Nellore is a city in Andhra Pradesh, located on the southeastern coast of India. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, lies on the west coast. Traveling between these two cities is common for business, education, and tourism purposes.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Nellore. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with useful tips to make your journey smoother and more comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Nellore – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance route. It offers a comfortable way to see the countryside and is well-connected through major stations.

• The main train route is from Mumbai CST or LTT to Nellore Railway Station, covering around 900 km in approximately 16 to 20 hours depending on the train type and stops.

• Popular trains include the Mumbai–Nellore Express and other long-distance trains connecting via Vijayawada or Chennai, with fares ranging from INR 500 to 1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains run daily but booking in advance on IRCTC is essential, especially during festival seasons like Diwali or summer holidays when trains get crowded quickly.

• The Nellore station is well-maintained with basic amenities, and local auto-rickshaws and cabs are available for last-mile connectivity to your accommodation.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so check train status before departure during June to September.

Bus

Buses provide a flexible and affordable option, though the journey is long and can be tiring. Direct buses are limited, so expect some transfers.

• State-run buses like MSRTC and APSRTC operate routes connecting Mumbai to Nellore, often via Hyderabad or Vijayawada, covering about 950 km in 18 to 24 hours.

• Private Volvo and sleeper buses offer more comfort, with fares ranging from INR 800 to 1500 depending on the service and class.

• Departure points in Mumbai include the Dadar or Borivali bus depots, with frequent services but limited direct buses to Nellore, so plan for a change at Hyderabad or Vijayawada.

• Bus travel during peak festival times can be crowded, and night buses may face fog delays in the Deccan plateau region during winter months.

• Food options are available at major highway stops like Pune and Solapur, but carrying water and snacks is advisable for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Nellore is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in stops and timing.

• The distance is about 900 km via NH 48 and NH 16, taking roughly 16 to 18 hours depending on traffic and breaks.

• The route passes through Pune, Solapur, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada, with many toll plazas and highway restaurants along the way.

• Driving through the Western Ghats and Deccan plateau offers scenic views but requires caution during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional landslides.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Hyderabad or Vijayawada to avoid fatigue and night driving risks, especially in less illuminated stretches.

• Fuel stations are frequent on national highways, but keep cash handy for tolls and small shops as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Mumbai and Nellore, but flying is an option with a connecting leg, saving time compared to road or rail.

• The nearest airport to Nellore is Tirupati Airport, about 120 km away, or Chennai Airport, approximately 180 km from Nellore.

• From Mumbai, you can fly to Tirupati or Chennai with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India, with fares ranging from INR 2500 to 6000.

• From Tirupati or Chennai, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nellore, which takes around 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

• Flight bookings are best done in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip to get better prices and seat availability.

• Consider flight delays during monsoon or winter fog in Mumbai, and factor in extra time for airport transfers to avoid missing connections.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Mumbai to Nellore, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early using IRCTC or airline apps to secure your preferred travel dates and classes, especially during busy seasons.

• If traveling by train, arrive at Mumbai CST or LTT station at least 30 minutes before departure to manage crowds and find your platform easily.

• For bus travel, confirm the departure point and timing a day before, and carry light snacks and water as the journey can be long and stops irregular.

• If driving, plan your route with GPS and check road conditions, toll plazas, and fuel stations along NH 48 and NH 16 to avoid surprises.

• On arrival at Nellore Railway Station or bus stand, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fixed-price rides to your hotel or destination.

• Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank, as mobile connectivity can be patchy in some highway stretches and rural areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep a copy of your ID and tickets handy, as Indian rail and bus staff often check documents during the journey for security and verification.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues, especially on long bus or car journeys.

• Book tickets online well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, particularly during festivals or holidays like Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankranti.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Nellore; negotiate fares or insist on meter use to avoid overcharging.

• Pack light but include essentials like a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon, and a warm layer for early morning or night travel in winter.

• Be cautious with your luggage in crowded stations and bus stands; keep valuables close and avoid displaying expensive items openly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Nellore depends on weather and traffic conditions. Avoiding peak festival seasons and extreme weather will make your journey more comfortable.

Monsoon months from June to September can cause delays due to heavy rains and slippery roads, especially on highways and rail tracks. Winter mornings may have fog affecting visibility on road and rail.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Sankranti when trains and buses are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Summer months from March to May can be hot, so plan early morning or late evening departures to avoid daytime heat, especially if driving.

• Departing early in the morning helps avoid city traffic in Mumbai and Hyderabad, making your journey smoother and faster.

• Check weather updates before traveling during monsoon or winter to anticipate delays and plan accordingly.

Arrival at Nellore & What to Expect

When you arrive at Nellore Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several local transport options to reach your accommodation or explore the city. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Nellore, offering safe and affordable rides.

The city center and areas near the railway station have many budget and mid-range hotels. Auto-rickshaws are widely available but always agree on the fare before starting your ride. Local buses run on fixed routes but may be crowded and less convenient for tourists.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Nellore is best done by train for a balance of comfort, cost, and convenience. Booking early and choosing the right train class can make your journey pleasant and hassle-free. Flights via Tirupati or Chennai offer time savings but require additional road travel.

Planning your trip with attention to seasonal conditions, ticket bookings, and local transport options will help you reach Nellore confidently. Whether you choose train, bus, car, or flight, this guide provides the practical details you need for a smooth journey.