offer pleasant weather in Dehradun but can have fog delays near Delhi. Summer months are hot in Bhubaneswar but comfortable in Dehradun.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja, Diwali, and New Year weekends due to heavy traffic and booked accommodations.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause roadblocks and flight delays, especially near the Himalayan foothills.

• Early morning departures from Bhubaneswar help avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections.

• Plan arrival in Dehradun before sunset to navigate local transport easily and check into accommodations.

Arrival at Dehradun & What to Expect

On arrival at Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport, travelers find a calm, green city with easy access to nearby hill stations like Mussoorie. The city center is about 25 km from the airport and 3 km from the railway station.

Prepaid taxi counters at the railway station and airport ensure safe rides. Ola and Uber services operate in Dehradun, providing affordable local transport. Popular stay areas include Rajpur Road and Clock Tower, close to markets and eateries.

Conclusion

For most travelers, flying with a connecting flight via Delhi is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Dehradun from Bhubaneswar. However, train travel offers an economical and scenic alternative for those with time to spare. Self-driving is ideal for adventure seekers wanting to explore en route.

With proper planning, early bookings, and awareness of seasonal conditions, you can confidently undertake this journey. Whether for leisure or business, the route from Bhubaneswar to Dehradun promises a rewarding travel experience.