Mussoorie, the charming hill station in Uttarakhand, is a favorite getaway from Pune, Maharashtra. Known for its cool climate and scenic views of the Himalayas, Mussoorie attracts tourists seeking respite from city heat and a taste of nature. This route is popular among weekend travelers and holidaymakers looking to explore northern India’s mountains.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Pune to Mussoorie, including train, bus, car, and flight options. Whether you prefer a scenic road trip or a quick flight followed by a drive, you’ll find detailed advice, travel times, and tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Pune to Mussoorie – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Pune to Mussoorie involves a combination of rail and road transport, as Mussoorie does not have a railway station. The nearest major railway station is Dehradun, about 35 km away. Trains from Pune to Dehradun are limited but available, offering a comfortable and economical option.

• Key stations and route:

  Board a train from Pune Junction (PUNE) to Dehradun (DDN). Popular trains include the Pune-Dehradun Express, which takes approximately 36 to 40 hours covering around 1,700 km.

• Ticket cost and classes:

  Tickets range from ₹800 for sleeper class to ₹2,500 for AC 3-tier. Booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to limited availability.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Trains run 2-3 times weekly. AC coaches provide comfort for the long journey, but sleeper class is more economical for budget travelers.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Dehradun railway station, take a taxi or bus to Mussoorie. Shared taxis cost around ₹300-₹400 and take about 1.5 hours via NH7 and Mussoorie Road.

• Scenic views and timing:

  The train journey passes through plains and foothills; night travel is common. Avoid monsoon season due to potential delays and landslides near Dehradun.

Bus

There are no direct buses from Pune to Mussoorie due to the long distance and hilly terrain. However, you can take buses to Dehradun and then local transport to Mussoorie. This option is less comfortable but budget-friendly.

• Bus routes:

  Take a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) or private bus from Pune to Delhi or Dehradun. Overnight Volvo buses to Delhi are frequent; from Delhi, catch a bus to Dehradun.

• Travel time and cost:

  Pune to Delhi buses take 24-28 hours costing ₹1,200-₹2,000. From Delhi to Dehradun, state buses cost ₹300-₹500 and take 6-8 hours.

• From Dehradun to Mussoorie:

  Frequent Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses and shared taxis connect Dehradun to Mussoorie. The road is steep and winding; buses run every 30 minutes.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Volvo buses offer better comfort for long distances. Avoid traveling by bus during peak festival seasons due to overcrowding.

• Rest stops and food:

  Major stops include Nashik, Indore, and Delhi. Carry snacks and water as food options on the highway can be limited at night.

Car/Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Mussoorie is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips. The distance is about 1,700 km via NH 48 and NH 7, taking approximately 30-35 hours of driving time, usually split over 2-3 days.

• Route details:

  The most common route is Pune–Mumbai–Vadodara–Udaipur–Delhi–Dehradun–Mussoorie, primarily via NH48 and NH7. The roads are mostly national highways with tolls.

• Road conditions and rest stops:

  Highways are generally in good condition with multiple fuel stations and restaurants. Recommended stops include Surat, Udaipur, and Delhi for overnight breaks.

• Driving in hills:

  The last 35 km from Dehradun to Mussoorie is a steep, winding mountain road. Drive cautiously, especially during monsoon when landslides are common.

• Permits and tolls:

  Carry valid driving license and vehicle documents. Expect tolls on NH48 and NH7; keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Best time to drive:

  Start early mornings to avoid city traffic in Pune and Delhi. Avoid night driving in the hills for safety.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance between Pune and the foothills of Mussoorie. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km from Mussoorie.

• Flight options:

  Direct flights from Pune to Dehradun are limited. Most travelers take connecting flights via Delhi or Mumbai. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate these routes.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Total air travel time including layovers ranges from 4 to 7 hours. Ticket prices vary from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 depending on booking time and season.

• From airport to Mussoorie:

  Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Dehradun airport. The drive to Mussoorie takes about 1.5 hours on NH7.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights at least 2-3 weeks in advance for better fares. Check for early morning or late evening flights to avoid traffic delays.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Flights may be affected by fog in winter mornings; plan accordingly to avoid missed connections.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers plan their journey from Pune to Mussoorie smoothly, balancing convenience and comfort.

• Book your train or flight tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or airline websites/apps for flights. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead ensures availability and better prices.

• Prepare for the last leg from Dehradun:

  Arrange a taxi or check bus schedules in advance to avoid waiting long after arrival.

• Pack light but smart:

  Carry warm clothes as Mussoorie is cooler than Pune, especially in evenings. Also, pack snacks and water for the hill drive.

• Reach the station or airport early:

  Arrive at Pune Junction or Pune Airport at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush.

• Use local apps for cabs:

  Upon arrival in Dehradun, use Ola or Uber for safer and transparent pricing to Mussoorie.

• Plan your return trip:

  Book return tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on hill roads:

  Avoid night driving from Dehradun to Mussoorie due to narrow, winding roads and occasional landslides.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially if traveling by bus or car. Avoid roadside eateries that look unhygienic.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train bookings and official airline apps for flights. For buses, MSRTC and Uttarakhand Transport websites provide schedules.

• Local commute in Mussoorie:

  Shared taxis and local buses are common. For convenience, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs within town.

• Luggage handling:

  Pack in sturdy bags; hill roads can be bumpy. Keep valuables close during train or bus travel.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Avoid monsoon months (July-September) for road travel due to landslides. Winters can be foggy, affecting flights.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to visit Mussoorie from Pune is during spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) when weather is pleasant and roads are safe. Winters are cold and foggy, while monsoons bring heavy rains and landslide risks.

Travelers should avoid peak festival weekends and early morning fog hours for smoother journeys.

• Avoid traveling during Diwali and New Year weekends due to heavy tourist influx and traffic jams.

• Summer months offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures for hill travel.

• Start early in the morning to bypass city traffic in Pune and Delhi.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling during monsoon or winter to avoid disruptions.

Arrival at Mussoorie & What to Expect

On arrival in Mussoorie, travelers are greeted by cool mountain air and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The town is compact, with popular areas like Mall Road and Camel’s Back Road offering hotels, eateries, and shops.

Local transport includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and walking paths. Prepaid taxis from Dehradun drop travelers near the main market area. Staying near Mall Road is convenient for first-timers, with easy access to attractions like Gun Hill and Kempty Falls.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mussoorie from Pune is by flying to Dehradun and then taking a taxi or bus for the hill drive. This option saves time and offers comfort, especially for short trips. Train travel is economical but requires planning for the last-mile journey.

With proper planning and awareness of road conditions and seasonal factors, travelers can enjoy a safe and scenic journey from Pune to the beautiful hill station of Mussoorie. Start booking early and prepare for a memorable escape to the mountains.