Where to stay in Dehradun: the short guide
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is both a city in its own right and the gateway to Mussoorie and Rishikesh, so where you stay depends on your plans. The centre around the Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) and Paltan Bazaar is the most convenient base, close to shopping, restaurants and transport, with the widest range of budget to mid-range hotels. It suits travellers without a car and anyone wanting to be in the thick of things.
For a more upscale, leafy stay, Rajpur Road towards Mussoorie has boutique hotels, cafes and quieter surroundings. Near the railway station and the ISBT bus stand you will find budget and business hotels handy for arrivals and onward travel to the hills, while a few stays near Jolly Grant airport suit early or late flights. Many visitors use Dehradun as a launchpad for Mussoorie, Rishikesh and the Char Dham route.
Best areas to stay in Dehradun
Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar
The central hub near shopping, restaurants and transport. Most convenient and best for travellers without a car.
Rajpur Road
Upscale hotels, cafes and quieter surroundings on the road towards Mussoorie.
Near the railway station and ISBT
Budget and business hotels handy for arrivals and onward travel to the hills.
Near Jolly Grant airport
Stays for early or late flights, about 25 km from the centre towards Rishikesh.
Mussoorie road and outskirts
Quieter hotels and resorts on the edges, with a head start towards the hills.
Getting to Dehradun: airport, railway station and road routes
Dehradun railway station is central and well connected, with trains from Delhi, including the Shatabdi and overnight services, and from across India. The station and the nearby ISBT make onward travel to Mussoorie and Rishikesh easy.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (DED), about 25 km from the centre towards Rishikesh, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. Taxis reach the city in around 45 minutes to an hour.
By road, Dehradun is a popular drive from Delhi, about 250 km, and the usual base for Mussoorie (about 35 km) and Rishikesh (about 45 km), with frequent buses and taxis.
Find the right kind of hotel in Dehradun
Central Clock Tower hotels
Convenient stays near the bazaar, shopping and transport.
Upscale Rajpur Road hotels
Boutique hotels and cafes in a leafier area towards Mussoorie.
Business and station hotels
Budget and business stays near the railway station and ISBT.
Airport-area hotels
Comfortable stays near Jolly Grant for early or late flights.
Couple-friendly stays
Most hotels accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the property policy before booking.
Budget hotels
Simple rooms around the centre and station.
Hotels for every budget in Dehradun
Budget hotels and hostels
Around the Clock Tower and station. Simple rooms; cheapest outside the summer holidays.
Mid-range and business hotels
Comfortable central and Rajpur Road hotels with better rooms.
Premium and boutique stays
Upscale hotels and resorts on Rajpur Road and the outskirts.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani): A stream running through a narrow gorge, a popular outing.
- Sahastradhara: Sulphur springs and terraced falls on the city’s edge.
- Forest Research Institute (FRI): A grand colonial-era building set in large grounds.
- Mindrolling Monastery: A large Tibetan monastery with a towering stupa.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: A cave temple by a stream, a local favourite.
- Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar: The lively heart of the city for shopping and street food.
- Rajaji National Park: A tiger reserve on the outskirts for safaris.
- Day trips to Mussoorie and Rishikesh: The hill station and yoga town are both an easy drive away.
When to visit Dehradun
| September to April | Pleasant, clear weather, the best time for the city and day trips. |
|---|---|
| May to June | Warmer in the valley but a popular gateway to the cooler hills; busy in the holidays. |
| July to August | Monsoon brings rain and green surroundings; hill roads can be slow. |
Good to know before you book
- Dehradun is a gateway, so many visitors stay a night and continue to Mussoorie, Rishikesh or the Char Dham route.
- The airport is about 25 km out towards Rishikesh, so factor in the transfer time.
- The centre around the Clock Tower is walkable, but the sights are spread out and need a cab.
- Summer holidays are busy as travellers head for the hills, so book ahead for those dates.
See live prices for Dehradun
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in DehradunFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Dehradun?
The Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar area for a central, walkable base, Rajpur Road for upscale hotels and cafes, or near the station and ISBT for budget and convenient stays.
What is the nearest airport to Dehradun?
Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 25 km from the centre towards Rishikesh, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.
Are there good hotels near Dehradun railway station?
Yes. The station and nearby ISBT area have budget and business hotels handy for arrivals and onward travel to the hills.
How many days do you need in Dehradun?
One to two days covers the main sights, or use it as a base before heading to Mussoorie or Rishikesh.
Is Dehradun a good base for Mussoorie and Rishikesh?
Yes. Mussoorie is about 35 km away and Rishikesh about 45 km, so many travellers stay in Dehradun and day-trip or move on.
When is the best time to visit Dehradun?
September to April, for pleasant, clear weather.