For most people living in Mumbai, a trip to Pune is the quickest way to get away from the busy madness of city life. The Pune District has a lot to offer to travellers. Pune, the second-largest city in Maharashtra, has some amazing historical places where you can revel in the architectural gems left behind by time, lip-smacking food, buzzing nightlife, and easy access to places like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, etc. The Mumbai to Pune distance is around 148 km, and you can easily reach your destination in 2.5 hours by road.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Mumbai to Pune | 148 km |
| Total Time Taken | 2 hr 40 mins |
| Primary Route | via Mumbai-Pune Expressway / Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway |
| Alternate Route | NH 48 |
| Best Time to Travel | October to February |
| Approx. Cab Fare | ₹1900 |
| Mumbai Airport to Pune distance | 150 km |
| Nearest Railway Station to Pune | Pune Junction (PUNE) |
| Nearest Airport to Pune | Pune International Airport (PNQ) |
| Best Pit Stops on Primary Route | Panvel, Khopoli, Lonavala, Urse |
| Top Pit Stops on the Alternate Route | Karnala, Karla, Khandala, Maval |
Table of Contents
- Why travel from Mumbai to Pune?
- Traveling from Mumbai to Pune?
- Top Routes from Mumbai to Pune
- Mumbai to Pune Best Route
- Best time to take a road trip by car
- Other Means of Traveling from Mumbai to Pune
- How to Reach Pune By Train
- How to Reach Pune By Flight
- Attractions in Pune for Sightseeing
- Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Pune
- Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Pune
- FAQs
Why travel from Mumbai to Pune?
Savaari offers chauffeur-driven cab services from Mumbai to Pune as per your requirements. While the Expressway has made the journey more of a drive, with Savaari’s experienced chauffeurs, you can create an itinerary that helps you stop at some interesting places along the way. Make your Mumbai to Pune trip memorable by booking Mumbai taxi service with Savaari and explore the city at your own pace!
Traveling from Mumbai to Pune by car
If you plan to take the Expressway, then a car is your only option since two-wheelers are not permitted on it. While there is an option of riding a bike via the old Mumbai-Pune road, a car journey with a chauffeur can be truly memorable. Without having to worry about the traffic and road conditions, you can allow your mind to drift away from the chaos that city-life tends to fill in our minds. Maharashtra has some interesting villages and cultures. A small detour can sometimes take you to a place that will etch itself in your mind forever. When you book a Mumbai to Pune taxi service with Savaari, you are assured of experiencing a trip as per your liking.
With our dependable drivers, you can explore both cities at your leisure without worrying about traffic or road conditions. Our reverse cab option adds an extra degree of convenience to your travel plans with competitive pricing and a commitment to providing excellent service.
Top Routes from Mumbai to Pune
Route 1: via Mumbai-Pune Expressway / Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway
| Detail | Information |
| Distance between Mumbai and Pune | 148 km |
| Travel Time | 2 hr 40 mins |
| National Highways | Mumbai-Pune Expressway / Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway |
| Route | Mumbai > Panvel > Khopoli > Lonavala > Urse > Pune |
| Road Conditions | Good (six lanes and well-maintained through most of the stretch) |
Stopover Places on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Panvel: The last major town before the expressway climbs into the ghats. Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra’s largest bird sanctuary, is a short detour off the highway here.
- Khopoli: Home to Adlabs Imagica, India’s largest theme park. It is an easy stop if you’re traveling with kids and have an extra hour to spare.
- Lonavala: The classic halfway point, known for Bushi Dam and Lonavala Lake, both popular during and right after monsoon.
- Urse: The exit point for Pawna Lake, a reservoir ringed by the old forts of Lohagad and Tikona. It is popular with campers heading off the main route.
Places to Eat on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Shree Datta Snacks Expressway, Panvel: It is located right where the Expressway starts. It is known for Maharashtrian staples like misal pav and vada pav, with ample free parking for an early stop.
- Salt N Spice, Khopoli: This is a pure vegetarian eatery that maintains high-quality standards. The standouts include tandoor stuffed mushroom, daal khichadi, and palak paneer with butter kulcha.
- Sunny Da Dhaba, Lonavala: The cheese-garlic kulchas and signature butter chicken are the standouts. The hearty, generously portioned Punjabi food in a proper open-air setting with outdoor seating is the highlight.
