Pachmarhi is a beautiful hill station located in the Satpura range of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and peaceful environment. Pune, a major city in Maharashtra, is a common starting point for travelers heading to Pachmarhi for nature and adventure.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Pune to Pachmarhi. You will learn about different transport options including train, bus, car, and flights, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Pune to Pachmarhi – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular option for those who want a comfortable and economical journey. While there is no direct train to Pachmarhi, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway station to Pachmarhi is Pipariya, about 45 km away, connected by trains from Itarsi and Jabalpur. Pune to Itarsi is approximately 700 km and takes around 15-18 hours by train.

• From Pune, you can board trains like Pune-Itarsi Express or other connecting trains to Itarsi Junction, a major railway hub with frequent services.

• After reaching Pipariya or Itarsi, you can hire taxis or take local buses to Pachmarhi; this road journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours covering scenic hilly roads.

• Train fares from Pune to Itarsi range from ₹400 to ₹1,200 depending on class, with sleeper and AC options available. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance, especially during holiday seasons.

• Train frequency is good, but delays can occur during monsoon due to fog or track maintenance, so plan accordingly during June to September.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Pachmarhi from Pune, suitable for budget travelers and those who prefer road travel.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Pune to Pachmarhi, though most require a change at larger cities like Indore or Bhopal due to the long distance of about 900 km.

• The journey by bus can take 18 to 22 hours, depending on the route and traffic, with fares typically between ₹700 and ₹1,200 for non-AC and AC sleeper buses.

• Buses depart from Pune’s Shivajinagar or Swargate bus stands, with night buses being popular to save daytime for sightseeing.

• The route mainly follows NH52 and NH47, passing through major towns like Indore and Bhopal, with several rest stops offering food and refreshments.

• During monsoon, landslides or roadblocks can cause delays, so check weather updates before traveling by bus in the rainy season.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Pachmarhi is a flexible and scenic option for travelers who enjoy road trips and want to explore at their own pace.

• The distance by road is approximately 900 km, taking around 16 to 18 hours via NH52 and NH47, passing through cities like Aurangabad, Indore, and Hoshangabad.

• The route is well-maintained with multiple toll plazas, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• There are several good rest stops and dhabas along the way offering local Maharashtrian and Madhya Pradesh cuisine, ideal for breaks during the long drive.

• Self-drive cars or rental vehicles from Pune are available, with popular providers including Zoomcar and local rental services. Ensure your vehicle is serviced and carry a physical map or GPS device as network coverage can be patchy in forested areas near Pachmarhi.

• Driving during early morning hours is advisable to avoid city traffic and reach Pachmarhi before dusk, as night driving in hilly areas can be challenging.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Pune to Pachmarhi as Pachmarhi does not have an airport. However, flying to nearby cities and continuing by road is an option for faster travel.

• The closest airports to Pachmarhi are Bhopal (about 190 km) and Jabalpur (about 210 km), both well-connected to Pune by direct flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• Flight duration from Pune to Bhopal or Jabalpur is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 depending on booking time and season.

• From Bhopal or Jabalpur airport, you can hire taxis or take state-run buses to Pachmarhi, which takes around 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Bhopal and Jabalpur airports, but booking in advance is recommended to avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Flights are more expensive but save time on the long road journey; ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer comfort over budget.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Pachmarhi, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online well in advance, especially during holidays or weekends, using IRCTC for trains or MSRTC and private bus websites for buses to ensure confirmed seats.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Pipariya or Itarsi station and pre-book a taxi or check bus schedules to Pachmarhi to avoid waiting long at the station.

• For self-drive, prepare your vehicle by checking tire pressure, fuel, and engine condition. Download offline maps and plan rest stops every 3-4 hours to stay refreshed and alert.

• If flying, book your Pune to Bhopal or Jabalpur flights early to get better fares. Arrange airport transfers to Pachmarhi in advance, as public transport options are limited.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit, especially if traveling by road, as some stretches have limited food options.

• Check weather forecasts before departure, and carry rain gear during monsoon or warm clothes in winter, as Pachmarhi can be chilly in the evenings.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber at railway stations and airports to avoid overcharging and scams common in tourist areas.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Pachmarhi to prevent stomach issues; buy packaged snacks from reliable shops during long road journeys.

• Book your tickets online to avoid last-minute rush and confirm timings, as Indian trains and buses can be crowded and prone to schedule changes.

• Use local shared autos or cycle rickshaws for short distances within Pachmarhi, as these are affordable and convenient for reaching hotels and attractions.

• Pack light luggage with comfortable walking shoes, as Pachmarhi’s terrain involves some trekking and walking on uneven paths.

• During monsoon, check local news for road conditions and possible landslides, and avoid traveling at night on hilly roads to ensure safety.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Pachmarhi is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be warm, while monsoon brings heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

Seasonal factors like fog in winter mornings and heavy rainfall during monsoon can affect train and road travel, so plan your departure times carefully to avoid delays.

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

• Monsoon season from June to September can cause landslides and slippery roads, making road travel risky and slower.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid city traffic in Pune and reach Pachmarhi with daylight for safer driving on hilly roads.

• Winter fog in December and January can delay trains and reduce visibility on roads, so allow extra travel time during these months.

Arrival at Pachmarhi & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pachmarhi, you will find a small but well-connected hill station with basic transport options. The main bus stand and taxi points are near the town center, making it easy to reach hotels and attractions.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws that are affordable and convenient for short distances. Many hotels also offer pick-up services if informed in advance. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so negotiate fares beforehand if using private taxis.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Pune to Pachmarhi depends on your priorities. Train travel combined with a taxi from Pipariya offers a comfortable and economical option, while flights to Bhopal or Jabalpur save time but cost more. Self-driving gives flexibility and scenic views but requires careful planning.

Booking tickets in advance, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the hilly terrain will help you have a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Pachmarhi without stress.