Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is nestled in the Doon Valley surrounded by the Himalayas. Pune, a bustling metropolis in Maharashtra, is known for its educational institutions and IT hubs. Traveling from Pune to Dehradun is popular among tourists seeking a serene hill station getaway and professionals visiting for business or education.

This guide covers all practical travel options from Pune to Dehradun, including trains, buses, flights, and self-drive routes. You’ll find detailed information on timings, routes, ticket costs, and local tips to plan your journey confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Pune to Dehradun – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a budget-friendly and scenic option, though there is no direct train connecting Pune and Dehradun. Travelers typically take connecting trains via Delhi or Haridwar. Indian Railways offers several routes with varying travel times and classes.

• Route options:

  The most common route is Pune to Delhi (approx 20–24 hours), then Delhi to Dehradun (approx 5–6 hours). Alternatively, Pune to Haridwar and then a short train or taxi to Dehradun is possible.

• Ticket costs and classes:

  Pune-Delhi trains range from INR 500 (Sleeper) to INR 2500 (AC 2-tier). Delhi-Dehradun trains cost around INR 150–600 depending on class. Booking via IRCTC is recommended 30 days in advance for availability.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Pune-Delhi trains run daily with options like the Pune Rajdhani for faster travel. Delhi-Dehradun trains are frequent but can get crowded during peak seasons like summer holidays.

• Travel tips:

  Book Pune-Delhi trains early to avoid waitlists. Night trains are convenient to save daytime. Carry snacks and water, as station amenities vary.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  Dehradun Railway Station is well connected by auto-rickshaws and Ola/Uber cabs. Prepaid taxi counters at the station ensure fair pricing.

Bus

Direct bus services from Pune to Dehradun are limited due to the long distance (approx 1600 km). However, a combination of buses via Delhi or other major hubs is possible for budget travelers willing to endure longer travel times.

• Route and duration:

  Pune to Delhi MSRTC or private buses take around 30–35 hours. From Delhi, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses or private operators cover Dehradun in 6–7 hours.

• Bus types and fares:

  Pune-Delhi buses include Volvo AC and non-AC options costing INR 1200–2000. Delhi-Dehradun buses cost INR 300–600 depending on service.

• Booking and frequency:

  Pune-Delhi buses depart mostly in the evening. Booking through RedBus or official MSRTC sites is advised. Delhi-Dehradun buses run frequently from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

• Comfort and challenges:

  Long bus journeys can be tiring. Night buses help save daytime but may have limited legroom. Road conditions on NH 44 and NH 7 are generally good but expect traffic near Delhi.

• Rest stops and food:

  Pune-Delhi route has multiple highway dhabas and rest stops. Carry water and light snacks for the last leg from Delhi to Dehradun.

Car/Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Dehradun offers flexibility and the chance to explore along the way. The journey covers approximately 1600 km and takes around 28–30 hours depending on stops and traffic.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH 48 to Delhi, then NH 7 and NH 307 to Dehradun. Key cities en route include Nashik, Indore, Jaipur, and Delhi.

• Road conditions:

  National Highways are mostly well maintained with toll plazas. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway and NH 48 are smooth, but expect congestion near metro cities like Nashik and Delhi.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Numerous fuel stations and eateries like McDonald's, CCD, and local dhabas are available. Plan overnight stops in cities like Indore or Jaipur to avoid fatigue.

• Travel tips:

  Avoid driving through Delhi during peak hours (8–11 am and 5–8 pm). Use Google Maps for live traffic updates. Carry a physical map as backup in hilly areas near Dehradun.

• Permits and tolls:

  Ensure your vehicle has FASTag for toll payments. Check for any state-specific permits if crossing multiple states. Keep emergency contacts handy.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Dehradun from Pune. Although there are no direct flights, connecting flights via Delhi or Mumbai are common and save significant travel time.

• Airports:

  Pune Airport (PNQ) and Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED) serve this route. Jolly Grant is about 25 km from Dehradun city center.

• Flight options and duration:

  Flights from Pune to Delhi take around 2 hours. Delhi to Dehradun flights are about 45 minutes. Total travel time including layovers is typically 5–7 hours.

• Airlines and fares:

  IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate on these routes. Fares range from INR 3500 to 7000 depending on booking time and season.

• Booking tips:

  Book at least 3 weeks in advance for best prices. Use airline apps or aggregator sites like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip. Check baggage policies carefully.

• Airport transfers:

  At Dehradun airport, prepaid taxis and Ola/Uber are available. It’s advisable to pre-book cabs during peak tourist seasons to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Dehradun, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether train, flight, or bus, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance via IRCTC, airline websites, or RedBus to secure seats and better prices.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at Pune Railway Station, Airport, or Bus Stand at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and complete security checks.

• Pack essentials smartly:

  Carry water, snacks, chargers, and a light jacket. For train or bus journeys, a neck pillow and blanket can improve comfort.

• Plan your transfers:

  If traveling by train, plan your Delhi to Dehradun leg carefully. Use prepaid taxi counters or Ola/Uber for safe and reliable transfers.

• Stay updated on travel status:

  Use apps like NTES for train running status or airline apps for flight updates. This helps avoid surprises due to delays or cancellations.

• On arrival, use local transport:

  Dehradun city has good auto-rickshaw and cab services. For longer stays, consider renting a scooter or car for convenience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety first:

  Always use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid overcharging and scams.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues. Use refillable water bottles and refill at trusted places.

• Booking strategy:

  For trains, use IRCTC’s Tatkal scheme if last-minute booking is needed, but expect higher fares. Flights booked early offer the best deals.

• Local commute in Dehradun:

  Autos are metered but negotiate fares beforehand. Ola and Uber operate in the city and are convenient for tourists.

• Luggage handling:

  Keep valuables in carry-on bags. For trains, secure your luggage with locks and keep an eye on it during halts.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Avoid traveling by road during heavy monsoon rains due to landslides near Dehradun. Winter fog can delay flights and trains, so plan accordingly.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Dehradun depends on weather and traffic conditions. Summer and post-monsoon months are ideal for comfortable travel and sightseeing.

Winter months can be chilly in Dehradun, and fog may cause delays. Monsoon season requires caution on roads due to slippery conditions and occasional landslides.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures from Pune help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at stations or airports.

• Summer months (March to June) offer pleasant weather in Dehradun, making road and train travel enjoyable.

• Monsoon travel (July to September) requires extra care on highways and check weather forecasts regularly.

Arrival at Dehradun & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport, travelers find a calm hill station atmosphere with moderate traffic. The city is well connected by autos, taxis, and app-based cabs.

Nearby attractions like Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, and the Forest Research Institute are easily accessible. Popular stay areas include Rajpur Road and Clock Tower, offering a range of hotels and guesthouses.

Prepaid taxi counters at the railway station and airport ensure fair fares. For late arrivals, booking Ola or Uber cabs via mobile apps is recommended for safety and convenience.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying via Delhi is the most time-efficient and comfortable way to reach Dehradun from Pune, especially for those with limited time. Trains offer a budget-friendly alternative with scenic views but require careful planning due to connections.

Self-driving is ideal for adventurers wanting flexibility and sightseeing en route, while buses suit travelers on a tight budget willing to endure longer journeys. With this detailed guide, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy a smooth journey from Pune to the serene hills of Dehradun.