Pandharpur is a famous pilgrimage town located in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. It is well known for the Vithoba temple and attracts thousands of devotees every year. Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, is a major metropolitan hub and a common starting point for travelers heading to Pandharpur.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Pandharpur. You will learn about the main transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer train, bus, car, or flight, this article covers all you need for a smooth journey.

Getting from Mumbai to Pandharpur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many pilgrims and tourists. Trains connect Mumbai to Pandharpur via Solapur and other nearby junctions, offering a comfortable and scenic journey.

• Mumbai has several major railway stations like Mumbai CST, Dadar, and LTT from where you can board trains heading towards Solapur and Pandharpur, covering approximately 375 km in about 7 to 9 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 150 to INR 700 depending on the class, with options like sleeper, second seating, and AC coaches, making it suitable for various budgets and comfort levels.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance via IRCTC especially during festival seasons like Ashadhi Ekadashi when the crowd surges significantly.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so check train status before departure to avoid surprises.

• Solapur Junction is a major railway hub near Pandharpur; from there, local trains or buses can be taken to reach Pandharpur, which is about 50 km away.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and affordable way to reach Pandharpur from Mumbai. Both government and private operators run regular services on this route, catering to different comfort preferences.

• MSRTC operates direct buses from Mumbai’s Central Bus Station (Dadar) to Pandharpur, covering around 375 km in 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and route taken.

• Bus fares typically range between INR 300 and INR 600, with options including non-AC, AC, and Volvo coaches for varying comfort and budget.

• Buses depart frequently, especially in the early morning and late evening, but booking in advance during festivals is recommended to secure seats.

• The route passes through NH48 and NH65 highways, with multiple toll plazas and rest stops offering food and washroom facilities for travelers.

• During monsoon, some roads may be slippery or waterlogged, so check weather conditions and bus service updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Pandharpur gives you flexibility and control over your schedule. The route is well connected by national highways and offers scenic views of the Western Ghats and Deccan plateau.

• The distance by road is approximately 375 km via NH48 and NH65, which usually takes around 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai with companies like Zoomcar and Revv, allowing you to choose from hatchbacks to SUVs for comfort and luggage space.

• Expect toll charges on NH48 and NH65 highways; carry sufficient cash or FASTag for smooth passage through toll plazas.

• Plan your drive to avoid Mumbai’s peak traffic hours, especially when exiting the city via the Eastern Express Highway or Western Express Highway.

• There are several good rest stops and dhabas en route where you can enjoy local Maharashtrian cuisine and refreshments.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Mumbai to Pandharpur as Pandharpur does not have an airport. However, flying to the nearest airport and then continuing by road is an option for faster travel.

• The closest airport to Pandharpur is Solapur Airport, about 50 km away, which has limited flights from Mumbai operated by regional airlines.

• Flight duration from Mumbai to Solapur is approximately 1 hour, but flights are infrequent and may not operate daily, so check schedules carefully.

• From Solapur Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Pandharpur, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically ranging from INR 2000 to INR 5000 one way, depending on booking time and airline.

• Using flights can save time but may increase overall travel cost and require coordination with ground transport from Solapur to Pandharpur.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Pandharpur. It covers essential steps to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or MSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during pilgrimage seasons.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a small first-aid kit, as some journeys can be long with limited food options en route.

• Reach the departure station or bus depot at least 30 minutes early to find your platform or bus stand easily and avoid rush.

• If traveling by car, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel level, and GPS navigation before starting the journey to prevent breakdowns on highways.

• During the journey, take breaks at recommended rest stops to stretch and refresh; avoid driving at night if unfamiliar with the route.

• On arrival at Pandharpur, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and reliable local transport to your accommodation or temple.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables like phone, wallet, and tickets secure and within reach, especially in crowded trains or buses common during festivals.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat at clean, popular eateries to avoid stomach issues during your travel.

• Use official booking portals like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC for buses to get confirmed tickets and avoid scams from touts.

• In Pandharpur, local transport options include auto-rickshaws and shared taxis; agree on fares beforehand or use meter-based services to avoid overcharging.

• Carry minimal luggage and use sturdy bags with locks, as crowded public transport can lead to misplaced items.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts as roads can be slippery and some bus services may be delayed or canceled.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Pandharpur is during the cooler months from October to February. This period offers pleasant weather and less travel discomfort.

Avoid traveling during the peak pilgrimage festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi unless you want to experience the large crowds and long queues at the temple.

• Monsoon season from June to September can cause roadblocks and train delays due to heavy rains and waterlogging on highways.

• Summer months from March to May are hot and humid, making daytime travel tiring, so plan early morning or late evening departures.

• Festival periods see a surge in travel demand; book tickets well in advance and expect crowded trains and buses.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and provide a smoother journey on highways.

Arrival at Pandharpur & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pandharpur, you will likely reach either the Pandharpur railway station or the main bus stand. Both are well connected to the town center and the famous Vithoba temple.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. Prepaid taxi counters are available at the bus stand and railway station for safe and fixed fare rides. Popular areas to stay include near the temple or main market, offering easy access to eateries and shops.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Mumbai to Pandharpur depends on your budget and comfort preferences. Trains offer a balanced option with good connectivity and reasonable fares, while buses provide flexibility and direct routes. Self-driving is ideal for those who want freedom and scenic stops along the way. Flights to Solapur can save time but require additional road travel.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local transport will help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Mumbai to Pandharpur and focus on the spiritual experience awaiting you at this revered pilgrimage site.