Mumbai Transport Guide

Mumbai Transport Guide

Local trains, metro, BEST buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, Ola/Uber, and ferries — how to get around Mumbai safely and affordably

Getting around Mumbai requires understanding the city's unique transport ecosystem. The local train is the lifeline — carrying 7.5 million passengers daily and covering most of the city's north-south spine. BEST buses fill the gaps with east-west routes. Auto-rickshaws are cheap but only available in the suburbs. Kaali-peeli taxis serve South Mumbai. And Ola/Uberprovides door-to-door convenience everywhere. The key is knowing when to use each option.

The most important rule: avoid traveling during peak hours (8-11 AM, 5-9 PM) unless absolutely necessary. Both trains and roads are overwhelmingly crowded during rush hour.

Transport Options

Local Trains

Recommended₹5-15 (2nd class) / ₹75-150 (1st class)

The lifeline of Mumbai — 7.5 million passengers use the network daily. Three main lines: Western (Churchgate-Virar), Central (CSMT-Kasara/Khopoli), and Harbour (CSMT-Panvel). Trains run every 3-5 minutes during peak hours. The fastest and cheapest way to travel long distances in Mumbai. A second-class ticket from Churchgate to Borivali (35 km) costs just ₹15.

Pros

  • + Incredibly cheap — ₹5-15 per trip
  • + Fastest way to travel long distances
  • + Trains every 3-5 minutes during peak hours
  • + Covers most of Mumbai's length
  • + First-class available for more comfort

Cons

  • - Dangerously overcrowded during peak hours
  • - No air conditioning (except select AC local trains)
  • - Limited east-west connectivity
  • - Stations can be confusing for first-timers
  • - Monsoon disruptions are common

Tip: Buy tickets via the UTS app or at station counters. First-class is worth the extra cost for tourists. Avoid peak hours (8-11 AM, 5-9 PM). Women should use the ladies compartment during crowded times. The Western Line (Churchgate-Bandra-Andheri) is the most tourist-friendly route.

Mumbai Metro

Good Option₹10-40 per trip

Mumbai's expanding metro network currently operates Line 1 (Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar), connecting the Western and Central railway lines. Air-conditioned, modern trains run every 4-8 minutes. New lines including the Aqua Line (Line 3) connecting the airport to South Mumbai are under construction and will transform the city's transport when complete.

Pros

  • + Air-conditioned and comfortable
  • + Less crowded than local trains
  • + Fixed schedule, reliable timing
  • + Modern stations with escalators
  • + Connects Western and Central lines

Cons

  • - Currently limited to one operational line
  • - Doesn't reach South Mumbai yet
  • - Slightly more expensive than local trains
  • - Short operating hours compared to trains

Tip: Line 1 is useful if traveling between Versova (near Juhu Beach), Andheri (airport area), and Ghatkopar (Central Line connection). Buy tokens at the station or use the metro smart card for faster entry. New lines opening in 2025-2026 will make the metro much more useful for tourists.

BEST Buses

Good Option₹6-20 (non-AC) / ₹20-50 (AC)

Mumbai's extensive bus network covers routes that trains do not reach, including east-west connections. BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) operates both non-AC and AC (red) buses. Useful for reaching attractions not near train stations. The network covers virtually every corner of the city.

Pros

  • + Extensive route network
  • + Very cheap — ₹6-20 for non-AC
  • + AC buses available on popular routes
  • + Covers areas trains don't reach
  • + Operating from 5 AM to midnight

Cons

  • - Slow due to traffic congestion
  • - Can be very crowded during rush hours
  • - Route numbers can be confusing
  • - Non-AC buses have no air conditioning
  • - Unreliable timing due to traffic

Tip: Use the BEST bus app or Google Maps for route planning. Bus 1 (Colaba Depot to CSMT) is one of the most useful tourist routes. Ask the conductor for help — they are generally helpful. AC buses are worth the small premium on hot days.

Auto-Rickshaws

Good Option₹23 base fare + ₹16.55/km

The iconic three-wheeled vehicles are available ONLY in the suburbs (beyond Bandra on Western, beyond Sion on Central). They run on meters and are much cheaper than taxis for short suburban trips. A 5 km ride costs approximately ₹85-100. Drivers are generally honest about meters in Mumbai compared to other Indian cities.

Pros

  • + Cheap for short suburban trips
  • + Metered — transparent pricing
  • + Available everywhere in suburbs
  • + Can navigate through traffic
  • + No app needed — just hail one

Cons

  • - Not available in South Mumbai
  • - No air conditioning
  • - Noisy and bumpy ride
  • - Some drivers refuse short trips
  • - Night charges apply (1.5x after midnight)

Tip: Always insist on the meter. If a driver refuses to use the meter, walk away — another auto will come within seconds. The night surcharge (1.5x) after midnight is legitimate. Save your destination in Hindi on your phone to show drivers.

Kaali-Peeli Taxis

Available₹28 base fare + ₹20.73/km

The black-and-yellow (kaali-peeli) taxis operate throughout Mumbai, including South Mumbai where auto-rickshaws are banned. They run on digital meters. Being replaced gradually by Ola/Uber but still widely available, especially in South Mumbai. Useful for short trips when you don't want to wait for a ride-hailing car.

