Mussoorie looks close on the map. It’s only about 60 km from Jolly Grant Airport. But the drive has two very different halves, and the second half is a steady climb up a road full of bends. Plan for around two hours and you won’t be disappointed.
The flat half: airport to Dehradun
From Jolly Grant you head through Doiwala towards Dehradun. This part is about 25 km of ordinary city traffic and takes 45 to 60 minutes. Good drivers will use bypass roads to skip the worst of central Dehradun at peak hours.
The hill half: Dehradun up to Mussoorie
From Dehradun, the road climbs up through the Rajpur and Kolhukhet side to Mussoorie. It’s roughly 33 to 35 km of continuous curves and usually takes about an hour. The road is well used and safe, but it’s narrow in places, and you’ll feel every turn.
If you get car sick:
- eat something light before you leave, not a heavy meal
- sit in the front and look ahead at the road
- keep a window slightly open for fresh air
- ask the driver for a short stop at a viewpoint if you need one
Getting there: three options
1. Direct taxi from the airport (easiest). No changes, no hauling bags. Agree the fare first and ask whether parking or entry charges are extra.
| Vehicle | Indicative fare to Mussoorie |
|---|---|
| Sedan | roughly ₹2,500 to 3,500 |
| SUV | roughly ₹3,500 to 5,000 |
These are only a guide. Landour, Kempty Falls road and the Dhanaulti side cost more than the Mall Road area.
2. Pre-booked hotel car. Many Mussoorie hotels can send a car. Handy if you’re landing late or travelling with kids or elderly parents.
3. Bus via Dehradun (cheapest). Get to Dehradun first by taxi or bus, then catch a Mussoorie bus from the stand near Dehradun railway station. In Mussoorie, buses usually stop at Library Chowk or Picture Palace, at either end of Mall Road. Expect 3.5 to 4 hours door to door.
Parking and drop points in Mussoorie
Mussoorie is short on parking, and parts of Mall Road have restrictions on vehicles. Before you travel, ask your hotel two things: where exactly a car can drop you, and whether they have parking or a porter to help with bags. It saves a lot of confusion when you arrive.
When to go, and when to avoid
- Land in daylight. Hill roads are much easier in good light, especially if you’re not used to them.
- Skip Friday evening and Sunday afternoon if you can. Weekend traffic from Delhi and Dehradun backs up near Mussoorie’s entry points.
- Winter (December to February): cold, often clear, sometimes snowy. Snow can close roads for a while, so check before setting off.
- Monsoon (July to September): landslides and slippery roads slow things down. Avoid driving after dark in heavy rain.
Coming back down
Give yourself plenty of room: leave Mussoorie at least 3.5 to 4 hours before your flight in busy season. Downhill isn’t much faster, and you don’t want to be watching the clock in a traffic queue at Kolhukhet.
Related guides
- The complete Jolly Grant Airport guide
- Jolly Grant Airport to Dehradun city
- Best time to fly into Dehradun
Frequently asked questions
Roughly 60 km from Jolly Grant Airport, going through Dehradun city.
About 2 hours by taxi in normal traffic, and 2.5 to 3 hours on weekends, holidays or in bad weather.
A sedan usually costs roughly 2,500 to 3,500 rupees, and an SUV more. It depends on the season, your drop point and the time of day, so confirm before you start.
No. You’ll need to get to Dehradun first and take a Mussoorie bus from the stand near the railway station, or take a direct taxi from the airport.
The road is well used, but it’s narrow and full of bends. It’s far more comfortable in daylight, especially in fog or rain.
