Delhi to Mumbai

Complete transport guide covering flights, the Rajdhani Express, and road options with prices, journey times, and booking tips

Delhi to Mumbai is India's busiest domestic travel route, connecting the country's capital with its financial powerhouse. Whether you want the speed of a 2-hour flight, the romance of the legendary Rajdhani Express, or the freedom of a road trip through Rajasthan, here is everything you need to know to choose the right option and book your journey.

Quick Comparison

Transport	Time	Cost	Comfort	Best For
Flight	2 hours	₹3,000-8,000	High	Most travelers
Rajdhani Express	16 hours	₹1,500-4,000	High	Train lovers, budget
By Road	22-24 hours	₹3,000-15,000	Variable	Road trippers

3 Ways to Get from Delhi to Mumbai

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Flight

2 hours₹3,000-8,000

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, AirAsia India, Akasa Air, Go First

Flying is the fastest and most popular way to travel between Delhi and Mumbai. Over 50 daily flights operate on this route — one of the busiest domestic air corridors in the world. Budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet offer the cheapest fares, while Vistara and Air India provide full-service experiences. Flights depart from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (DEL) and arrive at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM).

Pros

+Fastest option at just 2 hours in the air
+Over 50 daily flights with departures every 15-30 minutes
+Budget fares as low as ₹3,000 when booked 3-4 weeks ahead
+Both airports have excellent Metro/transport connections to the city

Cons

-Door-to-door time is 4-6 hours including airport transit and security
-Prices spike during holidays (Diwali, Holi) and peak travel weekends
-Checked baggage costs extra on budget airlines (₹500-1,000 per bag)
-Delhi fog in December-January can cause significant delays

Booking Tip: Book on IndiGo.in or MakeMyTrip.com for the best fares. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for budget prices. Tuesday and Wednesday flights tend to be cheapest. Set up fare alerts on Google Flights for price drops.

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Rajdhani Express

16 hours overnight₹1,500-4,000

Indian Railways (IRCTC)

The Mumbai Rajdhani Express is one of India's most legendary trains. Running overnight from New Delhi station to Mumbai Central, it offers a quintessential Indian rail experience. The train departs in the evening and arrives the next morning, saving a night of accommodation. All meals (dinner, morning tea, and breakfast) are included in the ticket price. Classes range from 3-tier AC (3AC) to First AC (1AC).

Pros

+Iconic Indian rail experience with excellent service
+Overnight journey saves a night of hotel costs
+All meals included in the ticket price
+Comfortable AC sleeper berths with bedding provided

Cons

-Takes 16 hours compared to 2 hours by flight
-Tickets sell out 2-4 weeks in advance on popular dates
-Lower berths are preferable but harder to book
-Delays of 1-3 hours are common, especially during monsoon

Booking Tip: Book on IRCTC.co.in as soon as tickets open (120 days before travel). 2AC is the sweet spot for comfort and value (₹2,500-3,000). 3AC is the most popular class (₹1,500-2,000). 1AC offers private compartments (₹3,500-4,000). Use Tatkal booking for last-minute tickets.

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By Road

22-24 hours₹3,000-15,000

Self-drive, Ola/Uber Outstation, Zoomcar, Savaari

The Delhi to Mumbai road journey covers approximately 1,400 km via the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway (NH48) or through Jaipur-Udaipur. While driving non-stop is not recommended due to the extreme distance, breaking the journey at Jaipur (4-5 hrs from Delhi) and Udaipur (6-7 hrs from Jaipur) turns it into an incredible multi-city road trip through Rajasthan.

Pros

+Freedom to stop at Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, and other cities en route
+Self-drive via the new expressway is increasingly comfortable
+A multi-day road trip through Rajasthan is unforgettable
+Convenient for groups of 3-4 who can share the costs

Cons

-Extremely long at 22-24 hours non-stop — not recommended as a direct drive
-Highway driving in India requires experience and confidence
-Toll costs add up (₹1,500-2,000 for the full route)
-Night driving is dangerous due to poorly lit stretches and trucks

Booking Tip: For self-drive, rent from Zoomcar (₹3,000-5,000/day). For a chauffeur-driven car, use Savaari or Ola Outstation (₹8,000-15,000 one-way). If doing a road trip, plan 3-4 days with stops at Jaipur and Udaipur. Fuel costs approximately ₹5,000-7,000.

Flight Tips

Best Booking Platforms

Book directly on IndiGo.in or Vistara.com for the best prices and easy modifications. Use MakeMyTrip or Google Flights to compare fares across all airlines. Paytm and EaseMyTrip often have exclusive cashback offers. Always book 3-4 weeks ahead for the lowest fares.

