The Mumbai to Pune route is one of the most travelled intercity corridors in India. Whether you are heading to Pune for business, a weekend getaway, a college reunion or a pilgrimage further south, the expressway makes this a quick and comfortable drive. This guide covers everything you need to know — the best route, toll charges, places to visit in Pune and cab fares for 2025.
Distance & Journey Time
The distance from Mumbai to Pune by road is approximately 150 km via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48). Under normal traffic conditions, the drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours — making it one of the shortest intercity cab trips from Mumbai.
On peak hours, Friday evenings and long weekends, travel time can stretch to 3–4 hours due to congestion on the Expressway and at the Khopoli and Khandala toll plazas. Plan your departure accordingly.
Best Route: Mumbai–Pune Expressway
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48) is the fastest and most comfortable route between the two cities. It is a 6-lane divided highway with a smooth riding surface, well-lit tunnels, emergency lanes and multiple rest areas. Our Miles Tours drivers use this route for all standard Mumbai to Pune cab bookings.
From any Mumbai location, your cab connects to the Expressway via the Eastern or Western Express Highway toward Khopoli/Khalapur, where the toll-based expressway section begins. The drive through the Bhor Ghat section near Khandala and Lonavala is genuinely spectacular — deep valleys, misty hills and dramatic curves — especially during the monsoon season.
The alternative route via Old Pune Highway (NH4 through Lonavala) is more scenic and passes through the heart of Lonavala town, but it is significantly slower due to traffic, speed bumps and the ghat gradient. It is worth choosing if you want to stop at Lonavala chikki shops or the Rajmachi viewpoint.
Toll Charges Mumbai to Pune
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has multiple toll booths along the route. Total one-way toll charges are approximately ₹270–₹310 for a standard car, though this varies by vehicle type and periodic revision by MSRDC.
- Toll booth at Khopoli — entry to the Expressway
- Toll booth at Khandala — mid-route
- Toll booth at Talegaon — before Pune
Top Places to Visit in Pune
Pune is a city of history, education, nightlife and nature. Here are the best places to cover on your visit:
- Shaniwar Wada — the historic fortified palace of the Peshwa rulers, a UNESCO tentative list site at the heart of old Pune
- Aga Khan Palace — a grand palace with significant Gandhian history; Kasturba Gandhi was held here during the Quit India Movement
- Sinhagad Fort — a rugged hilltop fort 45 km from Pune city, offering panoramic views and famous for its pitla bhakri and fresh buttermilk stalls
- Osho Ashram (Osho International Meditation Resort) — a unique zen-style campus in Koregaon Park, open to visitors for meditation programs
- Koregaon Park / FC Road — Pune's most vibrant cafe, restaurant and nightlife hub — perfect for a leisurely evening
- Mulshi Dam & Lavasa — a scenic drive 40 km from Pune through the Western Ghats, stunning in monsoon
- Parvati Hill — a hilltop temple complex with a beautiful view over Pune city, ideal for early morning visits
Cab Fare Mumbai to Pune 2025
Miles Tours & Travels offers transparent, fixed cab fares for the Mumbai to Pune route. No hidden charges — what you see is what you pay (toll extra at actuals).
| Vehicle | One Way Fare | Round Trip Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire (Sedan) | ₹2,000 – ₹2,800 | ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹3,200 – ₹4,000 | ₹5,500 – ₹7,000 |
| Innova Hycross | ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 | ₹6,000 – ₹7,500 |
| Toyota Fortuner | ₹4,500 – ₹5,500 | ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 |
Flat 15% discount on one-way bookings. Toll charges extra at actuals. All fares include driver charges. For group travel or premium vehicles, call us at +91 88790 99744.
Pune Day Trip vs Overnight Stay
A Pune day trip from Mumbai is entirely possible. If you leave Mumbai by 7 AM, you can spend a full day sightseeing — Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, lunch in Koregaon Park — and return to Mumbai comfortably by 9 PM. The short drive makes it one of the best day trips from Mumbai.
However, an overnight stay is strongly recommended if you want to cover Sinhagad Fort, Mulshi Dam, Lavasa or enjoy Pune's evening food and cafe scene without rushing. Miles Tours offers multi-day outstation packages with driver accommodation included — ideal for extended stays.
Weekend Travel Tips Mumbai–Pune
- Avoid departing on Friday evenings — Expressway traffic is extremely heavy from 5 PM onwards as Punekars return home
- Best time to start on weekends: 6 AM to 8 AM — you beat the rush and reach Pune before 10 AM
- During monsoon (July–September), the Expressway can get foggy, especially near Khandala and the Bhor Ghat section — drive carefully and keep headlights on
- Long weekends (Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi) see extremely heavy return traffic on Sunday evenings — plan your return on Saturday or Monday morning if possible
- Keep the MSRDC helpline (1800-22-6020) saved for real-time Expressway updates
Frequently Asked Questions
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