Mount Abu is a popular hill station located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan. It is known for its cool climate, scenic views, and cultural heritage. Pune, a major city in Maharashtra, serves as a starting point for many travelers heading to Mount Abu for a refreshing getaway.

This guide explains the main travel options from Pune to Mount Abu, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on the best time to visit. This will help you plan your trip confidently and enjoy a hassle-free journey.

Getting from Pune to Mount Abu – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Mount Abu from Pune. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views, though it requires some planning due to limited direct connections.

• The nearest major railway station to Mount Abu is Abu Road, about 28 km away, well connected by trains from Pune Junction, which is Pune's main railway station.

• Direct trains from Pune to Abu Road are limited; most travelers take a train to Ahmedabad or Udaipur and then a connecting train or road transport to Mount Abu.

• The train journey from Pune to Abu Road typically takes between 18 to 24 hours, depending on the train and route chosen, with fares ranging from INR 400 to 1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains are generally comfortable, but during peak holiday seasons or festivals, trains can be crowded, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is essential.

• Abu Road station has basic facilities, and from there, you can hire taxis or take local buses to reach Mount Abu, which takes around 45 minutes.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to travel from Pune to Mount Abu. This option suits travelers who prefer road journeys and flexible timings.

• State transport buses operated by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Rajasthan State Transport run on this route, with Pune’s Swargate Bus Station as the main departure point.

• Direct buses to Mount Abu are limited; many buses go to Abu Road or Udaipur, from where you can take local transport to Mount Abu.

• The bus journey covers approximately 850 km and takes around 18 to 22 hours, depending on the service and road conditions, with fares ranging from INR 600 to 1200.

• Buses vary from ordinary to deluxe and Volvo coaches; Volvo buses provide better comfort and fewer stops but are less frequent.

• During monsoon season, roads may be slippery, and travel time can increase; night buses are common but may be crowded during festivals.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Mount Abu is a flexible and scenic option, ideal for those who want to explore en route or travel at their own pace.

• The distance by road is about 850 km via NH48 and NH27, taking approximately 16 to 18 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through key cities like Mumbai, Surat, and Udaipur, with several toll plazas along the way, so keep cash or FASTag ready for toll payments.

• Good rest stops with food and fuel options are available near major towns like Nashik, Surat, and Udaipur, making the journey comfortable.

• Driving during daytime is recommended to avoid fatigue and ensure better visibility, especially on highways with heavy truck traffic.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Pune, and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber can be booked for one-way or round trips, but fares will be higher than other modes.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to get close to Mount Abu, but since Mount Abu does not have its own airport, this option requires additional road travel.

• The nearest airports to Mount Abu are Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport (about 165 km away) and Ahmedabad Airport (about 190 km away), both well connected to Pune by direct flights.

• Flight duration from Pune to Udaipur or Ahmedabad is around 1.5 hours, with fares typically ranging from INR 2500 to 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Udaipur or Ahmedabad airports, you can hire taxis or take buses to Mount Abu, which takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road.

• Flights are frequent and convenient, especially during tourist seasons, but last-mile connectivity can add to total travel time and cost.

• Booking flights well in advance through airline websites or travel portals helps secure better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Mount Abu, ensuring a smooth and well-organized journey.

• Check train and bus schedules online via IRCTC and MSRTC portals to find the best departure times and availability; booking tickets early is crucial to avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, book your ticket to Abu Road or nearby stations and plan local transport from there to Mount Abu; pre-booking a taxi or checking bus timings helps avoid delays.

• For bus travelers, arrive at Pune’s Swargate Bus Station at least 30 minutes before departure; carry water and snacks as long journeys can be tiring.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps, check vehicle condition, and schedule rest stops every 3-4 hours to stay refreshed and alert.

• For flights, book your Pune to Udaipur or Ahmedabad flight in advance, then arrange a taxi or bus to Mount Abu; confirm pickup details to avoid waiting at the airport.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank; also carry a physical copy of tickets and ID proofs for smooth check-ins and boarding.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of safe drinking water and avoid roadside vendors to prevent stomach issues during your journey, especially on long road trips.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to secure confirmed seats, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber at stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safer rides to your accommodation.

• Keep your luggage light and secure; use lockable bags and keep important documents and valuables in a carry bag for easy access.

• During monsoon, roads near Mount Abu can be slippery and prone to landslides; check weather updates and avoid night travel if possible.

• Try local food at trusted restaurants in Mount Abu but avoid street food unless you have a strong stomach and are confident about hygiene.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Mount Abu depends on weather and local festivals. Avoiding peak traffic and adverse weather ensures a comfortable journey.

Mount Abu is most pleasant between October and March, with cool weather ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be hot in Pune but cooler in Mount Abu, while monsoon brings heavy rains that may disrupt travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause roadblocks and delays due to heavy rains and slippery roads, so plan accordingly.

• Early morning departures from Pune help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach your destination with daylight remaining for local travel.

• Winter mornings in Rajasthan can be foggy, causing train delays; check weather forecasts and train running status before departure.

Arrival at Mount Abu & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mount Abu, whether by road or rail, you will find several transport options to reach your hotel or tourist spots. The town is small and easy to navigate.

From Abu Road railway station or bus stand, prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available for the 30-45 minute drive uphill to Mount Abu town. Using app-based cabs is less common here, so pre-booking or negotiating fares is advisable.

Popular areas to stay include Nakki Lake, Old Market, and the main town center, all within easy reach of attractions. Local buses and auto-rickshaws operate within the town, but walking is often the best way to explore.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mount Abu from Pune depends on your priorities. Train travel is economical and scenic but slower, while flights combined with road transport save time but cost more. Driving offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best travel option and look forward to a refreshing visit to Mount Abu.