How to Reach Mount Abu – Complete Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Mount Abu by train, bus, car, and flight with practical tips on routes, travel time, fares, and local transport options.
Mount Abu is a beautiful hill station located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan. It is the only hill station in this desert state and is famous for its cool climate and scenic views. Many travelers visit Mount Abu to escape the heat of Rajasthan’s plains and explore its temples and natural beauty.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mount Abu from major cities, including detailed information on trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Getting from Major Cities to Mount Abu – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train to Mount Abu is popular for those who prefer a comfortable and scenic journey. The nearest railway station is Abu Road, about 28 km from Mount Abu town, well connected to major cities.
Abu Road Railway Station lies on the Delhi-Ahmedabad rail route and is connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur, making it accessible for most travelers.
From Abu Road station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Mount Abu, which takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Trains such as the Abu Road Express and other passenger trains run frequently, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹800 depending on class and distance.
Train travel is comfortable and economical, but during monsoon season, landslides or track maintenance can cause delays, so check IRCTC updates before booking.
Booking tickets through IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.
Bus
Buses are a common and budget-friendly way to reach Mount Abu, with several state-run and private operators serving the route. The bus stand is located near the town center.
Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) runs regular buses from cities like Udaipur, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur to Mount Abu, with journey times ranging from 3 to 7 hours.
Private deluxe and Volvo buses offer more comfort and run on popular routes such as Ahmedabad to Mount Abu, with fares between ₹200 and ₹700 depending on bus type.
Bus frequency is higher during daytime, but night buses are also available; however, road conditions on the ghat section can be challenging at night.
The main highway used is NH 27 and NH 14, which are well maintained but may have tolls and occasional traffic jams during festivals or weekends.
Food options on the route include highway dhabas and small eateries near rest stops, but carrying water and snacks is advisable for comfort.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving to Mount Abu is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and to explore nearby attractions at their own pace. The roads are scenic but include hilly stretches.
Mount Abu is about 165 km from Udaipur and 185 km from Ahmedabad, accessible via NH 27 and NH 14, with well-marked routes and toll plazas on the way.
The drive from Ahmedabad takes around 4 to 5 hours, while from Udaipur it takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Self-drive cars or rental vehicles can be booked through platforms like Zoomcar or local agencies; ensure the vehicle is suitable for hilly terrain.
During monsoon, roads can be slippery and foggy, especially on the ghat section, so drive cautiously and avoid night driving if possible.
There are several rest stops and dhabas en route for refreshments, and parking is available near major Mount Abu attractions and hotels.
Flight
Mount Abu does not have its own airport, but the nearest airports are in Udaipur and Ahmedabad. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant cities who want to save time.
Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is about 165 km from Mount Abu and has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur, with taxi or bus connections available.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is approximately 185 km away and is well connected to major Indian cities and some international destinations.
From either airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Mount Abu, which takes around 4 to 5 hours by road.
Booking flights early can save money, especially during peak tourist seasons; check for connecting flights if coming from smaller cities.
Flight travel combined with road transport offers a fast and comfortable option but may be costlier than trains or buses.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Mount Abu, helping you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.
Book your train or bus tickets online well in advance, especially during holidays, to secure seats and avoid last-minute hassles; IRCTC and RSRTC websites are reliable sources.
If traveling by train, plan to arrive at Abu Road station during daylight hours to find taxis easily and avoid safety concerns at night.
Arrange your last-mile transport from Abu Road or airport to Mount Abu in advance through prepaid taxi counters or trusted cab apps to ensure fair pricing and availability.
Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a light jacket, as temperatures can drop in the hills, especially in the evening.
Check weather forecasts before departure to prepare for monsoon rains or fog, which can affect road conditions and visibility on the ghat roads.
Keep local currency handy for tolls, small purchases, and tips, as not all places accept digital payments, especially in remote areas.
Practical Travel Tips
Carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets at all times, as police and transport authorities may ask for verification during your journey.
Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues, and try local food at reputable eateries to enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine safely.
Book tickets online to avoid queues and scams; use official portals like IRCTC for trains and RSRTC for buses, and confirm timings a day before travel.
Use local shared autos or app-based cabs for short distances within Mount Abu, as they are affordable and convenient compared to private taxis.
Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded buses and trains can be targets for pickpockets.
During monsoon, carry rain gear and check for road closures or delays, as landslides can temporarily block the ghat roads leading to Mount Abu.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to visit Mount Abu is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be warm but still cooler than the plains, while monsoons bring heavy rains and slippery roads.
Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip according to weather and local festivals will enhance your experience and safety.
Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when roads and accommodation are crowded and prices rise sharply.
Monsoon season (July to September) can cause delays due to landslides and fog on the ghat roads, making travel slower and riskier.
Early morning departures are best to avoid traffic jams and reach Mount Abu before sunset, especially when driving or taking buses.
Winter mornings can be foggy, reducing visibility on roads, so allow extra travel time and drive carefully if self-driving.
Arrival at Mount Abu & What to Expect
When you arrive in Mount Abu, you will find a small but well-organized town with easy access to local transport. The main bus stand and taxi points are close to the town center, making it simple to reach your hotel or sightseeing spots.
Local transport includes shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, though availability may be limited compared to big cities. Most hotels offer pick-up services if informed in advance.
Conclusion
Traveling to Mount Abu is straightforward with several options tailored to different budgets and preferences. The train to Abu Road followed by a taxi is the most popular and economical choice, while flights combined with road travel offer speed and comfort for distant travelers.
Planning ahead by booking tickets online, checking weather conditions, and arranging last-mile transport will ensure a smooth journey. With these tips and detailed route information, you can confidently plan your trip to Mount Abu and enjoy the serene hill station without stress.