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Cheapest Way to Travel from Mumbai to Pune (Complete Practical Guide)

Your real-world comparison of trains, buses & cabs based on cost, comfort, timing & actual travel conditions.

Travelling from Mumbai to Pune looks simple, but choosing the cheapest and smartest mode isn’t easy. Fares change, traffic patterns differ by time, and each option (train, bus, cab) has a different value depending on who is travelling, at what time, and for what purpose.

This guide gives you practical insights from Mumbai Cabs Rental, who have extensive experience on this route.

No fluff, only what matters when you're actually travelling.

Why Choosing the Right Mumbai – Pune Travel Option Matters

The Mumbai-Pune route is one of the busiest in India, with thousands of travelers every day. But choosing the right travel mode isn’t just about picking the cheapest option. Depending on your priorities, you may want:

  • A fast journey without compromising safety
  • Comfortable travel within your budget
  • The most reliable option for families or groups
  • Travel options that work late at night
  • The best value for your money

Quick Verdict

  • Cheapest overall:

    Train (2S class)
  • Cheapest comfortable:

    AC Seater bus
  • Fastest & most convenient:

    Cab
  • Best for families:

    Cab
  • Best for night travel:

    Volvo sleeper
  • Best for senior citizens:

    Cab
  • Best for students:

    Train

➡ Best overall value for money : AC Volvo Bus or Sedan Cab (based on situation)

Mumbai–Pune Travel Basics People Usually Miss

 Route map from Mumbai to Pune highlighting expressway, tolls, and major traffic spots

Distance

  • Mumbai to Pune: 148–160 km
  • Depends on pickup point (Borivali vs Dadar vs Navi Mumbai)

Tolls

  • Total one-way toll: Rs. 400–Rs. 460

Traffic Windows (Based on actual route patterns)

  • Fastest time:

    10 AM – 4 PM
  • Slowest:

    Fridays 5 PM – 10 PM, Mondays 7 AM – 11 AM
  • Danger periods:

    post-midnight fog on Khandala Ghat (Nov–Jan)

Weather Impact

  • Monsoon slows ghats by 20–30 minutes
  • Fog increases risk; cabs drive cautiously, trains unaffected

All Travel Modes Compared

Comparison of train, bus, and cab for Mumbai to Pune travel

A. Mumbai to Pune by Train - Cheapest but Limited Convenience

The absolute cheapest option.

Fares:

  • 2S: ₹95–₹120
  • CC: ₹350–₹450
  • EC: ₹900–₹1,100

Travel Time:

3–4 hours

Pros:

  • Cheapest among all
  • Predictable timing
  • Good for solo/student budget

Cons:

  • No doorstep pickup → you spend extra ₹100–₹300 on local commute
  • Crowds can be overwhelming
  • Luggage space very limited
  • Not ideal for elderly or families

B. Mumbai to Pune by Bus — Ideal Balance of Budget + Comfort

The absolute cheapest option.

Fares:

  • Non-AC seater: ₹250–₹350
  • AC seater: ₹350–₹550
  • Volvo/Mercedes sleeper: ₹700–₹1,200
  • Shivneri: ₹380–₹460

Travel Time:

3.5–5 hours

Pros:

  • Very comfortable for night travel
  • Multiple boarding points
  • Safer for women at night compared to trains

Cons:

  • Slow due to pickup points
  • Weekend surge pricing
  • No guaranteed washroom break time

C. Mumbai to Pune by Cab - Fastest, Safest & Most Convenient

Fares (Transparent Range):

  • Sedan: ₹1,500–₹1,800 + toll
  • SUV: ₹2,000–₹2,500 + toll
  • Crysta: ₹2,500–₹3,200 + toll

Total with toll:

₹1,900–₹3,600 depending on vehicle

Pros (Actual user experience):

  • Pure door-to-door travel
  • Best for families, elderly, corporate
  • Saves 1–2 hours
  • Driver waits during traffic, no stress

Cons:

  • Costlier than train/bus
  • Peak hour pricing may increase demand

The “Value for Money Score”

We score each mode on a 10-point scale:

Factor

Train

Bus

Cab

Cost 10/10 7/10 5/10
Comfort 4/10 7/10 10/10
Speed 6/10 5/10 9/10
Door-to-door 2/10 4/10 10/10
Safety (Night) 4/10 7/10 9/10

Overall Value Scores:

  • Train:

    5.2/10
  • Bus:

    6.0/10
  • Cab:

    8.6/10 (Best overall experience)

Ready to travel the smartest way? Book your cab with Mumbai Cabs Rental and save time & money.

Best Option Based on Traveller Type

  • Students:

    Train
  • Solo Travelers:

    Bus
  • Families:

    Cab
  • Women Night Travelers:

    Volvo Sleeper / Cab
  • Senior Citizens:

    Cab
  • Business Travelers:

    Cab
  • Travelling with Luggage:

    Cab
  • Pet Travel:

    Cab only

Local Insider Tips Only Frequent Travellers Know

  • Avoid expressway between 8 PM–1 AM in winter due to fog
  • Best food stops: Food Mall, McD Khalapur, Tiger Point
  • Avoid wrong Panvel boarding points, unsafe late night
  • If taking train, get to Dadar/Panvel early (big rush)
  • For buses, choose Shivneri for safest women travel
  • For cabs, start after 10 AM for smoothest traffic

What Most Travellers Don’t Realize (Hidden Costs)

  • Train + auto / taxi at both ends = +₹200–₹400
  • Bus surge pricing = +20–40% weekends
  • Cab cost shared by 3–4 people becomes cheaper than bus
  • Driving your own car → fuel (₹800–₹1,200) + toll (₹460) + fatigue

Final Recommendation – Cheapest vs Smartest vs Safest

  • Cheapest:

    Train
  • Most Value:

    AC Bus
  • Smartest:

    Cab
  • Safest:

    Cab
  • Best Overall Experience:

    Cab
  • Best Per-Person Cost for Group:

    Cab

Compare prices, choose your vehicle, and book your Mumbai–Pune cab today, door-to-door, safe, and hassle-free.

FAQs

How long does it take to travel from Mumbai to Pune by cab?

On average, a cab takes 2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic, pickup point, and route. Cabs provide door-to-door convenience, making it the fastest option for families, corporate travelers, and senior citizens.

Which is the cheapest way to travel from Mumbai to Pune?

The train (2S class) is the absolute cheapest option. AC buses are affordable if you want more comfort, while cabs are more expensive but offer speed, flexibility, and convenience.

Can I book a Mumbai to Pune cab online?

Yes! You can book your Mumbai to Pune cab online with Mumbai Cabs Rental for transparent pricing, door-to-door service, and professional drivers.

What are the hidden costs of traveling from Mumbai to Pune?

Hidden costs include:
  • Train + auto/taxi at both ends (~₹200–₹400)
  • Weekend bus surge pricing (+20–40%)
  • Driving your own car → fuel (~₹800–₹1,200) + toll (~₹460) + fatigue
  • Cab fares may vary slightly during peak hours
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