How to Reach Maharashtra: Flights, Trains and Road Routes

Most travellers reach Maharashtra through Mumbai or Pune. From there, fly or take a train to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) for the Ajanta and Ellora caves, fly to Nagpur for Tadoba's tigers, drive the Mumbai–Pune Expressway to Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, and use the Konkan Railway for the coast.

Maharashtra is one of India's largest states, stretching from the Konkan coast to the forests of Vidarbha. Many of our readers live in Mumbai or Pune and start their trips by road, while others fly in from elsewhere. This guide explains the gateways by air, rail and road, and the drive times to the main destinations.

The short answer

By air

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is one of India's busiest, and the new Navi Mumbai International Airport adds capacity to the east of the city. Pune has flights from most metros. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Nagpur, in the centre of India, has flights from every major city and serves Tadoba and Pench. Smaller airports at Nashik, Kolhapur and Shirdi have limited flights.

By train

Mumbai is a major rail hub. The Deccan Queen and other trains reach Pune in about three hours, and Vande Bharat and Shatabdi services link Mumbai with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nashik. Nagpur has fast trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, and Chandrapur is the nearest major station for Tadoba. The Konkan Railway runs south from Mumbai through Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg towards Goa.

By road

The Mumbai–Pune Expressway links the two cities in about three hours, passing Lonavala. From Pune, Mahabaleshwar is about three hours. From Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is about six to seven hours, with the Samruddhi Expressway shortening the route to Nagpur. Coastal roads to Alibaug, Ganpatipule and Tarkarli are scenic but slower. Ghat sections slow down in the monsoon.

Drive times between key places

Reaching Tadoba

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve has several gates, with Moharli and Kolara among the most used. Nagpur is the nearest airport, and Chandrapur the nearest major railway station. Safari permits are booked on the official Tadoba booking site and sell out early for weekends and holidays. Pench, across the border in Madhya Pradesh, is also reachable from Nagpur.

Pilgrim towns

Shirdi has its own airport and is about two hours from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and five to six hours from Mumbai by road. Nashik and Trimbakeshwar are about four to five hours from Mumbai, and Pandharpur is reached from Pune or Solapur. These towns are very busy on festival days and weekends, so book stays and darshan slots early where official booking is available.

Matching the route to the trip

Getting around

A private car is the most convenient option outside the cities. In Mumbai, local trains, the metro and app cabs work well, and ferries cross to Alibaug and Elephanta. For Ajanta and Ellora, hire a car and a licensed guide. Our Timeless Wonders of Maharashtra includes drivers and guides for the heritage sites.

Your first day

From Mumbai, a morning flight to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar allows an afternoon at Bibi Ka Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort, with Ellora and Ajanta on the following days. At Tadoba, arrive by lunch and take an afternoon safari or rest before an early drive the next morning.

Season and booking

October to March is the most comfortable time for caves, forts and wildlife. The monsoon from June to September transforms the Western Ghats with waterfalls and green hills, making it the best time for Lonavala, Malshej Ghat and Igatpuri, though ghat roads can be slow. Tadoba's core zones close partially during the monsoon. Read our month-by-month guide before booking.

From other cities

Mumbai has non-stop flights from almost every Indian city, and Pune and Nagpur are well connected too. From Delhi, Rajdhani and other fast trains reach Mumbai overnight. From Bengaluru and Hyderabad, flights are quickest, though overnight trains reach Pune and Mumbai. Travellers heading straight to Ajanta and Ellora or Tadoba can often fly directly to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar or Nagpur without changing in Mumbai.

Reaching the Konkan coast

The Konkan coast runs south from Mumbai through Alibaug, Murud, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri and Tarkarli. Ferries from Mumbai's Gateway of India and Ferry Wharf shorten the trip to Alibaug. Further south, Konkan Railway stations such as Ratnagiri and Kudal are the gateways, with drives of an hour or more to the beaches. Many travellers continue to Goa.

For couples

Couples from Mumbai and Pune often take short breaks to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Karjat or Alibaug, and longer trips to the Konkan beaches or a jungle lodge at Tadoba. For a heritage trip, Ajanta and Ellora pair well with a night in a quiet hotel near the caves.

Travelling with parents

Ajanta involves climbing steps to the caves; palanquin services and rest points are available. Ellora's main caves are easier. For short breaks, our Oleander Farms babymoon at Karjat is about two hours from Mumbai.

Budget options

Trains and Maharashtra State Road Transport buses are inexpensive, including Shivneri services between Mumbai and Pune. Overnight trains to Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar save a hotel night. Book early for long weekends.

Practical tips

Avoid driving out of Mumbai on Friday evenings and back on Sunday evenings. Read our 7-day Maharashtra itinerary and planning guide to plan the rest of your trip.

A BagPackerMe planner can arrange the whole journey privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the best way to reach Ajanta and Ellora?

Fly or take a train to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly Aurangabad. Ellora is about 30 kilometres away and Ajanta about 100 kilometres, roughly three hours by road. Plan a separate day for each.

How do I reach Tadoba from Mumbai?

Fly to Nagpur, about two and a half to three hours by road from Tadoba's main gates, or take a train to Chandrapur, the nearest major station. Book safari permits on the official Tadoba booking site.

How long is the drive from Mumbai to Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar?

Lonavala is about two hours on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, traffic permitting. Mahabaleshwar takes about five to six hours from Mumbai and about three hours from Pune.

Which airports serve Mumbai?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the main airport, and the new Navi Mumbai International Airport adds capacity to the east. Check which one your flight uses, as they are far apart in traffic.