Matheran is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, known for its lush greenery and vehicle-free environment. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major IT hub in South India. Many travelers from Bangalore visit Matheran to enjoy a peaceful break from city life.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Matheran. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Matheran.

Getting from Bangalore to Matheran – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option for this route, especially for those who enjoy scenic journeys. However, there is no direct train to Matheran, so you will need to combine train and road transport.

• You can take a train from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) to Mumbai CST or Panvel, which are major railway hubs near Matheran. The journey takes about 20 to 24 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares ranging from INR 500 to 1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• From Panvel Railway Station, you can take a local train or taxi to Neral, which is the nearest railhead to Matheran. The Panvel to Neral train takes about 30 minutes and costs under INR 50.

• From Neral, Matheran is about 8 km away. You can hire a shared jeep or take a horse ride, as no private vehicles are allowed inside Matheran. Jeep rides cost around INR 100-150 per person and take 20-30 minutes.

• Train services can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended. Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or track maintenance.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel from Bangalore to Mumbai or Pune, followed by local transport to Matheran. This option suits budget travelers comfortable with longer journeys.

• State-run buses like MSRTC or private operators run from Bangalore to Mumbai or Pune, taking around 16 to 20 hours. Fares range from INR 700 to 1500 depending on bus type (sleeper, Volvo AC).

• From Mumbai or Pune, you can take a local train or bus to Neral or Panvel, then proceed to Matheran by jeep or horse. Local transport is frequent and well-connected.

• Direct buses to Neral are rare, so plan your connections carefully. Night buses are common, but comfort levels vary widely among operators.

• During festival seasons and holidays, buses can be fully booked, so early reservations through official MSRTC or private bus portals are advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Matheran is a flexible option that lets you explore en route destinations. The journey covers approximately 1000 km and takes around 18 to 20 hours by road.

• The most common route is via NH 48, passing through Pune and Mumbai, then taking local roads to Neral and Matheran. This highway is well-maintained with multiple toll plazas along the way.

• Driving allows you to stop at places like Pune, Lonavala, and Panvel for rest and sightseeing. Plan for toll charges totaling around INR 800 to 1200 one way.

• Parking is not allowed inside Matheran, so you must park your vehicle at the designated parking lot in Dasturi Car Park near the entrance. From there, you can take a horse ride or walk into the hill station.

• Monsoon season can make roads slippery and prone to landslides near Matheran, so drive cautiously. Night driving is not recommended on the hilly sections.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance between Bangalore and Mumbai or Pune. However, you will still need road transport to reach Matheran from the airport.

• Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) has frequent flights to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and Pune Airport (PNQ). Flight duration is about 1.5 to 2 hours with fares ranging from INR 1500 to 4000.

• From Mumbai or Pune airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Neral or Panvel railway stations, which are about 70 to 100 km away. Taxi fares can range from INR 1500 to 2500.

• From Neral, proceed to Matheran by shared jeep or horse ride. Airport taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available but may charge extra for long-distance trips.

• Booking flights in advance during peak tourist seasons is important to get better fares and availability. Early morning flights help maximize your day for onward travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Matheran, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles and secure preferred timings.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Mumbai CST or Panvel, then plan local train or taxi to Neral. Check local train timings carefully as they can vary on weekends.

• From Neral station, hire a shared jeep or horse ride to Matheran. Shared jeeps are economical and frequent, but horses offer a unique local experience.

• If driving, plan your route via NH 48 with scheduled breaks at Pune or Lonavala. Keep cash ready for tolls and parking fees at Dasturi Car Park.

• Carry light luggage as Matheran’s paths are narrow and vehicle-free. Use waterproof bags during monsoon to protect your belongings from rain.

• Upon arrival, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for local sightseeing. Always confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and snacks during long journeys, especially on trains and buses, as food options may be limited or crowded at stations.

• Use official booking platforms like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC or RedBus for buses to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially in crowded stations and bus depots.

• Local transport in Matheran includes horse rides and shared jeeps; negotiate fares politely and carry small change for smooth transactions.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect slippery paths and occasional landslides near Matheran; carry rain gear and check weather updates before traveling.

• Book accommodation in advance during weekends and holidays, as Matheran is a popular destination and rooms fill up quickly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Matheran is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and roads are safe. Monsoon months bring heavy rains, making travel challenging but the scenery lush.

Winter months (December to February) are cool and comfortable but can get crowded due to holiday travelers. Summer months are warm but still suitable for travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali when roads and trains are heavily crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads on the way to Matheran; carry extra travel time and rain protection.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Bangalore and Mumbai, making your journey smoother and faster.

• Weekdays are less crowded for trains and buses compared to weekends, offering a more comfortable travel experience.

Arrival at Matheran & What to Expect

When you arrive at Matheran, you will notice the absence of motor vehicles inside the hill station. The main entry point is near Dasturi Car Park, where you must park your vehicle if you drove.

Local transport includes horse rides, hand-pulled rickshaws, and walking. The narrow paths and fresh air make exploring Matheran enjoyable but require comfortable footwear and light luggage.

Accommodation options are available near the market area and main viewpoints. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available inside Matheran, so plan your last-mile travel accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Matheran involves a combination of long-distance and local transport. The most efficient option is to take a train or flight to Mumbai or Pune, followed by local trains and jeep rides to Matheran. This balances comfort, cost, and travel time effectively.

Plan your journey carefully by booking tickets in advance, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the unique vehicle-free environment of Matheran. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy a peaceful and scenic getaway from Bangalore to this charming hill station.