The distance from Mumbai to Karjat is roughly 90 km by road from South Mumbai, about 65 km from Navi Mumbai, and just under 100 km by rail from CSMT. Whichever way you count it, plan on two to two and a half hours door to door.
We have done this run in every direction and every season while running three villas inside the Villa Montana estate near Vare, so this is the practical version: which train, which of the three road routes, what it costs, and where the traffic actually is.
Last updated: 4 September 2026. Fares and times are approximate; check IRCTC and Google Maps on the day.
Mumbai to Karjat at a glance
| From | Approx. distance | Typical time | Best option |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSMT / South Mumbai | 90 km road, 100 km rail | 2 h 15 min by fast local, 2 h 30 min by car | Train |
| Bandra / Andheri | 85 to 95 km | 2 h 30 min by car | Car via Panvel |
| Thane / Kalyan | 55 to 70 km | 1 h 15 min from Kalyan by local | Train, or car via Badlapur |
| Navi Mumbai (Vashi, Panvel) | 45 to 65 km | 1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min by car | Car via Chowk |
| Pune | 120 km | 2 h 45 min by car | Car via the expressway, exit Khopoli |
Mumbai to Karjat by train
Karjat is the last major station on the Central Railway suburban line before the ghats, which makes it the easiest weekend destination in Maharashtra to reach without a car.
Local trains
Karjat-bound locals leave CSMT roughly every 20 to 40 minutes through the day. A fast local takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to Karjat, a slow one closer to 2 hours 45 minutes. From Thane it is about 1 hour 30 minutes and from Kalyan about 50 minutes to an hour. If your train terminates at Kalyan or Badlapur, change to any Karjat local on the same platform side.
Second class is around Rs 30 from CSMT and first class around Rs 100. Weekend morning trains between 7 and 10 am carry the trekking crowd; for a seat, board at CSMT or Dadar rather than Thane. [VERIFY: current fares]
Express trains
Several Pune-bound expresses halt at Karjat, including the Deccan Express, Sinhagad Express and the Intercity, and they are quicker and more comfortable than a local for the same route. Seats need a reservation on IRCTC. Do not count on unreserved coaches on a Saturday morning.
From Karjat station to Villa Montana
The estate is about 12 km from Karjat station on the Karjat-Murbad Road towards Neral, past Vare village. Autos outside the station charge around Rs 250 to 350 for the run. Neral station is slightly closer, about 11 km, if you are on a train that stops there. Tell us your arrival time and we will arrange a pickup.
Mumbai to Karjat by road: the three routes
Route 1: via Panvel and Chowk (the default)
Sion-Panvel Highway to Panvel, join the old Mumbai-Pune highway (NH48) to Chowk, then left onto the Chowk-Karjat road through Kalamb to Karjat. About 85 to 90 km from Sion, 2 to 2 and a half hours. The Chowk-Karjat stretch is a good two-lane road with village traffic, and the last 20 minutes is the prettiest of the trip. This is the route for anyone from South Mumbai, the western suburbs or Navi Mumbai.
Route 2: via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Khopoli
Take the expressway to the Khopoli exit, then the Khopoli-Karjat road north for about 30 km. Slightly longer at 95 to 100 km, but faster when the Panvel side is jammed, and the obvious route from Pune or Lonavala. Toll applies on the expressway.
Route 3: via Kalyan, Badlapur and Neral
For Thane, Dombivli, Kalyan and Ambernath, drive Kalyan-Badlapur-Neral and join the Karjat-Murbad Road at Neral. You reach Villa Montana before Karjat town, which saves 20 minutes. The Badlapur stretch is slow through the town and slower on Friday evenings; leave before 5 pm or after 8.
What it costs
- Local train: Rs 30 to 100 per person one way.
- Express train: Rs 150 to 500 depending on class. [VERIFY]
- Own car: fuel for 180 to 200 km round trip plus expressway toll if you take Route 2.
- Cab from Mumbai: Rs 2,500 to 4,000 one way for a sedan or SUV on the app services and local operators; more on long weekends. [VERIFY: current rates]
- Auto from Karjat or Neral station to the estate: Rs 250 to 350.
When to leave, and where the traffic is
The Sion-Panvel Highway and the Panvel bypass are the choke points. Leaving Mumbai on a Friday between 5 and 9 pm can add an hour. Saturday before 8 am is clear the whole way. Coming back, Sunday 4 to 8 pm is the worst window; either leave the villa after breakfast or stay for an early dinner and drive after 8.
In the monsoon the Chowk-Karjat and Khopoli-Karjat roads occasionally flood at low points after a night of heavy rain, usually for a few hours in the morning. If you are driving in July or August, check with us before you leave; we know which stretch is under water.
Good stops on the way
- Karjat station vada pav: the reason half of Mumbai knows the town’s name. Stalls on the east side of the station.
- Chowk: the last decent highway food before you turn off, if you are on Route 1.
- Roadside fruit on the Karjat-Murbad Road: Alphonso in April and May, jackfruit in June, kokum and wild vegetables in the monsoon.
Arriving at Nandan Villa
Nandan Villa is Plot 67 inside the gated Villa Montana estate, near Vare village on the Karjat-Murbad Road. There is covered parking inside the villa compound and more space inside the estate gate. Check-in is 1 pm; if you are coming by train, tell us the arrival time and the pickup will be waiting. Once you are here, the things to do around Karjat and the waterfalls are all within 35 km.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance from Mumbai to Karjat?
About 90 km by road from South Mumbai via Panvel and Chowk, 65 km from Navi Mumbai, and just under 100 km by rail from CSMT. Driving takes two to two and a half hours; a fast local takes about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Mumbai to Karjat?
Yes. Karjat-bound locals run directly from CSMT on the Central line every 20 to 40 minutes, and several Pune expresses halt at Karjat. If your local terminates at Kalyan or Badlapur, change to the next Karjat local on the same side.
Which is the best road route from Mumbai to Karjat?
Via Panvel and Chowk for most of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, via the expressway and Khopoli when the Panvel side is jammed or you are coming from Pune, and via Kalyan, Badlapur and Neral if you live in Thane or Kalyan. All three take between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 and a half hours.
How far is Karjat from Pune?
Around 120 km and about 2 hours 45 minutes by car, using the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to the Khopoli exit and then the Khopoli-Karjat road. Pune to Karjat by train takes about 2 to 2 and a half hours on the expresses that halt at Karjat.
Can I reach Karjat without a car?
Easily. Take a Karjat local from anywhere on the Central line, then an auto for the 12 km to Villa Montana, or ask us for a pickup. Around Karjat, autos and local cabs will take you to the caves, waterfalls and rafting points for a fixed day rate.
Coming this weekend? Check dates at Nandan Villa or WhatsApp +91 91368 44603 and we will send you the live road conditions the morning you leave.