Mt Abu is a popular hill station located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan. It is known for its cool climate, scenic views, and temples. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is a major starting point for travelers heading to Mt Abu.

This route is commonly traveled by tourists seeking a break from city life to enjoy nature and spirituality. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Mt Abu using different transport modes, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with useful travel tips.

Getting from Mumbai to Mt Abu – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Mt Abu from Mumbai. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way.

• The nearest railway station to Mt Abu is Abu Road, about 28 km away, well connected to Mumbai via direct trains like the Mumbai Central–Abu Road Express, covering approximately 750 km in 14 to 16 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 300 to INR 1200 depending on the class, with sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC options available, suitable for budget and mid-range travelers.

• Trains run daily but can be crowded during weekends and holidays; booking tickets in advance through IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred classes and seats.

• Abu Road station has basic amenities and prepaid taxi counters; from there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Mt Abu town, which takes around 45 minutes.

• During monsoon season, trains may face minor delays due to track maintenance; plan accordingly and check live train status before departure.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Mt Abu from Mumbai, with several private and government operators running services.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Mumbai’s central bus terminals like Dadar and Borivali to Mt Abu, covering roughly 780 km in 15 to 18 hours depending on traffic.

• Bus types include non-AC, AC sleeper, and Volvo coaches, with fares ranging from INR 600 to INR 1500, offering options for different comfort levels.

• Buses depart mostly in the evening or night, allowing you to travel overnight and reach Mt Abu early morning, saving daytime for sightseeing.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can be fully booked; booking tickets online or at MSRTC counters well in advance is advisable.

• Road conditions on NH48 and NH27 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Mt Abu is a flexible and scenic option, ideal if you prefer stopping en route or traveling with family or friends.

• The distance by road is approximately 780 km via NH48 and NH27, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can rent a self-drive car from Mumbai with companies like Zoomcar or Revv, or hire a private taxi for a one-way trip; fares vary widely based on vehicle type and rental duration.

• The route passes through major towns like Vadodara and Udaipur, where you can stop for meals and rest; popular rest stops include highway dhabas and restaurants.

• Be prepared for toll plazas on the highways, with toll charges totaling around INR 500 to INR 700; carry cash or use FASTag for smooth passage.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional waterlogging; avoid night driving in remote stretches for safety.

Flight

Flying is not the most direct option but can be combined with road travel for faster access to Mt Abu from Mumbai.

• The nearest airport to Mt Abu is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 165 km away, with regular flights from Mumbai operated by airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet.

• Flight duration from Mumbai to Udaipur is around 1.5 hours, with fares typically ranging from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on booking time and season.

• From Udaipur airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mt Abu, which takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by road via NH27.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by weather conditions such as fog in winter; booking early morning flights is advisable for better connectivity.

• Combining flight and road travel reduces overall journey time but increases cost; suitable for travelers prioritizing speed over budget.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Mt Abu, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets early via IRCTC or MSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during holidays and weekends.

• If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives at Abu Road station early in the day to have ample time for the onward journey to Mt Abu.

• Arrange local transport from Abu Road to Mt Abu in advance by booking prepaid taxis or using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for convenience and safety.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps, check vehicle condition, and schedule breaks at major towns like Vadodara and Udaipur.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks, especially if traveling by bus or car, as highway food options may be limited during late hours or remote stretches.

• Pack light but include essentials like rain gear during monsoon and warm clothes for Mt Abu’s cooler climate, even in summer evenings.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs at Abu Road station and Mt Abu town to avoid overcharging and ensure driver accountability.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, popular eateries during stops to avoid stomach issues common in long road trips across India.

• Book tickets at least 2 weeks in advance during peak seasons like winter and festivals to secure seats and better fares on trains and buses.

• Use local shared autos or cycle rickshaws within Mt Abu town for short distances; they are affordable and convenient for sightseeing.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly, especially in crowded trains and buses, to prevent theft.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling; monsoon rains can cause landslides and roadblocks near Mt Abu, so plan accordingly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Mt Abu is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers can be hot in Mumbai but cooler in Mt Abu, while monsoon brings heavy rains affecting road conditions.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your departure time and mode of transport accordingly can make your journey comfortable and safe.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and buses are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause delays due to slippery roads and occasional landslides near Mt Abu; check weather updates before departure.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother highway travel, especially for self-drive and bus travelers.

• Winter mornings may have fog on highways, causing slower travel; allow extra time if traveling during December and January.

Arrival at Mt Abu & What to Expect

On arrival at Mt Abu, you will find a small but well-developed hill station with various local transport options. The town is compact, making it easy to explore by foot, auto-rickshaw, or rented scooter.

Most travelers stay near Nakki Lake or the main market area, where accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Prepaid taxis and Ola/Uber services are available but less frequent than in big cities, so plan your local travel accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Mt Abu offers multiple options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The train to Abu Road followed by a taxi is the most economical and popular method, while flights combined with road travel save time but cost more. Self-drive offers flexibility and scenic stops along the way.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Mumbai to Mt Abu and enjoy the serene beauty of this hill station without hassle.