How to Get from Khandala to Mumbai
How to get from Khandala to Mumbai: trains from Lonavala to CSMT, MSRTC buses and private cars from about $85. Tips for the ghat road.
Contents
Khandala sits on the edge of the Western Ghats, and the way down to Mumbai follows the old Bhor Ghat: tunnels, viaducts and, in the monsoon, waterfalls beside the line. You have three realistic ways to make the trip: a train from the main-line station at nearby Lonavala, a state bus, or a car with driver.
Khandala to Mumbai by Train
Khandala itself is a hill village, so the main-line railhead for the area is Lonavala. From there the Pune-Mumbai line runs down through the ghat to Mumbai CSMT. Express trains on the full line include the Deccan Queen, which leaves Pune at 07:15 and reaches CSMT at 10:25, and the Pragati Express, which leaves Pune at 07:50 and arrives at 11:15. In the other direction the Deccan Queen leaves CSMT at 17:10 and the Intercity Express at 06:40.[1]
Only some Pune-Mumbai trains stop at Lonavala, so check the stop list for your train on the Indian Railways enquiry site (NTES) before you buy a ticket.
Khandala to Mumbai by Bus
The state operator MSRTC runs a bus station at Lonavala, the usual starting point for buses on this corridor, and bus stations in Mumbai at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Thane and Panvel.[2] Pick the Mumbai stop that is closest to your hotel.
Khandala to Mumbai by Private Transfer
A car with driver is the easiest option with luggage or a group, and it picks you up at your hotel. Booking platforms list sedans, hatchbacks for four passengers and SUVs for six, with the drive taking from about 1 hour 10 minutes, longer with traffic. On booking platforms, private cars cost from about $85 to $115 (November 2026).[3]
Ask the driver to stop at a viewpoint on the way down the ghat, and agree the drop-off point (airport terminal or hotel) when you book.
Tips for Traveling from Khandala to Mumbai
- Avoid the monsoon rush: On wet weekends in July and August the road and the ghat section clog with day-trippers. Leave early in the morning or after the evening peak.
- Choose your Mumbai stop: Pick the station or bus stop nearest to your hotel and avoid crossing the city at rush hour.
- Allow a buffer for flights: Add at least an hour to the drive if you are heading to the Mumbai airport.
Timetable
| Bus Khandala - Mumbai $ 7.76–49.45 15m – 23h 58m | |
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| Taxi Khandala - Mumbai $ 83.58–114.97 1h 10m | |
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| Train Khandala - Mumbai $ 4.85 2h 50m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Khandala to Mumbai, including current prices and schedules.
A private car costs from about $85 to $115 on booking platforms (November 2026). Trains from Lonavala and state buses cost much less; ask the operator for the current fare.
A private car is the fastest, taking from about 1 hour 10 minutes without traffic. Expect longer on weekends and during the monsoon.
The main-line station for the area is Lonavala. Check that your Pune-Mumbai train stops there before you book.
Pune-Mumbai trains such as the Deccan Queen and Pragati Express end at Mumbai CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus).
Yes. Book a car with driver and give the airport terminal as the drop-off point. Add a buffer for traffic.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Indian Railways (CRIS): Mail/Express/Superfast Train Names with Details. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
- [2] Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation: List of Division wise Bus Stations. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Khandala - Mumbai timetable. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.