Matheran is a charming hill station located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, about 90 km from Mumbai. It is famous for its lush green landscapes, cool climate, and the unique feature of being Asia's only automobile-free hill station.

This route from Mumbai to Matheran is popular among weekend travelers and nature lovers seeking a quick escape from the city's hustle. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Matheran from Mumbai, including train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with practical travel tips for a hassle-free trip.

Getting from Mumbai to Matheran – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for reaching Matheran from Mumbai. It combines a train journey to Neral and then a short trek or toy train ride to Matheran, offering scenic views along the way.

• The journey starts from Mumbai Central or CST station to Neral Junction, which is about 80 km and takes roughly 2 to 3 hours depending on the train service you choose, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹150.

• From Neral station, you can take the famous Matheran toy train, which runs daily except during monsoon, covering 21 km in about 2 hours with a fare of around ₹50 to ₹100.

• If you prefer, you can hire a shared jeep or walk from Neral to Matheran; the jeep ride takes about 30 minutes and costs ₹150 to ₹200 per person, but walking offers a refreshing experience through forest trails.

• Trains can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets early via IRCTC or visiting the station in advance is advisable to secure a seat.

• During the monsoon season (June to September), the toy train service is often suspended due to landslide risks, so plan accordingly and check service status before traveling.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Neral or nearby towns, but there is no direct bus to Matheran due to its vehicle restrictions. You will need to combine bus travel with other modes.

• MSRTC buses run frequently from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Neral, covering about 90 km in 3 to 4 hours, with fares between ₹70 and ₹120 depending on the service type.

• From Neral bus stop, you can take the toy train or shared jeep to Matheran, as private vehicles are not allowed beyond certain points in Matheran.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and festival seasons, so arriving early at the bus depot is recommended to get a seat and avoid standing.

• Comfort levels vary; opting for non-AC or semi-deluxe buses can save money but may be less comfortable during hot weather or monsoon rains.

• Bus routes pass through National Highway 48 and local roads, with toll plazas near Panvel; expect some traffic delays during peak hours or holidays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Matheran is a flexible and comfortable option, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions or travel with family. However, private vehicles are not allowed inside Matheran town.

• The drive covers approximately 90 km via NH48 and State Highway 79, taking about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic, with toll charges at multiple plazas along the route.

• You can park your car at designated parking lots in Dasturi Car Park or Aman Lodge, which are entry points to Matheran, then proceed on foot, horse, or the toy train to the hill station.

• Driving during early morning or late evening helps avoid Mumbai’s heavy traffic, especially when exiting the city via the Eastern Express Highway or Western Express Highway.

• Road conditions are generally good, but narrow and winding roads near Matheran require careful driving, especially during monsoon when landslides and slippery surfaces are common.

• Fuel stations are available along the highway, but it is advisable to fill up before leaving Mumbai to avoid last-minute hassles.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or app-based cab from Mumbai to Matheran offers convenience and door-to-door service, ideal for travelers seeking comfort without driving themselves.

• Ola and Uber provide outstation rides from Mumbai to Neral or Matheran parking areas, with fares typically ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 depending on vehicle type and time of day.

• Prepaid taxis are available at Mumbai airports and major railway stations, but negotiating fares in advance is important to avoid overcharging.

• Since private vehicles are not allowed inside Matheran, taxis drop passengers at parking points like Aman Lodge, from where you can take the toy train or walk into the town.

• Booking cabs during weekends or festival seasons requires advance reservations, as demand spikes and availability can be limited.

• Taxi rides offer a comfortable journey with air conditioning and luggage space, making them suitable for families or groups carrying heavy bags or equipment.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Matheran, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip with clear guidance on each stage.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or MSRTC websites to avoid last-minute rush and secure preferred timings, especially on weekends.

• Reach Mumbai Central, CST, or Dadar bus depot early in the morning to catch your train or bus to Neral, as these services tend to fill quickly during peak travel days.

• Upon arrival at Neral, decide whether to take the toy train, shared jeep, or walk to Matheran; check the toy train schedule and ticket availability at the station or online.

• If using the toy train, buy tickets at the Neral station counter or online; for shared jeeps, negotiate fares politely and confirm drop-off points before boarding.

• Carry light luggage since vehicles are not allowed inside Matheran; use backpacks or small bags to ease walking or horseback rides within the hill station.

• Once in Matheran, use local walking paths or hire horses for sightseeing, and plan your return journey by confirming train or jeep timings to avoid last-minute delays.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of water and some snacks, as food options on the toy train or between Neral and Matheran are limited and sometimes expensive.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes since Matheran requires walking on uneven paths, and avoid carrying heavy luggage due to vehicle restrictions.

• Book train and bus tickets early via official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to avoid scalpers and last-minute price hikes during peak seasons.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and transparent fares when traveling from Mumbai to Neral or the Matheran parking points.

• Be cautious of slippery paths and potential landslides during monsoon; avoid traveling during heavy rains and check weather forecasts before departure.

• Keep some cash handy as digital payments may not be accepted in small shops or by local transport providers in Matheran.

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 for travel. Monsoon season brings heavy rains, which enhance the greenery but can disrupt transport services.

Planning your trip outside major festivals and weekends helps avoid crowding and ensures a more relaxed experience both on the route and in Matheran itself.

• Avoid traveling during Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali festivals as Mumbai and surrounding areas experience heavy traffic and accommodation shortages.

• Monsoon months (June to September) can cause landslides and suspension of the toy train service, so check weather updates and service status before planning your trip.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach Neral and Matheran comfortably before noon.

• Winter months (December to February) offer cool weather but mornings can be foggy, so plan accordingly for visibility and safety on narrow roads.

Arrival at Matheran & What to Expect

When you arrive at Matheran, you will notice the absence of motor vehicles, which makes the atmosphere peaceful and clean. The main entry points are at Aman Lodge and Dasturi Car Park, where you will disembark from your vehicle or train.

Local transport includes walking, horseback rides, and hand-pulled rickshaws. Accommodation options are available near the market area and popular viewpoints, with many guesthouses and hotels within walking distance.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available inside Matheran, so plan your last-mile travel accordingly. The toy train station is close to the main market, making it easy to start exploring immediately after arrival.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Matheran is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. The train to Neral combined with the toy train or jeep ride offers an authentic and scenic experience, while driving or hiring a taxi provides more flexibility and comfort.

Planning your trip with advance bookings, checking seasonal conditions, and preparing for the unique vehicle restrictions in Matheran will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently organize your travel and look forward to a refreshing hill station getaway just a short distance from Mumbai.