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Leave behind the grand imambaras and the refined Awadhi culture of Lucknow, and a short flight puts you in the Doon Valley, gateway to the hill stations of Mussoorie and Rishikesh. The plains give way to cooler air and a slower pace, and the mountains start to fill the horizon.
Lucknow to Dehradun by Flight
Flying is by far the quickest way to bridge the gap between the two state capitals. You can reach the Himalayan foothills in just over an hour and spend your time in the mountains instead of on the road.
Economy Class Flights
IndiGo flies from Lucknow (LKO) to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) near Dehradun, 479 km by air. Recent listings show afternoon departures at 16:25 and morning departures at 07:10. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with lowest fares of roughly ₹5,200 to ₹5,600. Jolly Grant Airport lies about 20 km from the centre of Dehradun.[1]
On booking platforms, flights take about 1 hour 10 minutes and start at about $44 (November 2026).[2]
Mussoorie is 82 km from Jolly Grant Airport, and the hill station's nearest railhead is Dehradun, 68 km away.[3] Rishikesh is only 21 km from the airport.[4] From the airport, prepaid and app-based taxis take you on to Dehradun or up into the hills.
Comparing Your Options
Trains, buses and taxis also run between the two cities, but they take much longer than the flight. On booking platforms, trains take from about 8 hours 25 minutes and start at about $7, AC seater buses take from about 10 hours 40 minutes and start at about $10, and a private taxi takes from about 9 hours and starts at about $122 (November 2026).[2]
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | From $44[2] | 1h 10m - 1h 15m |
| Train | From $7[2] | 8h 25m - 14h 20m |
| Bus (AC Seater) | From $10[2] | 10h 40m - 14h 15m |
| Taxi | From $122[2] | 9h - 9h 30m |
Tips for Traveling from Lucknow to Dehradun
- Book in Advance: Flight prices tend to rise as departure approaches, especially in the peak summer months when plains residents head for the hills.
- Airport Transfers: In Lucknow, allow plenty of time to reach the airport. In Dehradun, book a taxi in advance if you are heading straight to Rishikesh or Mussoorie.
- Luggage Considerations: If you carry heavy winter gear for a trek, check your airline's baggage allowance and the excess baggage rates before you pack.
- Weather Awareness: Lucknow can be scorching while Dehradun and the hills are far cooler. Keep a light jacket in your carry-on.
Timetable
| Flight Lucknow - Dehradun $ 43.52–44.51 1h 10m | |
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| Bus Lucknow - Dehradun $ 10.10–119.58 10h 40m – 14h 15m | |
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| Taxi Lucknow - Dehradun $ 121.18–401.57 8h 59m – 9h 30m | |
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| Train Lucknow - Dehradun $ 6.78–34.26 8h 25m – 14h 20m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Lucknow to Dehradun, including current prices and schedules.
On booking platforms, trains start at about $7 and AC seater buses at about $10 (November 2026). Flights start at about $44 and save most of a day.
A flight is the fastest option and takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Trains take from about 8 hours 25 minutes, buses from about 10 hours 40 minutes and taxis from about 9 hours. Add time for the airport check-in and the transfer from Jolly Grant Airport to the city.
Dehradun is served by Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 20 km from the city centre. It is also the nearest airport for Rishikesh, 21 km away.
Flying is far quicker and the better choice if your time is limited. Trains take from about 8 hours 25 minutes but cost much less.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Lucknow to Dehradun Flights. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable Lucknow - Dehradun. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
- [3] Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board: Mussoorie. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [4] Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board: Rishikesh. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.
