Getting Around
- Aj
- Feb 25
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 27
Local Trains
Travelling by train in Mumbai as a tourist offers a unique way to experience the city like a local, but it can be overwhelming if you're unfamiliar with the system. Here's a guide to help you navigate Mumbai's extensive train network with ease.
Understanding the Train Lines
Mumbai has three main suburban train lines:
Western Line (from Churchgate to Virar)
Central Line (from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Kalyan)
Harbour Line (from CSMT to Panvel)
Here’s a simplified guide to Mumbai's main train stations and nearby tourist spots:
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
Why it’s important: Historic station on the Central Line.
Nearby: Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway, and Kala Ghoda.
Eat: Leopold Café, and Cafe Mondegar.
2. Churchgate Station
Why it’s important: End of the Western Line, close to Marine Drive.
Nearby: Marine Drive, Art Deco Buildings, Nariman Point.
Eat: Pizza By The Bay, Gaylord, and K. Rustom's Ice Cream.
3. Mumbai Central
Why it’s important: Key station on the Western Line for long-distance trains.
Nearby: Haji Ali Dargah, Fashion Street, and Mahalaxmi Temple.
Eat: The Ghetto, Fashion Street for shopping.
4. Bandra Station
Why it’s important: Trendy suburb on the Western Line.
Nearby: Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Hill Road, Linking Road, Mount Mary Church, and Bandra Fort.
Eat: Candies and Theobroma.
5. Dadar Station
Why it’s important: Major interchange for the Western and Central Lines.
Nearby: Siddhivinayak Temple and Shivaji Park.
Eat: Prakash Upahaar Kendra.
6. Andheri Station
Why it’s important: Busy hub in the western suburbs.
Nearby: Juhu Beach and Versova Beach.
Eat: The Bombay Canteen and Jamjar Diner.
7. Vile Parle Station
Why it’s important: Close to Mumbai’s domestic airport.
Nearby: Juhu Beach and ISKCON Temple.
Eat: Hakkasan and Gajalee.
8. Kurla Station
Why it’s important: Central Line interchange, near shopping malls.
Nearby: Phoenix Marketcity and Snow World.
Eat: Bar Stock Exchange and Global Fusion.
Where to Buy Tickets
Ticket Counters: Tickets are available at counters in all train stations. For shorter distances, you can buy a second-class or first-class ticket.
ATVM Machines: Automatic Ticket Vending Machines at stations allow for faster purchases using coins or smart cards.
Mobile App: The UTS App lets you book tickets online without queuing.
Prices range from ₹5 to ₹200 for one-way trips, depending on the class and distance. First-class tickets cost more but are less crowded, making them ideal for tourists.
Train Timings
Trains run from about 4:00 AM to midnight, but specific times depend on the route. Trains are more frequent during peak hours but can get extremely crowded, so it’s best to avoid travelling between 8:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM.
Navigating the Stations
Signage: Stations have signs in both English and Hindi, so follow the directions for platforms, exits, and ticket counters.
Platform Numbers: Check the platform number and ensure you're on the correct side, especially for fast and slow trains.
Safety: Mumbai locals are used to crowded trains, but as a tourist, it’s safer to board from the middle compartments, especially the first-class ones.
Ladies' Coaches
There are special coaches reserved for women, marked with a pink/red sign, which are available on most trains. They’re generally less crowded and offer a safer option for female tourists.
Apps for Help
Download the M-indicator app, which offers train schedules, routes, and real-time updates.
Buses
Travelling by bus in Mumbai as a tourist can be an affordable and convenient way to explore the city. Here's a quick guide on how to use the city's bus services:
Understanding Mumbai’s Buses
BEST Buses: Operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), these red buses are the primary public transport.
Types of Buses: Regular, double-decker, AC, and express buses.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased from conductors on the bus. Fares vary based on distance and bus type.
How to Ride
Find Bus Stops: Look for designated BEST bus stops with bus numbers and routes.
Boarding: Enter from the front door, tell the conductor your destination, and get your ticket.
Bus Routes: Major bus routes pass through iconic places like Marine Drive, Colaba, Juhu, and Bandra.
Popular Bus Routes
Here’s the information on Bus Numbers 138, 133, and 115 in Mumbai:
Bus No. 138
Route: Antop Hill to Backbay Depot
Important Stops: CST, Churchgate, Marine Lines
This bus is useful for travelling through key South Mumbai spots, especially Marine Drive and the Back Bay area near Nariman Point.
Bus No. 133
Route: Nehru Planetarium to Jijamata Udyan (Byculla Zoo)
Important Stops: Worli Naka, Haji Ali, Mumbai Central
Perfect for those wanting to explore Worli Sea Face, Haji Ali, and the Byculla Zoo.
Bus No. 115
Route: Santacruz to CST
Important Stops: Bandra, Mahim, Dadar
This bus connects Bandra and Santacruz with Dadar and CST, passing by bustling markets and historical landmarks.
Bus No. 123
Route: Colaba to Mumbai Central
Important Stops: Gateway of India, Regal Cinema, Churchgate
Great for tourists exploring Colaba, the Gateway of India, and heading toward Mumbai Central Station.
Bus No. 108
Route: Nepean Sea Road to Churchgate
Important Stops: Malabar Hill, Girgaum Chowpatty
Useful for visiting Malabar Hill, Hanging Gardens, and Girgaum Chowpatty Beach.
Bus No. 1
Route: Shivaji Park to Backbay Depot
Important Stops: Dadar, Worli Naka, Haji Ali, Nariman Point
Connects Dadar, Haji Ali, and the business hub of Nariman Point.
