Marine Drive is a famous promenade located in South Mumbai, along the Arabian Sea coast. It is one of the most popular tourist spots and a favorite evening hangout for locals and visitors alike. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Marine Drive from different parts of Mumbai and nearby areas.

Whether you prefer trains, buses, private cars, or taxis, this article covers all main transport options. You will also find practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai to Marine Drive – Main Options

Train

Using Mumbai's local train network is one of the fastest and most economical ways to reach Marine Drive. The nearest stations are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Marine Lines on the Western line.

• Marine Lines station is just a 5-minute walk from Marine Drive, making it the most convenient stop for visitors using the Western Railway line.

• Trains run frequently from major hubs like Churchgate, Dadar, and Bandra, with fares typically between ₹10 and ₹30 depending on distance and class.

• During peak hours, trains can be very crowded, so plan your travel outside 8-11 AM and 5-8 PM if possible for a comfortable journey.

• CSMT station, a major terminus, is about 1.5 km from Marine Drive and can be reached by a short taxi or bus ride if you arrive there by long-distance train.

• Keep an eye on monsoon season delays, as heavy rains can slow down train services along the coast.

Bus

Public buses operated by BEST provide affordable access to Marine Drive from various parts of Mumbai. Buses are a good option if you want to experience local travel and avoid train crowds.

• BEST buses running on routes 129, 132, and 137 connect Marine Drive with areas like Dadar, Girgaum, and Worli, with fares ranging from ₹10 to ₹25.

• Buses stop near Marine Drive at Girgaum Chowpatty or along Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, within walking distance of the promenade.

• Bus frequency is generally good during the day but reduces after 9 PM, so plan accordingly if you travel late.

• Traffic congestion on major roads like Marine Drive and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road can cause delays during peak hours, especially in monsoon months.

• Carry exact change or use the BEST mobile app for ticket booking to avoid hassle during boarding.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Marine Drive offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you travel with family or in a group. Parking can be limited, so plan your visit during off-peak hours.

• Marine Drive is accessible via major roads like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road and the Western Express Highway, with a distance of about 10 km from Mumbai Airport and 5 km from Churchgate.

• Travel time varies from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, which can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours.

• Parking near Marine Drive is available at designated lots like the Girgaum Chowpatty parking area, usually charging ₹50 to ₹100 per hour.

• Toll plazas are not applicable on routes to Marine Drive, but be prepared for narrow roads and heavy pedestrian traffic near the promenade.

• Using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or Ola Drive helps avoid traffic jams and find the best parking spots.

Taxi / App-Based Cabs

Taxis and app-based cabs such as Ola and Uber are convenient for direct travel to Marine Drive, especially if you want door-to-door service without parking worries.

• Ola and Uber operate widely in Mumbai, with fares to Marine Drive typically ranging from ₹150 to ₹300 depending on distance and time of day.

• Booking a cab from Mumbai Airport, railway stations, or your hotel is easy using mobile apps, offering options like micro, sedan, or premium cars.

• Traffic congestion during peak hours can increase travel time and fare, so try to book rides during off-peak periods for better rates.

• Prepaid taxi counters are available at major railway stations like CSMT and airports, offering fixed fares to Marine Drive for hassle-free travel.

• App-based cabs provide live tracking and digital payments, making them safer and more convenient for tourists unfamiliar with local routes.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers to Marine Drive, helping you navigate Mumbai's transport options confidently.

• Step 1: Decide your starting point in Mumbai or nearby and check the nearest local train station or bus stop to your location for easy access.

• Step 2: If using trains, book tickets via the IRCTC app or buy tokens at stations; avoid peak hours to travel comfortably and safely.

• Step 3: For bus travel, use the BEST app or check route maps online to find buses stopping near Marine Drive, and carry exact change for fares.

• Step 4: If driving, plan your route using GPS apps, check parking availability near Marine Drive, and avoid rush hours to save time.

• Step 5: For taxis or app cabs, book rides in advance during busy times, confirm the destination clearly, and prefer digital payments for security.

• Step 6: On arrival, use local auto-rickshaws or walk along the promenade to explore Marine Drive and nearby attractions like Girgaum Chowpatty.

Practical Travel Tips

• Marine Drive is safe during the day and early evening, but avoid isolated areas late at night and keep your belongings secure to prevent petty theft.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, as food options near Marine Drive can be crowded and sometimes expensive during peak tourist times.

• Book train or bus tickets in advance during festivals or weekends, as Mumbai sees high local travel demand that can cause overcrowding.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs instead of hailing street taxis to avoid overcharging and ensure safer rides.

• Pack light luggage if traveling by train or bus, as crowded compartments and limited storage can make handling heavy bags difficult.

• During monsoon season, carry an umbrella or raincoat and check weather updates, as heavy rains can cause local flooding and transport delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Marine Drive is during the cooler months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for walking along the promenade.

Summer months can be hot and humid, making outdoor travel uncomfortable, while the monsoon season brings heavy rains and occasional flooding that can disrupt transport.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and New Year’s Eve when Marine Drive is extremely crowded and transport services are stretched.

• Fog is rare in Mumbai but heavy rains during June to September can slow down trains and cause traffic jams on coastal roads.

• Early morning or late evening departures help avoid Mumbai’s peak traffic hours, ensuring smoother and faster journeys.

• Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends when locals and tourists flock to Marine Drive for leisure.

Arrival at Marine Drive & What to Expect

When you arrive at Marine Drive, you will find several exit points depending on your mode of transport. The Marine Lines railway station exit leads directly to the promenade, while bus stops are located along Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs that can take you to nearby hotels or attractions like Girgaum Chowpatty beach. Many visitors prefer to walk along the 3.6 km long promenade to enjoy the sea view and street food stalls.

Conclusion

Traveling to Marine Drive is straightforward with multiple transport options suited to different budgets and preferences. The local train to Marine Lines station is often the fastest and most economical choice, while taxis and app cabs offer comfort and convenience.

Planning your journey by checking train timings, booking tickets in advance, and avoiding peak traffic hours will make your visit to Marine Drive enjoyable and hassle-free. With this guide, you can confidently explore one of Mumbai’s most iconic destinations.