Landing at Mumbai Airport and heading straight to Pune? Your best travel option depends on arrival time, number of bags, budget and whether you prefer a direct door-to-door ride. Unlike a journey beginning in central Mumbai, airport travel includes terminal exit, pickup arrangements and potentially a transfer to a railway station or bus stop.
Mumbai Airport To Pune: Travel Options At A Glance
OptionIndicative costTypical total journeyTransfersBest suited toPre-booked intercity cabFrom ~₹2,500 per vehicle (location-dependent R-Cabs starting fare); final quote required~3.5–5.5+ hoursNo, after pickupFamilies, luggage, late arrivalsBus plus airport transfer~₹400–₹700+ per person for intercity bus, plus airport-to-stop transfer~4.5–7+ hoursAt least oneSolo and budget travelersTrain plus airport transferVaries by train and class; check current booking details~4.5–7+ hoursAt least oneTravelers with suitable departure timing
The journey durations and bus/cab costs are indicative planning ranges, not live quotes. Traffic, pickup zone and schedules change. Train fares are intentionally omitted; check current schedules and availability before travel. Parking is excluded from R-Cabs cab quotations; confirm toll inclusion on the booking route.
1. Pre-Booked Cab: Direct Airport Pickup
How It Works
Share the arrival terminal (T1 or T2), flight details, passengers, luggage and exact Pune destination. Book before landing and follow your driver’s agreed meeting instructions. A pre-booked car avoids taking luggage to a different Mumbai departure point.
When A Cab Is Worth Paying For
A cab can offer better overall value when two to six people split one vehicle cost, when a flight arrives late, or when the Pune destination is far from Pune Junction or major bus terminals.
Book Your Ride (CTA – add buttons)
Call | Whatsapp
2. Bus: Lower Per-Person Cost With An Extra Transfer
How It Works
Passengers travelling by bus generally need to transfer from Mumbai Airport to a confirmed intercity boarding point. MSRTC Shivneri coaches typically board from designated bus stops such as Dadar East, while private operators may offer pickups near Andheri, Santacruz or other Mumbai locations. An “airport pickup” on a booking platform does not necessarily mean the bus boards inside the terminal; check the exact stop, pickup vehicle and reporting time.
Mumbai Airport to Pune: Bus Boarding Points and Bus Types
Boarding point / areaBus optionWhat passengers should knowDadar East / Dadar TTMSRTC Shivneri AC coachTravel from T1/T2 to the Dadar boarding stand; confirm the exact stand, coach and Pune drop-off.Andheri East / Western Express Highway vicinityPrivate AC seater / semi-sleeper / sleeperSome private operators list nearby pickup points; the stop and service type vary by operator.Santacruz / airport-area pickup (when offered)Private intercity bus or operator pickup/feederMay mean a roadside boarding location or feeder transfer, not the terminal itself; verify before paying.Sion / Chembur / Vashi / Panvel (route-dependent)Shivneri or private Pune-bound busesUseful only when the booked service explicitly allows boarding there; reaching the stop adds travel time.
Booking tip: For Shivneri, use the official MSRTC booking channel; for private buses, compare the exact boarding address, AC/sleeper type, reporting time and Pune drop point. Avoid assuming any bus runs directly from the airport terminals.
When To Choose It
Choose a bus if you are travelling light, the departure aligns with your landing, and you are comfortable carrying bags between the airport and boarding point. Account for the separate airport transfer.
3. Train: A Good Fit When Station Connections Align
How It Works
Mumbai Airport does not have an intercity railway platform for Pune-bound trains. You must travel to an appropriate station such as CSMT, Dadar or LTT, depending on the train. Build a generous buffer after landing for immigration, luggage, traffic and station access.
