Ambaji, located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, is a revered pilgrimage destination known for the Ambaji Temple, attracting devotees from across India. Mumbai, Maharashtra's bustling financial capital, serves as a major starting point for travelers heading to Ambaji for spiritual visits, weekend trips, or cultural exploration.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Mumbai to Ambaji, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You’ll find detailed insights on routes, travel times, costs, and tips to help you plan your journey confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Mumbai to Ambaji – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for reaching Ambaji from Mumbai, especially for those who prefer overnight journeys or scenic routes. Although Ambaji does not have a direct railway station, nearby stations connect well with Mumbai.

• Nearest railway stations:

  The closest major railway stations to Ambaji are Palanpur Junction (about 50 km away) and Abu Road (around 40 km). Both are well connected to Mumbai via direct trains.

• Train options and duration:

  Trains like the Mumbai Central–Palanpur Express and Mumbai–Abu Road Express take approximately 10 to 12 hours. Ticket prices range from ₹300 for sleeper class to ₹1,200 for AC classes.

• Frequency and booking:

  Several trains run daily or weekly on this route. Booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons when pilgrim traffic peaks.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Palanpur or Abu Road, you can hire taxis or take state transport buses to Ambaji. The road journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and costs ₹300–₹500 by taxi.

• Comfort and tips:

  Overnight trains offer sleeper and AC coaches for comfortable travel. Carry light snacks and water, as pantry services may be limited on some trains.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and budget-friendly option for traveling from Mumbai to Ambaji, favored by pilgrims and local travelers. Both government and private operators run services connecting these points.

• Bus operators and routes:

  MSRTC and GSRTC operate buses from Mumbai to Palanpur and Abu Road, with onward connections to Ambaji. Private Volvo and non-AC buses also run on this route.

• Travel time and fares:

  The total journey by bus takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on the service and route. Ticket prices range from ₹500 to ₹1,200 based on bus type.

• Booking and boarding points:

  Buses depart from Mumbai’s major bus terminals like Dadar and Borivali. Tickets can be booked online via MSRTC, GSRTC portals, or private bus aggregators.

• Comfort and facilities:

  Volvo buses offer reclining seats and onboard amenities, while regular buses are more basic. Night buses are common, but avoid traveling during monsoon nights due to road safety concerns.

• Local transport from Ambaji bus stand:

  Upon arrival, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for temple visits and local sightseeing.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Ambaji is an excellent option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The journey covers approximately 700 km via National Highways.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH48 passing through Surat, Vadodara, and Palanpur. The drive takes about 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Road conditions and tolls:

  NH48 is mostly four-lane and well maintained, with multiple toll plazas. Fuel stations and eateries like McDonald's and local dhabas are available at regular intervals.

• Rest stops and sightseeing:

  Consider breaks at Surat and Vadodara for meals and sightseeing. The route offers scenic views near the Aravalli hills closer to Ambaji.

• Driving tips:

  Start early to avoid Mumbai city traffic. Avoid night driving during monsoon due to slippery roads near the ghats. Use Google Maps or local navigation apps for real-time traffic updates.

• Car rentals and self-drive options:

  Several car rental agencies in Mumbai offer self-drive cars or with drivers. Booking in advance can secure better rates and vehicle availability.

Flight

While Ambaji does not have an airport, flying part of the way can save time. The nearest airports are in Ahmedabad and Udaipur, followed by road travel to Ambaji.

• Nearest airports:

  Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad) is about 150 km from Ambaji, and Maharana Pratap Airport (Udaipur) is around 120 km away.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Flights from Mumbai to Ahmedabad take about 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Airport to Ambaji transport:

  From Ahmedabad or Udaipur airports, taxis or rental cars can be hired for the 3 to 4-hour drive to Ambaji. State transport buses are limited, so pre-booked taxis are recommended.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights early to get the best prices. Consider arrival times to avoid late-night travel on unfamiliar roads.

• Combined travel advantage:

  Flying plus road travel is ideal for those short on time but wanting to avoid long train or bus journeys.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers plan their trip from Mumbai to Ambaji efficiently, ensuring smooth connections and comfortable travel.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether by train, bus, or flight, secure your tickets at least two weeks in advance, especially during festivals like Navratri when Ambaji sees high pilgrim influx.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at Mumbai Central railway station or bus terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus stand easily.

• Pack essentials for the journey:

  Carry water, light snacks, and a power bank. For overnight travel, bring a neck pillow and light blanket for comfort.

• Plan last-mile transport:

  From Palanpur or Abu Road stations/bus stands, pre-book taxis or use local app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for a hassle-free ride to Ambaji temple.

• Check weather and road conditions:

  Before starting your journey, verify weather forecasts and road status, especially during monsoon or winter fog seasons, to avoid delays.

• Stay connected:

  Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy near Ambaji.

Practical Travel Tips

• IRCTC and bus booking:

  Use official IRCTC for train tickets and MSRTC/GSRTC websites or apps for bus bookings to avoid scams and get confirmed seats.

• Food and water safety:

  Carry bottled water and eat at reputable dhabas or restaurants en route. Avoid roadside food stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Local commute in Ambaji:

  Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are common for short distances. Negotiate fares beforehand or use prepaid taxi counters where available.

• Luggage handling:

  Keep valuables close and avoid overpacking, as last-mile transport vehicles have limited space.

• Safety precautions:

  Avoid traveling alone at night on isolated roads. Use trusted taxi services and inform someone of your travel plans.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Monsoon rains can cause roadblocks near the Aravalli hills; check local news and travel advisories before departure.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Ambaji depends on weather and crowd considerations. Avoiding peak festival seasons can make the journey more comfortable.

Winter months (October to February) offer pleasant weather, ideal for temple visits and road travel. Summers can be hot, and monsoon rains may disrupt road conditions.

• Avoid traveling during Navratri and major festivals when Ambaji is crowded and transport is fully booked.

• Start early in the morning to bypass Mumbai's heavy traffic and reach Ambaji before evening.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause slippery roads and occasional delays near ghats; plan accordingly.

• Winter fog in northern Gujarat can reduce visibility; allow extra travel time during early mornings.

Arrival at Ambaji & What to Expect

On arrival in Ambaji, travelers are greeted by a serene town centered around the famous Ambaji Mata Temple, a major pilgrimage site. The town is well equipped with guesthouses, dharamshalas, and hotels catering to pilgrims.

Local transport includes auto-rickshaws and taxis that can take you to the temple and nearby attractions like the Gabbar Hill ropeway. The main temple area is pedestrian-friendly but can get crowded during peak seasons.

For accommodation, areas near the temple or the main market are most convenient. Pre-booking stays during festivals is advisable. Local eateries serve traditional Gujarati and North Indian cuisine, with many vegetarian options.

Conclusion

Among all options, traveling by train to Palanpur or Abu Road followed by a taxi to Ambaji offers a balanced mix of comfort, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. This route is well-served, reliable, and suits most travelers, especially pilgrims.

Alternatively, self-driving provides flexibility for those who want to explore Gujarat’s scenic highways and towns en route. With proper planning and timely bookings, your journey from Mumbai to Ambaji can be smooth and enjoyable. Embark on this spiritual trip with confidence and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Ambaji.