“As a resident of Mumbai, we are familiar with the various transportation options available for commuting within the city, such as roadways and railways. However, for those who are visiting from other states or countries (tourists), here is a comprehensive list, along with details and personal recommendations, of all the public transportation options available in Mumbai, including buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, metro trains, and local trains. This information will assist in distinguishing between the different modes of transportation and help in deciding the most suitable option for daily travel.
It will also provide guidance on the best public transportation choices for tourists looking to avoid traffic, crowds, and pollution in the city. Additionally, there are alternative options available during peak office hours. While both cheap and expensive travel options have their own costs and conveniences in the city, prioritizing time-saving should be your main concern while commuting. We hope that the information provided below will be beneficial in making informed decisions regarding transportation in Mumbai.”
Travel Options and Minimum Basic Charges
First, let’s explore the transportation choices available in Mumbai. To find out the most affordable options, here are the various ways you can travel within Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. Keep in mind that Thane and Navi Mumbai are nearby cities with varying travel costs.
Please be aware that taxi fares are higher during the night compared to the day. Night charges apply from midnight (00:00 AM) until early morning (5:00 AM), and regular taxis charge an extra 50% during this time. Additionally, before starting your journey, note that the waiting charges are Rs. 1.50 per minute, which amounts to an extra Rs. 90 per hour.
Furthermore, please note that the minimum fare rates mentioned below may change frequently within a year. It is recommended to visit the individual travel options and their revised fares articles on this blog. Starting from 1st July, BEST buses have reduced commuting rates by up to 50% for both AC and non-AC buses.
| Rail Road Travel Options | Minimum Cost (INR) | Minimum Distance (KM) |
|---|---|---|
| BEST Regular Bus (non Ac) | 8 | 2 |
| BEST Ac Buses | 15 | 2 |
| Auto Rickshaws | 18 | 1.6 |
| Regular Yellow Black Taxi’s | 22 | 1.5 |
| App based Fleet / Radio Cabs | 45 | 1 |
| Private Cars | 15 To 20 | 1 |
| Local Trains Second Class | 5 To 10 | Depends On Stations |
| Local Trains First Class | 45 | Depends On Stations |
| Metro Trains | 10 | Depends On Stations |
| Mono Rail Trains | 5 | 3 |
* Note : All Rates in Indian Rupees (INR), Average Dollar to Rupees Rate as of date is Rs.66
You may already know about the 5 main travel options in Mumbai: Local Trains, Metro Trains, BEST Buses, Auto-rickshaws, and Taxis. Mono Rails are also available in limited locations. Among these, BEST Buses are the cheapest and most commonly used by daily commuters. Some people prefer to travel by Auto-rickshaws and Taxis, especially if their company reimburses the travel expenses.
However, the most crowded yet reliable and time-saving option is the Mumbai local trains, which operate on 3 major routes: Western, Central, and Harbour. Metro Trains have also made commuting easier for daily travelers between Andheri/Versova and Ghatkopar, as well as commercial areas like Seepz and MIDC. More Metro projects are planned to provide citizens with convenient, improved, and affordable commuting options.
Below is most to least crowded Travel Options of city, Lets dig in deeper to understand them all individually.
Local Trains, Fastest and Crowded Travel Option
Mumbai Local Trains are known as the lifeline of the city due to the high population during peak hours. Every day, millions of commuters rely on local trains for their daily commute, spending around 3 to 4 hours just to reach their workplaces. Surprisingly, many senior executives prefer the first-class compartment of local trains over air-conditioned cars, as Mumbai roads are notorious for heavy traffic. If you are a tourist, I would suggest traveling during non-office hours, between 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM, to experience a less crowded journey.
3 Main Routes that connects every corner of city and its neighbourhoods are Western, Central and Harbour Routes.
Suburbs are mentioned when discussing certain routes. Western and Central are two suburban areas known for their train stations located beyond South Mumbai. Trains are an affordable and quick mode of transportation in Mumbai. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the routes, station names, and train schedules to reach your desired tourist spot. Learn more about local train travel, timetables, ticket prices, ATVM ticketing, and videos before embarking on your journey.
Related : Railway Map, Station Names, Local Train Fares, ATVM Smart Cards, Western Railway Lost + Found, Central Route Lost + Found.
Mumbai Metro Trains
Mumbai Metro : It was 2014, the coolest thing started for all those local trains tired and auto hunting frustrated commuters in city, Myself personally observed and experienced the first day excitement of the very first line 1 of Mumbai metro train ride to get some videos, pictures and information to spread around.
Mumbai is just as exciting on the first day, with its natural chaos that locals experience when traveling by local trains. I recommend taking the metro from the Railway station to Versova (Andheri) instead of searching for an auto, paying high fees, wasting time, and dealing with unnecessary traffic.
This is the first completed Metro project (Line 1) in Mumbai. More projects are in progress and some will take about a decade to complete. There are challenges to overcome, but my article will provide details on fares, timetable, route, pictures, and videos. The Metro connects Western Suburb (Andheri) to Central Suburb (Ghatkopar), making it a convenient option for saving time and money for Mumbaikars. Travelers to Seepz and MIDC area in Andheri East appreciate the convenience of this Metro.