Pros

  • + Available in South Mumbai (unlike autos)
  • + Metered pricing
  • + Can be hailed on the street
  • + No surge pricing
  • + Available 24/7

Cons

  • - More expensive than auto-rickshaws
  • - Older vehicles, often no AC
  • - Some drivers refuse to go to suburbs
  • - Decreasing availability as Uber grows

Tip: Useful for short hops in South Mumbai. Always check the meter is running. The ₹28 minimum fare covers the first 1.5 km. Night surcharge of 1.5x applies after midnight. Carry small change — drivers often claim to have no change for large notes.

Ola / Uber

Recommended₹150-400 for typical rides

The most convenient transport option for tourists. Available 24/7 across Mumbai with transparent app-based pricing, GPS tracking, and multiple vehicle options. Ola Auto (auto-rickshaw via app) is a cheaper suburban option. Both apps show estimated fares before booking. Payment via cash, card, or UPI.

Pros

  • + Available everywhere, 24/7
  • + Transparent pricing via app
  • + Air-conditioned vehicles
  • + GPS tracking for safety
  • + Multiple vehicle categories
  • + No negotiation needed

Cons

  • - Surge pricing during rain and peak hours
  • - Can be difficult to find during heavy rain
  • - Traffic means unpredictable journey times
  • - More expensive than public transport
  • - Driver cancellations can be frustrating

Tip: Download both Ola and Uber — compare prices as they vary. Ola Auto is the cheapest app-based option in suburbs. Avoid booking during peak rain when surge pricing can be 2-3x normal. UPI payment is most convenient. Always verify the driver and car details before getting in.

Ferries

Available₹150-250 per trip

Ferry services operate from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves (1 hour, ₹150-200 return) and to Mandwa/Alibaug (1 hour, ₹150-250 one way). The Elephanta ferry is a popular tourist excursion. The Mandwa ferry is a scenic alternative to the road journey to Alibaug, especially useful on weekends when highway traffic is heavy.

Pros

  • + Scenic journey across Mumbai Harbour
  • + Avoids road traffic completely
  • + Only way to reach Elephanta Caves
  • + Fast connection to Alibaug via Mandwa
  • + Regular departures during the day

Cons

  • - Limited routes — only Elephanta and Mandwa
  • - Cancelled during monsoon rough seas
  • - Can be crowded on weekends
  • - No ferries after sunset

Tip: Elephanta ferries depart from the Gateway of India between 9 AM and 2 PM. Buy return tickets. The luxury speedboat to Mandwa (₹250) is faster and more comfortable than the regular ferry. Both services are suspended during heavy monsoon.

Price Comparison Table

RouteTrainBusAutoTaxiOla/Uber
Airport to Colaba₹15*₹20N/A₹500-800₹400-700
Colaba to Bandra₹10₹15N/A₹250-350₹200-350
CST to Andheri₹10₹20N/A**₹350-500₹300-450
Bandra to JuhuN/A₹10₹80-120₹150-200₹120-200
Andheri to BKCN/A₹15₹80-100₹150-200₹100-180

* Train to airport requires change at Andheri (Western) or Ghatkopar (Central) + auto/taxi to terminal. ** Auto-rickshaws not available in South Mumbai (below Bandra/Sion). All prices approximate and vary with traffic/surge.

Peak Hours Warning

Avoid These Times

Mumbai's peak hours are 8:00-11:00 AM (morning rush) and 5:00-9:00 PM (evening rush). During these times:

  • Local trains are packed beyond capacity — people literally hang from doors
  • Roads gridlock — a 20-minute trip can take 90 minutes
  • Ola/Uber surge pricing can be 2-3x normal
  • BEST buses are standing-room only

Tourist tip: Plan your sightseeing to avoid traveling during these windows. Use 10 AM - 4 PM for inter-area travel. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel until 10 AM, then head out. Return to your area by 5 PM and explore locally until dinner.

Mumbai Transport FAQs

The local train is the fastest and cheapest way to cover long distances in Mumbai. For short trips and door-to-door convenience, Ola/Uber is best. BEST buses fill gaps that trains don't cover. Auto-rickshaws are cheap in the suburbs. The combination of local trains for major hops and Ola/Uber for last-mile connectivity works best for tourists.
Yes, during off-peak hours (10 AM - 5 PM and after 9 PM). The trains are clean, frequent, and incredibly efficient. Avoid peak hours (8-11 AM, 5-9 PM) when trains are dangerously overcrowded — this is not an exaggeration. First-class tickets (₹75-150) offer much more space and comfort. Women have dedicated compartments.
Typical Ola/Uber rides cost ₹150-400 depending on distance and traffic. An Ola Auto (auto-rickshaw via app) costs ₹50-150 for short suburban trips. Prices surge during rain and peak hours. A ride from the airport to Colaba costs ₹500-800 and takes 1-2 hours depending on traffic.
No. Auto-rickshaws are NOT allowed in South Mumbai (below Bandra on the Western Line, below Sion on the Central Line). They operate only in the suburbs. In South Mumbai, use kaali-peeli taxis, BEST buses, or Ola/Uber. This catches many first-time visitors off guard.
The cheapest option is the BEST bus service from the airport (₹6-20). Mumbai Metro Line 1 connects Andheri to Ghatkopar (₹10-40). For Colaba/South Mumbai, a pre-paid taxi costs ₹500-800. Ola/Uber costs ₹400-700 but varies with traffic and surge pricing. The upcoming Metro Line 3 will connect the airport directly to South Mumbai.

Get Your Free Travel Guide

PDF download + weekly travel tips

Join our community and get a comprehensive travel guide with maps, budgets, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, we promise.