Matheran is a beautiful hill station located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, known for its lush greenery and vehicle-free environment. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is situated in eastern India, making this journey a popular choice for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway from the city.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Matheran, covering train, bus, car, and flight options. You will also find practical tips, travel plans, and advice to make your trip comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Kolkata to Matheran – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a popular and economical way to travel from Kolkata to the Mumbai region, from where you can continue to Matheran. It suits travelers who prefer scenic routes and have time to spare.

• Board a train from Howrah Junction or Sealdah station in Kolkata to Mumbai CST or LTT, covering approximately 1950 km in 28 to 36 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Howrah Mumbai Mail and the Duronto Express, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from Rs. 800 to Rs. 2500.

• From Mumbai, take a local train to Neral station, the nearest railhead to Matheran, which is about 80 km from Mumbai and takes around 3 hours.

• From Neral station, you can hire a shared taxi or take the famous toy train to Matheran, which is about 20 km uphill and takes 30 to 45 minutes.

• Train travel can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause delays on the Mumbai-Neral route due to landslides or waterlogging, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Bus travel from Kolkata to Matheran is less common due to the long distance but can be combined with buses to Mumbai and local transport to Matheran. It suits budget travelers comfortable with long journeys.

• Take a long-distance MSRTC or private Volvo bus from Kolkata to Mumbai, which can take 36 to 40 hours covering nearly 2000 km, with fares between Rs. 1500 and Rs. 2500.

• Buses depart from Kolkata’s major bus terminals like Esplanade or Salt Lake and arrive at Mumbai’s central bus depots such as Dadar or Borivali.

• From Mumbai, use local MSRTC buses or taxis to reach Neral station, then proceed to Matheran by taxi or toy train.

• Bus travel is less comfortable for this long route and can be affected by traffic congestion near Mumbai and toll plazas on NH48.

• Night buses are available but may be tiring; plan rest stops at major cities like Nagpur or Aurangabad if breaking the journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Matheran is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in their schedule. The route covers diverse landscapes and multiple states.

• The distance from Kolkata to Matheran by road is approximately 1950 km, taking around 36 to 40 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Drive via NH19, NH44, and NH48 passing through cities like Asansol, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Pune before reaching Neral near Matheran.

• Expect toll plazas on NH19 and NH48; toll charges may total around Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 one way.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Nagpur or Pune to avoid fatigue and enjoy local cuisine and rest.

• Once at Neral, park your vehicle at designated parking areas, as Matheran is vehicle-free; then take the toy train or walk uphill.

• Monsoon season can cause slippery roads and landslides on ghats near Matheran; drive cautiously and check weather updates.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Matheran from Kolkata, combining air travel with train or taxi for the final leg. It suits travelers with limited time and a higher budget.

• Fly from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai; flight duration is about 2.5 hours.

• Multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara offer fares ranging from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 7000 depending on booking time and season.

• From Mumbai airport, take a taxi or local train to Neral station; the train journey takes around 3 hours, while taxis may take 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

• From Neral, proceed to Matheran by toy train or shared taxis; the toy train is a scenic and popular choice but may be suspended during heavy rains.

• Booking flights well in advance can save money, especially during holiday seasons when prices rise.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Matheran, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure preferred dates and classes, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan to arrive at Howrah or Sealdah station at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform and settle comfortably.

• On reaching Mumbai, use local trains from CST or LTT to Neral; purchase tickets at the station or use mobile apps like UTS for convenience.

• At Neral, choose between the toy train or shared taxis to Matheran; the toy train offers a unique experience but check for operational status during monsoon.

• Carry light luggage as Matheran’s narrow paths and steps make heavy bags difficult to manage; use porters if needed.

• Download offline maps and keep local emergency numbers handy; mobile connectivity may be weak in hilly areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks, especially if traveling by train or bus, as food options may be limited or crowded during peak hours.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Mumbai and Neral to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• During monsoon, check weather forecasts and train or toy train status to avoid cancellations or delays caused by landslides or waterlogging.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items in crowded stations or buses to prevent theft.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for Matheran, as vehicles are banned and you will need to walk or ride horses on hilly paths.

• Book accommodations in Matheran well in advance during weekends and holidays, as the hill station attracts many visitors and rooms fill quickly.

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 lush greenery but also travel challenges.

Winter months are cool and comfortable, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer can be warm but still manageable due to the hill station’s elevation.

• Avoid traveling during the heavy monsoon months of June to September due to frequent landslides and slippery roads on the Mumbai-Neral-Matheran route.

• Festival periods like Diwali and Christmas see increased traffic and higher accommodation prices; plan bookings early or avoid these dates.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help avoid city traffic and allow better connections for trains or flights.

• Evening travel in Mumbai can be slow due to rush hour traffic; plan local transfers accordingly to avoid delays.

Arrival at Matheran & What to Expect

When you arrive at Matheran, you will notice the absence of vehicles, as the hill station is vehicle-free to preserve its natural beauty. The main entry points are through Neral or Aman Lodge.

Local transport includes walking, horseback rides, and hand-pulled rickshaws. Most visitors stay near the market area or Panorama Point, where hotels and guesthouses are available.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available up to Neral station or Aman Lodge, but inside Matheran, you must walk or use horses. Station exits are well-marked, and local guides can assist with directions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Matheran involves a combination of long-distance and local transport options. The most efficient way is to fly to Mumbai and then take the train or taxi to Neral, followed by the toy train or taxi to Matheran. This saves time and offers comfort.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the vehicle-free environment in Matheran will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey and experience the serene beauty of Matheran without stress.