How to Reach Matheran from Pune : If you’re searching for a peaceful weekend escape near Pune, Matheran is definitely one of the best choices. This charming hill station is famous for its cool weather, lush greenery, walking trails, viewpoints, and of course — the nostalgic toy train ride.
The best part? Matheran is Asia’s only hill station where cars are not allowed, which means fresh air, no traffic, and a slow, relaxing vibe.
If you’re planning your first trip and wondering “How do I reach Matheran from Pune?” — don’t worry. This guide explains every route, travel method, timings, and tips in a friendly way so you can plan easily.
How to Reach Matheran from Pune Here Is All Your Details
- By Road: Around 120–130 km
- Average Travel Time: 2.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic
Traveling from Pune to Matheran by Car
If you enjoy road trips, this is the most comfortable and flexible option.
Route:
Pune → Lonavala → Khopoli → Karjat → Neral → Dasturi Point (Matheran)
The roads are smooth (thanks to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway), and the views around Lonavala and Karjat make the drive even better.
Once you reach Dasturi Point, you’ll need to park because no vehicles are allowed inside Matheran.
From here, you have three options:
| Mode | Approx Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Walk | Free | 40–60 minutes |
| Hand-Pulled Rickshaw | ₹400–₹900 (depends on distance) | 20–30 minutes |
| Horse Ride | ₹500–₹1200 | 15–25 minutes |
Pune to Matheran by Train
Many travelers prefer the train route because it’s budget-friendly and convenient.
Step 1: Pune to Karjat/Neral Train
You can take any express or passenger train going toward Mumbai and get off at Karjat or Neral.
Some common train names:
- Pune – Karjat Passenger
- Sinhagad Express (Get down at Karjat)
- Indrayani Express (Change at Karjat)
From Karjat, you’ll find local trains or rickshaws to reach Neral railway station.
Neral to Matheran – The Toy Train Experience
This is one experience you don’t want to miss.
The Neral–Matheran toy train winds through dense forest, hills, and mist. The views are beautiful, and the slow journey lets you enjoy every bit of it.
Approx Timing & Cost:
| Class | Fare Range |
|---|---|
| Second Class | ₹75 – ₹100 |
| First Class | ₹300 – ₹400 |
| Deluxe / Peak Season | ₹500 – ₹650 |
Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Tip: Tickets may sell out fast during weekends and holidays, so booking in advance helps.
If Toy Train Isn’t Available
You can take a shared jeep or private taxi from Neral to Matheran.
- Shared Jeep: ₹100–₹150/person
- Private Taxi: ₹800–₹1200
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes
These vehicles also stop at Dasturi Parking Point, from where you walk or take a horse/rickshaw.
Pune to Matheran by Bus
There’s no direct bus to Matheran, but you can take a bus to:
- Panvel
- Khopoli
- Karjat
- Neral
From there, continue by taxi, jeep, or local transport.
If you already planned a Mumbai bus ride, simply get down at Panvel and switch to local transport.
Entry and Parking Fees
- Tourist Entry Fee:
- Adults: ₹50
- Kids: ₹25
- Parking Fee at Dasturi:
- Around ₹100–₹150 depending on vehicle type
Best Time to Visit Matheran
| Season | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Pleasant climate, best for sightseeing |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | Waterfalls, clouds, fog — magical weather |
| Summer (Mar–May) | Cooler compared to Pune, good for weekend breaks |
Popular Things to See in Matheran
- Charlotte Lake
- Echo Point
- Panorama Point
- Louisa Point
- Monkey Point
- Sunset Point
- One Tree Hill
- Honeymoon Point
Most places can be reached by walking — which is part of the charm.
People also ask
1) Is the toy train in Matheran working?
Yes, the Matheran toy train is working, having resumed its service in November 2024 after being suspended for repairs. The service was temporarily halted due to damage from Cyclone Tauktae in 2021, but the Neral-Matheran route is now open year-round.
2) How much time does a toy train take to reach Matheran?
The Matheran toy train journey from Neral to Matheran takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, covering a distance of about 21 kilometers. This narrow-gauge railway runs through scenic green valleys and forests, offering a unique old-world experience.
- Duration: The trip from Neral to Matheran takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Distance: The route is approximately 21 kilometers long.
3) How to reach Neral to Matheran?
There are 3 ways to get from Neral (Station) to Mātherān by train, taxi, or foot
- Line 52103 train. best. Take the train from Neral Jn. to Matheran 52103 / … 2h 40m. ₹110–900.
- Taxi. Take the taxi from Neral (Station) to Mātherān 7.9 km. 9 min. ₹330–400.
- Walk. Take the foot from Neral (Station) to Mātherān 10.9 km. 2h 10m.
4) Can I book Matheran toy train tickets online?
Yes, you can book Matheran toy train tickets online through the Indian Railways portal (IRCTC), as well as through third-party travel websites. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, because the train has limited seats and can sell out quickly.
5) How to Reach Matheran from Pune ?
You can reach Matheran from Pune by road or by combining train and taxi/local transport. The fastest method is by car/cab, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours, while a budget-friendly option is to take a train to Karjat and then a taxi or local train to Neral, from where you can take the famous toy train or a taxi to the final destination.
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