Bus No. 66
Route: Sion to CST
Important Stops: Dadar, Byculla, Parel
This bus covers central locations like Dadar and Parel and takes you straight to CST.
Bus Apps & Maps
Use apps like M-indicator or Google Maps to check bus timings, routes, and real-time updates.
Safety Tips
Avoid travelling during rush hours (8-10 AM, 6-8 PM) to skip the crowds.
Keep small change for tickets.
Hold on to your belongings.
Metro
Mumbai’s metro system is efficient and convenient for tourists who want to travel across the city, avoiding traffic. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
How to Get a Ticket:
Purchase a Ticket/Smart Card:
Tickets can be bought at the ticket counter or through automated ticket vending machines at every metro station.
Alternatively, you can buy a smart card for multiple trips, which saves time and offers discounts.
Prices range from ₹10 to ₹50 (about $0.12 to $0.60 USD), depending on the distance.
Online/QR Code Tickets:
You can also book tickets through the Mumbai Metro App, and a QR code will be generated, which you can scan at the entry gate.
How to Board:
Entry/Exit:
Scan your ticket or smart card at the entry gate to enter the station.
Use the escalator or elevator to reach the platform (check the signboards to know which direction to go).
Boarding the Train:
Wait for the train behind the yellow safety line.
Once the doors open, let passengers exit first, then board.
Trains are usually frequent, arriving every 5-10 minutes.
Important Stops:
Versova: Close to Versova Beach and seafood restaurants.
Andheri: Vibrant area with cafes, pubs, and shops. Links to Andheri railway station.
Western Express Highway: Provides access to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), an important business hub.
Ghatkopar: Connects to the central railway line.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Timings: Metro operates from around 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
Luggage: Light bags are allowed; for larger luggage, follow station guidelines.
Safety: The system is safe, and security checks and CCTV surveillance are performed at every station.
Taxis/Cabs
Taxis in Mumbai are a convenient and widely available option for tourists to get around the city. Here's how they work:
Types of Taxis:
1. Kaali Peeli Taxis (Black & Yellow)
Traditional Mumbai taxis with a meter.
They are available everywhere and can be hailed from the street.
2. Cool Cabs
These are air-conditioned taxis, which are slightly more expensive but comfortable in the Mumbai heat.
3. App-based Taxis/Cabs (Uber/Ola)
Booked through mobile apps, these are more convenient for non-local tourists.
Prices are fixed based on distance, time, and surge pricing.
How to Hire a Taxi:
1. Hailing from the Street:
Kaali Peeli taxis can be flagged down on any street. The fare is based on the meter.
Make sure the driver starts the meter when the ride begins.
2. Using an App:
For Ola or Uber, download the app, enter your destination, and choose the type of cab (Mini, Sedan, etc.).
The app will show you the estimated fare, and payment can be made via cash or online.
How to Pay:
For Metered Taxis: The fare is calculated based on distance and time. After the ride, pay the amount shown on the meter.
For App-based Taxis: The fare is calculated in advance, and payment can be made via cash, credit card, or digital wallets.
Tips for Tourists:
Fare: The minimum fare for a kaali peeli starts at around ₹25 ($0.30 USD). Cool cabs start at a higher base fare.
Safety: Always check that the meter is working or get a fare estimate on apps.
Language: Most taxi drivers speak Hindi or Marathi, but they are usually used to tourists and can understand English for basic directions.
Popular Tourist Routes:
Marine Drive to Colaba: Around ₹50-100 or $0.59-1.19 USD by kaali peeli.
Gateway of India to CST: A short ride, around ₹30-50 or $0.36-0.59 USD.
Airport to South Mumbai: ₹400-600 or $4.76-7.14 depending on traffic.
Taxis are a reliable way to explore Mumbai, especially if you want to avoid crowded public transport or want a direct route to your destination.
Autos
Auto-rickshaws in Mumbai are a popular and affordable way for tourists to explore the city, but they have some specifics to keep in mind:
Key Facts About Autos in Mumbai
1. Availability:
Autos operate only in the suburbs, not in South Mumbai (south of Bandra).
They’re easily found from Bandra and beyond, all the way north to the outer suburbs.
2. Metered Fare:
All autos use a meter, with a minimum fare starting around ₹23 ($0.30 USD). (subject to official change)
Ensure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the ride to avoid any confusion on the fare.
3. Hailing an Auto:
You can hail an auto from the street or at auto stands near bus stations, train stations, and malls.
Wave your hand or simply call “Auto!”—drivers are used to tourists and will likely stop for you.
4. Popular Routes:
Bandra West to Linking Road (Shopping): Around ₹30-40 or $0.36-0.48 USD.
Juhu Beach to Andheri Station: Around ₹50-80 or $0.59-0.95 USD.
Versova to Powai (for lakes and cafes): ₹100-150 or $1.19-1.80 USD, depending on the distance.
5. Payment:
Pay the amount shown on the meter, usually in cash. Some drivers accept digital payments, but it’s best to ask first.
Carry small bills and change; drivers may not always have exact change.
6. Safety Tips:
Confirm the fare chart to avoid misunderstandings, as there may be slight meter variations.
For longer routes, agree on the approximate fare beforehand or use a rideshare app to get an idea of standard fares.
Useful Tips for Tourists:
Language: Most drivers understand basic English and Hindi. Have your destination ready on Google Maps if needed.
Traffic Awareness: Be prepared for some traffic, especially during peak hours.
Fare Estimation: Apps like Uber or Ola offer auto options as well, with fare estimates, which can be helpful for budgeting.
Using autos can be a fun, authentic Mumbai experience, providing an up-close look at the city’s energywhile being a budget-friendly way to explore local attractions and neighbourhoods.
Cab Hire
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