Mumbai Central is a major railway hub located in the heart of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Haji Ali Dargah is a famous mosque and tomb situated on an islet off the coast of Worli in South Mumbai. This route is commonly traveled by locals and tourists who want to visit the iconic religious site and enjoy the scenic sea views.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai Central to Haji Ali Dargah using different transport modes. You will learn about train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan for a smooth journey.

Getting from Mumbai Central to Haji Ali Dargah – Main Options

Train

Taking the train is a popular and economical way to travel from Mumbai Central to Haji Ali Dargah. You will use the Mumbai local train network, which is fast and frequent but can get crowded during peak hours.

• Board a Western Line train from Mumbai Central station heading towards Churchgate; the journey to Mahalaxmi station takes about 10 minutes covering roughly 5 km.

• From Mahalaxmi station, Haji Ali Dargah is around 2 km away; you can take a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride to reach the dargah comfortably.

• Train fares are very affordable, usually under ₹20, but avoid peak hours (8-11 AM and 5-8 PM) to escape heavy crowds and standing room only.

• Trains run frequently every 5 to 10 minutes during the day, making this a convenient option for most travelers.

• Be cautious of monsoon season when heavy rains can cause delays or waterlogging near tracks, especially from June to September.

Bus

Buses operated by BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) provide a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Haji Ali Dargah from Mumbai Central. This option is good if you prefer road travel and want to avoid train crowds.

• Board a BEST bus from Mumbai Central bus depot heading towards Worli or Haji Ali; routes like 137 or 138 often serve this area with a journey time of about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

• Bus fares range from ₹10 to ₹25, making it an economical choice for solo travelers or small groups.

• Traffic congestion is common during peak hours and monsoon, so plan your trip outside 8-11 AM and 5-8 PM for smoother travel.

• Buses stop near the Haji Ali junction, which is a short walk from the dargah entrance; keep some small change ready for fare payment.

• BEST buses are air-conditioned or non-AC; AC buses cost slightly more but offer comfort during hot weather.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai Central to Haji Ali Dargah is a flexible option if you prefer privacy and want to explore at your own pace. The route is short but can be affected by city traffic.

• The distance is approximately 7 km via NM Joshi Marg and Dr. Annie Besant Road, taking around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

• Use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia for real-time traffic updates and the best route to avoid jams.

• Parking near Haji Ali Dargah is limited and can be expensive; arrive early to find a spot or use paid parking lots nearby.

• Be prepared for tolls on some routes and watch out for one-way streets in South Mumbai that may affect your driving path.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional waterlogging, especially near coastal areas.

Taxi / App-Based Cab

Using a taxi or app-based cab like Ola or Uber is a convenient and comfortable way to reach Haji Ali Dargah from Mumbai Central. This option suits travelers who want door-to-door service without navigating public transport.

• Booking a cab from Mumbai Central to Haji Ali takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, covering roughly 7 km.

• Fares typically range from ₹150 to ₹300 depending on the cab type and time of day; surge pricing may apply during peak hours or festivals.

• Prepaid taxis are available at Mumbai Central station, but app-based cabs offer better fare transparency and tracking.

• Ensure your driver knows the exact location of Haji Ali Dargah, as some may confuse it with nearby landmarks.

• During monsoon or heavy traffic, expect longer travel times; booking in advance can help secure a ride without waiting.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai Central to Haji Ali Dargah. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Check the weather forecast before you travel, especially during monsoon, to avoid delays caused by rain or waterlogging.

• Choose your preferred transport mode based on comfort, budget, and time; trains and taxis are popular choices for most visitors.

• If taking the train, buy your ticket or use the Mumbai local train smart card at Mumbai Central station to save time and avoid queues.

• For bus travel, check the BEST bus timings and routes online or at the bus depot; carry exact change for fare payment to speed boarding.

• If using a taxi or app-based cab, book your ride in advance during peak hours or weekends to avoid surge pricing and long waits.

• Upon arrival near Haji Ali, follow signboards and local directions carefully; the dargah is on a narrow causeway, so walking is required from the parking or drop-off point.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of water and light snacks, as food options near Haji Ali can be limited and crowded during peak visiting times.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on the causeway leading to the dargah, which can be slippery especially in monsoon.

• Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting the religious site to respect cultural sensitivities.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to avoid overcharging, especially when traveling from Mumbai Central station.

• Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items to reduce risk of petty theft in crowded trains or buses.

• Travel early in the day to avoid heavy crowds at Haji Ali Dargah and to find easier parking or seating space inside the complex.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Haji Ali Dargah from Mumbai Central is during the cooler months from October to February. The weather is pleasant and less humid, making travel and walking comfortable.

Avoid traveling during major festivals like Eid or Ramadan when the dargah attracts large crowds, causing longer wait times and transport delays.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause waterlogging and slippery roads, so exercise caution if traveling by car or on foot.

• Fog is rare in Mumbai but heavy rains can disrupt train and bus services, so check live updates before departure.

• Early mornings or late evenings are ideal for travel to avoid peak hour traffic and crowded local trains or buses.

• Weekends and public holidays see increased visitor numbers at Haji Ali, so plan weekday visits for a quieter experience.

Arrival at Haji Ali Dargah & What to Expect

When you arrive near Haji Ali Dargah, you will find several local transport options to reach the dargah entrance. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available but cannot go onto the causeway itself.

The dargah is located on a small islet connected by a narrow walkway, so you will need to walk about 500 meters over the sea. The walkway can be crowded during weekends and religious occasions.

Nearby areas like Worli and Mahalaxmi offer good accommodation options if you plan to stay overnight. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are commonly used for last-mile travel from Mumbai Central or other parts of the city.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai Central to Haji Ali Dargah is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit your needs. The local train combined with a short taxi ride is the most efficient and budget-friendly way for most travelers.

Plan your journey by checking train and bus schedules, booking taxis in advance if needed, and avoiding peak hours or monsoon season for a comfortable trip. With these practical tips, you can confidently visit this iconic Mumbai landmark and enjoy a memorable experience.