How to Reach Matheran from Mumbai for a Quick Weekend Escape
Mumbaikars are blessed souls for sure as they are surrounded with some amazing options when it comes to weekend escapes. From Lonavala to Matheran and Khandala to Alibaug, Mumbai people have incredible options to choose from. And if you choose Matheran, here we are to tell you how you can reach this gem of a altitude of around 800 meters, Matheran is a charming hill station in Maharashtra that offers a pollution-free, vehicle-free escape from Mumbai’s chaos.
Known for its colonial-era charm, panoramic viewpoints, toy train, and cool climate, Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai, making it a perfect weekend getaway. What makes it unique is that it’s one of the few places in India where vehicles are banned, preserving its tranquil and natural environment.If you’re planning a quick weekend escape to this eco-sensitive zone, here’s a complete guide on how to reach Matheran from Mumbai using various travel options:By Road: Drive till Dasturi Naka, then walk or rideMatheran is around 83 km from Mumbai. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.Route: Drive or hire a taxi from Mumbai via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway or NH-48 till Chowk, and then follow the Karjat–Neral–Matheran Road up to Dasturi Naka, the last motorable point before Matheran.Parking: At Dasturi Naka, paid parking is available. From here, no vehicles are allowed.Last Mile Options:Walk: It’s a scenic 2.5 km trek from Dasturi Naka to Matheran Market. The path is shaded and mostly paved.Horse Ride: Local horsemen offer rides up the hill for a fee.Hand-Pulled Rickshaw: This traditional mode is unique to Matheran and offers a slower but relaxing way to reach the town centre.By Train: Mumbai to Neral + Toy Train or Shared CabsLocal Train to Neral:Board a Central Line train from Mumbai to Neral (nearest railhead for Matheran). Trains from CST, Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan frequently serve this route.Travel time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on train type.Early morning trains are ideal to make the most of your weekend.From Neral to Matheran:Option 1: Matheran Toy Train:The narrow-gauge Matheran Hill Railway, a UNESCO-listed heritage route, connects Neral to Matheran.The toy train takes around 2 hours and runs seasonally. It offers a slow but incredibly scenic ride through dense forests, sharp turns, and deep valleys.Tickets can be booked on the IRCTC website or purchased at Neral station. Trains may be suspended during the monsoon (June–September), so check before travel.Option 2: Shared Jeep/Taxi to Dasturi Naka:If the toy train is unavailable or full, take a shared taxi or jeep from outside Neral station to Dasturi Naka. The ride takes about 25–30 minutes.From Dasturi Naka, proceed on foot, horseback, or by hand-pulled rickshaw.By Bus: Limited ConnectivityWhile Matheran isn’t directly connected by public buses, you can take a MSRTC or private bus to Neral or Karjat, then proceed to Dasturi Naka by local cab or auto-rickshaw. However, this method is less preferred due to longer wait times and transfers.Tips for a Hassle-Free Trip to MatheranTravel Light: Since you’ll be walking or taking horseback/rickshaw from Dasturi, pack only essentials.Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals, especially if you plan to trek.Avoid Monsoon for Toy Train: The service is often suspended during heavy rains due to landslides.Start Early: Whether by train or road, leaving Mumbai by 6–7 AM helps you reach before noon and enjoy the day fully.Tickets & Timing: Check IRCTC and Maharashtra Tourism websites for train timings and updates before departure.ConclusionMatheran’s no-car charm, colonial ambience, and breathtaking viewpoints like Panorama Point and Echo Point make it a true escape just a short ride from Mumbai. Whether you choose to drive to Dasturi or hop aboard the nostalgic toy train, the journey itself is part of the experience. With clean air, misty hills, and serene surroundings, Matheran promises a refreshing break without the need for long travel planning. Perfect for that spontaneous weekend plan!
