Haji Ali Dargah is a famous mosque and tomb located on an islet off the coast of Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction known for its stunning sea views and spiritual significance. Many visitors travel from different parts of Mumbai and beyond to experience its unique location and peaceful atmosphere.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Haji Ali Dargah using various transport modes. You will learn about train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai to Haji Ali Dargah – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a convenient and affordable way to get close to Haji Ali Dargah. The nearest railway station is Mahalaxmi on the Western Line, which is well connected to major parts of Mumbai.

• Mahalaxmi station is about 2 km from Haji Ali Dargah and is served by frequent local trains from Churchgate, Dadar, and Bandra stations, making it accessible from South and Western Mumbai.

• The train journey from Churchgate to Mahalaxmi takes around 10 minutes, with fares typically under ₹20, offering a quick and budget-friendly option for daily commuters and tourists.

• From Mahalaxmi station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Haji Ali Dargah; the road distance is short but can be crowded during weekends and religious festivals.

• Trains run frequently from early morning until late night, but avoid peak hours (8–10 AM and 5–8 PM) to escape overcrowding and ensure a comfortable ride.

• During the monsoon season, trains may face delays or cancellations, so check live updates on the Indian Railways or IRCTC app before traveling.

Bus

Buses are a popular choice for local travel in Mumbai and can drop you near Haji Ali Dargah. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses serve this route regularly.

• BEST buses from major hubs like Dadar, Girgaum, and Worli stop near Haji Ali Circle, which is a short walk from the dargah entrance, making it convenient for visitors.

• Bus fares range from ₹10 to ₹25 depending on the distance, offering an economical option for budget travelers and locals.

• Buses run frequently throughout the day, but expect crowding during morning and evening rush hours, especially on weekdays.

• Some buses may take longer routes due to traffic congestion on the Western Express Highway and nearby roads, so plan extra travel time during peak hours.

• There are no direct buses from Mumbai Airport to Haji Ali Dargah, so you will need to change buses or use a taxi for the last leg of the journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Haji Ali Dargah offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you prefer to travel at your own pace. The dargah is accessible via major roads and highways in Mumbai.

• From South Mumbai, take the Marine Drive or Nepean Sea Road to reach Haji Ali; the distance is about 5 km and usually takes 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.

• From Western suburbs, use the Western Express Highway and turn towards Worli Sea Face, then follow signs to Haji Ali; this route covers 10–15 km and may take 30–45 minutes.

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

• Expect tolls on some routes if coming from outside Mumbai, such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which can reduce travel time but adds to the cost.

• Driving during monsoon can be challenging due to waterlogging and heavy traffic, so check weather and road conditions before starting your trip.

Taxi / Ride-Hailing

Taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are convenient for direct travel to Haji Ali Dargah, especially if you want a hassle-free door-to-door journey.

• Prepaid taxis are available at Mumbai Airport and major railway stations; fares to Haji Ali Dargah range from ₹200 to ₹400 depending on distance and traffic.

• Ola and Uber cabs can be booked via mobile apps, offering options like micro, mini, or sedan cars to suit your budget and group size.

• Traffic congestion near Haji Ali is common, so expect longer travel times during peak hours and plan accordingly to avoid delays.

• Some drivers may not be familiar with the exact location of the dargah’s entrance on the islet, so keep a map or GPS handy to guide them properly.

• During religious events and Fridays, demand for taxis increases, leading to surge pricing; book in advance or consider shared rides to save costs.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers visiting Haji Ali Dargah from anywhere in Mumbai. It covers essential actions to ensure a smooth journey.

• Start by checking the local weather and traffic conditions to pick the best time for your trip, avoiding heavy rains or peak traffic hours for comfort and safety.

• If using train travel, book your tickets or check train timings on the IRCTC website or app to avoid last-minute rush and confirm train schedules.

• From Mahalaxmi station, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Haji Ali Dargah; negotiate the fare beforehand or use metered taxis to avoid overcharging.

• If traveling by bus, identify the correct BEST bus routes that stop near Haji Ali Circle and keep exact change ready for the fare to speed up boarding.

• For car or taxi travelers, use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia to avoid traffic jams and find the best parking spots near the dargah.

• Carry a small bottle of water and wear comfortable footwear as you will walk on the causeway to reach the dargah, which is closed during high tide for safety reasons.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone late at night to Haji Ali Dargah; the area is generally safe during the day but can be isolated after dark, so use trusted transport options.

• Food and Water: Carry your own water bottle and eat at trusted eateries nearby; street food near the dargah can be tempting but may not suit everyone’s stomach.

• Booking Strategy: For trains and buses, book tickets in advance during weekends or festival days to avoid overcrowding and last-minute hassles.

• Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws near Mahalaxmi station do not always use meters, so agree on fares before starting your ride to prevent disputes.

• Luggage: Travel light as the causeway to the dargah involves walking and may be slippery during monsoon; avoid bringing large bags or valuables.

• Seasonal Warnings: The causeway to Haji Ali Dargah closes during high tide and heavy rains, so check tide timings and weather forecasts before planning your visit.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Haji Ali Dargah is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains and waterlogging.

Travel conditions vary with the season, so planning your visit outside peak festival days and weekends can help you avoid large crowds and traffic jams.

• Avoid Fridays and the month of Ramadan if you want to skip large crowds, as these are peak times for pilgrims visiting the dargah.

• Monsoon rains can cause the causeway to flood, making access to the dargah unsafe; always check local news or tide schedules before traveling.

• Early morning departures help you avoid Mumbai’s heavy traffic and find parking easily near the dargah.

• Evening visits offer a beautiful view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea but expect more visitors and limited parking space.

Arrival at Haji Ali Dargah & What to Expect

When you arrive at Haji Ali Dargah, you will find a bustling area with vendors, pilgrims, and tourists. The dargah is located on a small islet connected to the city by a narrow causeway.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs. Prepaid taxi booths are available near Mahalaxmi station and bus stops. Many visitors prefer to walk the causeway to reach the dargah, which offers scenic sea views but can be crowded on weekends.

Accommodation options are limited near the dargah itself, but South Mumbai areas like Worli, Mahalaxmi, and Colaba offer a range of hotels and guesthouses. It is best to book your stay in advance during festival seasons.

Conclusion

Traveling to Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai is straightforward with multiple transport options available. Trains to Mahalaxmi station combined with a short taxi or auto ride offer an efficient and budget-friendly route. Buses and taxis provide additional flexibility depending on your starting point and comfort preferences.

Planning your trip with attention to local traffic patterns, weather conditions, and booking in advance will ensure a smooth visit. With this guide, you can confidently reach Haji Ali Dargah and enjoy its spiritual ambiance and beautiful seaside location without stress.