Train Options from Mumbai CSMT to Pune
Train (number)Departure from Mumbai CSMTArrival at Pune JunctionJourney timeIndrayani Express (22105)5:40 AM9:05 AM3 hr 25 minIntercity SF Express (12127)6:40 AM10:00 AM3 hr 20 minDeccan Express (11007)7:00 AM11:05 AM4 hr 05 minKoyna Express (11029)8:40 AM12:35 PM3 hr 55 minDeccan Queen (12123)5:10 PM8:25 PM3 hr 15 min
Train Options From Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) To Pune
Train (number)Departs LTTArrives Pune JnJourney timeLTT–Visakhapatnam Express (18520)6:55 AM10:15 AM3 hr 20 minLTT–Chennai Express (12163)6:30 PM10:05 PM3 hr 35 minLTT–Madurai Express (11043)12:15 AM3:53 AM3 hr 38 min
Note: These are published examples, not a live timetable. Some trains may be unsuitable for short-distance tickets or run with schedule changes; confirm service days, seat availability and timings on IRCTC/NTES. LTT is a different station from CSMT and Dadar, so check which is easiest to reach from your airport terminal.
When To Choose It
Consider a train if you prefer a predictable rail segment, have manageable luggage and a confirmed ticket on a suitable departure. The full airport-to-door time may be much longer than the train ride alone. Published train departure/arrival times are examples, not guaranteed schedules; confirm on IRCTC or NTES before travelling.
Which Travel Option Is Most Convenient From Mumbai Airport To Pune?
The most convenient option depends on your arrival time, the number of passengers, luggage, final destination in Pune and how many transfers you are comfortable making. Compare the complete airport-to-door journey rather than only the advertised bus or train travel time. Allow for leaving the terminal, reaching the departure point, waiting to board and travelling onward after arriving in Pune.
Pre-Booked Cab: Best For A Direct Door-To-Door Journey
A pre-booked intercity cab is often the simplest option when convenience matters most. Your driver can meet you at the agreed T1 or T2 pickup point and take you directly to your home, hotel or office in Pune. This reduces luggage handling and the need to change vehicles. It can be especially practical for families, groups, senior travellers and passengers carrying several bags. Confirm the pickup location, vehicle size, tolls, parking and waiting terms when booking.
Bus: Practical For Budget-Conscious Passengers
A bus can be a suitable choice for solo travellers or passengers travelling light, provided the departure time and boarding point fit their itinerary. MSRTC Shivneri services may require a transfer to a designated stop such as Dadar, while private operators may use boarding points around Andheri, Santacruz or other locations. Check the exact stop, bus type and Pune drop-off point before booking. Factor in both the airport-to-bus transfer and the final journey from the Pune bus stop.
Train: Useful When The Schedule And Station Connection Fit
Trains may appeal to passengers who prefer rail travel and have a confirmed departure from a suitable station such as CSMT or LTT. However, Mumbai Airport does not have a direct Pune-bound intercity railway platform. You will need to reach the station and, after arriving at Pune Junction, may need another ride to your destination. Consider the station transfer, luggage and waiting time when deciding whether the train is genuinely convenient.
Special Consideration: Arriving Late At Night
For a late-night arrival, availability and safety of connections become particularly important. A confirmed pre-booked cab can reduce waiting and avoid extra transfers, especially for families or travellers with heavy luggage. If considering a bus, verify that the service actually operates at your arrival time and confirm its exact boarding location. For trains, allow sufficient time to travel to CSMT or LTT and check the departure day, reservation and onward transport after reaching Pune. If no convenient connection is available, waiting until a suitable morning departure may be more practical than making several unplanned transfers overnight.
Book Your Ride (CTA – add buttons)
Call | Whatsapp
Airport-To-Pune Booking Checklist
- Confirm the correct T1 or T2 terminal and meeting zone.
- Allow time to exit after baggage collection and immigration.
- Check if parking, waiting and tolls are included in writing.
- Provide a complete Pune drop-off address, not only “Pune city”.
- If using train or bus, include the transfer from the airport and the last-mile journey in your cost comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from Mumbai Airport to Pune?
A train or bus may be cheapest for a solo traveler, but include airport transfers, luggage and onward travel costs.
Can I get a direct cab from Mumbai Airport to Pune?
Yes, pre-booked intercity transfers are a practical option; check availability for your arrival time.
Is Mumbai Airport connected directly to Pune by train?
No. You must first reach a suitable Mumbai intercity railway station.
