Essel World is a popular amusement park located on Gorai Island in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It attracts families and tourists looking for fun rides and entertainment close to the city. This guide helps you understand the best ways to reach Essel World from various parts of Mumbai and nearby areas.

Whether you prefer public transport, driving, or taking a taxi, this article covers all main options. You will learn about train routes, bus services, car travel, and last-mile connectivity to plan your trip smoothly.

Getting from Mumbai to Essel World – Main Options

Train

Taking the local train is a popular and affordable way to get close to Essel World. However, you will need to combine it with a ferry or taxi to reach the park on Gorai Island.

• The nearest railway station to Essel World is Borivali on the Western Line of Mumbai Local trains, about 15 km from the park. Trains run frequently from Churchgate and Dadar stations.

• From Borivali station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or bus to Gorai ferry jetty, which is approximately 7 km away and takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

• The ferry service from Gorai jetty to Essel World is the most common last-mile option. The ferry ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs a nominal fare, but it can get crowded on weekends and holidays.

• Train fares from central Mumbai to Borivali range from ₹20 to ₹50 depending on the class, and trains operate from early morning till late night with peak hour crowding.

• During monsoon season, train services may face delays, and the ferry may be temporarily suspended due to rough sea conditions, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Gorai jetty, but the journey can be long and crowded. It suits travelers comfortable with local transport and flexible timing.

• MSRTC and BEST buses run from Borivali West and Kandivali West bus depots to Gorai ferry jetty, taking about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and route.

• Bus fares are usually under ₹30, making it an economical choice, but buses can be crowded during peak hours and weekends.

• From the Gorai jetty, you still need to take the ferry to reach Essel World, which adds 10-15 minutes to your travel time.

• Bus services start early morning and run till evening, but frequency reduces after 7 PM, so plan your return accordingly.

• During monsoon, roads may be slippery and buses slower; also, ferry services may be affected by weather conditions.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Essel World is convenient if you want flexibility and comfort. The park has parking facilities, but traffic and tolls can affect travel time.

• From central Mumbai, take the Western Express Highway (NH48) heading north towards Borivali and then follow signs to Gorai via Malad West and Kandivali West.

• The total distance from South Mumbai to Essel World is around 40 km, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• There are toll plazas on the Western Express Highway, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges vary but expect around ₹50-₹100 one way.

• Parking is available at Essel World but can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advisable.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and prone to waterlogging near Gorai, so drive carefully and check weather updates.

Taxi / App-Based Cab

Taxi or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber offer door-to-door convenience but can be expensive due to distance and traffic. They are suitable for groups or families.

• You can book a cab from anywhere in Mumbai directly to Essel World, with fares typically ranging from ₹800 to ₹1500 depending on pickup location and time of day.

• Travel time by cab is about 1.5 to 2 hours from South Mumbai, but heavy traffic during peak hours can increase this significantly.

• Most cabs drop you near the Gorai ferry jetty; from there, you must take the ferry to reach Essel World, as cars are not allowed on the island.

• Some drivers may wait at the jetty for your return ferry, but it is better to pre-arrange pickup times to avoid waiting.

• Using app-based cabs provides fare estimates and safety features, making it a reliable option for first-time visitors.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are visiting Essel World for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your trip efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Decide your mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and group size. Train and ferry are economical, while car or cab offers more convenience.

• Step 2: If taking the train, book your tickets via IRCTC or local ticket counters, and check train timings for Borivali station to avoid peak hour crowding.

• Step 3: From Borivali station or bus depot, take an auto or bus to Gorai ferry jetty. Confirm ferry timings as they start early morning and end by evening.

• Step 4: Purchase ferry tickets at the jetty; carry small change as digital payments may not be accepted. The ferry ride is scenic and short but can be crowded on weekends.

• Step 5: Upon arrival at Essel World, use prepaid taxi counters or app cabs for local travel if needed. Carry water and snacks as food options inside can be pricey.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photo ID when using public transport or ferry services, as it may be required for ticket verification or security checks.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food near the ferry jetty to prevent stomach issues during your trip.

• Book train tickets in advance during weekends and holidays via IRCTC to avoid last-minute rush and standing tickets.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair-priced local transport at Borivali and Gorai.

• Pack light luggage since you will need to carry it on the ferry and through crowded areas; avoid heavy bags for easier movement.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially during monsoon, as ferry services may be suspended due to rough seas or heavy rains.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Essel World is during the cooler months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and travel conditions are good. Summers can be hot and humid, making outdoor activities less comfortable.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains and rough sea conditions, which can disrupt ferry services and cause traffic delays. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

• Avoid visiting during major Mumbai festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali when local transport is overcrowded and traffic jams are common.

• Early morning departures are recommended to beat city traffic and secure parking or ferry seats before peak hours.

• Fog is rare in Mumbai but heavy rains during monsoon can cause waterlogging on roads leading to Essel World, so check local weather updates.

• Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends and public holidays, offering a more relaxed travel experience.

Arrival at Essel World & What to Expect

When you arrive at Essel World via the Gorai ferry, you will disembark at the jetty on Gorai Island. The park is a short walk or shuttle ride from the jetty entrance. The area is well-signposted and has basic facilities.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis and app-based cabs for nearby areas, but inside the park, you will mostly walk between attractions. Accommodation options are limited on Gorai Island, so most visitors stay in Mumbai suburbs like Borivali or Malad.

Conclusion

Traveling to Essel World is straightforward if you plan your route carefully. The train and ferry combination is budget-friendly and popular among locals, while driving or taking a cab offers more comfort and flexibility. Consider traffic, weather, and ferry timings when choosing your mode of transport.

Booking tickets in advance, starting early, and carrying essentials like water and ID will make your journey smooth. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Essel World and enjoy a fun-filled day at one of Mumbai’s favorite amusement parks.