Introduction
Mumbai is a city of Maharashtra in India. It’s one of the biggest cities in the country. Mumbai is a busy and exciting city , known for its energy and diverse culture. You’ll also find a mix of cultures, languages, and delicious food from all over India and beyond.
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Satara district of the state of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by thick forests, waterfalls, and rivers. One of the most special things about Mahabaleshwar is its strawberries. This place has a pleasant climate all year round.
In this article you will find details about routes you should consider while traveling to Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai, Distance you need to cover ,best time to visit Mahabaleshwar and some important travel tips.
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar Distance
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Duration |
| By Road | 260 Km | 5 to 6 hours |
| By Train(to Satara) | 230 km (to Satara) + 45 km (to Mahabaleshwar) | 6 to 7 hours |
Modes of Travel
Private Car/ Taxis
Many people prefer private cars to travel from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar as it provides comfort and privacy. They are the best choice if you are traveling with your family. You can take short breaks wherever you want. There are many cab/ Taxi services available on this route.
Buses
MSRTC (Government bus) runs buses from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar , these are affordable and reliable.Different types of buses like AC, Non-Ac, Sleeper, ordinary are available. Buses are available on a regular schedule.If you are planning to go by bus check timings in advance .
Train
Trains are the budget friendly and comfortable options. There is no direct train to Mahabaleshwar, you can take a train to Satara, which is the closest major railway station. From Satara, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mahabaleshwar, which is about 45 km away.
Book your ticket from the IRCTC website or visit the ticket counter.Popular trains on this route are:
| Train Names | Frequency | Duration |
| Koyna Express | Daily | 7 hours 40 mins |
| Sahyadri Express | Daily | 8 hours 5 mins |
| Mahalaxmi Express | Daily | 8 hours |
| Mumbai LTT – Kolhapur Express | Daily | 7 hours 45 mins |
| Mumbai CSMT – Kolhapur Koyna Exp | Daily | 7 hours 40 mins |
Best Routes by Road
Route 1 via Mumbai–Pune Expressway (NH 48)
This route is a well maintained highway which is the fastest and most popular. It also has Plenty of fuel stations, rest stops, and food options. You can enjoy scenic ghats near Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar distance via this route is 260 km. The route is as follows:
Mumbai > Panvel > Lonavala > Pune > Wai > Panchgani > Mahabaleshwar
Route 2 via NH 66 – Ambenali Ghat Road
This route has less toll compared to expressway. It is recommended for adventurous drive.The road is Narrow and winding. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar distance via this route is 230 km. The route is as follows:
Mumbai > Panvel > Mangaon > Mahad > Poladpur > Ambenali Ghat > Mahabaleshwar
Route 3 via Tamhini Ghat (via Mulshi)
This route passes through scenic ghats. People choose this route because of less crowds.It is a slightly longer route. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar distance via this route is 275 km. The route is as follows:
Mumbai > Panvel > Mulshi > Tamhini Ghat > Bhor > Wai > Mahabaleshwar
Toll Cost Estimates
| Route | Toll Amount(Approx) |
| Khalapur Toll Plaza | ₹260 |
| Talegaon Toll Plaza | ₹95 |
| Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza | ₹100 |
| Anewadi Toll Plaza | ₹80 |
Best Time to Travel
The ideal time to travel from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is during the winter season(November to February) as the weather is very chill and pleasant ,great for sightseeing, outdoor activities and strawberry picking.
Summer (March to May) is a great time to escape the heat as it is quite hot in cities.Mahabaleshwar stays much cooler than nearby cities.
During monsoon(July to September) is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar if you are Monsoon lovers and adventure seekers. But roads can be slippery, outdoor activities may be limited.
Must visit spots in Mahabaleshwar
- Arthur’s Seat
- Elephant’s Head Point
- Venna Lake
- Mapro Garden
- Lingmala Waterfall
- Pratapgad Fort
- Wilson Point (Sunrise Point)
- Panchgani
- Mahabaleshwar Market
Travel Tips
- Start your journey early in the morning or late evening to avoid city traffic.
- Use Google Maps for navigation and traffic updates.
- Carry woollen clothes,it can be very cold over there especially in the morning and evening.
- Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility and risky roads.
- Book your hotel or resort in advance, especially during peak season.
- If you want peace, stay away from the crowded market area.
- Try strawberries with cream, a local specialty.
- Buy local jams, crushes, chikkis, and handcrafted items from town markets.
- Drive cautiously on ghat roads with sharp turns, especially during fog or rain.
- Fuel up in Pune or Satara fuel stations are fewer up hill.
FAQs
What is the distance between Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar?
The distance is approximately 260 km by road.
Are there direct trains to Mahabaleshwar?
No, there are no direct trains. The nearest station is Satara, about 45 km away.
Which is the best route to drive from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar?
Mumbai–Pune Expressway > Wai > Panchgani route is the most preferred due to better road conditions and faster travel time.
Can I take my own car to Mahabaleshwar?
Yes, absolutely. Many tourists self-drive.
Is there any entry fee to enter Mahabaleshwar?
Yes, the Municipal Council charges a small entry fee per vehicle (₹100–₹200 approx.) at the town entrance gate.
Conclusion
Mahabaleshwar is a peaceful and scenic hill station, perfect for a weekend or short holiday from Mumbai. It is about 260 km away and can be reached easily by car, bus, or train (via Satara). The journey is full of beautiful views, especially if you travel through the hills and ghats.
The best time to visit is from October to June when the weather is cool and pleasant. You can enjoy boating at Venna Lake, eat fresh strawberries, visit viewpoints like Arthur’s Seat and Wilson Point, and relax in nature. Whether you go with family or friends, Mahabaleshwar has something for everyone.
