Lonavla.inSahyadri weekend escape

Getting there

How to reach Lonavla

Lonavla is one of the easiest hill stations in India to reach — barely an hour from Pune and 1.5–2 hours from Mumbai on the expressway, with frequent trains to the station in the heart of town.

At a glance

Distances and times

RouteDistanceTimeBest option
Mumbai → Lonavla (by car)83–95 km1.5–2 hrsMumbai–Pune Expressway
Pune → Lonavla (by car)~65 km1–1.25 hrsMumbai–Pune Expressway
Mumbai → Lonavla (by train)~93 km1.5–2.5 hrsLocal/intercity trains to Lonavla station
Pune → Lonavla (by train)~65 km1–1.5 hrsLocal/intercity trains to Lonavla station
Air——Pune Airport preferred, then ~65 km by road
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway cutting through the green Sahyadri hills near Lonavla

By road

The Mumbai–Pune Expressway

The six-lane Mumbai–Pune Expressway passes right by Lonavla, with a dedicated exit. It's the fastest and most popular way to arrive, and the drive through the Khandala ghat is part of the fun — especially in monsoon when the hillsides run with waterfalls.

  • From Mumbai: ~83–95 km, 1.5–2 hrs on a clear run
  • From Pune: ~65 km, 1–1.25 hrs
  • Toll: payable at expressway plazas (cash or FASTag)
  • Weekend tip: leave before 8 am to beat the rush
  • Monsoon: allow extra time; expect slow traffic and mist
Monsoon driving The ghat section gets heavy rain, mist and occasional rockfall. Drive with headlights on, keep your distance, and never stop on the expressway for photos.
A train at Lonavla railway station with green hills behind

By train

Lonavla station — right in the middle of town

Lonavla is a major stop on the Mumbai–Pune main line, so trains are frequent and cheap. The station sits in the heart of the market area — steps from the chikki shops and a short rickshaw ride from most hotels.

  • From Mumbai (CSMT/Dadar): frequent locals and intercity trains, 1.5–2.5 hrs
  • From Pune Junction: locals and intercity trains, 1–1.5 hrs
  • Book ahead on weekends and holidays — seats sell out
  • From the station: auto-rickshaws and taxis wait outside; agree on the fare first
Train + rickshaw combo Many travellers take the train and then hire a rickshaw for a half-day loop of the viewpoints — often cheaper and more relaxed than driving in weekend traffic.
A traveller beside a car on a scenic mountain road near Lonavla

By air

Fly into Pune (or Mumbai)

There's no airport in Lonavla. Pune International Airport is the closest and most convenient — about 65 km and roughly 1.25 hours by road. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is a longer ~100 km drive but works if you're already flying into Mumbai.

  • Pune Airport → Lonavla: ~65 km, 1.25 hrs by cab
  • Mumbai Airport → Lonavla: ~100 km, 2–2.5 hrs by cab
  • Pre-book a cab or use app-based taxis; airport counters can be slow
  • For international visitors, Pune is usually the better gateway

Getting around

Local transport & costs

OptionBest forApprox. costNotes
Auto-rickshawShort hops, station ↔ market₹30–₹80 per rideAgree on the fare before boarding
Taxi / cabViewpoint loops, Khandala side₹800–₹1,500 per half-dayNegotiate or pre-book
Self-driveFlexible exploringPetrol + tollsBest for forts and Pawna Lake
State transport busBudget travel₹30–₹80Connects Lonavla, Khandala, nearby villages
WalkMarket & lake areasFreeLonavla Lake is a pleasant walk from town
Plan the loop Most viewpoints (Tiger's Leap, Lion's Point, Duke's Nose) lie on a loop on the Khandala side. A single taxi or self-drive covers them efficiently — see the itineraries for the exact order.