Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai is a bustling railway hub connecting the city to various destinations. Alibaug, a serene coastal town in Maharashtra, is a popular weekend getaway known for its beaches and forts. This route is favored by tourists and locals alike seeking a quick escape from Mumbai's urban rush.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from CST to Alibaug, including train, ferry, bus, and car options. You’ll find detailed travel tips, estimated costs, and advice on local transport to help you plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from CST to Alibaug – Main Options

Train

While there is no direct train from CST to Alibaug, train travel forms part of the journey when combined with ferry or road transport. Trains from CST to Panvel or Pen are commonly used to connect onwards.

• Route via Panvel:

  Take a local train from CST to Panvel on the Harbour Line, which takes about 1.5 hours. Trains run frequently with fares around ₹30–₹50. Panvel is a major junction connecting to Alibaug by road or ferry.

• Train to Pen:

  From CST, you can also take a train to Pen station on the Central Line, roughly 2 hours away. Pen is closer to Alibaug by road, and local buses or taxis are available from there.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Mumbai local trains are crowded during peak hours, so traveling early morning or late evening is advisable for comfort. Tickets can be bought at CST or via the UTS app.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Panvel or Pen, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Alibaug town, which is about 30–40 km away. Shared taxis are common and economical.

Ferry

The ferry is a scenic and popular way to reach Alibaug from Mumbai, especially during weekends and holidays. It avoids road traffic and offers a refreshing sea journey.

• Departure points:

  Ferries to Alibaug depart from the Gateway of India and Mandwa Jetty. The Gateway of India is accessible by local train or taxi from CST.

• Duration and cost:

  The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, costing ₹150–₹200 per person one way. Tickets can be booked online or at the jetty counters.

• Frequency and timings:

  Ferries run from early morning till evening, with increased frequency on weekends. It’s best to book tickets in advance during peak season.

• From Mandwa to Alibaug:

  After reaching Mandwa Jetty, local buses, shared autos, and taxis are available for the 15 km ride to Alibaug town. The road is well-maintained and scenic.

• Seasonal tips:

  Ferry services may be affected during heavy monsoon rains or rough sea conditions, so check weather updates before planning.

Bus

Buses offer an affordable and direct option to reach Alibaug from Mumbai, though they may take longer due to traffic.

• MSRTC buses:

  Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation operates regular buses from Mumbai’s Borivali or Dadar bus stations to Alibaug. The journey takes about 3–4 hours depending on traffic.

• Route details:

  Buses usually take the Mumbai–Pune Highway (NH48) to Panvel, then continue on NH166B towards Alibaug. Expect tolls and occasional congestion near Panvel.

• Ticket cost and booking:

  Tickets range from ₹100 to ₹200. You can book online via the MSRTC website or buy tickets at bus stations.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Non-AC buses are common, but AC Volvo buses are available on some routes. Buses run multiple times a day but avoid peak Mumbai traffic hours for smoother travel.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  Most buses stop at Alibaug main bus stand, from where local transport is available to reach beaches or hotels.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from CST to Alibaug offers flexibility and comfort, especially for families or groups. The route is straightforward with scenic views along the way.

• Route overview:

  The most common route is via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway to Panvel, then NH166B towards Alibaug. The total distance is approximately 110 km, taking 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

• Traffic considerations:

  Leaving early morning helps avoid Mumbai’s heavy traffic. The Panvel region can get congested during weekends, so plan accordingly.

• Tolls and fuel:

  Expect tolls on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and Panvel bypass. Fuel stations are available along the route, including near Panvel and Alibaug.

• Parking in Alibaug:

  Parking is available near popular beaches and hotels but can be limited during peak season. Check with your accommodation for parking facilities.

• Car rentals and cabs:

  Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai, or you can hire a cab via Ola or Uber for a one-way or round trip. Confirm fares and return policies in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from CST to Alibaug, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether you choose ferry, train, or bus, book your tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Reach CST early:

  Arrive at CST station at least 30 minutes before your train departure to navigate crowds and find your platform easily.

• Choose the right local train:

  Take the Harbour Line train from CST to Panvel if using train-ferry combination. Avoid peak hour trains for a comfortable ride.

• Transfer to ferry or bus at Panvel/Mandwa:

  From Panvel, hire a taxi or catch a bus to Mandwa Jetty for the ferry. Alternatively, take a direct bus from Panvel to Alibaug.

• Use prepaid taxis or app cabs on arrival:

  On reaching Alibaug, use prepaid taxi counters or book Ola/Uber for safe and reliable local transport to your hotel or beach.

• Carry essentials:

  Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially if traveling by ferry or bus, and keep your ID and tickets handy for smooth check-ins.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on local trains:

  Mumbai locals can be crowded and fast-paced. Keep your belongings secure and avoid traveling during rush hours if possible.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks, as options on ferries and buses may be limited. Avoid street food near stations unless you know the vendor well.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets, MSRTC website for buses, and official ferry websites or counters for ferry tickets to ensure authenticity.

• Local commute in Alibaug:

  Shared autos and two-wheelers are common for short distances. Negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs where available.

• Luggage handling:

  If traveling by ferry, pack light and avoid bulky luggage as space is limited. Use secure bags to prevent loss during transfers.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Monsoon months (June–September) may cause ferry cancellations and slippery roads. Check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from CST to Alibaug is during the cooler months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm. Avoid monsoon season for ferry travel due to rough seas.

Traffic conditions vary; early mornings and late evenings are ideal for road travel to avoid Mumbai’s peak congestion.

• Avoid weekends and festival days if you prefer less crowded ferries and roads.

• Monsoon rains can cause delays on roads and ferry cancellations; check local weather updates.

• Depart early morning to enjoy daylight ferry rides and avoid evening rush hour traffic near Panvel.

• Winter mornings may have fog affecting train and ferry timings; allow extra travel time.

Arrival at Alibaug & What to Expect

On arrival in Alibaug, you’ll find a relaxed coastal town with easy access to beaches, forts, and local markets. The main bus stand and Mandwa jetty are well connected to the town center.

Local transport options include shared autos, taxis, and rental scooters. Popular stay areas include Alibaug town, Varsoli Beach, and Kihim Beach, all within short travel distances. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are recommended for safe transfers.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Alibaug from CST depends on your preferences. For a scenic and relaxing journey, the ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa followed by a short taxi ride is ideal. For budget travelers, combining train and bus offers a practical option.

With multiple transport modes available and clear travel tips, you can confidently plan your trip to Alibaug. Whether for a weekend escape or a longer holiday, this guide ensures a smooth start to your coastal adventure.