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Transportation Guide

Getting Around Maharashtra 2025

Navigate Maharashtra like a local with our transportation guide.

Maharashtra is India's second-most populous state and a powerhouse of culture, history, and natural beauty. Home to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, ancient UNESCO World Heritage cave complexes at Ajanta and Ellora, majestic Sahyadri mountain forts, and pristine Konkan coastline beaches, Maharashtra offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences for every type of traveler.

Transportation Overview

Quick comparison of transport options in Maharashtra.

🚌

Public Transit

Availability: ★★★☆☆

Mumbai's suburban rail network is the lifeblood of the city. Pune's metro, Nagpur's metro, and city buses provide good coverage.

🚕

Taxis

Availability: ★★★★☆

Ola and Uber are reliable, metered, and safe across all major Maharashtra cities. Always preferred over street-hailed autos for tourists.

🚗

Car Rental

Recommended: ★★☆☆☆

Self-drive cars from Zoomcar and Revv are useful for Tadoba safari access and Konkan coast road trips.

🚶

Walking

Suitable: ★★★☆☆

South Mumbai (Colaba to Fort), Pune's FC Road and Koregaon Park, and Aurangabad old city are very walkable.

Getting There

How to arrive in Maharashtra.

✈️ By Air

Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

BOM30km from South Mumbai from center

India's second-busiest airport with two terminals. T2 handles international and major domestic flights. Connected to Mumbai by metro (Line 1 from Andheri), bus, and taxi.

Transfer options: Ola/Uber: $5-12 to city center (40-70 min), Metro Line 1 to Andheri: $0.50 (5 min), then change to Western Railway, Pre-paid taxi: $10-18 to South Mumbai (60-90 min), BEST bus: $0.60 to various city points
Airport

Pune International Airport

PNQ10km from Pune city center from center

A modern airport with international and domestic connections. Very close to the city center; taxi takes 20-30 minutes.

Transfer options: Ola/Uber: $3-7 to city center (20-30 min), Pre-paid taxi: $6-10 to Camp area (25 min), City bus: $0.30 to Swargate bus terminal (45 min)
Airport

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur

NAG8km from Nagpur city center from center

Nagpur's airport with daily connections to Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and some international destinations. The gateway airport for Tadoba and Pench national parks.

Transfer options: Ola/Uber: $2-5 to city center (15-20 min), Pre-paid taxi: $4-7 to city (20 min), City bus: $0.30 to central bus stand (30 min)
Airport

Aurangabad Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport)

IXU10km from city center from center

A small domestic airport connecting Aurangabad to Mumbai and Pune. The key air gateway for Ajanta and Ellora caves.

Transfer options: Pre-paid taxi: $4-6 to city center (20-25 min), Ola: $3-5 to city center

Airport Transfer Options

🚕 Taxi

$5-12 (Ola/Uber from Mumbai airport to city)

App-based taxis are the most recommended. Pre-paid taxis available at the airport are fixed-rate.

🚐 Shared Shuttle

$3-5 (shared van service from Pune airport)

Available for Pune airport; book through hotel or at the arrivals hall

🚌 Public Bus

$0.60 (BEST bus from Mumbai airport area)

BEST buses connect from Andheri/Kurla area to various city destinations

🚗 Private Transfer

$15-30 (pre-booked private car from Mumbai T2 to South Mumbai)

Book through hotel concierge or travel apps like MakeMyTrip

🚗

Complete Transportation Guide

Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.

Get Guide

Local Transportation

Getting around within Maharashtra.

Transport options vary by city. Mumbai has exceptional public transport. Pune's metro is expanding rapidly. Smaller towns rely on auto-rickshaws and MSRTC buses.

Mumbai Local Train (essential for city navigation)

Mumbai/Pune/Nagpur Metro

Auto-rickshaws (all cities except South Mumbai)

Ola/Uber (cities and intercity)

MSRTC buses (intercity and rural)

🚌 Buses

BEST buses in Mumbai cover all areas; city buses in Pune and Nagpur are extensive. Fares from ₹5-15 ($0.06-0.18).

🛺 Local Alternatives

Mumbai Metro (Lines 1, 2A, 7), Pune Metro (Line 1), auto-rickshaws, and Ola/Uber supplement bus networks.

Taxis & Rideshare

On-demand transport options.

Taxi

Regular Taxis

₹25 ($0.30) base fare + ₹14/km for Ola Mini

Typical fare: $2-5 for an average city ride in Mumbai or Pune
App

Ride-Hailing Apps

['Ola', 'Uber', 'Rapido (two-wheeler taxi)']

Ola Uber Rapido

Taxi Safety Tips

  • Use official taxis or verified ride-hailing apps
  • Agree on fare before starting or ensure meter is running
  • Have your destination written down in local language
  • Keep small bills for payment - drivers may not have change
  • Share your ride details with someone if traveling alone at night

Intercity Travel

Getting between cities and regions.

Trains are the most comfortable intercity option. The Mumbai-Pune Shatabdi Express takes 3h15m; Vande Bharat Express does it in 2h40m. MSRTC Shivneri and Asiad buses are popular for Mumbai-Pune.

Bus

Long-Distance Buses

MSRTC Shivneri (AC sleeper): Mumbai to Pune ₹500-700 ($6-8), journey 3-4h

Shared

Shared Taxis/Minivans

Shared taxis available for Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Nashik, and Nashik-Aurangabad corridors

Air

Domestic Flights

Mumbai to Nagpur from ₹2,000 ($24); Mumbai to Aurangabad from ₹1,500 ($18)

Private

Private Car/Driver

Self-drive car rental from ₹1,500/day ($18) from Zoomcar or Revv

Driving in Maharashtra

Information for self-driving travelers.

Recommended?

Yes

Driving Side

left

License Required

International Driving Permit required for foreign nationals

Road Conditions

Mumbai and Pune traffic is heavy; highway driving to Aurangabad, Nashik, and Nagpur is relatively straightforward. Roads in Sahyadri hills can be winding.

Driving Considerations

  • Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
  • Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
  • Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
  • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
  • Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)

Transportation Tips

Essential advice for getting around.

💡

Buy a Mumbai local train day pass for ₹100 ($1.20) for unlimited suburban travel

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Download Ola and Uber before arrival — both work without a local SIM using international cards

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Mumbai local trains separate into first class and second class carriages; tourists often buy first class for more space

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Auto-rickshaws in Mumbai operate only north of Bandra; use taxis in South Mumbai

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Book Shatabdi and Vande Bharat train tickets on IRCTC app at least 30 days in advance

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MSRTC's Shivneri buses from Mumbai CST to Pune are air-conditioned and reliable — book online

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For Tadoba safari, hire a local jeep operator from Chandrapur; don't bring a rental car inside the park

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The Trans Harbour Link bridge (inaugurated 2024) significantly cuts Mumbai-Navi Mumbai travel time

Useful Apps

IRCTC Rail Connect

Official Indian Railways app for booking intercity train tickets

Ola

India's most popular ride-hailing app, available across all Maharashtra cities

Uber

International ride-hailing app operating in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik

MSRTC app

Official Maharashtra state bus booking app for intercity MSRTC routes

Rapido

Two-wheeler taxi app for short distances and beating traffic in Pune and Mumbai

Navigate Maharashtra Like a Local

Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.

Download Transport Guide