Airport Transfers

Delhi Airport: The Airport Express Metro Line reaches New Delhi station in 20 minutes (₹60). Ola/Uber to central Delhi costs ₹300-500. Mumbai Airport: Ola/Uber to South Mumbai costs ₹500-900 (45-90 mins depending on traffic). The new Metro Line 3 will connect the airport to key city areas.

Train Tips

Booking on IRCTC

Register on IRCTC.co.in well before your trip (verification takes 24-48 hours). Tickets open 120 days in advance. The Rajdhani fills fast, so book as soon as tickets open. For last-minute travel, use Tatkal booking (opens at 10 AM, one day before departure). Third-party apps like ConfirmTkt show waitlist probabilities.

Which Class to Choose

3AC (₹1,500-2,000): 6 berths per compartment, curtains for privacy, most popular class. 2AC (₹2,500-3,000): 4 berths per compartment, more spacious, better service. 1AC (₹3,500-4,000): Private 2-berth or 4-berth cabins with lockable doors. Best for couples and families.

Food on Board

The Rajdhani includes all meals — dinner, morning tea/coffee, and breakfast. Food quality has improved with pantry car services. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. You can also pre-order meals from IRCTC e-Catering for delivery at intermediate stations.

Pro Tips

Carry a small lock for your luggage. Download the NTES app for live train tracking. Keep your ticket and ID handy for TTE checks. Lower berths are easier for older travelers and families. Side lower berths offer more privacy. Charge your phone at the outlets under the berths.

What to Do First in Mumbai

Just landed or arrived at Mumbai Central? Here is how to make the most of your first day.

Morning

Gateway of India & Colaba

Head to South Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India. Explore Colaba Causeway for street shopping, grab breakfast at Cafe Mondegar or Leopold Cafe, and soak in the colonial-era atmosphere. The Taj Mahal Palace hotel next door is worth a look.

Afternoon

CST & Crawford Market

Walk to the UNESCO-listed CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) — one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Explore Crawford Market for fruits, spices, and pets. Grab a vada pav from any street stall for the quintessential Mumbai snack.

Evening

Marine Drive Sunset

End your first day at Marine Drive, Mumbai's iconic waterfront promenade known as the Queen's Necklace. Watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea, then walk to Girgaum Chowpatty for bhel puri and pav bhaji under the stars.

Our Recommendation

Best Overall

Flight

For most travelers, flying is the clear winner. Save 14+ hours of travel time for as little as ₹3,000. Book 3-4 weeks ahead on IndiGo for the best prices. Total door-to-door is 4-6 hours.

Best Experience

Rajdhani Express

At ₹1,500-4,000 with meals included and a night's accommodation saved, the Rajdhani is unbeatable for value and experience. Depart Delhi at 4:30 PM, arrive Mumbai by 8:30 AM. A quintessential Indian travel experience.

Best for Explorers

Road Trip via Rajasthan

If you have 4-5 extra days, turn the Delhi-Mumbai journey into an epic road trip. Delhi to Jaipur to Udaipur to Mumbai covers the best of Rajasthan with forts, palaces, lakes, and desert landscapes along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Delhi to Mumbai?

The Rajdhani Express in 3AC class is the cheapest comfortable option at ₹1,500-2,000 with meals included. Budget flights on IndiGo or SpiceJet can be as low as ₹3,000 when booked 3-4 weeks ahead, which is often worth the time savings. Check flight prices first before defaulting to the train.

How long is the flight from Delhi to Mumbai?

The flight takes approximately 2 hours. Factor in 1.5-2 hours for check-in and security at Delhi airport, plus 30-60 minutes for transfer from Mumbai airport to your hotel. Total door-to-door time is typically 4-6 hours.

Is the Rajdhani Express worth taking?

Absolutely. The Rajdhani Express is one of India's most iconic trains and the overnight journey is an experience in itself. Meals are included, berths are comfortable, and you save a night of accommodation. It is especially worthwhile if you enjoy train travel and want to see the Indian countryside.

Can I break the Delhi-Mumbai journey with stops?

Yes, and we highly recommend it if you have time. By road, stop at Jaipur (5 hours from Delhi), Udaipur (6 hours from Jaipur), and then continue to Mumbai. By train, you can book separate tickets with a stop at Kota or Vadodara. This turns a simple transfer into a multi-city adventure.

Are there fog delays on Delhi-Mumbai flights?

Yes, Delhi experiences dense fog from mid-December to late January, which can cause flight delays of 2-8 hours or cancellations. If traveling during this period, book afternoon flights (which are less affected), keep your schedule flexible, and consider the Rajdhani Express as a reliable backup.

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