McDonald's Lonavala (Km 40)
Pune to Mumbai direction • Perfect breakfast/coffee stop
9.5/10
User Rating
Why It's #1
- Cleanest restrooms on entire route
- Fast service (5-10 min)
- AC seating, WiFi, kids play area
- Safe, well-lit parking
Menu Highlights
- • Burgers: Rs.50-200
- • McCafe Coffee: Rs.80-150
- • Breakfast: Rs.100-180
- • Meals: Rs.150-350
- • Desserts: Rs.40-100
Facilities
- • EV Charging: ✓ (30 kW)
- • Restrooms: Excellent
- • Parking: Large, secure
- • Open: 24/7
- • Typical stop: 15-20 min
Pro Tip: Perfect timing for breakfast if you leave Pune at 6-7 AM. Order McCafe coffee for road ahead. Stop here before the ghat descent.
Khalapur Food Plaza (Km 68)
After Khalapur toll • 10+ restaurant options
8.5/10
User Rating
Why Choose This
- 10+ food outlets under one roof
- Indian, Chinese, fast food choices
- Fuel station adjacent
- Good for group travel (varied tastes)
Food Options
- • Thali: Rs.120-180
- • Biryani: Rs.150-250
- • Snacks: Rs.50-100
- • Tea/Coffee: Rs.20-80
- • Full meals: Rs.150-300
Facilities
- • EV Charging: ✓ (2 ports)
- • Restrooms: Good (Rs.5-10)
- • Parking: Very large
- • ATM: Available
- • Typical stop: 25-35 min
Best For: Lunch stop, groups with different food preferences, or if you want authentic Indian food instead of fast food.
McDonald's Khopoli (Km 55)
Khopoli exit • Mid-point between Pune & Mumbai
8.0/10
User Rating
Highlights
- Perfect halfway point
- Consistent McDonald's quality
- Good for families with kids
- After scenic ghat descent
Menu & Prices
- • Burgers: Rs.50-200
- • Coffee: Rs.80-150
- • Fries/Sides: Rs.40-100
- • Meals: Rs.180-350
- • Ice cream: Rs.25-80
Facilities
- • EV Charging: ✓ (30 kW)
- • Restrooms: Very clean
- • Parking: Medium size
- • Open: 24/7
- • Typical stop: 15-20 min
More Great Stops (4-10)
Cafe Coffee Day Lonavala (Km 42)
Best For
Quick coffee break, work on laptop
Prices
Coffee Rs.100-180, Snacks Rs.80-150
Rating
Good coffee, WiFi, AC seating. Restrooms decent. No EV charging.
Talegaon Fuel Station & Dhaba (Km 12)
Best For
Early stop, fuel fill-up, EV charging
Prices
Meals Rs.80-150, Tea Rs.10-20
Rating
Basic but clean. EV charging available. Good for quick tea/breakfast. Authentic roadside food.
Lonavala Food Zone (Km 40-45)
Best For
Multiple options in short stretch
Options
5+ restaurants, dhabas, bakeries
Rating
Cluster of food options including McDonald's, CCD, local restaurants. Something for everyone.
Khandala Viewpoint (Km 44)
Best For
Scenic photos, fresh air, stretching legs
Facilities
Tea stalls, corn vendors, basic restrooms
Rating
Beautiful ghat views especially in monsoon. 5-10 min photo stop. Not ideal for meals.
Panvel Food Court (Km 82)
Best For
Last stop before Mumbai, fuel top-up
Prices
Meals Rs.100-200, Quick bites Rs.50-100
Rating
Good facilities near Urse toll. EV charging available. Last chance before Mumbai traffic.
Local Dhabas (Various Locations)
Best For
Authentic Indian food, budget meals
Prices
Meals Rs.60-120, Tea Rs.10-20
Rating
Multiple dhabas along route. Quality varies. Good for adventurous eaters wanting authentic flavors.
Karjat Rest Area (Off Expressway)
Best For
Peaceful break, nature lovers
Note
5 km off expressway via Khopoli exit
Rating
Scenic town with multiple restaurants. Worth detour if you have extra time (adds 20-30 min).
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Stops
| Stop | Km | Rating | Restrooms | EV Charge | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald's Lonavala | 40 | 9.5/10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✓ | Rs.100-250 | Overall best |
| Khalapur Food Plaza | 68 | 8.5/10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✓ | Rs.120-250 | Most variety |
| McDonald's Khopoli | 55 | 8.0/10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✓ | Rs.100-250 | Mid-point break |
| CCD Lonavala | 42 | 8.0/10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✗ | Rs.100-180 | Coffee lovers |
| Talegaon Dhaba | 12 | 7.5/10 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✓ | Rs.80-150 | Budget, early stop |
Pro Tips for Rest Stops
Timing Your Stops
- • Morning (6-8 AM): Stop at Lonavala for breakfast
- • Mid-morning (9-11 AM): Quick coffee at CCD or McDonald's
- • Lunch (12-2 PM): Khalapur Food Plaza for variety
- • Evening (5-7 PM): Quick snack, avoid meal stops
- • Night (after 10 PM): Only McDonald's locations open 24/7
Safety & Hygiene
- • Prefer chain restaurants for consistent quality
- • Carry hand sanitizer (not all restrooms have soap)
- • Keep small change for paid restrooms (Rs.5-10)
- • Park in well-lit areas, lock car doors
- • Check food freshness at dhabas (look for crowds)
EV Charging Strategy
- • Book charging slot via app (Tata Power, ChargeZone)
- • Charge during meal (30-40 min = 20-30% charge)
- • Most popular: Lonavala McDonald's (often busy)
- • Backup: Talegaon, Khopoli, Khalapur have chargers
- • Charging cost: Rs.15-22 per kWh
Food Safety Tips
- • Avoid raw salads at roadside dhabas
- • Stick to freshly cooked hot food
- • Sealed packaged snacks are safer
- • Carry water bottles (restroom water not potable)
- • If unsure, choose McDonald's/branded chains
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food stop on Pune-Mumbai Expressway?
McDonald's at Lonavala (Km 40) is consistently rated the best with cleanest restrooms, fast service, EV charging, and good food. Khalapur Food Plaza (Km 68) offers the most variety with 10+ restaurants.
Where can I find clean restrooms on the expressway?
McDonald's locations at Lonavala (Km 40) and Khopoli (Km 55) have the cleanest restrooms. Khalapur Food Plaza also maintains good facilities. Most charge Rs.5-10 for usage.
Are there EV charging stations at rest stops?
Yes, EV charging is available at Talegaon (Km 12), Lonavala McDonald's (Km 40), Khopoli McDonald's (Km 55), and Khalapur Food Plaza (Km 68). Most are CCS2 type with 25-60 kW power.
How long should I plan for a rest stop?
Plan 15-20 minutes for a quick coffee/restroom break, 30-40 minutes for a full meal. Fast food joints like McDonald's are quicker than sit-down restaurants. If EV charging, plan 40-60 minutes minimum.
Which stop is best for families with children?
McDonald's Lonavala is best for families - kids play area, familiar menu, clean facilities, and fast service. Khalapur Food Plaza also good with variety for different ages.
Are food stops open at night?
McDonald's locations at Lonavala and Khopoli are open 24/7. Most other restaurants close by 10-11 PM. For night travel, stick to McDonald's or carry snacks.