Fastest ~3h15 by train
| 🚆 Train | ~3h15 | Deccan Queen, since 1930, Mumbai CST–Pune Junction, reserved |
| 🚌 Bus | ~3–3.5h | Shivneri Volvo AC or private, via Mumbai–Pune Expressway |
| 🚗 Car | ~2.5–4h | Expressway ~148–160km, tolled; older NH48 route scenic but slower |
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Mumbai to Pune is one of India's most-travelled intercity routes — around 150 km through the Western Ghats, with the Indian Subcontinent's oldest electric train service, a packed expressway and spectacular mountain scenery all in the mix. Here is how to get between the two cities.
The iconic train: Deccan Queen and Deccan Express
The Deccan Queen (Train 12123/12124) has been running between Mumbai and Pune since 1930, making it one of India's oldest superfast expresses. It departs from Mumbai CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and arrives at Pune Junction, with the journey taking around 3 hours 15 minutes. The train runs on most days; check IRCTC for exact running days.
The Deccan Express (Train 11007/11008) is a slightly older, slower variant of the same corridor, typically taking around 3.5–4 hours. Both are fully reserved trains — you must book a specific seat through IRCTC. The Deccan Queen in particular has a devoted following and seats sell out well in advance, especially for early morning departures on weekdays used by commuters and professionals between the two cities.
Several other express and superfast trains also operate the Mumbai–Pune route daily, including the Sinhagad Express and Indrayani Express, giving a range of departure times. The route through the Bhor Ghat section of the Sahyadri range is genuinely scenic — a series of tunnels and curves as the line climbs steeply into the hills.
Which Mumbai terminal? Most long-distance trains to Pune depart from Mumbai CST. Some also run from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Kurla, which is convenient if you are on the eastern side of the city. Always check the departure station when booking on IRCTC.
The cheapest way: shared taxis and state buses
MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) runs frequent Shivneri Volvo AC buses between Mumbai and Pune, departing from several points including Mumbai Central bus depot and Dadar. The Shivneri service is popular, air-conditioned and bookable online at the MSRTC website. Fares are low, and services run throughout the day and night.
Shared taxis — typically Innova or similar vehicles — run informally from areas near Dadar and Sion in Mumbai to Pune, filling up and departing as soon as they have passengers. These are faster than buses but you are dependent on the vehicle filling up before departure.
Private buses on the expressway
Dozens of private operators run air-conditioned coaches between the cities, many leaving from Dadar or other central Mumbai points. Journey time via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway (Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway) is typically 3–3.5 hours in good conditions, but this can stretch to 4.5 hours or more during peak Friday evening travel, monsoon-season fog or road works. The expressway itself is a handsome piece of engineering, climbing the ghats through a series of bridges and tunnels.
Private buses are bookable through redBus and similar platforms, with a wide range of operators and price points from basic seating to luxury sleeper coaches for the overnight run.
Driving over the Ghats
The drive from Mumbai to Pune is around 148–160 km depending on the route, and takes 2.5–4 hours on the expressway (or longer via the older NH48 through Khopoli if you want to avoid the toll). The expressway is the faster route and charges a toll; the old highway through Khandala and Lonavala is more scenic — the ghats section in particular is striking — but slow, especially during the monsoon.
Ola and Uber operate intercity cab services on this route and are popular for door-to-door convenience, particularly for travellers with luggage or groups.
The Lonavala stop
Both the train and expressway pass through or near Lonavala, a hill station in the ghats popular with Mumbaikars for weekend escapes. It is a natural stop if you want to break the journey, and many trains halt there briefly. The town is known for its chikki (brittle sweet) and the walks around Bhushi Dam and Tiger's Leap viewpoint.
Which should you choose?
For comfort and reliability, the Deccan Queen or another reserved express train is hard to beat — book ahead on IRCTC. If trains are sold out or you want more flexibility, the Shivneri bus is an excellent and well-organised option. Driving or taking a private cab suits people with luggage, groups, or those who need door-to-door service. Avoid the Friday evening rush in any mode if you can — traffic on the expressway can be very heavy.
Practical tips for booking the train
IRCTC tickets on popular Mumbai–Pune trains, especially the Deccan Queen's early-morning departures, are heavily used by regular commuters and can sell out days ahead, so booking as soon as your travel dates are fixed is wise. If the train you want shows as waitlisted, checking the Tatkal quota — a smaller batch of tickets released closer to the travel date at a premium — is a common workaround for last-minute travel. Foreign visitors should register for an IRCTC account in advance, as the sign-up and verification process can take longer than expected on the day of travel.
Luggage and comfort on board
Reserved express trains have overhead racks and space under seats for standard luggage, and second-class AC chair car or sleeper class are comfortable choices for the roughly three-and-a-half-hour journey. The Shivneri buses carry luggage in an under-seat hold and offer reclining, air-conditioned seating that is well suited to a single suitcase or backpack each; private cabs are the easiest option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a family.
Seasonal considerations
The monsoon, roughly June to September, is worth planning around: the Bhor Ghat section of both the railway and the expressway can see heavy rain, fog and occasional landslides that slow trains and traffic alike, particularly around Khandala and Lonavala. The scenery is at its greenest and most dramatic during this period, but journey times can lengthen and delays are more common, so build in extra buffer time if you have a tight connection at either end.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Mumbai to Pune take?
The fastest trains, including the Deccan Queen, take around 3 hours 15 minutes. Other express services typically take 3.5–4 hours. All are fully reserved — book through IRCTC.
What is the Mumbai–Pune Expressway?
The Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway is a 95 km tolled motorway linking the two cities, climbing through the Western Ghats via bridges, viaducts and tunnels. Road journey times vary from about 2.5 hours to over 4 hours depending on traffic.
Is there a direct bus from Mumbai to Pune?
Yes. MSRTC's Shivneri Volvo service is the most established, running from several Mumbai departure points to Pune's Swargate and Shivajinagar bus stands. Private operators also run extensively on this route, bookable via redBus.
Can I do Mumbai to Pune as a day trip?
Easily. An early morning departure by train leaves you most of the day in Pune; a late afternoon return gets you back the same evening. Many Mumbaikars do the reverse at weekends.
Sources and further reading:
- Train bookings and timetables: IRCTC (irctc.co.in).
- MSRTC Shivneri bus bookings: msrtcl.in.
- Private bus options: redBus.