Roorkee is a historic city located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, known for its prestigious engineering institute and scenic surroundings. Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, lies in the western state of Maharashtra. Traveling between these two cities is common for students, professionals, and tourists seeking a mix of urban and educational experiences.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Roorkee. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Roorkee.

Getting from Mumbai to Roorkee – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance journey. It offers a comfortable way to see the countryside while reaching Roorkee directly or with minimal changes.

• The main railway station in Mumbai is Mumbai CST or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, with several trains heading towards Roorkee or nearby Haridwar station, which is about 30 km away from Roorkee.

• Direct trains like the Dehradun Express or Jan Shatabdi connect Mumbai to Haridwar, taking approximately 24 to 30 hours depending on the service and route.

• Train fares range from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2000 for AC 3-tier, making it affordable for most travelers; booking through IRCTC is recommended for confirmed seats.

• Trains run daily but can be crowded during festivals like Diwali or summer holidays, so book tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Haridwar station has good connectivity to Roorkee by local buses, shared autos, or taxis, which take around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Roorkee city center.

Bus

Buses provide a flexible and budget-friendly option, especially for travelers who prefer road journeys and want to experience local travel culture.

• Major bus depots in Mumbai include the Mumbai Central Bus Station and Borivali Bus Stand, offering services towards Uttarakhand via MSRTC and private operators.

• Direct buses to Roorkee are limited, so most travelers take buses to Haridwar or Dehradun and then switch to local transport to reach Roorkee.

• The journey by bus covers around 1,600 km and takes approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with fares ranging from INR 800 to INR 1500.

• Comfort varies from non-AC sleeper buses to Volvo AC coaches; Volvo buses are more expensive but offer better comfort for the long journey.

• Frequent stops for food and rest are available along NH48 and NH334, but monsoon season may cause delays due to road conditions and landslides in hilly areas.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Roorkee is suitable for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore places en route at their own pace.

• The distance by road is approximately 1,600 km via NH48 and NH334, taking around 28 to 32 hours of driving time without long breaks.

• Key cities on the route include Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Ajmer, and Jaipur, offering good rest stops and fuel stations along the way.

• Toll plazas are frequent on NH48 and NH334, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges can add up to INR 1,000 to 1,500 for the entire trip.

• Driving through Rajasthan and northern Maharashtra requires caution during peak summer heat and monsoon rains, which can affect road safety and visibility.

• Self-drive car rentals with unlimited kilometers are available in Mumbai, but ensure you have valid documents and plan overnight stops to avoid fatigue.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, but Roorkee does not have its own airport, so you need to combine air and road travel.

• The nearest airport to Roorkee is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 45 km away, with regular flights from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

• Flight duration from Mumbai to Dehradun is around 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares typically ranging from INR 3,000 to INR 7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Dehradun airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Roorkee in about 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by fog during winter mornings, so check weather conditions and flight status before booking.

• Booking flights early during festival seasons or holidays is essential to get reasonable fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Roorkee, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially trains and flights, using official platforms like IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights to avoid scams and last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by train, choose a direct train to Haridwar or Dehradun and confirm your seat; carry a printed or digital ticket and valid ID for verification.

• For bus travelers, check the latest schedules from MSRTC or private operators and arrive at the bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to secure your seat.

• If driving, plan your route with GPS and identify safe hotels or rest stops for overnight breaks; keep emergency numbers handy and check your vehicle condition before starting.

• For flights, arrive at Mumbai airport at least 2 hours before departure, carry your boarding pass and ID, and pre-book a taxi from Dehradun airport to Roorkee to avoid waiting.

• Upon reaching Haridwar or Dehradun, use local buses, shared autos, or prepaid taxis to reach Roorkee; always agree on fares beforehand or use app-based cabs for transparency.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a water bottle and snacks, especially for train and bus journeys, as food quality at stations may vary and hygiene standards differ across regions.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive gadgets openly, as crowded trains and buses can attract pickpockets.

• Book tickets well in advance during peak seasons like summer vacations and festivals to avoid unavailability and inflated prices.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based services like Ola and Uber for local travel in Roorkee to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Pack light but include essential medicines, a power bank, and a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon months to stay comfortable.

• Be cautious of water quality; drink bottled or boiled water and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach to prevent illness.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Roorkee is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear.

Summer months can be very hot, especially in Rajasthan and northern Maharashtra, making daytime travel uncomfortable. Monsoon season from July to September may cause delays due to heavy rains and occasional roadblocks.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are overcrowded and fares surge significantly.

• Winter mornings in Dehradun and Roorkee can be foggy, causing flight delays; plan flights for late mornings or afternoons for better reliability.

• Depart Mumbai early in the morning or late at night to avoid city traffic and reach your destination during daylight hours for safety.

• During monsoon, check weather updates regularly and be prepared for slower road travel due to slippery conditions and waterlogging.

Arrival at Roorkee & What to Expect

Roorkee railway station is small but well-maintained, with basic facilities like waiting rooms and refreshment stalls. If you arrive at Haridwar or Dehradun, local transport options are easily available to reach Roorkee.

For local commuting in Roorkee, you can use cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, or app-based cabs like Ola. Most travelers prefer staying near the IIT Roorkee campus or the city center, where hotels and guesthouses are plentiful.

Prepaid taxi counters at stations help avoid bargaining and ensure fixed fares. Keep some small change handy for local transport and tipping drivers.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Roorkee offers multiple options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Trains provide an affordable and scenic route, while flights save time but require additional road travel. Buses and self-drive cars offer flexibility but need careful planning for long hours on the road.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local transport in Roorkee. With the right information and preparation, you can travel confidently and enjoy your visit to this historic city.