Matheran is a popular hill station located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Virar is a bustling suburb on Mumbai's northern outskirts, well connected by rail and road. Many travelers journey from Virar to Matheran to enjoy its peaceful environment and scenic views.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Virar to Matheran. You will learn about train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Virar to Matheran – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many. Virar is on the Western Railway line, and you can use trains to reach nearby stations before heading to Matheran.

• Take a local train from Virar to Neral station, which is the nearest railhead to Matheran, covering about 70 km in 2 to 3 hours with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on the train class and timing.

• From Neral station, you need to take a taxi or the famous Matheran toy train to reach Matheran, which is about 20 km uphill; the toy train journey takes around 2 hours and costs ₹100 to ₹150.

• Trains between Virar and Neral run frequently during the day but can be crowded during peak hours, especially weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly for comfort.

• Monsoon season can cause delays on the railway lines due to landslides or waterlogging, so check train status on IRCTC or Western Railway websites before traveling.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Matheran from Virar, suitable for travelers comfortable with road travel and looking for budget options.

• State transport buses operated by MSRTC run from Virar bus depot to Neral or directly to Dasturi Naka, the base point for Matheran, with fares between ₹100 and ₹200 depending on the bus type.

• From Dasturi Naka, you must walk or take a horse ride to Matheran as vehicles are not allowed inside the hill station; the walk is about 3 km and takes 45 minutes.

• Bus travel takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic on NH48 and local roads, with frequent stops at toll plazas and rest points offering snacks and refreshments.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and prone to landslides near Matheran, so buses may operate slower or get delayed; check local weather updates before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Virar to Matheran is a flexible option for those who prefer privacy and want to explore at their own pace. The route covers scenic highways and hill roads.

• The distance from Virar to Matheran by road is approximately 90 km, taking about 3 to 4 hours via NH48 and state highways, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Drive from Virar towards Panvel on NH48, then take the route via Neral to Dasturi Naka, where you must park your vehicle as no private vehicles are allowed beyond this point.

• Parking is available at Dasturi Naka for ₹100 to ₹200 per day; from here, you can walk or hire a horse to reach Matheran’s main market area.

• Roads are narrow and winding near Matheran, so drive carefully, especially during monsoon when visibility is low and roads can be slippery.

• Toll plazas on NH48 between Virar and Panvel may charge around ₹50 to ₹100; keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

Taxi

Hiring a taxi or cab is a comfortable and hassle-free way to reach Matheran from Virar, ideal for groups or travelers with luggage.

• You can book prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber from Virar to Dasturi Naka, with fares typically ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 depending on vehicle type and time of day.

• The taxi ride takes about 3 to 4 hours, covering NH48 and the hill road to Dasturi Naka, with stops possible for refreshments or rest.

• Prepaid taxis avoid last-minute fare negotiations and provide fixed rates, which is helpful during peak tourist seasons or monsoon when demand is high.

• From Dasturi Naka, taxis are not allowed further; you must walk or hire horses to reach Matheran, so pack light and prepare accordingly.

• Booking taxis in advance during weekends and holidays is advisable, as availability can be limited due to tourist influx.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Virar to Matheran, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Step 1: Book your train or bus tickets online via IRCTC or MSRTC portals to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush, especially on weekends.

• Step 2: Reach Virar 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; keep your belongings secure and carry water and snacks for the journey, as some trains may not have pantry services.

• Step 4: At Neral, arrange for the Matheran toy train ticket or hire a taxi to Dasturi Naka; booking toy train tickets early is recommended during peak season.

• Step 5: From Dasturi Naka, walk or hire a horse to Matheran; carry light luggage and wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk.

• Step 6: On arrival, use local rickshaws or walk to your accommodation; Matheran is vehicle-free, so plan accordingly for luggage handling.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Matheran to prevent stomach issues, as hill stations often have limited water treatment facilities.

• Book train and toy train tickets well in advance through IRCTC and Matheran toy train official sites to avoid sold-out situations, especially during holidays.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs for safe and fair travel from Virar to Dasturi Naka; avoid unlicensed taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Pack light and use backpacks instead of heavy suitcases, as you will need to walk or ride horses from Dasturi Naka to Matheran.

• Carry rain gear during monsoon months (June to September) as heavy rains can disrupt travel and make walking slippery on hill paths.

• Use local rickshaws or walk within Matheran since no private vehicles are allowed; this helps preserve the environment and keeps the town peaceful.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Virar to Matheran is during the cooler months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Avoid monsoon if you prefer less travel disruption.

Monsoon season brings lush greenery but also heavy rains and slippery roads, which can delay trains and buses and make walking uphill challenging. Plan your trip accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali when trains and buses are overcrowded and accommodation in Matheran is limited.

• Fog in early winter mornings can reduce visibility on roads near Matheran, so start your journey after sunrise for safer travel.

• Depart early in the morning from Virar to avoid Mumbai suburban rush hour and reach Matheran before evening when hill paths get dark.

• During summer months (March to May), temperatures in Virar can be high, but Matheran remains cooler, making it a good escape from city heat.

Arrival at Matheran & What to Expect

When you arrive at Matheran, you will experience a quiet, vehicle-free hill station with fresh air and scenic views. The main entry point is from Dasturi Naka, where you will either walk or ride horses to reach the town center.

Local transport within Matheran mainly consists of walking paths and horse rides. There are no private vehicles allowed, so prepare to carry your luggage carefully or ask your hotel for assistance. Popular areas to stay include Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake, and the main market area, all accessible on foot.

Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are available only up to Dasturi Naka. From the Matheran railway station, you can also walk or take a horse ride to your accommodation. Many hotels offer pickup services from the station or Dasturi Naka on request.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Matheran from Virar is by taking a train to Neral followed by the toy train or taxi to Dasturi Naka, then walking or riding horses into Matheran. This route balances cost, comfort, and scenic experience.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, especially during weekends and holidays, and prepare for walking uphill with light luggage. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy a peaceful getaway to Matheran from Virar, experiencing the natural beauty and calm of this charming hill station.