Mount Abu is a popular hill station located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan, known for its cool climate and scenic beauty. Gwalior, a historic city in Madhya Pradesh, is a common starting point for travelers heading to Mount Abu for leisure and nature escapes.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Gwalior to Mount Abu using trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will learn about travel times, costs, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Gwalior to Mount Abu – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this route, though there is no direct train to Mount Abu. You will need to combine train and road transport. Trains from Gwalior connect to nearby railway stations close to Mount Abu.

• The nearest major railway station to Mount Abu is Abu Road, about 28 km away, connected by regular trains from Gwalior via Ratlam or Jaipur. Train travel takes approximately 10 to 14 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares ranging from INR 300 to 900.

• Gwalior Junction is well connected to Ratlam Junction, a key transit point for trains heading towards Rajasthan. Trains run frequently, especially overnight services, offering sleeper and AC classes for comfort.

• From Abu Road station, you can hire local taxis or take buses to reach Mount Abu. The road journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, with taxi fares typically between INR 400 to 700.

• Train travel can be affected by monsoon delays or fog in winter months, so plan accordingly and check IRCTC for live updates and seat availability.

• Booking tickets in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends, to secure preferred travel classes and avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Mount Abu from Gwalior, though the journey is long. State-run and private buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• MSRTC and Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation run buses from Gwalior to Mount Abu with one or two changes, usually at Udaipur or Chittorgarh, taking approximately 14 to 16 hours.

• Bus fares range from INR 400 for non-AC sleeper buses to INR 900 for Volvo or deluxe AC coaches, with departures mostly in the evening or early morning.

• The route covers major highways like NH44 and NH27, passing through scenic but sometimes winding roads near Mount Abu, so expect slower speeds near the hills.

• Rest stops with basic food options are available at major towns en route, but it is advisable to carry water and snacks for comfort during the long journey.

• During monsoon, road conditions can be slippery near the Aravalli hills, so check weather updates and bus service status before booking.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Gwalior to Mount Abu is a flexible and comfortable option, ideal if you prefer to travel at your own pace and explore along the way.

• The distance by road is approximately 750 km, taking around 13 to 15 hours via NH44 and NH27, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through major cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, offering opportunities for sightseeing and breaks at well-known rest stops and dhabas.

• Toll plazas are present on the highways, with toll charges totaling around INR 500 to 700; keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available at regular intervals, but it is wise to plan refueling stops especially near remote stretches between towns.

• Driving in the hilly area near Mount Abu requires caution due to narrow and winding roads; avoid night driving in this section for safety.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Gwalior to Mount Abu, but you can combine air and road travel for faster transit. This option suits travelers looking to save time.

• The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 165 km away, connected by flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.

• Gwalior Airport has limited flights mainly to Delhi and Mumbai, so you can fly to Udaipur via connecting flights or travel by train/bus to Jaipur and then fly to Udaipur.

• From Udaipur airport, taxis and buses are available to Mount Abu, with a road journey of about 3.5 to 4 hours; taxi fares range from INR 1500 to 2500.

• Flight tickets vary widely depending on the season and booking time, so plan early and check airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet for options.

• This combined mode is best during peak summer or winter when road travel may be slower or crowded, but it requires careful coordination of flight and road timings.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Gwalior to Mount Abu. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth trip.

• Book your train or bus tickets online well in advance through IRCTC or official bus portals to avoid last-minute unavailability and to get confirmed seats in preferred classes.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as long journeys may have limited access to food and charging points.

• Reach Gwalior railway station or bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to manage crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• If traveling by train, confirm your arrival at Abu Road station and pre-book a taxi or check local bus timings to Mount Abu to avoid waiting long at the station.

• For self-drive, plan your route using GPS apps and check for toll plazas and fuel stations along NH44 and NH27 to avoid surprises during the journey.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy near the Aravalli hills around Mount Abu.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber when traveling from Abu Road station to Mount Abu for fair pricing and safety.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey and at Mount Abu to prevent stomach issues common among travelers.

• Book tickets during weekdays or early mornings to avoid overcrowding, especially during festivals like Diwali or summer holidays when Mount Abu attracts many tourists.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or shared taxis within Mount Abu for short distances; negotiate fares beforehand as meters are often not used.

• Pack light luggage with secure locks, as crowded trains and buses can be targets for petty theft; keep valuables close to you at all times.

• During monsoon months, check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, as landslides or roadblocks can cause delays near Mount Abu.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Gwalior to Mount Abu depends on weather and tourist seasons. Mount Abu is pleasant in summer and winter but can be crowded then.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains to the Aravalli hills, which may cause travel delays and slippery roads, so plan carefully if traveling between July and September.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Navratri and Diwali when roads and trains are crowded, and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Winter mornings can have fog in northern India, including Gwalior, causing train and flight delays; mid-morning departures are safer.

• Summer months from March to June offer clear roads and good weather but expect higher tourist traffic in Mount Abu.

• Early morning departures from Gwalior help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at connecting points like Abu Road or Udaipur.

Arrival at Mount Abu & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mount Abu, you will find a small hill station with limited but sufficient transport options. The town is compact and easy to explore on foot or by local transport.

Most travelers arrive via Abu Road railway station or by road. From Abu Road, prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available to reach Mount Abu town. It is best to use prepaid counters or app-based cabs to avoid overcharging.

Within Mount Abu, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws serve short distances. Many hotels offer pick-up services if informed in advance. Popular stay areas include Nakki Lake and the main market, which are close to major attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Gwalior to Mount Abu offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Train travel combined with a taxi from Abu Road is economical and widely used, while buses provide a direct but longer journey. Self-driving gives flexibility but requires careful planning, and flights combined with road travel save time but need coordination.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and arranging local transport at arrival will make your journey smooth. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best travel mode and enjoy your trip to the beautiful hill station of Mount Abu.