Planning a road trip from Delhi to Dehradun? Buses are the sweet spot between cost, comfort, and flexibility. This mega-guide pulls together everything scattered across forums, operator sites, and traveler experiences—so you can book faster and travel smarter.
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Quick Details – Bus Route, Timings, & Fares
- Distance: ~245–260 km (route-dependent)
- Typical travel time: 5.5–8 hours (traffic, weather, halt pattern)
- Popular boarding points (Delhi): Kashmere Gate ISBT, Anand Vihar ISBT
- Popular drop points (Dehradun): ISBT Dehradun, Railway Station, Mussoorie Diversion
- Bus types: UPSRTC Ordinary/Express, AC Volvo/Scania, AC Sleeper, Semi-Sleeper, SmartBus
- Fare range (one-way):
- Ordinary/Express: ₹300–₹550
- AC Seater/Volvo: ₹650–₹1,100
- AC Sleeper/SmartBus: ₹900–₹1,600 (seasonal surge possible)
- Best time to travel: Overnight or early morning to dodge peak NCR traffic
Why Choose a Bus for Delhi → Dehradun?
- Direct connections all day: State + private services run at high frequency.
- Zero station/airport faff: Multiple boarding points; easy last-mile.
- Budget to premium: Pick from Ordinary buses to AC Volvo/Sleeper with amenities like live tracking, water, power outlets, and cleaner restrooms at partner lounges.
- Night convenience: Sleep, arrive fresh for treks/cafés in the morning.
Routes & What to Expect on the Road
Primary Highways
- NH 334 → NH 7 (via Meerut–Muzaffarnagar–Roorkee)
- Fastest on paper thanks to expressway stretches.
- Typical time: 5.5–7 hours (longer on festival weekends/monsoon).
- Alternate via Saharanpur (traffic bypass when needed)
- Used during diversions or heavy Roorkee congestion.
- Typical time: 6.5–8 hours.
Heads-up: Monsoon can slow things down near Roorkee/Haridwar; factor a 30–60 min buffer.
Bus Types & Who They Suit
| Type | Comfort | Great For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSRTC Ordinary/Express | Basic | Cheapest ride, frequent departures | Minimal amenities; reliable frequency |
| AC Seater (Volvo/Scania) | High | Families, seniors, business | Better legroom, smoother ride |
| AC Semi-Sleeper | High | Day or night comfort | Reclining seats, sometimes blankets |
| AC Sleeper / SmartBus | Very High | Overnight travelers | Berths, quieter cabins, often live GPS tracking, cleaner halts |
Timings & Frequency
- First departures: ~5:00–6:30 AM from Delhi ISBTs (multiple operators).
- Peak frequency: Morning 6–10 AM & evening/overnight 8 PM–12 AM.
- Night buses: Leave Delhi post-8 PM; reach Dehradun ~3:30–6:00 AM.
- Weekend/holiday surge: Extra services run, but pre-book to avoid last-row leftovers.
Pro-tip: If you must travel Friday evening or long-weekend eves, choose earlier slots (6–7 PM) or late-night post-10 PM to avoid NCR choke points.
Fares (What’s Reasonable in 2025)
| Category | Typical Range | When It Rises |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary/Express | ₹300–₹550 | Festival weekends, last-minute |
| AC Seater/Volvo | ₹650–₹1,100 | Peak season, same-day booking |
| AC Sleeper/SmartBus | ₹900–₹1,600 | Long weekends, summer vacation |
Look for app-only coupons, new-user offers, or bank discounts. Round-trip + early bookings usually beat surge pricing.
Best Boarding & Drop Points
Delhi Boarding
- Kashmere Gate ISBT: Massive frequency, metro-connected.
- Anand Vihar ISBT: Convenient for East Delhi/Noida/Ghaziabad.
- Kalkaji / RK Ashram / Dhaula Kuan: Select private pickups (confirm exact point in your ticket).
Dehradun Drops
- ISBT Dehradun: Main hub; easy autos/cabs to Rajpur Road, Paltan Bazaar.
- Railway Station / Mussoorie Diversion: Handy if you’re continuing toward Mussoorie.
Seat Selection Cheat-Sheet
- Tall traveler? Pick front/mid rows in AC Volvo; more legroom, less axle bounce.
- Motion sickness? Avoid the last 3 rows; choose left window mid-coach.
- Light sleeper? Sleeper lower berth, mid-coach, away from wheels & door.
- Family with kids/seniors? AC Seater/Semi-Sleeper near the front; easier boarding and smoother ride.
What to Pack (5 Essentials)
- Light jacket/throw: AC can feel chilly at night.
- Neck pillow + eye mask: Especially for night runs.
- Snacks & water: Though premium services often provide water.
- Power bank: Not every coach has reliable charging ports.
- ID proof: Soft copy is fine; carry physical if you can.
Sample Itineraries
A) Budget Day Tripper
- Type: UPSRTC Express / AC Seater
- Depart: 6:00–7:00 AM (Delhi) → Arrive: ~1:00–2:00 PM (Dehradun)
- Why: Beat city traffic, enjoy the afternoon in Rajpur Road cafés.
B) Comfort Night Owl
- Type: AC Sleeper / SmartBus
- Depart: 10:30–11:30 PM → Arrive: ~5:00–6:00 AM
- Why: Sleep en route; check-in early, head to Mussoorie post-breakfast.
Safety & Comfort Tips
- Verified operators only. Check ratings & recent reviews.
- Keep valuables close. Small sling/waist pouch works best.
- Hydration + light meals. Hill approach is gentler from Dehradun, but go easy.
- Solo travelers: Share live location; choose well-lit boarding points or lounges.
FAQs
Q1. How long is the Delhi–Dehradun bus journey?
Usually 5.5–8 hours, depending on traffic, halts, and weather.
Q2. Is pre-booking necessary?
On weekdays, you’ll often find seats same-day. For weekends, holidays, or AC Sleeper/Volvo, pre-book 2–4 days ahead.
Q3. What’s the cheapest option?
UPSRTC Ordinary/Express (₹300–₹550). You’ll trade off AC and extra comfort.
Q4. Are there night buses?
Yes—lots. Overnight services are popular to save daytime.
Q5. Do buses have toilet stops?
Yes; premium services typically plan cleaner halts. Some long-route premium coaches also provide in-bus washroom – check before booking.
Q6. Is there luggage allowance?
Usually one cabin bag + one check-in bag (~15 kg). Oversized gear (strollers, musical instruments) may need prior approval.
Q7. What’s the best seat?
For minimal sway: mid-coach, window, away from wheels/door.
