Mussoorie is the reason most people come to Dehradun, and the drive up is part of the trip: a winding hill road, the city falling away below, and on a clear day the first view of the snow peaks. It is also where a lot of trips go wrong, with long queues of cars, no parking, and an evening crawl back down.
We live in Malsi on the Mussoorie side of Dehradun, and our guests drive up almost every day. Here is how to do it well.
Want a quiet base for Mussoorie? WhatsApp us, call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates. We reply within 4–6 hours.
Dehradun to Mussoorie at a glance
| Distance | About 35 km from Dehradun city; about 26 km from our homestay in Malsi |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 1 to 1.5 hours, much longer in weekend traffic |
| Private taxi | Roughly ₹1,000–1,500 one way |
| Shared taxi | Roughly ₹100–150 per seat |
| Bus | Roughly ₹50–80, Uttarakhand Roadways |
Fares are approximate and change with the season and demand. Always agree a taxi fare before you set off.
The route
From the city you head north up Rajpur Road and on to Mussoorie Road, which climbs through Malsi and then into a long series of hairpin bends. The road is good and well used, but narrow in places. If anyone in your group gets car-sick, take it slowly, sit in front and stop at the viewpoints on the way.
Ways to get there
By taxi or cab
The simplest option. Taxis are easy to find in Dehradun, and for a day trip many people book a car for the day so the driver waits while they explore. This is also the easiest way to add Kempty Falls, about 15 km beyond Mussoorie.
By bus
Uttarakhand Roadways buses run through the day, mostly from the Mussoorie bus stand near Dehradun railway station. Cheap and reliable, but slower and crowded on weekends.
By shared taxi
Shared taxis leave once they fill up. They are a good middle option if you are travelling light.
Driving yourself
Fine for a confident hill driver, but parking in Mussoorie is the hard part. Use the paid parking lots near Library Chowk or Picture Palace, arrive early, and walk Mall Road rather than trying to drive along it.
How to avoid the traffic
- Leave before 9 a.m. On weekends and long holidays the queue to enter Mussoorie can stretch back for kilometres by late morning.
- Visit on a weekday if you can.
- Come down before dark. The descent is easier in daylight, and traffic builds in the evening.
- Avoid the peak days around Christmas, New Year and long weekends, or go very early. See our Dehradun in winter guide for New Year tips.
What to do in Mussoorie in one day
The highlights are below; our places to visit in Mussoorie guide has 12 spots and a full day plan.
- Mall Road, from Library Chowk to Picture Palace, for the views and the old shops.
- Gun Hill, by ropeway or a short steep walk, for wide views on a clear morning.
- Landour, above Mussoorie, for quiet lanes, old churches and bakeries.
- Company Garden, an easy stop with children.
- Kempty Falls, beyond Mussoorie, if you have a car for the day.
Our 2-day plan from Delhi puts Mussoorie on day two and Dehradun’s river walks on day one.
Why stay in Dehradun and drive up
Mussoorie is beautiful, but on busy weekends hotels are expensive, parking is scarce, and the town can be packed. Many travellers prefer to stay in Dehradun on the Mussoorie side of the city, where it is calmer, warmer in winter and better value, and go up for the day. You also get Dehradun’s own sights, like Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara, on the same trip. See our full list of places to visit in Dehradun.
Shivoham Retreat is a small, family-run homestay in Malsi, just off Mussoorie Road, about 26 km from Mussoorie and 500 m from Robber’s Cave. Breakfast is included and parking is free:
- Luxury Valley Facing Room: private balcony, from ₹3,500 a night
- Luxury Studio Room: spacious, from ₹4,000 a night
- Harmony House: the whole two-bedroom house for up to four, from ₹6,000 a night
See the rooms.
Planning a Mussoorie trip? WhatsApp us, call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates. We reply within 4–6 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mussoorie from Dehradun?
About 35 km from Dehradun city and the railway station, usually 1 to 1.5 hours by road. From Shivoham Retreat in Malsi, on the Mussoorie side of the city, it is about 26 km.
What is the taxi fare from Dehradun to Mussoorie?
A private taxi is roughly ₹1,000–1,500 one way, more for a full-day return trip with waiting. Shared taxis cost roughly ₹100–150 per seat. Fares change, so agree the price before you start.
Is there a bus from Dehradun to Mussoorie?
Yes. Uttarakhand Roadways buses run through the day from Dehradun, mainly from the Mussoorie bus stand near the railway station, for roughly ₹50–80.
What is the best time to drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie?
Leave before 9 a.m., especially on weekends and holidays, and start back down before sunset. Traffic near Mall Road and Library Chowk builds up through the day.
Is it better to stay in Dehradun or Mussoorie?
Staying in Dehradun is usually quieter, warmer in winter and better value, and you avoid Mussoorie’s parking and weekend crowds. A homestay on Mussoorie Road keeps the drive up to under an hour.