Mumbai and Pune are two major cities in Maharashtra, located about 150 kilometers apart. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is on the west coast, while Pune lies southeast, known for its cultural heritage and educational institutions. This route is frequently traveled by daily commuters, tourists, and business travelers.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Pune. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Pune – Main Options

Train

Train travel between Mumbai and Pune is popular due to its affordability and frequency. It suits travelers who want a comfortable and scenic journey without road traffic worries.

• Several trains run daily from Mumbai CST, Dadar, and LTT stations to Pune Junction, covering around 150 km in 3 to 4 hours depending on the train type and stops.

• Fares range from ₹100 to ₹600 depending on class (sleeper, second sitting, or AC chair car), making it a budget-friendly option for most travelers.

• Trains like Deccan Express and Intercity Express are preferred for their punctuality and comfortable seating, with reserved tickets available on IRCTC and station counters.

• During monsoon, trains may face slight delays due to fog or track maintenance, so check live status before departure.

• Food options on trains are limited; it’s advisable to carry snacks or buy at major stations like Lonavala en route.

• Last-mile connectivity from Pune station is easy with prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber available 24/7.

Bus

Buses are a common choice for flexible travel between Mumbai and Pune. They offer many daily departures and various comfort levels, suitable for budget and mid-range travelers.

• MSRTC operates frequent Volvo and non-AC buses from Mumbai’s Dadar and Borivali bus depots to Pune’s Shivajinagar and Swargate bus stands, taking about 3 to 4.5 hours.

• Ticket prices vary from ₹150 for ordinary buses to ₹500 for Volvo AC buses, booked online via MSRTC or at bus stands.

• Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway can cause delays during peak hours and weekends, especially near toll plazas and Lonavala.

• Volvo buses provide reclining seats, charging points, and onboard toilets, making them comfortable for longer journeys.

• Food stalls and restrooms are available at toll plazas and rest stops like Khalapur and Lonavala, useful for breaks during the trip.

• During festivals and holidays, buses get crowded quickly; booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Pune is popular among those who prefer flexibility and want to explore along the way. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway offers a smooth and scenic drive.

• The distance is approximately 150 km via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48), taking about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Toll charges apply at multiple plazas including Khalapur and Talegaon, costing around ₹200 to ₹300 one way.

• Fuel costs vary but expect around ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 for a round trip depending on your vehicle’s mileage.

• Rest stops like Lonavala and Khandala offer food courts, fuel stations, and clean restrooms, ideal for breaks during the drive.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and reduced visibility; avoid night driving in heavy rain.

• Car rental services and self-drive options are widely available in Mumbai, with companies like Zoomcar and Myles offering hourly and daily packages.

Flight

Flights between Mumbai and Pune are available but less common due to the short distance. They suit travelers who prioritize speed and convenience over cost.

• Flights operate from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Pune Airport (PNQ), with a flight time of about 30 to 40 minutes.

• Airfares range from ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 depending on the airline and booking time, often higher than train or bus fares.

• Check-in and security procedures add extra time, so total travel time including airport transfers can be 3 to 4 hours.

• Flights are less frequent, so booking in advance is essential, especially during peak travel seasons.

• From Pune Airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available to reach city centers within 30 minutes.

• Flight delays can occur due to fog in winter or heavy rains during monsoon, so monitor weather forecasts before booking.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Pune. It covers key steps to prepare and execute your journey smoothly.

• Choose your preferred transport mode based on budget, time, and comfort. Trains and buses are economical, cars offer flexibility, and flights save time but cost more.

• Book tickets online in advance using IRCTC for trains or MSRTC website for buses to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially if traveling by train or bus where food options are limited.

• Arrive at the departure point early—stations and bus depots can be crowded, and Mumbai traffic may delay your arrival.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs at arrival points in Pune for safe and fair local transport to your accommodation.

• Keep a digital copy of your tickets and ID proof handy, as these are often checked during boarding and travel.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Mumbai and Pune to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Carry a reusable water bottle and drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali when travel demand spikes sharply.

• Use local trains or metro services within Mumbai to reach major stations like Dadar or CST efficiently and avoid peak hour traffic jams.

• Pack your luggage securely and avoid carrying valuables openly; pickpocketing can occur in crowded stations and buses.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and train/bus status online to avoid surprises due to delays or cancellations.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The Mumbai-Pune route is busy year-round, but travel conditions vary with seasons. Planning your trip with weather and traffic in mind helps avoid delays and discomfort.

Summer months can be hot and humid, while monsoon brings heavy rains and slippery roads. Winter mornings may have fog causing train and flight delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and New Year’s Eve when roads and trains are overcrowded.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause slow traffic on the expressway and occasional train delays due to waterlogging or landslides.

• Early morning departures before 7 AM or late evening after 8 PM generally have lighter traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

• Winter fog in December and January can affect train punctuality and flight schedules, so allow extra time for connections.

Arrival at Pune & What to Expect

When you arrive at Pune, you will find several transport options to reach your final destination. Pune Junction and Shivajinagar are the main railway stations, while Swargate and Shivajinagar serve as key bus terminals.

Prepaid taxi counters are available at stations and bus stands, offering fixed fares to popular areas like Koregaon Park, Viman Nagar, and Deccan Gymkhana. App-based cabs such as Ola and Uber are widely used and convenient for local travel.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Pune is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains and buses offer affordable and frequent services, while driving provides flexibility and scenic views along the expressway. Flights are quick but less common due to the short distance.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather and traffic updates, and choosing the mode that fits your schedule. With these tips, you can travel confidently between Mumbai and Pune, enjoying a smooth and comfortable trip every time.