Matheran is a charming hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, known for its lush greenery and vehicle-free environment. It is a popular weekend getaway for travelers from Mumbai and Pune seeking fresh air and scenic views.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach MTDC Matheran, covering trains, buses, cars, and local transport. You will get practical advice on travel times, routes, and tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Mumbai and Pune to MTDC Matheran – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach the base towns near Matheran. From there, you can take local transport to the hill station itself.

• The nearest railway stations to Matheran are Neral and Karjat, both well connected to Mumbai and Pune. Neral is the most common starting point for the toy train to Matheran.

• From Mumbai CST or Dadar, local trains to Neral take about 2 to 2.5 hours, with fares ranging from ₹30 to ₹70 depending on class and train type.

• From Pune, you can take a direct train to Karjat, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Karjat is about 20 km from Neral and connected by road.

• The famous Matheran toy train operates between Neral and Matheran, covering 21 km in about 2 hours. It offers a scenic and unique experience but runs limited trips daily, so booking in advance via IRCTC or local counters is advised.

• During monsoon, train services may face delays due to landslides or track maintenance, so plan accordingly and check local updates before travel.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and affordable option to reach Neral or directly to Matheran’s base point, especially from Mumbai and Pune.

• MSRTC operates regular buses from Mumbai’s Dadar and Borivali bus depots to Neral, with journey times of about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and route.

• From Pune, buses to Neral or Karjat run frequently from Shivajinagar and Swargate bus stands, taking around 3 to 4 hours.

• Private buses and taxis are also available but may be costlier; fares typically range from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the service and class.

• From Neral bus stand, shared jeeps or taxis are available to reach Matheran’s entry point; these vehicles are not allowed inside the hill station due to vehicle restrictions.

• During peak holiday seasons and weekends, buses can get crowded, so it is best to book tickets in advance or travel early in the day to avoid rush.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Matheran offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby areas or travel at your own pace.

• The common route from Mumbai is via NH48 and NH61, covering approximately 90 km to Neral, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

• From Pune, the drive to Neral is around 120 km via NH48 and NH61, taking roughly 3 to 3.5 hours.

• Private vehicles are not allowed inside Matheran town; you must park at designated parking lots near the entry points and proceed on foot, horseback, or by hand-pulled rickshaw.

• There are toll plazas on the highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready to avoid delays. Fuel stations are available en route but plan refueling before entering the hills.

• Roads leading to Matheran can be narrow and winding; drive cautiously, especially during monsoon when landslides and slippery conditions are common.

Flight

Flying is not a direct option to reach Matheran, but nearby airports can be used for part of the journey.

• The closest airports are Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and Pune Airport (PNQ), both well connected to major Indian cities.

• From Mumbai airport, you can take a taxi or local train to Neral or Karjat, which takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

• From Pune airport, taxis or buses to Neral or Karjat take around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Flights are useful for travelers coming from distant cities, but the last leg to Matheran requires road or rail travel.

• Pre-book airport transfers or cabs through apps like Ola or Uber for smoother connections to train stations or bus depots.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Matheran, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance via IRCTC or MSRTC websites to secure seats, especially on weekends and holidays when demand is high.

• Reach Mumbai CST, Dadar, or Pune railway stations early to avoid rush and find your train comfortably; local trains can be crowded during peak hours.

• Arrive at Neral station or bus stand and purchase tickets for the Matheran toy train or shared jeep to the hill station entrance; confirm timings as the toy train runs limited trips daily.

• Park your vehicle at designated parking areas if driving, as private cars are not allowed inside Matheran; carry light luggage for easier mobility on foot or horseback.

• Carry water and snacks for the toy train or jeep ride, as food options are limited en route; also, keep cash handy for small purchases and local transport fares.

• Download offline maps or use mobile apps for navigation and local information, as network coverage can be patchy in the hills.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a reusable water bottle and drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues common in hill stations.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as Matheran is vehicle-free and requires walking on uneven paths or climbing steps.

• Book accommodation in advance during peak season to avoid last-minute hassles; MTDC guest houses and private hotels are popular options.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for airport or station transfers to avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid traveling alone after dark in isolated areas, as some paths are poorly lit.

• During monsoon (June to September), carry rain gear and check weather updates to avoid landslides or road closures.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Matheran is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and the roads are safe. Monsoon brings lush greenery but also travel challenges.

Winter months are cool and comfortable, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers can be warm but still cooler than the plains.

• Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains (July-August) due to frequent landslides and slippery roads that can delay or cancel transport services.

• Festive periods like Diwali and Christmas see a surge in visitors, so book transport and accommodation well in advance to avoid inconvenience.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai or Pune help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at Neral or Karjat for onward travel.

• Evening travel is less recommended as local transport options reduce and visibility on hill roads decreases.

Arrival at MTDC Matheran & What to Expect

When you arrive at Matheran’s entry point, you will notice the absence of motor vehicles, making it a peaceful and clean environment. The town is best explored on foot, horseback, or by hand-pulled rickshaw.

Local commute options include walking to nearby viewpoints, renting horses for longer distances, or hiring rickshaws. Most hotels and guest houses are within walking distance from the entry points.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available inside Matheran, so plan your luggage accordingly. The main parking areas are at Dasturi Naka and Aman Lodge, where you can find guides and horse rentals.

Conclusion

Traveling to MTDC Matheran is a delightful experience combining scenic train rides, comfortable road travel, and peaceful hill station charm. The most efficient way is to take a train to Neral followed by the toy train or shared jeep to Matheran, especially if you enjoy scenic routes and local culture.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right season, and preparing for the vehicle-free environment will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Matheran and experience its natural beauty without stress.