Matheran is a charming hill station in Maharashtra, known for its lush greenery and vehicle-free environment. Karjat, located near Mumbai and Pune, is a popular gateway for travelers heading to Matheran. This route is favored by tourists and locals alike who want a quick escape to nature.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Karjat to Matheran. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, or driving, this article covers all you need to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Karjat to Matheran – Main Options

Train

Taking the train is a popular and scenic option for reaching Matheran from Karjat. The narrow-gauge Matheran Hill Railway connects Neral to Matheran, while Karjat is on the main broad-gauge line. This option suits travelers who enjoy train journeys and want to avoid road traffic.

• From Karjat, take a local train to Neral station, which is about 9 km away and takes around 15-20 minutes. Trains run frequently, especially during the day, with fares under ₹20.

• At Neral, board the Matheran Hill Railway toy train that climbs the hills to Matheran. This narrow-gauge train covers 21 km in about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering beautiful views of the Western Ghats.

• The toy train fare ranges from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on class. It is advisable to book tickets in advance through the IRCTC website or at Neral station, especially during weekends and holidays.

• The train service may be affected during heavy monsoon rains due to landslides or track maintenance, so check for updates before traveling in July-September.

• At Matheran station, you will find no vehicles allowed, so be prepared to walk or hire horses or hand-pulled rickshaws to reach your accommodation.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel from Karjat to nearby towns, but direct buses to Matheran are limited. You can use bus services to reach Neral or other nearby points and then continue by other means.

• From Karjat bus stand, MSRTC buses run frequently to Neral, taking about 20-30 minutes with fares around ₹15-₹30. Buses are generally crowded during peak hours.

• Direct MSRTC buses to Matheran are rare; most travelers use buses to Neral and then switch to the toy train or taxis to reach Matheran.

• Private buses or shared jeeps may operate on the Neral-Matheran route, but services can be irregular and less comfortable.

• Bus travel can be affected during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional landslides; plan accordingly and avoid late evening travel.

• Bus stops in Karjat and Neral have basic facilities, but food options are limited; carry snacks and water for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Karjat to Matheran is a flexible and convenient option, especially if you want to explore at your own pace. However, private vehicles are not allowed inside Matheran town, so you must park outside and walk or use local transport.

• The distance from Karjat to Matheran via Neral is approximately 30 km and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Drive on NH48 from Karjat to Neral, then take the narrow road leading to Matheran. The route includes steep and winding roads, so drive carefully.

• There are designated parking lots at Dasturi Car Park near Matheran entry point, where you must leave your vehicle as no cars are allowed inside the hill station.

• Toll plazas may be present on NH48; keep cash handy for toll payments. Fuel stations are available in Karjat and Neral but not on the hill road.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and visibility low; avoid driving after dark and check weather updates before starting.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or cab from Karjat to Matheran is a comfortable and hassle-free option, especially for groups or families. Many local drivers offer fixed-rate trips, and app-based cabs are also available up to Neral.

• Taxis from Karjat to Matheran cost between ₹800 and ₹1500 depending on vehicle type and negotiation. The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

• App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate between Karjat and Neral but usually do not go beyond Neral due to the narrow hill roads.

• From Neral, you can hire local taxis or horse rides to reach Matheran town, as private vehicles are restricted inside.

• Booking taxis in advance during weekends and holidays is recommended to avoid last-minute price hikes and availability issues.

• Taxi drivers are usually knowledgeable about local routes and can advise on parking spots and best times to visit to avoid crowds.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Karjat to Matheran. It covers key steps to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

• Step 1:

  Arrive at Karjat railway station or bus stand. This is your starting point, so ensure you have your tickets or bookings ready. Karjat is well connected by trains from Mumbai and Pune.

• Step 2:

  Take a local train or bus to Neral. This short trip is frequent and affordable. Buying tickets at the station or using mobile apps like UTS for trains can save time.

• Step 3:

  At Neral, purchase your Matheran Hill Railway toy train ticket in advance if possible. This helps avoid long queues, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Step 4:

  Board the toy train to Matheran. Enjoy the scenic ride and be prepared for a slow climb. Carry water and light snacks, as onboard food options are limited.

• Step 5:

  Upon arrival at Matheran station, walk or hire a horse or hand-pulled rickshaw to your hotel. Vehicles are not allowed inside, so plan your luggage accordingly.

• Step 6:

  Explore Matheran on foot or by horse. Remember to carry cash as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient drinking water and avoid tap water in Matheran to prevent stomach issues; bottled water is widely available at shops.

• Book train tickets for the Matheran Hill Railway early through IRCTC or at Neral station to secure your seat during peak seasons and weekends.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as Matheran requires a lot of walking and horse rides; avoid heavy luggage due to vehicle restrictions.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted local drivers to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand if using private taxis.

• Travel light during monsoon and carry rain gear; roads can be slippery and some trails may be closed due to landslides.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and carry a power bank; network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

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

Winter mornings can be foggy, causing delays in train and road travel. Summer months are warm but comfortable in the hills compared to the plains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and roads are crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause landslides and temporary closures of the toy train service; check weather forecasts before planning.

• Early morning departures from Karjat help avoid traffic jams and secure better seats on trains and buses.

• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends; plan your trip accordingly for a relaxed experience.

Arrival at Matheran & What to Expect

When you arrive at Matheran station, you will notice the absence of motor vehicles, as the town enforces a strict no-vehicle policy. The station is small but clean, with basic amenities like restrooms and small shops.

Local transport options include horse rides and hand-pulled rickshaws to reach hotels and viewpoints. Walking is the most common way to explore the area. Popular stay areas include Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake vicinity, and the main market near the station.

Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are not available inside Matheran, so plan your last-mile commute accordingly. Carry cash for local transport and small purchases, as card payments are not widely accepted.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Matheran from Karjat is by taking a local train to Neral, followed by the scenic Matheran Hill Railway toy train. This combination offers a comfortable, affordable, and memorable journey through the Western Ghats. Alternatively, driving or hiring a taxi provides flexibility but requires parking outside Matheran.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, especially for the toy train, and check weather conditions during the monsoon. Carry light luggage and be prepared for walking or horse rides inside Matheran. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy a peaceful escape to this beautiful hill station.