How to Reach Pune Airport – Complete Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Pune Airport easily by train, bus, car, or cab with practical tips on routes, travel time, and local transport options.
Pune Airport, also known as Lohegaon Airport, is located about 10 kilometers northeast of Pune city center in Maharashtra. It serves both domestic and limited international flights, making it a key travel hub for the region.
This guide explains the main ways to reach Pune Airport from various parts of the city and nearby areas. You will learn about train, bus, car, and cab options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Getting from Pune City to Pune Airport – Main Options
Train
Train travel is not the most direct option to reach Pune Airport, but it can be useful if you are coming from nearby towns or want to combine train and road travel. Pune Railway Station is the main hub for trains in the city.
Pune Railway Station is about 12 km from the airport, so you will need a taxi or bus for the last leg of the journey, which takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Local trains or suburban trains do not directly connect to the airport, so plan for additional transport from the station to the airport.
Train fares to Pune Station vary by origin, but local transport from the station to the airport costs around ₹100-₹200 by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Train travel is comfortable and economical but may not save time compared to direct road transport, especially during peak hours or monsoon season when delays are common.
Ensure you check IRCTC for train timings and book tickets in advance during festivals or weekends to avoid last-minute rush.
Bus
Public buses are an affordable way to reach Pune Airport, though they may take longer and be less comfortable than private vehicles. Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) operates buses connecting key city points to the airport area.
PMPML buses run from Pune Station and other city areas to the airport vicinity, with routes like 203 and 204 covering the airport road.
Travel time by bus ranges from 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day, with fares typically between ₹20 and ₹40.
Buses can be crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly, especially if you have heavy luggage or are traveling early morning or late night.
Bus stops near the airport are a short walk from the terminal, but luggage handling can be challenging, so consider this if you carry large bags.
Monsoon season may cause delays due to waterlogging on some routes, so check local weather and traffic updates before departure.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving yourself or hiring a private car is a popular and convenient way to reach Pune Airport. The airport is well connected by major roads and highways, making this option flexible and comfortable.
The airport is accessible via Airport Road, connected to Pune’s NH48 and NH60 highways, with clear signboards guiding to the terminal.
Travel time from Pune city center to the airport is around 20-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions, covering approximately 10-12 km.
Parking facilities are available at the airport, including short-term and long-term options, with reasonable charges and security.
Toll plazas on NH48 may add small fees during your drive; keep cash or digital payment options ready for smooth passage.
Self-drive car rentals are available from Pune city, with companies like Zoomcar and Myles offering hourly and daily rates, ideal for travelers wanting flexibility.
Traffic congestion can increase travel time during peak office hours (8-11 AM and 5-8 PM), so plan your departure accordingly to avoid delays.
Cab / Taxi
App-based cabs and prepaid taxis are the most popular and hassle-free options to reach Pune Airport, especially for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with local routes.
Ola and Uber operate extensively in Pune, offering reliable rides to the airport with fare estimates ranging from ₹250 to ₹400 depending on pickup location and traffic.
Prepaid taxi counters are available at major points like Pune Railway Station and bus stands, providing fixed fares and avoiding meter disputes.
Cab travel time is usually 20-30 minutes from central Pune, but can extend during peak traffic or bad weather, so book in advance for timely airport arrival.
Many cabs offer luggage assistance and comfortable seating, making them ideal for travelers with heavy bags or families.
During festivals or holidays, surge pricing may apply on app-based cabs, so check fares and book early to avoid last-minute fare hikes.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
If this is your first time traveling to Pune Airport, follow this simple plan to ensure a smooth journey without stress or confusion.
Step 1: Check your flight timing and plan to leave at least 2.5 to 3 hours before departure to allow for traffic and airport security checks.
Step 2: Choose your transport mode based on convenience, budget, and luggage. For most, booking an Ola or Uber cab is easiest and fastest.
Step 3: If using public transport, check PMPML bus timings or train schedules on their official websites or apps to avoid waiting times.
Step 4: Book your cab or car rental in advance, especially during weekends or holidays, to avoid last-minute unavailability or surge pricing.
Step 5: Pack your luggage keeping airport security rules in mind, and carry a printed or digital copy of your flight ticket and ID for smooth check-in.
Step 6: On reaching the airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app cabs for onward travel from Pune Airport to your next destination, ensuring safe and reliable transport.
Practical Travel Tips
Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks, as airport road traffic jams can extend travel time unexpectedly, especially during monsoon or festival seasons.
Use only prepaid or app-based taxis to avoid fare disputes and ensure safety; avoid accepting rides from unauthorized drivers near the airport.
Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded for Pune city and airport area, as network coverage can be patchy in some parts.
Check weather forecasts before traveling, as heavy rains during monsoon can cause flooding and roadblocks on Airport Road.
Book your cab or car rental through trusted providers with good reviews to ensure vehicle quality and driver professionalism.
If traveling by bus, avoid peak hours and carry light luggage, as buses can be crowded and standing for long periods is uncomfortable.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to travel to Pune Airport depends on weather and traffic conditions. Avoiding peak office hours and monsoon season can make your journey smoother.
Winter months from November to February offer pleasant weather and less rain, making road travel comfortable. Summers can be hot but dry, while monsoon months require extra caution due to waterlogging risks.
Avoid traveling during morning (8-11 AM) and evening (5-8 PM) peak traffic hours to reduce delays on Airport Road and NH48.
Steer clear of major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali when Pune city experiences heavy traffic and crowded transport.
During monsoon (June to September), start your journey earlier than usual to account for possible slowdowns caused by rain and flooded roads.
Early morning flights are best reached by leaving at least 3 hours in advance, as roads are less crowded and travel time is shorter.
Arrival at Pune Airport & What to Expect
On arrival at Pune Airport, you will find a modern terminal with clear signage and helpful staff. The airport handles domestic flights primarily, with some international services.
Local transport options from the airport include prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs, and some hotel shuttles. Prepaid taxi counters are located just outside the arrival area, offering fixed fares to Pune city and nearby suburbs.
Popular areas to stay near the airport include Koregaon Park, Viman Nagar, and Kalyani Nagar, all reachable within 20-30 minutes by cab. If you are arriving late at night, it is advisable to book your onward transport in advance to avoid waiting.
Conclusion
Reaching Pune Airport is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. For most travelers, booking an app-based cab or hiring a private car offers the best balance of comfort, speed, and convenience.
Planning ahead by checking traffic conditions, booking transport early, and allowing extra travel time during peak hours or monsoon season will help you avoid stress. With these tips, you can confidently plan your journey to Pune Airport and enjoy a smooth start or end to your trip.