Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra known for its educational institutions and IT hubs, lies about 150 km southeast of Mumbai. Mumbai International Airport, located in Santacruz and Sahar, is the primary gateway for domestic and international flights in the region. This route is popular among business travelers, tourists, and weekend visitors heading to Mumbai or catching flights from the airport.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Pune to Mumbai International Airport, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You’ll find detailed tips on timings, costs, and local travel nuances to help you plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Pune to Mumbai International Airport – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a convenient and economical option for reaching Mumbai from Pune, but it requires additional local transport to get to the airport. Pune and Mumbai are well connected by frequent trains, making this a popular choice for budget travelers.

• Key stations:

  Board trains from Pune Junction (PUNE) to Mumbai CST, Dadar, or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). LTT is closest to the airport, about 8 km away.

• Duration and cost:

  The journey takes 3 to 4 hours depending on the train, with fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹500 for second class to AC seats. Fast trains like the Deccan Express or Intercity are preferred.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Trains run every hour or two throughout the day. AC chair cars offer comfortable seating, but non-AC can be crowded during peak hours.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From LTT or Dadar station, take a prepaid taxi or app-based cab (Ola/Uber) to the airport, which takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

• Timing tips:

  Avoid early morning or late-night trains if you have a flight, as local transport options may be limited. Midday trains offer better connectivity and less crowding.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option but less direct and comfortable compared to trains or cars. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates buses between Pune and Mumbai, but none go directly to the airport.

• Departure points:

  Buses leave from Pune’s Swargate or Shivajinagar bus stations to Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus stations.

• Duration and cost:

  The journey takes 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic, with fares between ₹150 and ₹300 for non-AC and AC buses.

• Comfort and frequency:

  MSRTC offers ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo buses. Volvo buses are more comfortable but costlier and less frequent.

• Last-mile travel:

  From Mumbai bus stations, use local trains or taxis to reach the airport, which can add an hour to your travel time.

• Challenges:

  Traffic congestion on Mumbai’s Western Express Highway can cause delays, especially during peak hours and monsoon season.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Mumbai International Airport is one of the fastest and most flexible options. The route is well maintained and offers scenic views along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

• Route details:

  Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48), which is about 150 km and usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

• Tolls and costs:

  Expect toll charges totaling around ₹300. Fuel cost for a one-way trip is approximately ₹1,200 depending on your vehicle’s mileage.

• Parking and drop-off:

  The airport has multiple parking options. If dropping off, use the designated drop zones to avoid fines and congestion.

• Traffic tips:

  Avoid peak Mumbai inbound traffic hours (8–11 AM) and weekends when expressway traffic can be heavy.

• Scenic and rest stops:

  The expressway offers clean rest stops like Khalapur and Lonavala with eateries and fuel stations. Monsoon drives require caution due to slippery patches.

Flight

Though Pune and Mumbai are close, there are occasional flights between Pune Airport and Mumbai Airport, mainly for business travelers seeking quick transfers. This is the fastest but most expensive option.

• Airlines and frequency:

  Airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate multiple daily flights between Pune and Mumbai, with flight times around 30 minutes.

• Cost and booking:

  Ticket prices range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on how early you book and the season.

• Airport transfers:

  Pune Airport is about 10 km from Pune city center; plan extra time for airport check-in and security.

• Practicality:

  Flights are best for urgent travel or when connecting to international flights from Mumbai. Factor in time for airport security and transfers.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Flights may be delayed during heavy monsoon rains or fog in winter mornings.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers plan their journey from Pune to Mumbai International Airport efficiently.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether train, bus, or flight, book tickets via IRCTC, MSRTC website, or airline portals at least a week in advance to secure seats and better prices.

• Start early:

  Begin your journey early morning to avoid Mumbai’s peak traffic and ensure ample time for airport check-in.

• Reach the station or bus stop early:

  Arrive at Pune Junction or Swargate 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus easily.

• Arrange last-mile transport in Mumbai:

  Pre-book Ola/Uber or use prepaid taxi counters at LTT or Dadar stations for a hassle-free ride to the airport.

• Pack light and carry essentials:

  Keep your luggage manageable for easy transfers between train/bus and taxis, and carry water and snacks for the journey.

• Monitor traffic and train status:

  Use apps like Google Maps and NTES for real-time updates on traffic and train timings to adjust plans if needed.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety:

  Use prepaid taxi booths or trusted app-based cabs from stations and bus stops to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially if traveling by bus or train, as station food quality varies.

• Booking strategy:

  IRCTC allows advance train bookings 120 days prior; MSRTC tickets can be booked online or at counters; flights require early booking for best fares.

• Local commute in Mumbai:

  Mumbai local trains are crowded; prefer taxis or app cabs for airport transfers, especially with luggage.

• Luggage handling:

  Pack smartly to manage transfers easily; avoid heavy bags if using public transport.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads on the expressway; plan extra travel time and drive cautiously.

Best Time & Conditions

The Pune to Mumbai airport route experiences seasonal variations affecting travel time and comfort.

Winter mornings can have fog causing flight delays, while monsoon rains impact road and rail travel. Summer heat can make waiting at stations uncomfortable.

• Avoid traveling during Mumbai’s peak traffic hours (8–11 AM and 5–8 PM) to reduce delays.

• Monsoon season (June to September) requires caution on expressway drives due to slippery roads and occasional landslides.

• Mid-morning to early afternoon departures offer smoother traffic and better local transport availability.

• Plan flights early in the day to avoid fog-related delays common in winter months (December–January).

Arrival at Mumbai International Airport & What to Expect

On arrival at Mumbai International Airport, travelers find a large, well-equipped facility with clear signage and multiple terminals for domestic and international flights. The airport is located in Santacruz East and Sahar East, about 8 km from central Mumbai.

For onward travel, prepaid taxi counters are available at all terminal exits. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate smoothly here, and metro connectivity is improving with the Mumbai Metro Line 1 extension.

Nearby attractions include Juhu Beach and the Bandra Kurla Complex business district. Popular stay areas for transit travelers are Andheri, Vile Parle, and Bandra, offering a range of hotels and guesthouses.

Conclusion

Among all options, traveling by car or self-drive via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the most efficient and flexible way to reach Mumbai International Airport from Pune. It offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and convenience, especially for those with luggage or tight flight schedules.

However, budget travelers can rely on trains combined with local transport for a cost-effective journey. With proper planning and awareness of traffic and seasonal conditions, you can confidently navigate this route and enjoy a smooth start to your Mumbai trip or flight.