Essel World is a popular amusement park located on Gorai Island in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Pune, a major city in Maharashtra, is about 150 kilometers southeast of Mumbai, making this route a common choice for day trips and weekend getaways.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Pune to Essel World, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival at Essel World.

Getting from Pune to Essel World – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Mumbai from Pune. From Mumbai, you will need local transport to reach Essel World. Trains run frequently and offer a comfortable journey with scenic views.

• The Pune Junction railway station connects to Mumbai CST, Dadar, and Borivali stations, which are major hubs for local trains to Gorai or Borivali area near Essel World.

• The train journey from Pune to Mumbai takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, covering around 150 km, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on the class.

• Local Mumbai trains from Borivali or Malad stations run frequently to Gorai, the nearest stop for Essel World, with a short ferry ride required to reach the park.

• Trains can be crowded during peak hours and weekends, so booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause delays on the Western Railway line, so plan extra travel time during June to September.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel from Pune to Mumbai, but reaching Essel World requires additional local transport. Buses are frequent but can be slower due to traffic.

• MSRTC buses depart from Pune’s Shivajinagar and Swargate bus stations to Mumbai’s Borivali or Dindoshi bus depots, taking around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic.

• Bus fares range between ₹150 and ₹400, with options including ordinary, semi-luxury, and Volvo AC buses for comfort preferences.

• From Borivali bus depot, you can take a local train or a taxi to Gorai ferry point to reach Essel World.

• Traffic congestion on NH48 and Mumbai city roads can increase travel time, especially during festivals and weekends.

• Night buses are available but may not be ideal if you want to visit Essel World during the day.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Essel World gives you flexibility and comfort. The route is well connected by highways, but Mumbai city traffic and parking near Essel World can be challenging.

• The drive covers about 150 km via NH48 and Mumbai’s Western Express Highway, taking approximately 3.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic.

• Toll plazas on NH48 include the Pune-Mumbai Expressway tolls, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Parking near Essel World is available but limited during weekends and holidays; arriving early is advisable.

• Rest stops with food options like highway dhabas and fast-food outlets are available along the expressway for breaks.

• Monsoon rains can make the drive slippery and slow, so drive carefully between June and September.

Flight

Flying is not practical for this route due to the short distance and lack of direct flights between Pune and Mumbai for such a short journey. However, flights can be considered if connecting from other cities.

• Pune Airport (PNQ) and Mumbai Airport (BOM) are well connected, but flights take about 1 hour plus airport transit time, making it longer overall.

• Flight fares vary widely but are generally higher than train or bus fares for this short distance.

• From Mumbai Airport, you will need to take a taxi or local train to reach Essel World, adding to travel time and cost.

• Flight delays and airport security checks may add unpredictability compared to road or rail travel.

• Flights are more suitable if you combine your visit with other destinations beyond Pune and Mumbai.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Pune to Essel World, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your Pune to Mumbai train tickets in advance via IRCTC to secure preferred timings and avoid last-minute rush, especially on weekends.

• Upon arrival at Mumbai’s Borivali or Dadar station, purchase a local train ticket or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Gorai ferry point efficiently.

• Take the ferry from Gorai jetty to Essel World; the ferry ride is short and scenic, so keep your camera ready.

• Carry a small backpack with essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen, as Essel World has food stalls but prices can be higher inside.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs for the return journey to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Check weather forecasts before travel; avoid monsoon days for ferry rides and heavy traffic days for road travel.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and local transport, to avoid pickpocketing common in busy Indian stations.

• Drink only bottled water and eat from hygienic food stalls to prevent stomach issues during your trip.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to get confirmed seats and avoid standing during long journeys.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Mumbai; negotiate fares beforehand if not using meters or apps.

• Pack light luggage to easily manage transfers between trains, buses, ferries, and local transport.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check ferry timings as services may be suspended due to rough sea conditions.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Essel World from Pune is during the cooler months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and travel conditions are comfortable.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains, slippery roads, and possible ferry service interruptions.

• Avoid weekends and public holidays if possible, as Mumbai and Essel World see heavy crowds causing delays and longer queues.

• Early morning departures from Pune help you avoid city traffic and reach Essel World before peak visitor hours.

• Winter mornings may have fog on the Pune-Mumbai route, so allow extra travel time during December and January.

• Summer months (March to May) can be hot and humid, so carry water and sun protection for outdoor activities at Essel World.

Arrival at Essel World & What to Expect

When you arrive at Essel World, you will likely reach via the Gorai ferry jetty or by road if coming by car or taxi. The park is well signposted from the jetty and main roads.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, which are reliable for last-mile connectivity. Nearby areas such as Borivali and Malad offer budget and mid-range accommodation if you plan to stay overnight.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Essel World is straightforward with multiple transport options. The train combined with local transport and ferry is the most economical and popular choice, while driving offers flexibility for families and groups.

Planning ahead by booking tickets online, checking weather conditions, and choosing off-peak travel times will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With these tips and detailed guidance, you can confidently plan your trip from Pune to Essel World and enjoy a fun-filled day at one of Mumbai’s top amusement parks.