How to Reach Chandivali from Andheri – Travel Guide
Discover practical ways to reach Chandivali from Andheri by train, bus, car, or taxi with travel tips and local insights.
Chandivali and Andheri are prominent suburbs located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Andheri, a bustling commercial and residential hub, lies to the west, while Chandivali is situated towards the eastern part of the city. This route is popular among daily commuters, office-goers, and weekend visitors exploring Mumbai’s vibrant neighborhoods.
This guide covers all practical options to travel from Andheri to Chandivali, including train, bus, car, and taxi. You will find detailed travel times, costs, and tips to make your journey smooth and efficient.
Getting from Andheri to Chandivali – Main Options
Train
The Mumbai local train network is the fastest and most economical way to travel between Andheri and Chandivali. However, since Chandivali does not have a direct railway station, you will need to combine train travel with local transport.
- Route details:
Board a Western Line train from Andheri station towards Churchgate and get off at Kurla station. From Kurla, Chandivali is a short taxi or bus ride away, approximately 4 km east.
- Travel time and cost:
The train journey from Andheri to Kurla takes about 25-30 minutes, costing around ₹15-20. Local taxis or auto-rickshaws from Kurla to Chandivali cost ₹50-100 depending on traffic.
- Frequency and comfort:
Western Line trains run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours, making it a convenient option. Trains can be crowded during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
- Timing tips:
Avoid traveling during the 8-10 AM and 6-8 PM peak hours if possible to reduce crowd stress. Early mornings and late evenings are less crowded.
- Last-mile connectivity:
From Kurla station, prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the station. Using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber is recommended for comfort and safety.
Bus
Mumbai’s BEST buses provide a budget-friendly option to travel from Andheri to Chandivali, though the journey can be longer due to traffic.
- Bus routes:
Take bus number 615 or 615A from Andheri East bus depot heading towards Ghatkopar or Kurla, then switch to a local bus or auto to reach Chandivali.
- Travel time and fare:
The total journey can take 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from ₹15-30. Buses are economical but less comfortable during peak hours.
- Frequency and service:
Buses run every 15-20 minutes during the day. Night services are limited, so plan accordingly.
- Traffic considerations:
Traffic congestion on the Sion-Panvel Highway and LBS Marg can cause delays, especially during monsoon or peak office hours.
- Local tips:
Carry exact change for bus fares and be prepared for crowded conditions. Use BEST’s mobile app for real-time bus tracking.
Car/Self-Drive
Driving from Andheri to Chandivali is a flexible option, allowing you to avoid crowded public transport and travel at your own pace.
- Route details:
The fastest route is via Western Express Highway (WEH) to JVLR (Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road), then proceed east towards Chandivali. The distance is approximately 15 km.
- Travel time and tolls:
Depending on traffic, the drive can take 30-45 minutes. There are no tolls on this route, but traffic jams are common during peak hours.
- Parking and road conditions:
Roads are generally well-maintained. Parking in Chandivali can be challenging during office hours, so check availability in advance.
- Traffic tips:
Avoid traveling during 8-11 AM and 5-8 PM to bypass heavy congestion on WEH and JVLR.
- Fuel and stops:
Multiple fuel stations and eateries like McDonald's and local cafes are available along WEH and JVLR for breaks.
Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw
Using taxis or auto-rickshaws is a convenient door-to-door option, especially if you have luggage or prefer comfort over cost.
- Availability:
Ola and Uber cabs are widely available in Andheri and provide direct rides to Chandivali with fare estimates upfront.
- Cost and time:
Taxi fares typically range from ₹250-400, depending on traffic and time of day. The journey takes 30-45 minutes.
- Auto-rickshaw option:
Autos are cheaper but may not cover the entire distance due to fare limits; you might need to change autos or switch to a taxi.
- Safety tips:
Always book app-based cabs for safety and avoid hailing autos late at night.
- Traffic considerations:
Traffic jams on WEH and JVLR can increase travel time; plan trips outside peak hours.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers move efficiently from Andheri to Chandivali, combining train and local transport for a balanced journey.
- Book your train ticket:
Use the IRCTC app or Mumbai local train ticket counters to buy a ticket from Andheri to Kurla. Opt for a smart card if you travel frequently.
- Reach Andheri station early:
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your train to navigate crowds and find the correct platform, usually platform 3 or 4 for trains towards Churchgate.
- Board the Western Line train:
Choose a train heading towards Kurla or beyond. Avoid peak hours for a comfortable ride.
- Exit at Kurla station:
Follow signs to the eastern exit where prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available. Use prepaid counters to avoid overcharging.
- Take a taxi or auto to Chandivali:
Confirm fare with the driver or book an Ola/Uber cab for a hassle-free last leg of your journey.
- Arrive at Chandivali:
Depending on your destination, use local buses or autos within Chandivali for short distances.
Practical Travel Tips
- Safety first:
Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for the last-mile connectivity from Kurla to Chandivali to avoid fare disputes.
- Food and water:
Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially during long waits or if traveling in peak heat hours.
- Booking strategy:
Use the IRCTC app or Mumbai local train smart cards for faster ticketing and avoid queues at stations.
- Local commute apps:
Download Ola and Uber apps for easy booking of taxis and autos in Mumbai, which also offer fare estimates and driver details.
- Luggage handling:
Trains and buses can get crowded; keep your belongings secure and avoid peak hours if carrying heavy luggage.
- Seasonal warnings:
Monsoon rains often cause delays and slippery roads on WEH and JVLR; plan extra travel time during June to September.
Best Time & Conditions
The best time to travel between Andheri and Chandivali is during non-peak hours to avoid Mumbai’s notorious traffic and crowded trains.
Weather conditions also play a key role; monsoon season can slow down road travel, while winter mornings may have fog affecting train schedules.
Avoid peak office hours: 8-11 AM and 5-8 PM are the busiest times on trains and roads.
Monsoon impact: Heavy rains between June and September can cause waterlogging and delays on WEH and JVLR.
Best departure times: Early mornings before 7 AM or late evenings after 8 PM offer smoother travel.
Weekend travel: Sundays are generally less crowded on trains and roads, ideal for leisure trips.
Arrival at Chandivali & What to Expect
On arrival in Chandivali, travelers find a mix of residential complexes, office spaces, and local markets. The area is well-connected by local buses and auto-rickshaws for onward travel.
For local commute, autos and taxis are readily available. Popular nearby attractions include Powai Lake and the Hiranandani business district. Accommodation options range from budget hotels to serviced apartments.
Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safe and reliable transport from Chandivali to other parts of Mumbai, especially if arriving late at night.
Conclusion
The most efficient way to travel from Andheri to Chandivali is by combining the Mumbai local train to Kurla with a short taxi or auto ride. This option balances speed, cost, and convenience, especially during non-peak hours.
With multiple transport modes available, travelers can choose based on their budget and comfort preferences. By following this guide, you can confidently plan your journey and enjoy a hassle-free commute across Mumbai’s dynamic suburbs.