Related : Metro Train Lost + Found.
Commuting in BEST Bus
BEST Buses (AC and NON AC) : The next popular choice for transportation is the BEST buses, which are divided into Regular Non AC and BRTS AC buses. It is the second most crowded public transport option, but many people choose it because it is affordable and reaches odd routes and interior village locations in the suburbs, saving time compared to taking the Local trains.
BEST bus routes are carefully designed to reach even the remote villages in the suburbs. Despite facing challenges and financial losses, they have reduced ticket prices by half to attract more passengers. The regular buses are decent, while the AC buses are well-kept, making them a top choice for corporate professionals looking for a pollution-free and comfortable commute.
For daily commuters, it is one of the best travel options with day and monthly pass facilities available. However, if you are a tourist, I highly recommend taking a ride in south Mumbai or even better, a suburb ride at least once. You can take Bus No.202 starting at Mahim Depot to Gorai or 79 LTD (now starting from Santacruz Bus Depot West) as it covers many prime locations like Lokhandwala Complex and goes through Link Road. This will give you a true experience of a city bus ride and allow you to observe the real life and market feel of Mumbai.
More Travel Related : Bus Fares, LOST + FOUND articles in bus, Buses from Airport T2, BEST Grievance and Complains, BKC Shuttle Buses, Woman Security in Bus.
Auto Rickshaw Travel
A 3-seater and 3-wheeled vehicle in Mumbai, privately owned by individuals and used as public transportation with valid permits and licenses, is commonly known as a ‘Rickshaw’ or ‘Auto’. It is a great mode of transportation when the roads are less congested, there are no potholes during the monsoon season, and the weather is cool. However, nowadays, auto rides are not as cheap as they used to be a decade ago.
The minimum fares have increased, and for every extra kilometer, the fare jumps by Rs.1.50. In just a 15-minute ride, the fare can reach up to Rs.50, depending on the traffic. Some people avoid taking autos due to the pollution caused by buses and trucks passing by. Despite these factors, autos are still in high demand and will continue to be so.
If you’re in a rush to get somewhere, missed your bus, or need to catch your regular train to work on time, taking an auto is a quick travel option. The quality of your ride depends on the driver’s mood, as they are used to navigating speed breakers and potholes. Most auto drivers in Mumbai rent their vehicles and pay a fixed amount daily, so vehicle maintenance is not a top priority, resulting in rough rides. For tourists looking to travel short distances in the city, taking an auto is a better choice than local trains.
Mumbai no longer has any meter cheats due to the use of digital meters, eliminating cases of tampering. Fare charts are no longer necessary. However, if you want to check auto fares, you can visit this link: auto fares. Refusals are still an issue, especially during office hours. There are no indicators on autos to show if they are for hire or busy, leading to drivers taking advantage of refusals. Mumbai has a mix of helpful Samaritans and indifferent drivers, so it’s hard to make a definitive judgment on their behavior.
Related : Refusal and Grievance Office
Travel in Taxi and App Based Fleets
There is a lot happening in the city regarding the taxi regulations and fare charges. The fight between traditional taxis and app-based fleets is causing inconvenience to commuters and tourists. When taxi unions go on strike, people have to find alternative transportation options. The issue of fare charges and the use of mobile apps like Android and iOS are not accepted by regular taxi drivers, who have been operating in the city for decades.
In order to compete with app-based aggregators and rivals, the traditional yellow and black taxi app 9211 has already been planned. However, there has been no update on the status of this app-based transportation option for several months now. Therefore, we will have to wait and see.
NOTE : Kali-Peeli Taxi NO MORE in operation (2024).
In South Mumbai (Mahim to Churchgate Area), people are willing to pay more for taxis when there are no auto rickshaws available. During strikes by regular Black and Yellow taxis, commuters have to rely on local trains, buses, or expensive app-based fleets. Some private radio cab companies, like Uber, have increased their fares by 50 to 100 percent during strikes. For more information on travel options, including prices, check out the link provided above. AC taxis and cool cabs are recommended for tourists looking for a pollution-free commute.
Related : Re-caliberated Metres, RTO offices, Taxi Booking at Airport, Share a txi services.
Rent a Cycle For Travel and Health
Yes, Soon the Go Green travel option will be out as has already been declared that government are planning ‘Rent a Cycle’ as a brand new option to travel short distances within city. This will be amazing if the system and management are strong, cycles are well maintained, No renting hurdles like ID Cards and Deposits etc and renting costs are cheaper. Many repair shops might get a new job and contract if hired for same. City will have less pollution and a happy feel to commute, As one can skip the walker session inside gym saving another 15 minutes.
Many residents are now choosing to ride bicycles early in the morning for exercise. As more people recognize the advantages of cycling, our city streets will become less crowded. Several cycling groups have become popular recently. I will add videos and photos once the city gets its first bike station. Follow us on GOOGLE+ for updates.
See Also : Travel Do and Don’t, Woman Travel Safe, Upcoming Bullet Trains.
See More in Travel Guide
