Lonar Lake is a unique, ancient crater lake located in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. It is famous for its rare geological formation and attracts many nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, serves as the main starting point for travelers heading to this natural wonder.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Lonar Lake. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. This will make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai to Lonar Lake – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Lonar Lake from Mumbai. Although there is no direct train to Lonar, nearby stations provide access with short road travel.

• Mumbai to Jalna or Aurangabad by train covers about 350-400 km; trains like the Aurangabad Express run daily with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹800 depending on class and train type.

• From Jalna or Aurangabad stations, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Lonar Lake, which is approximately 60-70 km away and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

• Train travel is comfortable with options like sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC coaches; booking via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Trains can be crowded during festival seasons like Ganesh Chaturthi, so plan and book tickets early to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause minor delays on the route due to waterlogging or track maintenance, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Bus travel is a direct and affordable option for reaching Lonar Lake from Mumbai. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates buses connecting major towns nearby.

• MSRTC buses run from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Jalna or Buldhana, covering around 400 km in 8-10 hours with fares between ₹400 and ₹700 depending on bus type.

• From Jalna or Buldhana bus stands, local buses or shared taxis are available to reach Lonar Lake, which is about 40-60 km away and takes 1-2 hours.

• Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort but are less frequent; regular non-AC buses run multiple times daily and are budget-friendly.

• Night buses are available but may be crowded; booking tickets in advance through MSRTC’s online portal or counters is advisable.

• During monsoon, some roads may be slippery or under repair, so check weather and road conditions before traveling by bus.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Lonar Lake is a flexible and scenic option. The route passes through well-maintained national highways and offers stops at interesting towns.

• The distance is approximately 400 km via NH160 and NH753A, taking around 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Starting from Mumbai, you can take the NH160 towards Nashik, then continue via Jalgaon and Buldhana districts to reach Lonar Lake.

• There are several toll plazas on the route; expect toll charges totaling around ₹300 to ₹500 one way.

• Good rest stops with food options are available at Nashik, Jalgaon, and Buldhana; local dhabas offer authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.

• Driving during early morning hours helps avoid city traffic in Mumbai and Nashik, making the journey smoother.

• During monsoon, roads may be wet and slippery; drive cautiously and avoid night driving in rural stretches.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Lonar Lake, but flying can be combined with road travel for faster access from Mumbai.

• The nearest airport to Lonar Lake is Aurangabad Airport, about 130 km away, which has regular flights from Mumbai lasting around 1 hour.

• From Aurangabad Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Lonar Lake; the road journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.

• Flight fares between Mumbai and Aurangabad range from ₹1500 to ₹3500 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Booking flights in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip helps secure better prices and seat availability.

• Local transport options from Aurangabad airport are limited; pre-booked cabs or private taxis are recommended for convenience.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Lonar Lake, focusing on ease and comfort.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during weekends or festivals.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Jalna or Aurangabad and confirm your onward road transport to Lonar Lake before departure.

• For road travel, plan your departure early in the morning to avoid Mumbai city traffic and reach Lonar Lake before evening.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks for the journey, as some stretches have limited food options, especially near Lonar.

• On arrival at Lonar, use local auto-rickshaws or pre-arranged taxis to reach your accommodation or the lake itself.

• Download offline maps or use mobile apps like Ola or Uber where available to navigate local areas confidently.

Practical Travel Tips

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items during travel, especially in crowded trains and buses.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted places to avoid stomach issues common in rural travel.

• Book tickets through official portals like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC for buses to ensure authenticity and avoid scams.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola/Uber in cities to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares in rural areas before boarding.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon and sun protection during summer, as weather can be harsh in this region.

• Be prepared for limited mobile network coverage near Lonar Lake; inform someone about your travel plans for safety.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Lonar Lake is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions on highways and rural roads.

• Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali cause heavy traffic on Mumbai roads and trains; avoid these periods for smoother travel.

• Winter mornings may have fog on highways near Nashik and Jalgaon, so start your journey after sunrise for better visibility.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help you avoid city traffic and reach your destination comfortably before dark.

• Summer months can be hot and dry; carry sufficient water and plan travel during cooler parts of the day.

Arrival at Lonar Lake & What to Expect

When you arrive at Lonar Lake, you will find a small town with basic amenities and friendly locals. The main entry point to the lake is accessible by road from nearby towns.

Local transport includes auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps that connect the lake area to nearby villages and bus stands. Prepaid taxis can be arranged from Jalna or Buldhana for a hassle-free last-mile journey.

Accommodation options near Lonar are limited to guesthouses and small hotels in Lonar town and nearby areas. Staying in Buldhana or Jalna is also possible if you prefer more facilities and are willing to travel daily.

Food options near the lake are simple and mostly vegetarian, with local Maharashtrian cuisine available at small eateries. Carry some snacks if you plan to spend extended time exploring the crater and surrounding forest.

Mobile network coverage may be patchy, so plan accordingly and inform your contacts about your arrival time.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Lonar Lake from Mumbai depends on your priorities. Train travel combined with road transport offers a budget-friendly and comfortable option, while self-driving provides flexibility and scenic views. Flights to Aurangabad followed by a taxi ride are faster but costlier.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right travel time, and preparing for local conditions will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to explore the fascinating Lonar Lake and enjoy its natural beauty and historic significance.