Pushkar is a small town in Rajasthan, famous for its sacred lake and vibrant fairs. It is located near Ajmer and is a popular pilgrimage and tourist spot. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, lies on the west coast and is well connected to many parts of the country.

This route from Mumbai to Pushkar is frequently traveled by tourists and pilgrims alike. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel between these two places, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also get practical tips and a step-by-step plan for your journey.

Getting from Mumbai to Pushkar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for this route. Mumbai has multiple major railway stations with frequent trains to Ajmer, the nearest major railhead to Pushkar.

• Trains depart from Mumbai Central, Dadar, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Ajmer Junction, which is about 15 km from Pushkar. The journey takes around 14 to 16 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Ajmer Express and the Ranakpur Express, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹400 to ₹1500. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats.

• Trains run daily but tend to be crowded during festivals like the Pushkar Fair and Diwali. Booking well in advance is advised to avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Ajmer station, you can take local buses, shared taxis, or auto-rickshaws to Pushkar, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Shared taxis are frequent and cost around ₹100 to ₹150 per person.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly way to travel but involve longer travel time and less comfort. Maharashtra State Transport and Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation operate buses between Mumbai and Ajmer.

• Buses depart from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Ajmer bus stand, covering approximately 950 km in 18 to 22 hours depending on the service type and traffic.

• Options include ordinary, semi-deluxe, and Volvo AC buses with fares ranging from ₹700 to ₹1500. Volvo buses offer better comfort but are less frequent.

• After reaching Ajmer, you can catch a local bus or taxi to Pushkar. Bus frequency between Ajmer and Pushkar is high, with departures every 30 minutes during the day.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to road conditions, and night buses may be less safe for solo travelers. Booking tickets in advance through MSRTC or private operators is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Pushkar offers flexibility and a chance to explore on your own schedule. The route covers around 950 km via NH48 and NH58.

• The drive typically takes 16 to 18 hours depending on traffic and stops. It is best to break the journey into two days for comfort and safety.

• Major highways include NH48 from Mumbai to Udaipur and NH58 from Udaipur to Ajmer, then local roads to Pushkar. Toll plazas are common, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Rest stops with food and fuel are available at cities like Vadodara, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh. Popular dhabas and restaurants offer local Rajasthani cuisine.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional waterlogging. Night driving is not recommended due to wildlife crossings and limited lighting on some stretches.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Pushkar, but flying to nearby airports can save travel time. The closest airports are Jaipur International Airport and Udaipur Airport.

• From Mumbai, daily flights operate to Jaipur and Udaipur with airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.

• From Jaipur Airport, Pushkar is approximately 150 km away, and from Udaipur Airport, it is about 180 km. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pushkar, which takes 3 to 4 hours.

• Taxi fares from Jaipur or Udaipur airports to Pushkar range between ₹1500 and ₹2500 depending on the vehicle type and time of day.

• Booking flights in advance during peak tourist seasons like the Pushkar Camel Fair is essential to get reasonable fares and availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Pushkar to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Step 1: Decide your mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Train is economical, flight saves time, and car offers flexibility.

• Step 2: Book your tickets early through official platforms like IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Step 3: Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially if traveling by train or bus where stops may be limited.

• Step 4: On arrival at Ajmer or Jaipur, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Pushkar safely and at a fair price.

• Step 5: Keep local currency handy for small expenses like auto-rickshaw rides or food stalls, as digital payments may not always be accepted in rural areas.

• Step 6: Check weather and road conditions a day before travel, especially during monsoon or winter fog, to avoid delays and plan accordingly.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night on highways or in remote areas. Use trusted taxi services and avoid accepting rides from unknown drivers.

• Food and Water: Carry bottled water and eat at well-known restaurants or dhabas to prevent stomach issues common during long road trips.

• Booking Strategy: Use official websites like IRCTC for train tickets and MSRTC for bus bookings. For flights, book directly through airline portals to avoid scams.

• Local Transport: In Pushkar, prefer walking or cycle-rickshaws for short distances. For longer trips, negotiate taxi fares beforehand or use prepaid counters.

• Luggage: Pack light and secure your bags with locks. Keep important documents and valuables in a carry bag during transit.

• Seasonal Warnings: Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains due to roadblocks and delays. Winters can have early morning fog causing train and flight delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Pushkar is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather for sightseeing and comfortable travel.

Avoid traveling during the peak summer months of April to June due to extreme heat, which can make road and train journeys uncomfortable.

• Festival periods like the Pushkar Camel Fair (usually November) attract large crowds, causing train and bus tickets to sell out quickly and higher local prices.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause road flooding and delays, especially on highways near Mumbai and Rajasthan.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic in Mumbai and to reach Ajmer or Pushkar during daylight for safer last-mile travel.

• Winter fog in northern Rajasthan can cause delays in trains and flights, so plan extra buffer time if traveling in December or January.

Arrival at Pushkar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pushkar, you will find a small town with narrow streets and a peaceful atmosphere. The main entry points are the bus stand and local taxi drop-off areas.

Local transport includes cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and horse carts. Most hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance of the town center and the sacred lake.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are limited, so it is best to negotiate fares before starting your journey. Many travelers prefer to walk or use cycle-rickshaws to explore the town’s markets and temples.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Pushkar from Mumbai depends on your priorities. If you want comfort and speed, flying to Jaipur or Udaipur followed by a taxi is best. For budget travelers, trains to Ajmer and then local transport to Pushkar offer a good balance of cost and convenience.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and knowing local transport options will make your journey smooth. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Mumbai to Pushkar and enjoy the spiritual and cultural richness of this unique Rajasthan town.