Mumbai Airport, officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in India. Pune, located about 150 kilometers southeast of Mumbai, is a major city in Maharashtra known for its educational institutions and cultural heritage.

This route is commonly traveled by business travelers, tourists, and students. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai Airport to Pune, including train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Mumbai Airport to Pune – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many. Although Mumbai Airport does not have a direct train station, you can reach nearby stations to board trains to Pune.

• From Mumbai Airport, take a taxi or local train to Dadar or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), which are major railway stations offering frequent trains to Pune. Travel time to these stations is around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

• Trains from Dadar or LTT to Pune take approximately 3 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class (sleeper, second class, or AC).

• Popular trains include the Deccan Express and Sinhagad Express, which run daily and are comfortable for daytime travel with reserved seating.

• Train frequency is good, but booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• During the monsoon season, trains may face slight delays due to heavy rains, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option but less comfortable for long journeys. Direct buses from Mumbai Airport to Pune are limited, so most travelers use bus depots in Mumbai city.

• From Mumbai Airport, take a taxi or local transport to Mumbai Central or Dadar bus depots, which have regular Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses to Pune.

• MSRTC buses to Pune run frequently, with travel times around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and route taken via NH48.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹150 to ₹300 for non-AC and AC buses, with options like ordinary, semi-deluxe, and Volvo buses.

• Volvo buses are more comfortable and preferred for this route but can be crowded during festival seasons and weekends.

• Bus journeys may be affected by Mumbai’s heavy traffic during peak hours, so starting early morning or late night is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai Airport to Pune is convenient for those who prefer flexibility and comfort. The route is well connected by the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

• The distance from Mumbai Airport to Pune via Mumbai-Pune Expressway is approximately 150 km and takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• You can hire a taxi or rent a self-drive car from Mumbai Airport; popular rental services include Zoomcar and Revv.

• The expressway has multiple toll plazas, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges range around ₹300 to ₹400 one way.

• There are several rest stops and food joints on the expressway, such as the Lonavala and Khalapur stops, ideal for breaks during the journey.

• Traffic congestion near Mumbai city and Pune outskirts can increase travel time, especially during peak hours and weekends.

Taxi / Cab

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are popular for direct travel from Mumbai Airport to Pune. This option offers door-to-door convenience but is costlier than other modes.

• Prepaid taxi counters are available at Mumbai Airport terminals; fares to Pune usually start around ₹3,500 and can go higher depending on car type and time of day.

• App-based cabs can be booked via Ola or Uber apps, with fare estimates similar to prepaid taxis but with options for shared rides to reduce costs.

• Travel time by taxi is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic, with the fastest route via Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

• Taxi drivers often prefer routes avoiding peak traffic zones; confirm the route before starting the journey to avoid delays.

• Booking a taxi in advance during festival seasons or weekends is advisable to ensure availability and fixed pricing.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Mumbai Airport to Pune, helping you avoid confusion and delays.

• Step 1: After landing, collect your luggage and check the terminal for prepaid taxi counters or app-based cab pick-up points. This ensures a safe and fixed fare if you choose a taxi.

• Step 2: If you prefer trains, take a local taxi or Mumbai local train to Dadar or LTT stations. Use the Mumbai local train app or ask airport staff for the best route to save time.

• Step 3: Book your train ticket in advance via IRCTC or at the station ticket counter to secure a reserved seat, especially during weekends or holidays.

• Step 4: For bus travel, reach the nearest MSRTC bus depot by taxi or local transport and check the bus schedule for Pune-bound buses. Buying tickets early helps avoid standing during the journey.

• Step 5: If driving yourself, ensure your rental car has a valid FASTag and GPS navigation. Start early to avoid Mumbai city traffic and plan for toll payments on the expressway.

• Step 6: On arrival in Pune, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for local travel. Pune’s public transport is limited, so cabs are the easiest way to reach your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks, especially if you choose train or bus travel, as food options on the route can be limited or crowded.

• Use official prepaid taxi counters at Mumbai Airport to avoid overcharging and ensure driver legitimacy, especially late at night.

• Book train and bus tickets online in advance via IRCTC and MSRTC websites or apps to avoid last-minute hassles and standing tickets.

• During monsoon season, expect possible delays on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to heavy rains and occasional landslides near Lonavala.

• Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as mobile network coverage can be patchy in some expressway stretches.

• Carry light luggage if using public transport, as crowded trains and buses can make handling heavy bags difficult.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai Airport to Pune depends on weather and traffic conditions. Avoiding peak hours and monsoon season can make your journey smoother.

Monsoon rains between June and September can cause slow traffic and occasional roadblocks on the expressway. Winters are pleasant but early morning fog near Pune can delay trains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali when Mumbai and Pune see heavy traffic and crowded trains.

• Early morning departures between 5 AM and 7 AM help avoid Mumbai city traffic and reduce travel time significantly.

• Monsoon season may cause delays on the expressway and train routes; plan extra travel time during these months.

• Weekends and public holidays see increased traffic and crowded public transport; booking tickets and rides in advance is essential.

Arrival at Pune & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pune by train, you will likely reach Pune Junction, the main railway station. The station has prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab pick-up points for easy onward travel.

If you arrive by bus, you will reach Pune’s Shivajinagar or Swargate bus depots, which are well connected to the city by local buses and taxis. For car or taxi arrivals, you will be dropped at your destination directly.

Pune’s local transport includes auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. Auto-rickshaws usually do not use meters, so agree on fares beforehand. App cabs offer safer and more reliable options.

Popular areas to stay in Pune include Koregaon Park, Viman Nagar, and Deccan Gymkhana, all well connected by local transport and cabs.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Mumbai Airport to Pune depends on your budget and comfort preferences. Trains offer a budget-friendly and reliable option, while taxis and self-drive cars provide convenience and flexibility.

Planning your journey by booking tickets in advance, avoiding peak traffic hours, and choosing the right transport mode will help you reach Pune smoothly. With this guide, you can confidently plan your travel from Mumbai Airport to Pune and enjoy a hassle-free trip.