Travel to India
There are two routes to Pune when flying from foreign countries including the US: Fly into Mumbai and travel to Pune by car service or train or bus; or fly into Delhi and travel by train or air. A car from Mumbai to Pune is about 3 ½ - 4 hours and costs between $22-26 USD. A flight from Delhi to Pune on Air India costs about $90.
If traveling via Mumbai and you need to stay overnight or want to spend a few days, there is more information about hotels, food and Iyengar Yoga Mumbai in the appendix at the end of this guide.
Airlines
Jet Airways (USA)
Jet Airways offers a free shuttle service between the international and domestic terminals; it runs every half hour, 24 hours a day. You must identify your checked luggage to an airline employee on the tarmac before you board the plane or your luggage will not be loaded onto the flight.
United Airlines (USA)
Connecting flights to/from Mumbai or direct to Delhi. Usually you will connect in a city like Frankfurt and the layover time may be several hours. Frankfurt airport has a food court and private showering facilities where you can freshen up during your layover. Flying direct to Delhi you will have to switch to a domestic flight to Pune.
Virgin-Atlantic (Delhi)
TRAVELING FROM MUMBAI TO PUNE
Travel time by car from Mumbai to Pune is approximately four hours during the day and three and a half hours at night.
By Cab or Bus between Mumbai and Pune
Roots & Wings
Editor's pick1122 Model Colony, Pune 411016 (diagonally opposite Hotel Ambassador)
Call +91 99230 63370MapEmailWebsite
Roots & Wings (Editor's Pick) has been serving RIMYI students for the last 14 years. They offer Private/Shuttle services between Mumbai International/domestic airports to Pune. A car to Pune is only 3 1/2 hours and costs $24 per person (as of June 2024). This price is comparable to booking a car through Uber. You can book Roots & Wings in advance, and pay in rupees once you arrive in Pune. WhatsApp +91 99230 63370.
“I used Roots & Wings for the first time. Going from Pune to Mumbai. They were on time, price as agreed and nice car. From my experience ~ highly recommended.”
— Guest review
To avoid confusion, or misunderstanding, it's best to book your car by email. If email confirmation is not possible, make sure you receive a firm written price. Provided the booking is made 24+ hours in advance, car services will usually (and in fact should) give you a written confirmation.
Hotel Chetak
For the most reliable way to get to and from the airport. They have a range of clean, reliable cars suitable for any number of people. Day trips can also be arranged.
KK Travels
Rs. 1100 per person from Mumbai to Pune.
Murtuza Dashi – Star Travel
Call 985-004-7885Call +91 20 – 25677791Call 56258294Email
Murtuza Dashi is Gulnaz & Ali Dashi's brother. Star Travel provides a private car for arrival and departure to and from Mumbai International Airport and the domestic airport in Pune.
Sandi's International Tours and Travels
5 Amit Complex, 474,Sadashiv Peth, Tilak Rd, Pune-30
Contact Sandi's directly or book from the Hotel Chetak. Sandis cars have a car pick up service to and from the airport. The service is very reliable but book in advance: sandis@sandis.com or sandistravels@gmail.com. They take 4 passengers, so no need to wait for hours to fill a mini-bus as was previously the case.
Star Tours & Travel
101, Kalindi Apts., (Vanasthali Bldg.) 318/19B Canal Road, Model Colony, Pune – 411 016
Brand new Tavera/Indica & all types of tourist vehicles available on hire.
Tokekar Transportation Services
Tokekar Transportation Services, an enterprise run by Mr. Raj Tokekar, has for several years been providing safe, reliable and reasonably priced door-to-door transportation from Mumbai International Airport to Pune.
“I have found Mr. Tokekar's car service very reliable and reasonable on the 3 occasions I used it.”
— a student
Vikram
Highly recommendedCall 985-050-8756Call 988-106-0505Call +91 20-2421 3804Email
Highly recommended for the Mumbai/Pune run. Vikram More is extremely reliable and also very knowledgeable about local Maratha history. Ask about day trips or tours. Land line number in Pune: +91 20-2421 3804.
And if your ride to Pune fails to show up: There is a reliable car service that operates out of Mumbai Airport. As you leave customs, the "Authorized" (not yellow) cab office is on the right-hand side.
By Train
The Deccan Queen serves food, i.e., beans on toast for breakfast. Trains require an advance reservation, which you can get from any Mumbai travel agent. You can also make reservations online at irctic.co.in . Check PNR status & seats availability online at indianrail.gov.in . Train booking opens two months in advance prior to travel date, so be sure to make your travel arrangements in India accordingly.
The domestic and international air terminals are at separate locations with shuttle buses running between them. For more information, talk to the airline staff (also see Airlines above). Flights are limited between Mumbai and Pune since road and rail travel are far more popular.
Train tickets can be booked at Roots & Wings.
Know a place that should be here, or something that has changed? Suggest an addition.
