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How to Reach Matheran – Complete Travel Guide

Planning a trip to the charming, vehicle-free hill station of Matheran? Here’s everything you need to know about reaching this serene destination from Mumbai and Pune, along with local transport options to help you navigate easily.
From Mumbai to Matheran
• By Train: Take a Central Line train to Neral Station. From there, you can continue your journey via toy train, share taxi, or other local options.
• By Road: Drive or hire a cab straight to Dasturi Naka (Matheran Car Parking) — this is the last point where vehicles are allowed.

 

From Pune to Matheran
• By Train: Take a train to Karjat, then switch to a local train for Neral Station.
• By Road: Travel via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Matheran Car Parking (Dasturi Naka).

From Neral to Matheran
• Share Taxi:
• Fare: ₹100 per seat
• Duration: Around 30–40 minutes to Dasturi
• Pick-up: Available outside Neral Station
• Toy Train (Neral to Matheran):
• Fare: ₹95 per seat
• Duration: Approx. 3 hours
• Frequency: Only 2 trains per day
• Note: Service is suspended during the monsoon (from June 15 to October) due to safety regulations.

From Matheran Car Parking (Dasturi Naka) to Matheran Town

After reaching Dasturi, here are your transport options into the town (vehicles not allowed beyond this point):

1. E-Rickshaw (Newly Introduced & Convenient mode of Transport )
• Fare: ₹35 per seat (3 people sharing)
• Timing: Available daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Note: On weekends, long queues are expected as only 20 e-rickshaws are operational as per Supreme Court guidelines.

Pickup point – Dasturi Nako Rikshaw Stand

Drop Point – Matheran Rikshaw Stand ( Near Matheran Railway Station)

2. Shuttle Train (Aman Lodge to Matheran Station)
• Fare: ₹55 per seat
• Duration: Around 20 minutes
• Start Time: First ride at 8:30 AM onwards

3. Horse Ride
• A traditional and fun way to reach Matheran town from the car park.
• Rates vary based on distance and horse handler.

4. Trekking Route (For Nature Lovers)
• Distance: Around 2.5 km
• Trail: Muddy path through dense forest
• Ideal for those who enjoy a scenic walk amidst nature. Take approx 45 mintutes by Walk.

 

Quick Tip: No private vehicles are allowed beyond Dasturi, making Matheran one of the few pollution-free hill stations in India. Choose your preferred mode of entry and soak in the greenery from the moment you arrive!