The road trip between Mumbai, the financial capital of India, and Pune, the cultural hub of Maharashtra, is one of the most frequently travelled routes in the country. Whether for business, education, or a weekend getaway, thousands of people make this journey every day. Understanding the driving distance and time from Mumbai to Pune is crucial for planning an efficient and enjoyable trip. This comprehensive 2026 guide provides all the details you need about the best routes, expected travel times, toll costs, and essential tips for your journey.
Quick Overview: Mumbai to Pune Road Trip
The driving distance between Mumbai and Pune is approximately 150 kilometres via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This route is the fastest and most popular, with a typical driving time of 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The expressway is a six-lane, high-speed, access-controlled toll road, offering a smooth and scenic drive.
The Best Route: Mumbai-Pune Expressway (Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway)
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is unequivocally the best route for travelling between the two cities by car. It was India’s first six-lane concrete, high-speed expressway and has drastically reduced travel time since its inauguration. It runs parallel to the older NH 48 (National Highway 48) but bypasses all the towns and villages, allowing for uninterrupted travel.
Key Features of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway:
- Distance: The expressway itself is about 94.5 kilometres long.
- Lanes: It is a six-lane highway, with three lanes in each direction.
- Tunnels: The route includes five tunnels, which are well-lit and maintained.
- Scenery: The drive is particularly scenic, especially the ghat section between Lonavala and Khandala, which offers stunning views of the Western Ghats.
- Safety: The expressway is equipped with highway patrols and emergency assistance services. However, drivers should be cautious, especially in the ghat section during monsoon.
Connecting to the Expressway:
- From Mumbai: You can get on the expressway from Sion after crossing the Vashi Creek Bridge and following the signs. The starting point is at Kalamboli near Panvel.
- From Pune: The expressway starts at Kiwale, on the outskirts of Pune.
Analysing the Driving Time from Mumbai to Pune
While the 150 km distance seems short, the actual travel time can vary significantly. Here are the key factors that will influence your journey’s duration in 2026.
Factors Impacting Travel Time:
- Traffic Within City Limits: Getting out of Mumbai can be the most time-consuming part of the journey. Depending on your starting point (e.g., South Mumbai vs. the suburbs) and the time of day, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours just to reach the expressway entrance at Panvel.
- Weekend vs. Weekday Travel: The expressway sees extremely heavy traffic on weekends, especially Friday evenings (Mumbai to Pune) and Sunday evenings (Pune to Mumbai). A journey that takes 3 hours on a weekday could easily stretch to 5-6 hours during peak weekend times.
- Ghat Section: The Lonavala-Khandala ghat section can experience slow-moving traffic, particularly due to heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. During the monsoon season (June to September), landslides or heavy rainfall can cause further delays.
- Time of Day: An early morning start (before 7 AM) from either city is highly recommended to beat the traffic.
Estimated Time Breakdown:
| Segment | Estimated Time (Weekday) | Estimated Time (Weekend) |
| Exiting Mumbai City Limits to Panvel | 1 – 1.5 hours | 1.5 – 2.5 hours |
| Mumbai-Pune Expressway Drive | 1.5 – 2 hours | 2 – 3 hours |
| Expressway Exit to Pune City Centre | 30 – 45 minutes | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Total Estimated Time | 3 – 4 hours | 4 – 6 hours |
Many who travel this route frequently for work or leisure also use local transport within the cities. For instance, understanding the local train timetables in Mumbai is essential for navigating the city efficiently.
Toll Charges on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Using the expressway requires paying a toll. The toll rates are periodically updated. As of early 2026, you can expect the following approximate one-way toll for a private car.
- Total Toll Cost: Approximately ₹320 – ₹350 for a one-way trip.
The toll is collected at two plazas: one near Khalapur and the other near Talegaon. FASTag is mandatory and the most efficient way to pay, allowing you to pass through the toll gates without stopping.
The Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH 48)
The old highway, NH 48, runs parallel to the expressway. While it’s a toll-free alternative, it is not recommended for a direct and fast journey between the two cities.
When to Consider the Old Highway:
- Local Travel: If you want to visit towns like Lonavala, Khandala, or Kamshet, the old highway provides direct access. The expressway has limited entry and exit points.
- Two-Wheelers: Motorcycles and autorickshaws are not allowed on the expressway, making the old highway the only option for them.
- Avoiding Toll: If you are on a very tight budget and have ample time, you can take this route to avoid the toll charges.
However, be prepared for a much longer journey (5-7 hours) due to local traffic passing through small towns and villages.
Best Places to Stop Between Mumbai and Pune
One of the highlights of this road trip is the variety of food options available, especially around Lonavala.
Popular Pit Stops:
- Expressway Food Malls: There are large food courts at both ends of the expressway (at the start near Khalapur and before the Talegaon toll plaza). These host popular chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks.
- Lonavala and Khandala: If you take a small detour into Lonavala, you can enjoy famous local delicacies like chikki and vada pav. Ramakrishna Restaurant and Golden Vada Pav are iconic spots.
- Dhabas on the Old Highway: For a more rustic experience, the old highway is dotted with numerous dhabas offering authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.
This route is also a gateway to many trekking spots, making it a favourite for adventure enthusiasts. You can explore some options in our guide to weekend treks from Mumbai.
Safety Tips for the Mumbai-Pune Drive
- Ghat Driving: Be extra cautious while driving in the ghat section. Avoid overtaking on sharp turns and maintain a safe distance from heavy vehicles.
- Monsoon Travel: During heavy rains, visibility can be low. Drive slowly and watch out for slippery roads or potential landslides.
- Lane Discipline: Stick to your lane on the expressway. The rightmost lane is for overtaking only.
- Avoid Stopping: It is prohibited to stop your vehicle on the expressway except in designated lay-bys or in case of an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total distance from Mumbai to Pune by road?
The total driving distance is approximately 150 kilometres if you take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The expressway itself covers about 95 km of this distance, with the remaining kilometres being within the city limits of Mumbai and Pune.
How long does it take to drive from Mumbai to Pune?
On a typical weekday with normal traffic, the drive takes about 3 to 4 hours. However, during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the travel time can increase significantly to 5 or even 6 hours due to heavy traffic, especially while exiting Mumbai.
What is the toll cost for a car on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway?
As of early 2026, the one-way toll for a private car on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is approximately ₹320 to ₹350. Payment is made via FASTag, which is mandatory for all vehicles using the expressway.
Are two-wheelers allowed on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway?
No, two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters) and three-wheelers (autorickshaws) are strictly not permitted on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway for safety reasons. They must use the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH 48) for the journey.
What is the best time to start from Mumbai to avoid traffic?
To avoid the infamous Mumbai traffic, it is best to start your journey very early in the morning, preferably before 7:00 AM. This allows you to cross the city limits and get on the expressway before the peak office-hour rush begins.