Mohammed Ali Road is a famous street located in South Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is known for its vibrant food scene, especially during Ramadan, and its rich cultural heritage. Many travelers visit this area to experience authentic Mumbai street food and historic markets.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mohammed Ali Road from different parts of Mumbai. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and taxis, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai to Mohammed Ali Road – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is one of the most popular and economical ways to reach Mohammed Ali Road. The area is well connected by Mumbai's local train network, especially the Central and Harbour lines.

• The closest railway station to Mohammed Ali Road is Masjid Station on the Central line, about 500 meters away, making it a convenient stop for travelers coming from different parts of Mumbai.

• From major hubs like CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), it takes around 10-15 minutes by train to reach Masjid Station, with fares typically between ₹10 to ₹20 depending on the class and distance.

• Trains run frequently from early morning until midnight, but avoid peak hours (8-10 AM and 5-8 PM) to escape overcrowding and have a more comfortable journey.

• After arriving at Masjid Station, you can walk or take an auto-rickshaw for the last 5-10 minutes to reach the heart of Mohammed Ali Road, where parking is limited and traffic is dense.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option to reach Mohammed Ali Road, connecting it with various parts of Mumbai through the BEST bus network. However, buses can be slower due to city traffic.

• Major bus stops near Mohammed Ali Road include Crawford Market and Masjid Bunder, served by multiple routes from South Mumbai and suburbs.

• Travel time by bus varies from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic, especially during peak hours or festival seasons.

• Bus fares are economical, usually between ₹10 to ₹30, making it suitable for budget travelers and locals.

• BEST buses are frequent but can get crowded during rush hours; carrying a valid bus pass or exact change helps speed boarding.

• Be prepared for traffic jams near the markets and narrow lanes around Mohammed Ali Road, which may delay your journey during evenings and weekends.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Mohammed Ali Road offers flexibility but can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking. It is best suited for those familiar with Mumbai roads or using a GPS navigation app.

• Mohammed Ali Road is accessible via major roads like Mohammed Ali Road itself, Princess Street, and Crawford Market Road, connected to the Eastern Express Highway and Western Express Highway through arterial roads.

• The distance from Mumbai Airport to Mohammed Ali Road is about 15 km, taking roughly 40-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

• Parking near Mohammed Ali Road is scarce and often expensive; consider parking in nearby lots such as Crawford Market or Girgaum Chowpatty and walking or taking an auto-rickshaw.

• Toll plazas are not applicable for this route, but expect heavy congestion during evenings, weekends, and festival times like Ramadan.

• Using apps like Google Maps or Waze helps navigate narrow lanes and avoid traffic hotspots around the area.

Taxi / Ride-Sharing

Taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are convenient for direct travel to Mohammed Ali Road, especially if you prefer comfort and door-to-door service.

• Ola and Uber operate widely in Mumbai, with easy booking through mobile apps and options for shared or private rides to Mohammed Ali Road.

• Fare from Mumbai Airport to Mohammed Ali Road typically ranges from ₹300 to ₹600 depending on traffic and cab type.

• Prepaid taxi counters at the airport and railway stations provide fixed fares and reduce bargaining stress for first-time visitors.

• Traffic congestion near Mohammed Ali Road can increase travel time during peak hours, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays.

• Auto-rickshaws are also available for short distances from nearby stations or bus stops, but they rarely use meters and require fare negotiation.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers visiting Mohammed Ali Road, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

• Step 1: Decide your mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Trains are fastest and cheapest, while taxis offer door-to-door convenience.

• Step 2: If taking the train, book your ticket or use a smart card via IRCTC or local railway counters to avoid queues and save time.

• Step 3: Upon arrival at Masjid Station or nearby bus stops, use Google Maps or ask locals for the best walking route or auto-rickshaw options to Mohammed Ali Road.

• Step 4: Carry small change for auto-rickshaws and buses, as drivers often do not have change for large notes.

• Step 5: If driving, park your vehicle in designated parking areas like Crawford Market and walk to Mohammed Ali Road to avoid traffic and parking hassles.

• Step 6: Use mobile apps like Ola or Uber for last-mile connectivity if you prefer not to walk or take an auto-rickshaw.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone late at night in crowded market areas; keep your belongings secure to prevent pickpocketing common in busy Mumbai streets.

• Food and Water: Try street food from trusted vendors on Mohammed Ali Road, but drink bottled water and avoid tap water to prevent stomach issues.

• Booking Strategy: For trains, book tickets in advance during festival seasons like Ramadan when the area is busiest to ensure availability.

• Local Transport: Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safer and fair-priced rides; negotiate fares with auto-rickshaw drivers before starting your journey.

• Luggage: Travel light as narrow lanes and crowded places make it difficult to carry heavy bags; use backpacks instead of suitcases.

• Seasonal Warnings: During monsoon, roads can be waterlogged; carry umbrellas and check weather forecasts before traveling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mohammed Ali Road is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making walking and exploring easier.

Avoid traveling during peak festival times like Ramadan evenings if you want to avoid large crowds, although the festive atmosphere is a unique experience for many.

• Avoid traveling during monsoon months (June to September) due to heavy rains and possible flooding in low-lying areas around Mohammed Ali Road.

• Plan your journey outside rush hours (before 8 AM or after 10 AM, and before 5 PM or after 8 PM) to avoid overcrowded trains and traffic jams.

• During Ramadan, expect heavy crowds and longer travel times; book transport tickets early and allow extra time for your trip.

• Early morning or late evening visits are ideal for a quieter experience and better food options as many stalls open after sunset.

Arrival at Mohammed Ali Road & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mohammed Ali Road, you will find a bustling area full of shops, street food stalls, and historic buildings. The atmosphere is lively, especially during festivals and weekends.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs. Prepaid taxi stands are available near major railway stations like Masjid and CST. Walking is often the best way to explore the narrow lanes and markets.

Popular nearby areas to stay include Bhendi Bazaar, Girgaum, and Colaba, which offer a range of budget to mid-range accommodations. Booking hotels in advance is recommended during festival seasons.

Conclusion

Traveling to Mohammed Ali Road is easiest by train, with Masjid Station offering the closest access. Buses and taxis provide alternatives depending on your comfort and budget. Driving is possible but challenging due to traffic and parking constraints.

Plan your trip by considering peak hours, weather conditions, and local transport options. With proper preparation, you can enjoy the vibrant culture and delicious food of Mohammed Ali Road confidently and comfortably.