Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast in Maharashtra. Murudeshwar is a serene coastal town in Karnataka, famous for its giant Shiva statue and beautiful beaches. This route is popular among travelers seeking a spiritual and scenic getaway from the busy city life of Mumbai.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Murudeshwar. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and useful tips to plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Mumbai to Murudeshwar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Murudeshwar from Mumbai. It offers scenic views and a chance to relax during the journey. Trains run regularly but booking in advance is recommended.

• The nearest railway station to Murudeshwar is Murudeshwar Railway Station (MRDW) on the Konkan Railway line, about 1 km from the town center, making it convenient for travelers.

• Direct trains like the Konkan Kanya Express and Matsyagandha Express connect Mumbai CST or LTT to Murudeshwar, taking approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on the train.

• Train fares range from INR 300 for sleeper class to INR 1200 for AC 3-tier, offering options for different budgets and comfort levels.

• Trains are frequent but can get crowded during weekends and holidays; booking tickets through IRCTC well in advance is advisable to secure seats.

• During the monsoon season (June to September), trains may face delays due to heavy rains and landslides along the Konkan route, so plan extra time if traveling then.

• Murudeshwar station has basic facilities, and auto-rickshaws are available outside to reach your accommodation or the temple area easily.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective and flexible option for traveling from Mumbai to Murudeshwar. Several private and state-run buses operate on this route, offering different comfort levels.

• MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) and KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) run buses from Mumbai to nearby towns like Honnavar and Bhatkal, from where you can take local transport to Murudeshwar.

• Direct private Volvo and non-AC buses connect Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Murudeshwar, with journey times ranging from 12 to 15 hours depending on traffic.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 500 to INR 1200, depending on the type of bus and operator, with Volvo buses offering more comfort for longer journeys.

• Buses usually depart in the evening or night, allowing you to travel overnight and save daytime for sightseeing upon arrival.

• During peak holiday seasons, buses can get fully booked, so booking tickets online or at the depot a few days ahead is recommended.

• Road conditions on NH66 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads, so drive carefully if you choose a bus with local drivers.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Murudeshwar offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic spots along the way. The route covers approximately 600 km and takes around 11 to 13 hours by car.

• The most common route is via NH48 and NH66, passing through towns like Panvel, Ratnagiri, and Karwar, offering beautiful coastal and Western Ghats views.

• Fuel costs for the journey may range between INR 4000 to INR 6000 depending on your vehicle’s mileage and fuel prices, with tolls on highways adding to expenses.

• There are many good rest stops and food options along NH66, including popular dhabas and restaurants in Ratnagiri and Honnavar, ideal for breaks during the drive.

• Driving yourself allows you to stop at attractions like Ganpatipule, Gokarna, and Karwar, making the trip more enjoyable and personalized.

• During monsoon months, landslides and heavy rain can make driving challenging on the Konkan coast; check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

• Parking is available near the Murudeshwar temple and beach areas, but it can get crowded during weekends and festivals, so plan accordingly.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Mumbai to Murudeshwar as Murudeshwar does not have an airport. However, flying can be combined with road travel for faster access.

• The nearest airport to Murudeshwar is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), about 160 km away, which is well connected to Mumbai with daily flights taking around 1.5 hours.

• From Mangalore airport, you can hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to Murudeshwar, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours by road.

• Flight fares from Mumbai to Mangalore typically range from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Booking flights early can help secure better prices, especially during holiday seasons when demand is high.

• Road travel from Mangalore to Murudeshwar is scenic but involves winding roads along the Western Ghats, so choose a comfortable vehicle for this leg of the journey.

• This option is best for travelers who want to save time and combine air and road travel, but it is more expensive than direct train or bus options.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Murudeshwar. It will help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common issues on this route.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least 2 weeks in advance using IRCTC for trains or official MSRTC/KSRTC websites for buses to ensure availability during busy periods.

• Pack light but include essentials like rain gear if traveling during monsoon, and carry water and snacks for long journeys, as some stops may have limited food options.

• Reach Mumbai CST, LTT, or Dadar railway stations early, at least 30 minutes before departure, to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus stand comfortably.

• If traveling by car, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel level, and GPS navigation before starting. Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours to avoid fatigue on the long drive.

• On arrival at Murudeshwar station or bus stand, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and reliable transport to your hotel or the temple area.

• Carry a printed or digital copy of your accommodation booking and local contact numbers to help with check-in and local inquiries upon arrival.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially at crowded stations and bus stands to prevent theft or loss.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared and from a clean vendor to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets through official websites or trusted agents to avoid scams and confirm your travel dates and times carefully before finalizing bookings.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Murudeshwar, and agree on fares beforehand if using autos without meters.

• Carry a small bag with essentials during the day, and avoid carrying heavy luggage when exploring the temple and beach areas for convenience and safety.

• During monsoon, check weather updates regularly and be prepared for travel delays or cancellations, especially if traveling by train or bus along the Konkan coast.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Murudeshwar is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the roads and railways are less affected by rain.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall, which can cause delays and slippery roads. Summer months can be hot and humid, making daytime travel uncomfortable.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai or Shivaratri in Murudeshwar, as transport services are crowded and accommodation prices rise.

• Fog in early mornings during winter can reduce visibility on highways, so plan departures after sunrise for safer driving conditions.

• Early morning or late evening departures help avoid city traffic in Mumbai and provide cooler temperatures for road travel.

• During monsoon, carry raincoats and waterproof bags for your luggage, and check for train or bus cancellations before starting your journey.

Arrival at Murudeshwar & What to Expect

When you arrive at Murudeshwar Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several transport options to reach your hotel or the famous temple complex. The town is small and easy to navigate.

Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the station and bus stand. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber may have limited availability, so it is good to confirm in advance. Popular areas to stay include near the Murudeshwar Beach and the temple, both offering easy access to attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Murudeshwar is best done by train or bus for budget-conscious travelers, while self-driving offers flexibility and sightseeing opportunities. Flights to Mangalore combined with road travel provide a faster but costlier option.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for a long journey. With these tips and options, you can confidently enjoy your trip from Mumbai to the spiritual and scenic town of Murudeshwar.