Matheran is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, known for its lush greenery and vehicle-free environment. Borivali, a suburb in Mumbai, serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to Matheran due to its connectivity and proximity.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Borivali to Matheran, covering trains, buses, cars, and taxis. You will get detailed information on travel times, fares, and tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Borivali to Matheran – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is popular among locals and tourists for its affordability and scenic route. However, Matheran itself has a narrow-gauge railway connecting Neral, so you will need to combine train and other transport modes.

• Take a local train from Borivali station to Neral station on the Central Railway line, covering about 65 km in 2 to 2.5 hours with fares ranging from ₹40 to ₹80 in second class.

• From Neral station, board the Matheran Hill Railway toy train, which takes about 2 hours to reach Matheran, offering a scenic but slower ride; tickets cost around ₹50 to ₹100.

• During monsoon, the toy train may be suspended due to landslides; in such cases, alternate transport from Neral is necessary.

• Trains from Borivali run frequently from early morning till late evening, but local trains can be crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

• Use the IRCTC app or Mumbai local train websites to check train timings and platform details before traveling.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option with direct and connecting routes, but the journey involves multiple changes and can be longer than other modes.

• From Borivali West, catch an MSRTC or BEST bus heading towards Neral or Badlapur; the trip can take 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and costs ₹50 to ₹100.

• From Neral bus stand, take a shared jeep or taxi to Matheran, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes; jeep fares are around ₹50 per person.

• Buses may be less frequent on weekends and holidays, so check schedules in advance, especially during festival seasons.

• Road conditions on the highway NH48 and connecting state highways are generally good but can slow down during monsoon due to waterlogging and landslides.

• Carry water and snacks as rest stops are limited on the bus route, and buses may not have onboard facilities.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Borivali to Matheran offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups wanting to explore at their own pace.

• The distance by road is approximately 85 km via NH48 and SH76, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• Drive from Borivali towards Thane, then take the route via Neral to Matheran; note that vehicles are not allowed inside Matheran, so park at the designated parking lot outside the town.

• Parking fees at Matheran’s entry point are around ₹50 to ₹100 per vehicle, and you will need to walk or take a horse or hand-pulled rickshaw inside.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and narrow, so drive cautiously and avoid night travel due to limited street lighting.

• Toll plazas on NH48 may charge around ₹50 to ₹100; keep cash handy as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Taxi

Hiring a taxi or cab from Borivali to Matheran is convenient, especially if you want a direct and comfortable journey without transfers.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available in Borivali, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 depending on vehicle type and demand.

• Taxi drivers usually take the route via NH48 and Neral; the trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours under normal traffic conditions.

• Confirm with the driver about parking arrangements at Matheran as vehicles cannot enter the hill station; you will need to walk or hire local transport from the parking area.

• Booking a taxi in advance during weekends and holidays is advisable to avoid surge pricing and availability issues.

• Some taxi operators offer round-trip packages including waiting time, which can be economical if you plan to return the same day.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Borivali to Matheran, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Step 1: Book your train or bus tickets in advance using IRCTC or MSRTC online portals to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Step 2: Arrive at Borivali station or bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus stand easily.

• Step 3: Travel to Neral by train or bus, keeping your belongings secure and carrying light snacks and water for the journey.

• Step 4: At Neral, purchase tickets for the Matheran toy train or arrange for a shared jeep or taxi to reach Matheran’s parking area.

• Step 5: Upon arrival at Matheran parking, prepare for a short walk or hire a horse or hand-pulled rickshaw to reach your accommodation or sightseeing spots.

• Step 6: Carry cash for local transport and small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere in Matheran.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill at safe water points to avoid buying plastic bottles, as Matheran promotes eco-friendly travel.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes since vehicles are banned inside Matheran, and you will walk on uneven paths and slopes.

• Book train or bus tickets early during weekends and holidays to avoid sold-out situations due to high tourist inflow.

• Use prepaid taxis or trusted app-based cabs in Borivali to avoid overcharging and ensure driver reliability.

• Pack light luggage as porters and horses charge extra for heavy bags, and carrying bulky items can be difficult on foot.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts since landslides and roadblocks can delay travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Matheran from Borivali is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Monsoon season brings lush greenery but also travel challenges.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip accordingly can save time and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and Diwali when local traffic and accommodation bookings peak significantly.

• Monsoon months (June to September) may cause train cancellations and roadblocks due to heavy rains and landslides in the Western Ghats.

• Early morning departures from Borivali help avoid Mumbai’s rush hour traffic and provide a more relaxed journey.

• Winter mornings can be foggy on the route to Neral, so allow extra travel time during December and January.

Arrival at Matheran & What to Expect

When you arrive at Matheran’s parking area, you will notice the absence of motor vehicles inside the hill station. The fresh air and quiet surroundings are a welcome change from city noise.

Local transport options include walking, horseback rides, and hand-pulled rickshaws. Most accommodations are within walking distance from the parking area, but confirm this while booking.

Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are not available inside Matheran, so plan your last-mile travel accordingly. The main market and popular viewpoints are accessible on foot or by horse.

Conclusion

Traveling from Borivali to Matheran is straightforward with multiple options to suit your budget and comfort. The train and toy train combination offers a scenic and economical route, while taxis and self-drive provide flexibility and convenience.

Plan your trip by booking tickets in advance, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the unique vehicle-free environment of Matheran. With these tips, you can enjoy a smooth journey and a memorable visit to this serene hill station.