Girnar is a sacred hill located near Junagadh in Gujarat, known for its ancient temples and scenic trekking routes. Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is approximately 800 kilometers away from Girnar, making this journey popular among pilgrims and nature lovers.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Girnar, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical tips and a step-by-step plan to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai to Girnar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and popular option for reaching Junagadh, the nearest railhead to Girnar. Trains offer a budget-friendly way to cover most of the distance with good facilities.

• Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus are major stations where you can board trains heading towards Junagadh, with journey times ranging from 14 to 18 hours depending on the train.

• Popular trains include the Saurashtra Express and the Somnath Express, which run daily or several times a week, offering sleeper and AC classes for comfort.

• Junagadh Railway Station is about 15 km from Girnar base; from here, local transport like auto-rickshaws or taxis can take you to the hill’s starting point.

• Train tickets can be booked via IRCTC or authorized agents; booking in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons like Navratri when pilgrim traffic increases.

• Trains may face delays during monsoon due to track maintenance or fog in winter mornings, so plan accordingly and check live status before departure.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and economical way to travel from Mumbai to Junagadh, especially for those who prefer road travel and want to experience local landscapes en route.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Mumbai’s Borivali and Dadar bus depots to Junagadh, with journey times around 16 to 20 hours depending on traffic and route.

• Options include non-AC sleeper, semi-sleeper, and Volvo AC buses; Volvo buses offer more comfort but are less frequent and costlier.

• The route follows NH48 and NH27, passing through Surat and Rajkot, with several toll plazas and rest stops where you can find food and refreshments.

• Bus services are more crowded during weekends and holidays; booking tickets online or at the depot a day in advance is advisable to secure a seat.

• Night buses are common, allowing you to save daytime for sightseeing, but be prepared for bumpy roads and occasional delays during monsoon season.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Girnar offers flexibility and the chance to explore Gujarat’s countryside at your own pace. The route is well-connected by national highways.

• The distance is approximately 800 km via NH48 and NH27, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.

• Major cities on the route include Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Junagadh, where you can refuel, eat, and rest.

• Toll plazas are present on NH48 and NH27; keep cash or FASTag ready to avoid delays at toll booths.

• Road conditions are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause slippery patches and occasional flooding near low-lying areas, so drive cautiously during June to September.

• Plan your stops at popular dhabas or highway restaurants for meals; avoid driving at night in rural stretches due to limited lighting and wildlife crossings.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Mumbai to Girnar’s nearest airport, followed by a road journey to the hill.

• The closest airport to Girnar is Rajkot Airport, about 90 km away, with daily flights from Mumbai taking around 1.5 hours.

• From Rajkot Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Junagadh, which is approximately a 2-hour drive on NH27.

• Flight fares vary depending on the season and booking time, generally ranging from INR 2,000 to 5,000 one way.

• Rajkot to Junagadh road transport options include prepaid taxis, Ola cabs, and state-run buses; taxis offer convenience but cost more.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip ensures better prices and seat availability, especially during festivals.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Girnar, helping you prepare and execute your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or bus ticket at least one week in advance using IRCTC or MSRTC online portals to avoid last-minute hassles and secure preferred travel dates.

• Pack light but include essentials like comfortable walking shoes, water bottles, and weather-appropriate clothing, as Girnar involves trekking and variable temperatures.

• Reach Mumbai station or bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to manage crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• Upon arrival at Junagadh, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Girnar’s base; negotiate fares beforehand if using local autos.

• Plan your Girnar trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat and crowds; carry snacks and water from Junagadh town as options on the hill are limited.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and carry a power bank; network coverage can be patchy near Girnar but is generally good in Junagadh and Mumbai.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs in Junagadh to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially when traveling alone or at night.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during the journey to prevent stomach issues; carry some light snacks for long train or bus rides.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to get confirmed seats and avoid scams at stations or depots.

• Local transport in Junagadh includes auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps; agree on fares before boarding to prevent misunderstandings.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables like ID proofs and money in a separate, easily accessible bag during travel for safety and convenience.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and train/bus status as heavy rains can cause delays or route changes, especially near Girnar’s hilly terrain.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Girnar is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be hot, and monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

Planning your journey outside major festivals like Navratri and Diwali helps avoid crowding and higher fares on trains and buses.

• Avoid traveling during Navratri (September-October) as Girnar attracts large pilgrim crowds, causing accommodation and transport shortages.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause slippery roads and delays, especially on the highway and trekking paths.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help you avoid city traffic and reach Junagadh or Girnar base with daylight for sightseeing.

• Winter fog in December and January may delay trains and flights; check live updates and plan buffer time for connections.

Arrival at Girnar & What to Expect

When you arrive at Junagadh Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several options for local transport to Girnar’s base. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are the safest and most convenient choices.

Accommodation options are available in Junagadh city, which is well-connected and has hotels ranging from budget to mid-range. Staying here is advisable as Girnar itself has limited lodging facilities.

At Girnar base, you will find guides, food stalls, and resting areas before starting your trek. The climb is steep but well-marked, with temples and scenic views along the way.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Girnar from Mumbai depends on your budget and time. Trains offer a balance of comfort and cost, while flights combined with road travel save time. Buses and self-driving provide flexibility but take longer.

Plan your tickets early, choose travel times wisely, and prepare for local conditions to ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently travel from Mumbai to Girnar and enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of this iconic hill.