Route 2: Mumbai to Pune via NH48 (Old Mumbai Pune Highway)
Mumbai to Pune distance Via NH 48
| Detail | Information |
| Distance between Mumbai and Pune | 152 km |
| Travel Time | 4 hrs |
| National Highways | NH-48 |
| Route | Mumbai > Panvel > Lonavala > Khandala> Pune |
| Road Conditions | The route is a 4-lane stretch and has multiple blind turns near Khandala Ghat section. |
Mumbai to Pune road condition Via NH 48
Before the Expressway was developed, the only way to travel from Mumbai to Pune was along the NH48. Via this route, the distance is around 152 km and the travel time can exceed four hours.Now known as the Old Mumbai Pune Highway, it is still the only option for bikers to reach Pune.
Popular places along the way
- Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala – Once you leave the concrete city of Mumbai, nature starts taking over. After you leave Panvel, you can take a small detour to visit the biggest bird sanctuary in Maharashtra. Depending on the time of the year, you can be lucky to witness some rare species of birds migrating away from colder regions. Trekking enthusiasts can also have fun as it offers some amazing routes for trekking.
- Aadishakti Mata Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla – The temple of the Mother of the immortal sage Parashurama, the Ekvira Devi Temple is a beautiful spiritual retreat.
- Duke’s Nose, Khandala – Although Amir Khan never mentioned the Duke’s Nose in the famous song ‘Aati Kya Khandala’; it is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Locally known as Nagphani, a trek up to this peak is memorable, to say the least. The views from there are stunning. It also has an old Mahadeva Temple at the summit.
- Pawna Lake, Maval – This is a reservoir formed by the Pavana Dam turned into an artificial lake. At a distance of around 25 km from Lonavala, the presence of historical structures, like the Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, and Visapur Fort make the setting mesmerizing. A picture-perfect landscape, this is a must-visit while traveling from Mumbai to Pune.
Places to eat on this route
While traveling from Mumbai to Pune via the old highway, you will find numerous dhabas and restaurants offering lip-smacking food. Some options are:
- Rama Krishna, Lonavala – South Indian food
- Rudra’s Kailash Parbat Restaurant, Lonavala – Snacks and fast food
- Golden Wada Pav Food Stall, Lonavala
- Homely Food Joshi’s Sanatorium, Lonavala – Seafood
- Sheetal Da Dhaba, Lonavala – Indian food
- Sunny Da Dhaba, Lonavala – North Indian, Mughlai, and Chinese food
- Kinara Village Dhaba, Lonavala – Beautiful setting and traditional food
- La Boulangere Bakery, Lonavala – It is a bakery and a café. Do we need to say more!?
Mumbai to Pune Best Route
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway / Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway is the only route worth taking on this drive. It gets you there in under three hours, stays smooth and six-laned for nearly its full length, and passes every worthwhile stop along the way without adding real time. The only travelers who need an alternative are on two-wheelers, since bikes aren’t permitted on the Expressway at all.
Best Time to Visit Pune from Mumbai
Pune has a moderate climate round the year. While the peak summer weeks can be a little too hot and monsoon can cause bad roads, weather is primarily good for traveling to Pune. The average temperature around the year tends to range between 20 and 28 degrees with a typical tropical wet and dry climate. The best time visit Mumbai to Pune by car will be during the cooler months of October to February and make the experience unforgettable by renting a Mumbai Innova Cab – with its comfortable seating, ample space, and top-of-the-line features, it’s the ideal ride to explore the scenic route between these two iconic cities.
Peak Season & Festival Dates
Ganesh Chaturthi, usually in August or September, is the one time of year when driving into Pune gets genuinely difficult. Immersion processions for Visarjan can shut down entire stretches of the city for a full day or more, so factor that in if your trip lands anywhere near the festival.
Diwali week sees a similar crunch on both ends, with everyone trying to get home at once. The monsoon months, June through September, bring their own risk: the ghat sections near Khandala and Lonavala occasionally see landslide alerts, and Savaari’s chauffeurs will usually know when it’s better to wait it out.
Other Means of Traveling from Mumbai to Pune
How to Reach Pune by Train
More than 40 Mumbai to Pune trains run every day, and it’s one of the busier corridors on Indian Railways. The Deccan Queen is the best known of the lot, with Deccan Express, Indrayani Express, Sinhagad Express, and the Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat Express covering the rest. Journey time lands somewhere between 3 and 4 hours, depending on which one you catch. Tickets can be booked directly via IRCTC.
Once you’re in, a Pune railway station cab from Savaari can pick you up straight off the platform, so you’re not hunting for a ride after a long train journey.
How to Reach Pune by Flight
IndiGo and Akasa Air run direct Mumbai to Pune flights, with the flight itself taking about an hour. Once you factor in check-in and transfers on both ends, though, the real travel time usually stretches past 4 hours.
