How to Reach Mussoorie from Bangalore – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Mussoorie from Bangalore by train, bus, car, and flight with practical tips on travel time, routes, and local transport options.
Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand, nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major metropolitan city in southern India. Many travelers from Bangalore visit Mussoorie to enjoy its cool climate and scenic views.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Mussoorie. You will learn about various transport options including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical advice on planning your journey smoothly.
Getting from Bangalore to Mussoorie – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train is a popular option for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey. However, there is no direct train to Mussoorie, so you need to combine train travel with road transport.
You can take a train from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) to Dehradun Railway Station, which is the nearest major railhead to Mussoorie. The distance between Bangalore and Dehradun is about 2,200 km, and the journey takes approximately 36 to 40 hours depending on the train.
Popular trains on this route include the Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express and the Dehradun Express, which run a few times a week. Booking tickets through IRCTC in advance is advisable to secure confirmed seats.
From Dehradun Railway Station, Mussoorie is about 35 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from the station to reach Mussoorie, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and weather.
Train travel offers a comfortable and economical option, but be prepared for long travel times and possible delays during monsoon or winter fog seasons.
Food options are available on the train and at major stations like Nagpur and New Delhi, but carrying some snacks and water is recommended for the long journey.
Bus
Bus travel from Bangalore to Mussoorie is less common due to the long distance but can be done by combining buses and local transport. It suits budget travelers who prefer road travel.
There are no direct buses from Bangalore to Mussoorie, so you need to take a bus from Bangalore to Delhi or Dehradun first. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run buses to Delhi, which takes about 36 to 40 hours.
From Delhi, you can catch a Volvo or deluxe bus to Dehradun, which takes about 6 to 8 hours. From Dehradun, local buses or taxis take you to Mussoorie.
Bus fares from Bangalore to Delhi range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 depending on the operator and class. Delhi to Dehradun buses cost around ₹400 to ₹700.
Road conditions on highways like NH44 and NH7 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads, especially near the hills.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Bangalore to Mussoorie is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The journey covers around 2,400 km and takes approximately 40 to 45 hours of driving time.
The most common route is via NH44, passing through cities like Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Delhi before reaching Dehradun and then Mussoorie via NH7 and local roads.
Driving allows you to stop at interesting places en route such as Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Agra. It also gives you control over your schedule and rest breaks.
Expect toll plazas on major highways, and plan for fuel stops every 300-400 km. Fuel costs will be significant for this long trip, so budget accordingly.
Road conditions are mostly good on national highways, but be cautious while driving in hilly areas near Mussoorie, especially during monsoon when landslides can occur.
Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced before the trip, carry a physical map or GPS device, and avoid night driving in unfamiliar or hilly areas for safety.
Flight
Flying is the fastest way to reach near Mussoorie from Bangalore, but you will still need road transport to reach the hill station itself.
Flights operate frequently from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is the closest airport to Mussoorie. Flight duration is about 3 to 3.5 hours.
Airfare ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 one way depending on the airline and how early you book. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate this route.
From Dehradun Airport, Mussoorie is about 35 km and can be reached by taxi or pre-booked cabs in 1.5 to 2 hours. Shared taxis are also available but less frequent.
Booking flights early can save money, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.
Flight delays can occur due to fog in winter or rain during monsoon, so keep some buffer time if you have onward connections.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This plan is for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Mussoorie. It covers key steps to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to get confirmed seats and better prices, especially during holidays.
Pack light but include warm clothes, as Mussoorie is cooler than Bangalore. Also carry snacks and water for long journeys, especially if traveling by train or bus.
If traveling by train, reach Bangalore City Railway Station at least 45 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your coach easily.
Upon arrival at Dehradun, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Mussoorie safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.
Check weather forecasts before departure. Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon or foggy winter mornings to reduce chances of delays or roadblocks.
Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded for navigation in hilly areas where network coverage may be patchy.
Practical Travel Tips
Always carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets while moving between states, as police checks are common on highways and near hill stations.
Drink only bottled or filtered water during the journey to avoid stomach issues. Avoid street food unless it looks freshly prepared and hygienic.
Book your tickets online for trains, buses, and flights to avoid last-minute cancellations or scams common at stations and bus stands.
Use local shared taxis or app-based cabs within Dehradun and Mussoorie for safe and affordable travel. Avoid unmetered taxis which may charge high fares.
Pack your luggage in sturdy bags with locks. Carry a small daypack for essentials during local sightseeing in Mussoorie.
During monsoon, roads near Mussoorie may get slippery or blocked due to landslides. Check local news or ask hotel staff before planning day trips.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to visit Mussoorie from Bangalore is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be cold with fog, and monsoon brings heavy rains.
Travel conditions vary by season, so planning accordingly helps avoid delays and discomfort.
Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are fully booked and roads are crowded.
Monsoon months (July and August) can cause landslides and roadblocks near Mussoorie, making travel risky and slow.
Winter mornings often have dense fog in northern India, especially near Dehradun and Mussoorie, causing flight delays and slower road travel.
Early morning departures from Bangalore help avoid city traffic and allow smoother connections for onward travel.
Arrival at Mussoorie & What to Expect
When you arrive in Mussoorie, you will find a small but busy town with narrow roads and many tourists. The main entry points are by road from Dehradun, so most travelers arrive by taxi or bus.
Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Walking is common in the town center due to narrow lanes and pedestrian zones.
Popular areas to stay include Mall Road, Landour, and near Lal Tibba. Many hotels and guesthouses offer easy access to local attractions.
Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are available but less common than in big cities. It is best to agree on fares before starting your trip if using local taxis.
Be prepared for hilly terrain and some uphill walking. Carry comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, especially if you arrive after a long journey.
Conclusion
The most efficient way to travel from Bangalore to Mussoorie is by taking a flight to Dehradun and then a taxi to Mussoorie. This saves time and offers comfort, especially for first-time travelers.
However, train travel combined with road transport is a good economical option if you prefer a scenic and relaxed journey. Driving yourself is best for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route. Planning ahead, booking tickets early, and checking weather conditions will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip to this beautiful hill station.