Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Mumbai, on the west coast of India, is a bustling metropolis and the financial capital of the country. Many travelers from Mumbai visit Mussoorie to enjoy its cool climate, scenic views, and peaceful environment.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Mussoorie. You will learn about different transport options including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Mumbai to Mussoorie – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a popular option for travelers who want an economical and scenic route. However, there is no direct train to Mussoorie, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Mussoorie is Dehradun Railway Station, about 35 km away, well connected to Mumbai via several trains like the Dehradun Express and Nanda Devi Express, taking approximately 28 to 32 hours.

• Train fares from Mumbai to Dehradun range from ₹600 for sleeper class to ₹2,000 for AC classes, depending on the train and booking time, with tickets available on IRCTC and at railway counters.

• Trains depart from Mumbai’s major stations such as Mumbai CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Mumbai LTT (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus), with frequent weekly services but limited daily options, so booking in advance is recommended.

• During peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals, trains can be crowded and tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead and avoid last-minute travel to ensure availability and comfort.

• After reaching Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Mussoorie; taxis take about 1 to 1.5 hours and cost around ₹1,200 to ₹1,800, while buses are cheaper but less frequent and less comfortable.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel, but there are no direct buses from Mumbai to Mussoorie. You will need to travel by bus to Dehradun first and then switch to local transport.

• MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) and private operators run buses from Mumbai to Delhi or Dehradun, with journey times ranging from 30 to 36 hours depending on the route and stops.

• From Dehradun ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal), you can catch frequent local buses or shared taxis to Mussoorie, which take about 1 to 1.5 hours and cost ₹50 to ₹150 per person.

• Bus fares from Mumbai to Dehradun vary between ₹800 and ₹1,500 depending on the bus type, such as sleeper, semi-sleeper, or Volvo AC coaches, with Volvo buses offering more comfort for long journeys.

• Long-distance buses depart from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots, with departures mostly in the evening or night to maximize daytime travel and comfort.

• During monsoon season, roads can be slippery and prone to landslides near Mussoorie, so bus travel might face delays; check weather updates and choose reliable operators.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Mussoorie is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and enjoy road trips. The distance is about 1,650 km and takes roughly 30 to 35 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH48 to Delhi, then NH334 and NH7 towards Dehradun, followed by the Mussoorie Road (NH307), passing through cities like Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Roorkee.

• Expect tolls at multiple plazas along the highways, with total toll costs around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000; keep cash and FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Plan your trip with overnight stops in cities like Udaipur or Jaipur to avoid fatigue; these cities offer good hotels and food options for rest and refreshment.

• Road conditions are generally good on national highways, but the last stretch from Dehradun to Mussoorie is hilly and narrow, requiring careful driving especially during monsoon or winter.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai with daily rates starting around ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 depending on the vehicle type; ensure the vehicle is well-maintained and equipped for hill driving.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Mussoorie, but there is no airport in Mussoorie itself. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km away.

• Direct flights from Mumbai to Dehradun take about 2.5 hours and are operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the season and booking time.

• From Dehradun Airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Mussoorie in about 1 to 1.5 hours, costing ₹1,200 to ₹1,800.

• Flight frequency is good with multiple daily flights, but prices rise during peak tourist seasons and festivals, so book tickets early to get better deals.

• Airport facilities at Dehradun are basic but sufficient, with limited food options and taxi stands; pre-booking your cab is advisable to avoid waiting times.

• Flying is the best option if you want to save time and avoid long road or train journeys, especially for short trips or weekend getaways.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Mussoorie, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance via IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better prices, especially during holidays or summer.

• If traveling by train, plan to arrive at Dehradun Railway Station and pre-arrange a taxi or check local bus timings to Mussoorie to avoid last-minute hassles at night.

• For bus travelers, confirm the departure time and boarding point in Mumbai, and carry snacks and water for the long journey; also check the bus operator’s reputation for safety and comfort.

• If self-driving, plan your route with GPS navigation, schedule overnight stops, and check weather and road conditions before starting to avoid surprises on mountain roads.

• Pack light but include warm clothes as Mussoorie’s weather can be chilly, especially in the evenings and early mornings, even in summer.

• Upon arrival in Mussoorie, use prepaid taxis or local shared jeeps for short distances; avoid unmetered cabs to prevent overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water in Mussoorie; buy bottled water from trusted shops to prevent stomach issues common among travelers.

• During monsoon, roads to Mussoorie can be slippery and prone to landslides; check weather forecasts and avoid traveling during heavy rains for safety.

• Book train and flight tickets early through official platforms like IRCTC and airline websites to avoid scams and inflated prices from agents.

• Use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Mumbai and Dehradun for reliable and transparent pricing; in Mussoorie, prefer prepaid taxis or shared jeeps for local travel.

• Carry light luggage with sturdy bags, as you may need to walk on uneven or steep roads in Mussoorie; avoid heavy suitcases that are hard to carry uphill.

• Keep emergency numbers handy, including local police and hospital contacts in Mussoorie, as hill stations can have limited connectivity in some areas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mussoorie is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are safe. Winters can be cold with occasional snowfall, while monsoon brings heavy rains and landslides.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so plan accordingly to avoid discomfort and delays. Early morning departures help you avoid traffic and reach your destination in daylight.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July and August due to frequent landslides and slippery roads, which can cause delays and safety risks.

• Peak tourist seasons like summer holidays and Diwali see heavy traffic on highways and in Mussoorie, so book accommodations and transport well in advance.

• Winter months from December to February can have fog and cold weather, which may affect road visibility and comfort, especially for night travel.

• Depart Mumbai early in the morning or late at night to avoid city traffic and make the most of highway driving during less crowded hours.

Arrival at Mussoorie & What to Expect

When you arrive in Mussoorie, you will find a small but charming hill town with narrow roads and limited parking. The main arrival points are the bus stand and taxi drop-off areas near the Mall Road.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and walking. Most hotels are located near Mall Road, which is the town’s commercial center and a good base for exploring nearby attractions.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available from Dehradun to Mussoorie; in Mussoorie, shared jeeps are the most economical way to travel uphill and to nearby spots.

• Many hotels offer pick-up services from taxi stands or bus stops; confirm this while booking to avoid waiting outside in unfamiliar areas.

• Walking is common in Mussoorie due to narrow roads and traffic restrictions; wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uphill climbs.

• Local shops and eateries near Mall Road offer a variety of food options, but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach to prevent illness.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Mussoorie offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flying to Dehradun and then taking a taxi is the fastest and most convenient way, while trains and buses provide economical alternatives for those who enjoy longer journeys.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the hill terrain will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best travel mode and make your journey from Mumbai to Mussoorie a memorable experience.