One-way fares generally fall between ₹2,500 and ₹5,500. A Pune airport taxi from Savaari can pick you up right at PNQ and take you into the city or onward; no need to arrange anything after you land.
Cab vs Train vs Flight Comparison Table
| Mode | Duration | Approximate Cost | Flexibility | Best For |
| Cab | 2.5 hrs | ₹1900 | High; door-to-door, stop wherever you want | Families, groups, flexible travel |
| Train | 3.5–4 hrs | ₹105–₹1,500+ | Low; fixed timings, fixed stations | Budget-conscious travelers |
| Flight | ~1 hr (air time) | ₹2,500–₹5,500+ | Low; fixed schedules, tied to airport logistics | Travelers connecting to other flights |
Explore Pune Like a Local: A Handy Guide
The Queen of the Deccan, Pune is the cultural capital of the Marathas and is rich in heritage. It is a shining example of New India which has restored its heritage and embraced modernization to make life better. The weather in Pune is typically tropical with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 28 degrees around the year.
Pune will never cease to amaze you. Every turn reveals a historic structure steeped in history. And, the locals love the history of this interesting town. It is also known as the Education Capital of Maharashtra due to the numerous educational institutes in the city. This gives the place a young and energetic vibe too. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your trip to Pune.
- Sinhagad Fort: A short, popular trek with views over the whole valley.
- Phoenix Market City: The biggest mall in Pune, good for a lazy afternoon.
- National Defence Academy Campus: India’s premier military academy, with a scenic campus worth a drive-through.
- ISKCON NVCC Temple: Peaceful grounds and one of the larger ISKCON temples in the country.
- Sri Balaji Mandir: A smaller-scale replica of the Tirupati temple, popular with devotees.
- Okayama Friendship Garden: A Japanese-style garden that’s an easy, calm stop.
- Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple: Pune’s most visited temple, especially lively during Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Laxmi Road: The city’s classic shopping stretch, good for everything from clothes to street food.
Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Pune
Punekars love their food. This is evident by the range of options available across the city. Here are some food items and the best places to eat them in Pune:
- JJ Garden, Camp – Wada Pav
- Bedekar, Narayan Peth – Misal Pav
- Goodluck Café, Deccan Gymkhana – Kheema Pav
- Baked & Wired, Kalyani Nagar – Cheesy Deep Dish Pizza
- Diamond Bakery, Fatima Nagar – Lemon Tarts
- Kapila, Dhole Patil Road – Kathi Rolls
- Marzorin, Camp – Chutney Sandwich
- Maasa, Mundhwa – Chicken special thali
- Chitale Bandhu, Deccan Gymkhana – Bhakarvadi
- Budhani, Camp – Wafers
- Manna Magic Dosa, Pimpri-Chinchwad – 85 varieties of Dosas
- Café Laileena, Kondhwa – Yemeni cuisine
- Amruteshwar, Erandwane – Midnight snacks
- The Place, Camp – Sizzlers
- Sharma Ice Cream Parlor, Pimpri-Chinchwad – Guava Ice Cream with Chilli Powder
- Paratha House, J.M. Road – Bahubali Thali
Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Pune
| Hotel Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Ritz-Carlton | Golf Course Square, Airport Road, Yerwada, 411006 Pune, India |
| Conrad Pune by Hilton | 7, Mangaldas Road, Koregaon Park, 411001 Pune, India |
| Vivanta Pune | Xion Complex, Wakad Road, 411057 Pune, India |
| Fort Jadhavgadh Pune | Hadapsar – Saswad – Jejuri Rd, Jadhavwadi, Maharashtra 412301 |
| Hotel Sunderban Pune | 19, Koregaon Park Next to Osho International Commune, Maharashtra 411001 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pune from Mumbai by road?
The Mumbai to Pune distance is about 148 km via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway / Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway.
How long does it take to travel from Mumbai to Pune?
Traveling from Mumbai to Pune takes roughly around 2.5 to 3 hours on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway / Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway under normal traffic.
What is the best route from Mumbai to Pune?
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway / Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway is the best route from Mumbai to Pune. It’s shorter, faster, and in far better condition than any other alternate route, though two-wheelers aren’t allowed on it.
When is the best time to travel from Mumbai to Pune?
October to February, when temperatures are mild and the roads are dry. Monsoon season looks beautiful but comes with slippery ghat sections.
What are the top places to visit on the Mumbai to Pune route?
Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Panvel, Adlabs Imagica in Khopoli, Bushi Dam and Lonavala Lake in Lonavala, and Pawna Lake near Urse cover the route well, each just a short detour off the Expressway.
Top Routes to Explore from Mumbai
Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by V Subhadra
