Saputara is a beautiful hill station located in the Dang district of Gujarat, near the Maharashtra border. It is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai due to its cool climate and scenic views. Many travelers from Mumbai visit Saputara to enjoy nature, lakes, and tribal culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Saputara. You will learn about different transport options including train, bus, car, and flights, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Saputara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and affordable option for those who prefer rail travel. However, Saputara does not have a direct railway station, so you will need to combine train and road transport.

• The nearest railway station to Saputara is Waghai, about 20 km away, connected by local buses and taxis from Saputara town. Mumbai to Waghai trains take around 8 to 10 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains from Mumbai to Waghai include the Mumbai Central - Waghai Passenger and other slow trains, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹400 in sleeper or second class.

• Train frequency is moderate, with more trains available during weekdays; weekends may be crowded due to tourists heading to Saputara.

• From Waghai station, local buses and shared taxis run frequently to Saputara, taking about 30 to 40 minutes and costing ₹30 to ₹100.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during holiday seasons and weekends to avoid last-minute unavailability.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Saputara from Mumbai. Several state transport services operate on this route, offering different comfort levels.

• Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) run direct buses from Mumbai’s Borivali and Dadar bus depots to Saputara, taking approximately 6 to 8 hours.

• Bus fares range from ₹300 to ₹700 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, semi-deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Buses run frequently in the morning and evening, but seats fill quickly on weekends and during festivals, so booking tickets online or at the depot a day in advance is advisable.

• The route mostly follows NH48 and NH953, passing through scenic areas but can be slow during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional landslides near Saputara.

• Rest stops with basic food options are available en route at places like Vapi and Navsari, but carrying water and snacks is recommended for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Saputara is a flexible and comfortable option, especially if you want to explore the region at your own pace. The road journey offers beautiful views and several stops.

• The distance between Mumbai and Saputara is about 250 km, and the drive typically takes 5 to 6 hours via NH48 and NH953, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through key towns like Vapi, Navsari, and Waghai, with multiple toll plazas charging around ₹200 to ₹300 in total for the journey.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highway, but it is best to fill up in larger towns to avoid delays in remote areas.

• During monsoon, the roads near Saputara can be slippery and foggy, so drive carefully and avoid night travel if possible.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are widely available in Mumbai, with daily rates ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on the vehicle type.

Flight

There is no airport in Saputara. The nearest airports are Surat and Mumbai, so flights are not a direct option but can be combined with road travel.

• If you are coming from outside Mumbai, you can fly into Surat Airport, which is about 130 km from Saputara, then take a taxi or bus to Saputara, which takes around 3 to 4 hours.

• From Mumbai, flights to Surat are frequent and affordable, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Surat Airport, prepaid taxis and private cabs are available, costing around ₹2000 to ₹3000 for a one-way trip to Saputara.

• Bus services from Surat to Saputara are limited and slower, so taxis or rental cars are preferred for last-mile connectivity.

• Flying is suitable if you want to combine Saputara with other destinations in Gujarat or if you prefer to avoid a long road journey from Mumbai.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Saputara, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets online via IRCTC or MSRTC/GSRTC websites at least 3 days before travel to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm clothes, especially if traveling during monsoon or winter, as Saputara’s weather can be cool and wet.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid Mumbai’s heavy traffic and reach Saputara before evening, allowing time to settle in and explore.

• If traveling by train, check the arrival time at Waghai station and pre-book a taxi or check bus schedules for the last leg to Saputara to avoid waiting long at night.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and food stalls, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere en route.

• Use Ola or Uber app in Mumbai and nearby towns for local transport to bus depots or railway stations, ensuring timely arrival for your onward journey.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly, especially in crowded Mumbai stations and buses, to prevent theft.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during the journey and carry your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially in summer months.

• Book tickets in advance during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons like Diwali and Christmas when travel demand spikes between Mumbai and Saputara.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at stations and bus depots to avoid overcharging and ensure safe local travel.

• Pack light and use sturdy luggage with locks, as buses and trains can get crowded and handling baggage can be challenging.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before starting your journey, as landslides and roadblocks near Saputara can cause delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Saputara is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be hot in Mumbai but mild in Saputara, while monsoon brings heavy rains and slippery roads.

Travel conditions vary seasonally, so planning your trip outside heavy rain periods ensures safer and more comfortable travel.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July and August due to frequent landslides and road closures near Saputara.

• Festive seasons like Diwali and New Year see increased traffic and crowded transport, so book tickets early and expect delays.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and reach Saputara before dark, improving safety and convenience.

• Winter months from December to February offer clear roads and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Saputara.

Arrival at Saputara & What to Expect

When you arrive in Saputara, you will find a small but well-developed hill station with easy local transport options. The main bus stand and taxi stands are close to the town center.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and taxis that can take you to hotels, viewpoints, and the Saputara Lake area. Most hotels offer pickup services if informed in advance.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are limited but available in nearby towns like Waghai. It is best to arrange your local transport before arrival or through your hotel to avoid haggling.

Popular areas to stay include the Saputara Lake area and the hilltop resorts, both offering easy access to local attractions and eateries.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Saputara from Mumbai depends on your preferences. For budget travelers, taking a direct bus or train to Waghai followed by a local taxi is economical and convenient. For comfort and flexibility, driving or self-driving offers the best experience with scenic stops along the way.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth journey from Mumbai to Saputara and make the most of this serene hill station’s natural beauty and cultural charm.