Planning a mountain trip this year? Before you pack your bags, it’s important to know the exact Delhi to Dehradun distance and the best way to get there. Whether you choose to drive, fly, take a train, or a bus, this 2025 guide has everything you need, including the new expressway updates, travel times, and seasonal tips.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance: How Far Is It?
The Delhi to Dehradun distance depends on your mode of travel:
- By Road (NH 334): 248 km
- By New Expressway: 210-215 km
- By Flight (Aerial): 208 km
- By Train: 250-270 km, depending on the route
Travel time ranges from just under an hour by air to about 6-7 hours by road, depending on weather and traffic.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance by Road (NH 334 & Expressway)
Via NH 334 (Traditional Route)
This is the classic route most people take:
- Distance: Around 248 km
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Route: Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Dehradun
- Why take it? Good for family trips and those who enjoy a leisurely drive.
I took this route last summer, while it’s scenic in stretches, be prepared for some truck traffic, especially near Meerut and Roorkee.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance via New Expressway (2025 Update)
This is the big upgrade everyone’s talking about:
- Distance: About 210-215 km
- Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
- Status (July 2025): According to the NHAI’s official updates, the Delhi-Dehradun expressway is partially open in July 2025, with full completion expected later this year.
- Highlights:
- Smooth 6-lane highway
- Saves time and fuel
- Fewer bottlenecks compared to NH 334
I recently drove a section of this expressway, and it’s a joy to drive on. If you’re in a hurry or prefer comfort over scenery, this is your best bet.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance by Air: Quickest Option
- Aerial Distance: 208 km
- Flight Time: About 50 minutes
- Airports: IGI Delhi → Jolly Grant Dehradun
- Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet
If you’re short on time or traveling during monsoon, when roads can get tricky, flying is worth it. I usually book flights well in advance for better fares, but they can jump close to ₹4000 if booked last-minute.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance by Train: Comfortable & Budget-Friendly
- Rail Distance: 250-270 km
- Time: 5-6.5 hours
- Best Trains:
- Shatabdi Express (fastest)
- Nanda Devi Express (overnight)
- Jan Shatabdi Express (budget-friendly)
I prefer the Shatabdi if traveling early morning, it’s punctual and comfortable. But book ahead if traveling on weekends; seats fill up quickly. You can easily book your train tickets on IRCTC in advance to avoid waiting lists.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance by Bus: Affordable Travel
Buses are a good budget option for solo travelers and backpackers:
- Distance: 248 km
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Fare: ₹500-₹1400 depending on the service
- Booking: UPSRTC, RedBus, Paytm, etc.
Pro tip: Avoid overnight buses during monsoon or winter fog. Visibility drops drastically after dark in these seasons.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance During Monsoon: Safety Tips
If you’re heading out during the monsoon (July–August):
- Avoid night travel due to the risk of landslides or flooding.
- Stick to the expressway wherever possible; it’s safer and less prone to waterlogging.
- Flights or trains are more reliable than buses during heavy rains.
In winter, fog can delay both road and rail travel, so daytime journeys are best.
Delhi to Dehradun Distance: Travel Mode Comparison Table
Road (NH 334)
- Distance: 248 km
- Time: 6–7 hrs
- Cost: ₹800–₹1500
- Best for: Families, self-driving
Expressway (New)
- Distance: 210–215 km
- Time: 2.5–3.5 hrs
- Cost: ₹1000–₹1800
- Best for: Quickest road travel
Flight
- Distance: 208 km
- Time: 50 mins
- Cost: ₹1800–₹4000
- Best for: Business or urgent travel
Train
- Distance: 250–270 km
- Time: 5–6.5 hrs
- Cost: ₹300–₹1200
- Best for: Budget travellers
Bus
- Distance: 248 km
- Time: 6–8 hrs
- Cost: ₹500–₹1400
- Best for: Backpackers, solo travel
Best Time to Travel the Delhi to Dehradun Distance
- Summer (March–June): Clear roads, but expect tourist rush.
- Monsoon (July–August): Risk of landslides, best to fly or take a train.
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): Beautiful weather and less traffic, my favorite season to drive.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Foggy mornings, travel during the day if possible.
- Always check live weather reports from IMD if you’re traveling during the monsoon season.
FAQs About Delhi to Dehradun Distance
- How far is Delhi from Dehradun by road?
Around 248 km via NH 334 or 210-215 km via expressway. - Is the new expressway fully open yet?
Not yet, partial access as of July 2025, full opening by the end of the year. - What’s the fastest way to reach Dehradun?
Flying (50 minutes) or via expressway (2.5–3.5 hours). - Is it safe to drive during monsoon?
Safer to take expressways and avoid night drives. Always check weather updates before heading out.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Delhi to Dehradun Distance Journey
The Delhi to Dehradun distance isn’t much, but the route and timing you pick can make all the difference to your trip. I love driving up in autumn when the hills turn golden and the roads are quiet.
No matter how you go, take it easy, stay safe, and enjoy the journey; it’s the perfect start to your Uttarakhand adventure.