Mumbai to Pune Road Trip: Routes, Fares & Tips

The Mumbai to Pune corridor is the busiest intercity route in western India, and one of the most heavily travelled stretches of road in the entire country. Every day, thousands of people make this journey for business, family visits, weekend getaways, and everything in between. The two cities are separated by roughly 150 kilometres, but the experience of travelling between them varies dramatically depending on the route you choose, the time you leave, and how you plan your trip.

Whether you are a Mumbai resident heading to Pune for a weekend break, a business traveller shuttling between offices, or a tourist exploring Maharashtra, this complete guide will help you plan the perfect Mumbai to Pune road trip by cab.

Distance and Travel Time Overview

The distance from Mumbai to Pune ranges from approximately 150 to 170 kilometres depending on your exact starting point in Mumbai and your chosen route. Here is a quick overview:

Route	Distance	Estimated Time
Mumbai-Pune Expressway	~150 km	2.5 to 3 hours
Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48)	~165 km	3.5 to 5 hours
Via NH-66 and Tamhini Ghat	~170 km	4 to 5.5 hours

For most travellers, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the clear winner. It is faster, more comfortable, and better maintained than the alternatives. However, each route has its own character and appeal, which we will explore in detail.

Route 1: Mumbai-Pune Expressway (Recommended)

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, officially known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, is India’s first six-lane, high-speed, access-controlled expressway. Stretching 94.5 kilometres from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai to Dehu Road near Pune, it was inaugurated in 2002 and has since become the lifeline of the Mumbai-Pune corridor.

What Makes This Route Great

The expressway is engineered for speed and safety. With a speed limit of 80 km/h for cars (strictly enforced via speed cameras), smooth asphalt, well-marked lanes, and adequate lighting in the tunnels, it offers a driving experience that is a class apart from most Indian highways.

Key highlights:

Six tunnels: The expressway passes through the Sahyadri mountains via six tunnels, the longest being the twin-bore tunnel near Kamshet at approximately 2 kilometres. Driving through these tunnels with the Western Ghats towering around you is a genuinely impressive experience.
Scenic beauty: Once you clear the urban sprawl of Navi Mumbai, the expressway winds through the Western Ghats, offering stunning views of forested hills, valleys, and during monsoon, cascading waterfalls.
Food plazas: There are several food plazas and rest areas along the expressway, including at the halfway point near Lonavala. These offer everything from quick snacks to full meals and clean restrooms.
Toll charges: As of 2026, the one-way toll for a car on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is approximately INR 295 to 345 (subject to periodic revision). Return toll is usually discounted if used within 24 hours.

Points to Note

The expressway is notoriously accident-prone in certain stretches, particularly near the ghat sections. Fog and reduced visibility can be issues during the early morning hours in winter and during heavy monsoon rains. RiccoRide drivers are trained to navigate these conditions safely, maintaining appropriate speeds and using fog lights when necessary.

Traffic on the expressway can be heavy on Friday evenings (Mumbai to Pune) and Sunday evenings (Pune to Mumbai) as weekend travellers move between the two cities. If possible, avoid these peak times or leave well ahead of the rush.

Route 2: Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48)

Before the expressway came along, the old Mumbai-Pune Highway was the only road connecting the two cities. It is still very much in use today and remains a viable alternative, particularly for travellers who want a more leisurely, scenic drive.

Character of the Route

The old highway passes through the famous Khandala and Lonavala hill stations, winding through hairpin bends and steep gradients in the Bhor Ghat section. This is one of the most scenic drives in western India, especially during the monsoon season (June to September) when the ghats are blanketed in green and waterfalls appear at every turn.

Notable stops along the old highway:

Lonavala: A popular hill station known for its chikki (a brittle sweet), the Bhushi Dam, Tiger Point, and the Karla and Bhaja caves. A 30-minute stop here is well worth the detour.
Khandala: Adjacent to Lonavala, Khandala offers viewpoints like Duke’s Nose and Rajmachi Point.
Kamshet: Known as a paragliding hub, Kamshet is a great spot for adventure enthusiasts.

Why You Might Choose This Route

You want to visit Lonavala or Khandala en route
You enjoy scenic mountain driving with curves and elevation changes
The expressway is closed for maintenance or due to an accident (which happens occasionally)
You are travelling during monsoon and want to experience the Western Ghats at their most dramatic

Why You Might Avoid It

It is significantly slower, especially behind trucks on the ghat sections
The road surface in the ghat area can be rough and potholed
Overtaking opportunities are limited on the narrow, winding stretches
Traffic congestion in Lonavala town can add 20 to 30 minutes to your journey

Route 3: Via Tamhini Ghat (The Scenic Detour)

For the adventurous traveller, the route via Tamhini Ghat offers an extraordinary driving experience. This route branches off from Mangaon on NH-66 (the coastal highway) and winds through the dense forests of the Tamhini Ghat before descending into Mulshi and eventually reaching Pune.

This is not a route for those in a hurry. The ghat road is narrow, winding, and can be challenging in the monsoon. However, the sheer beauty of the drive, with dense tropical forests, mist-covered mountains, and some of the most pristine waterfalls in Maharashtra, makes it a bucket-list experience.

This route is recommended only during the monsoon season (July to September) for the full visual impact, and only with an experienced driver. It is not advisable for travellers with motion sickness or those who are uncomfortable with narrow mountain roads. If you are interested in this route, mention it when booking with RiccoRide, and we will assign a driver who is familiar with the terrain.

Fare Estimates for Mumbai to Pune by Cab

Here is what you can expect to pay for a cab from Mumbai to Pune in 2026:

Vehicle Type	One-Way Fare (Approx.)	Round Trip Fare (Approx.)
Hatchback (Swift, WagonR)	INR 1,800 - 2,500	INR 3,500 - 4,500
Sedan (Dzire, Etios)	INR 2,500 - 3,500	INR 4,500 - 6,000
SUV (Innova, Ertiga)	INR 3,500 - 5,000	INR 6,500 - 8,500
Premium (Camry, Crysta)	INR 5,500 - 7,500	INR 9,000 - 13,000

These fares generally include toll charges and a basic driver allowance. Prices may vary based on your exact pickup and drop-off locations within Mumbai and Pune. A pickup from South Mumbai (Colaba, Marine Drive, Fort area) will cost more than one from the suburbs or Navi Mumbai simply due to the additional distance.

RiccoRide offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing for the Mumbai-Pune route with no hidden fees. The fare you see at booking is the fare you pay at the end of your trip.

Best Time to Travel Mumbai to Pune

Weekday Mornings (Recommended)

The ideal time to leave Mumbai for Pune is on a weekday morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. You will avoid the worst of Mumbai’s traffic and reach the expressway quickly. The drive itself will be smooth with relatively light traffic, and you should reach Pune by 9:00 to 10:30 AM.

Friday Evening and Weekend Traffic

Avoid departing Mumbai on Friday evenings if possible. The expressway becomes extremely congested as Mumbaikars head to Pune, Lonavala, and other weekend destinations. What is normally a 2.5-hour drive can stretch to 4 or even 5 hours. Similarly, the return journey on Sunday evening is best avoided.

Monsoon Considerations

During the monsoon (June to September), the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and old highway are both prone to heavy rainfall, reduced visibility, and occasional landslides. While the expressway is generally safe, the ghat sections of the old highway can be treacherous. Travel during daylight hours and ensure your cab driver is experienced in monsoon driving. RiccoRide drivers undergo special training for wet-weather driving on ghat roads.

Winter and Post-Monsoon (October to February)

This is the most comfortable period for the journey. The weather is pleasant, the ghats are still green from the monsoon, and visibility is excellent. Early morning fog in December and January can slow the initial part of the drive, but it usually clears by 9:00 AM.

Interesting Stops Between Mumbai and Pune

One of the great advantages of travelling by cab rather than train or bus is the flexibility to stop along the way. Here are some worthwhile stops:

Imagica Theme Park

Located near Khopoli, just off the expressway, Imagica is one of India’s largest theme parks. If you are travelling with children, consider breaking the journey for a few hours of fun.

Lonavala and Khandala

Accessible from the old highway, these twin hill stations are perfect for a quick breakfast stop, a walk to Bhushi Dam, or a visit to the ancient Karla Caves.

Lion’s Point and Tiger’s Leap

If you take the old highway route, these viewpoints near Lonavala offer breathtaking views of the Sahyadri valleys, especially during monsoon.

Pune-Adjacent Wineries

As you approach Pune, you are entering one of India’s emerging wine regions. Sula Vineyards, Four Seasons Winery, and Fratelli Vineyards all have tasting rooms within easy reach. A wine-tasting stop can add a sophisticated touch to your road trip.

Practical Tips for the Journey

Use the restroom before leaving: Mumbai-Pune Expressway food plazas have clean restrooms, but the gaps between them can be 30 to 40 kilometres.
Carry a light jacket: Temperatures can drop as you climb the ghats, especially during monsoon and winter. The tunnels on the expressway are also noticeably cooler.
Keep your phone charged: You will want it for navigation, photos, and emergency contacts. Ask your driver if the car has a charging port, or carry a power bank. All RiccoRide vehicles come equipped with phone charging facilities.
Avoid eating heavy meals before the ghat section: The winding roads can trigger motion sickness. Stick to light snacks until you reach Pune.
Pre-book your return trip: If you know your return date and approximate time, booking your return cab in advance ensures you get the vehicle you want at the fare you expect. Last-minute bookings on Sunday evenings, in particular, can be more expensive or harder to find.
Share your live location: When travelling between cities, share your live trip location with a family member or friend. RiccoRide provides a shareable tracking link for all intercity bookings.

Why Travel Mumbai to Pune by Cab

While trains (the Deccan Queen, Shatabdi Express) and buses (Shivneri, private Volvo) are popular options for the Mumbai-Pune route, a cab offers several distinct advantages:

Door-to-door service: No need to get to a railway station or bus depot. Your cab picks you up from your exact location and drops you at your destination.
Flexibility: Stop wherever you want, for as long as you want. Visit Lonavala, grab lunch at a highway restaurant, or take photos at a scenic viewpoint.
Privacy and comfort: Especially important for business travellers, families with children, or anyone who values personal space.
Luggage freedom: No restrictions on the number or size of bags, unlike trains and buses.

Book Your Mumbai to Pune Cab with RiccoRide

RiccoRide makes the Mumbai-Pune journey effortless with well-maintained vehicles, professional drivers, and straightforward pricing. Whether you need a compact sedan for a solo business trip or a spacious SUV for a family outing, we have the right vehicle waiting for you.

Our Mumbai-Pune service includes:

Complimentary pickup from anywhere in Mumbai
All-inclusive fares covering tolls, fuel, and driver charges
Flexible itineraries with optional stops at Lonavala, Khandala, or other attractions
Clean, air-conditioned vehicles with phone charging facilities
GPS-tracked trips with shareable live location

Planning a Mumbai to Pune trip? Get in touch with RiccoRide by phone or WhatsApp for an instant quote. Let us take care of the driving while you sit back and enjoy the spectacular Western Ghats scenery.

Mumbai to Pune Road Trip: Routes, Fares & Tips | RiccoRide