Pune to Mumbai: Train vs Bus vs Cab - Which is Actually Best?
Complete comparison of all three options based on cost, time, comfort, convenience, and safety. Choose the right transport for your specific journey needs.
Quick Recommendation
Choose Train if: Budget travel (₹145-280), don't mind crowds, station access is easy, have light luggage, flexible timing
Choose Bus if: Moderate budget (₹300-800), want overnight travel, don't need speed, traveling solo with light bags
Choose Cab if: Need door-to-door service, traveling with 3+ people, have luggage, value time/comfort, airport-bound, willing to pay premium
💡 Sweet Spot: 4 passengers in electric cab = ₹675/person = competitive with premium bus but infinitely more convenient!
Table of Contents
Quick Overview Comparison
| Factor | Train | Bus | Cab (EV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (per person) | ₹145-280 Cheapest | ₹300-800 Mid-range | ₹675-2,700 Most expensive |
| Time (door-to-door) | 4-5 hours + transfers | 4-5.5 hours + terminal access | 2.5-3 hours Fastest |
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐ AC chair car | ⭐⭐⭐ Luxury volvo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Private space |
| Luggage Capacity | ⚠️ Limited Overhead only | ⚠️ Limited Under-seat | ✅ Ample Dedicated boot |
| Flexibility | ❌ Fixed schedule | ❌ Fixed schedule | ✅ Anytime 24/7 service |
| Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Safest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Generally safe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Professional driver |
| Best For | Budget travelers Light luggage Flexible time | Solo overnight Moderate budget No rush | Families Luggage Time-sensitive Groups |
Cost Comparison: Detailed Breakdown
Train Costs
Ticket Prices:
- • General Class: ₹145 (cheapest)
- • Sleeper: ₹185
- • AC Chair Car: ₹280
- • 2AC / 3AC: ₹650-900 (overnight)
Additional Costs:
- • Auto/cab to Pune station: ₹150-300
- • Local train/cab from Mumbai station: ₹100-500
- • Porter (if needed): ₹50-100
- • Food/water: ₹100-200
Total Cost (door-to-door):
• Budget (General + local): ₹400-550
• Comfort (AC chair + cabs): ₹800-1,200
• Premium (2AC + airport cab): ₹1,500-2,000
✓ Pros: Cheapest ticket price, frequent services
✗ Cons: Hidden costs (station access, last-mile), luggage fees possible
Bus Costs
Ticket Prices:
- • MSRTC Non-AC: ₹300-350
- • MSRTC Shivneri (AC): ₹450-550
- • Private Non-AC: ₹350-450
- • Private Volvo AC: ₹550-800
Additional Costs:
- • Auto to Swargate/Wakdewadi: ₹100-200
- • Cab from Dadar/Mumbai: ₹200-600
- • Extra luggage charge: ₹50-100
- • Food (optional): ₹100-200
Total Cost (door-to-door):
• Budget (Non-AC + local): ₹600-800
• Comfort (Volvo + cabs): ₹900-1,400
• To Airport (Volvo + final leg): ₹1,200-1,600
✓ Pros: Direct service to multiple points, overnight option available
✗ Cons: Less frequent than trains, traffic-dependent arrival
Private Cab Costs
Service Options:
- • GreenEVCabs (Electric): ₹2,700-3,300
- • Ola/Uber Outstation: ₹3,800-10,500
- • Traditional Diesel: ₹4,200-4,700
- • Premium Services: ₹5,000-7,000
What's Included:
- ✓ Door-to-door service
- ✓ All tolls included
- ✓ Driver allowance
- ✓ No hidden charges
- ✓ Luggage handling
- ✓ AC, music, comfort
Cost Per Person (Split):
| Passengers | Total Cost | Per Person | vs Train AC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ₹2,700 | ₹2,700 | +₹2,400 |
| 2 | ₹2,700 | ₹1,350 | +₹1,000 |
| 3 | ₹2,700 | ₹900 | +₹620 |
| 4 | ₹2,700 | ₹675 | +₹395 (worth it!) |
| 5-6 | ₹2,700 | ₹450-540 | Cheaper than bus! |
✓ Pros: No additional costs, door-to-door, luggage included, time-saving
✗ Cons: Expensive for solo, surge pricing (Ola/Uber), advance booking needed
Cost Winner by Passenger Count
Solo Traveler
🚂
Train wins
(₹400-1,200 total)
2-3 People
🚂
Train still cheaper
(₹800-3,600 total)
4+ People
🚗
Cab competitive
(₹675/person)
Key Insight: With 4+ passengers, private cab cost per person becomes comparable to premium bus fares, but offers far superior convenience and comfort!
Time & Punctuality Analysis
Door-to-Door Journey Time Breakdown
Train Journey Timeline
Step 1: Home to Pune Station
Auto/cab from Hinjewadi/Baner: 30-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
Step 2: Platform Finding & Waiting
Navigate station, find platform, board: 15-30 minutes
Step 3: Train Journey
• Deccan Queen / Pragati Express: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Intercity Express: 3.5 hours
• Average including delays: 3.5-4 hours
Step 4: Mumbai Station to Final Destination
• To South Mumbai: Local train 20-40 mins + walk
• To Airport: Local + taxi = 60-90 minutes
• To Suburbs: Cab/local = 45-90 minutes
Total Door-to-Door: 4.5 - 6 hours
Highly variable depending on destination and connections
Bus Journey Timeline
Step 1: Home to Swargate/Wakdewadi
Auto from West Pune: 20-45 minutes
Step 2: Terminal Wait & Boarding
Arrive 15-30 minutes early: 15-30 minutes
Step 3: Bus Journey
• Non-peak: 3.5-4 hours
• Peak traffic: 4.5-5.5 hours
• Monsoon/accidents: 5-6+ hours
Step 4: Dadar/Drop Point to Final Destination
• Local cab/taxi: 30-60 minutes
• To Airport: Additional 60-90 minutes
Total Door-to-Door: 4.5 - 7 hours
Most unpredictable due to traffic variability
Private Cab Timeline
Step 1: Pickup from Your Door
Driver arrives at your location: 0 travel time for you!
Step 2: Direct Journey
• Early morning (4-7 AM): 2 hours 15 minutes
• Mid-day (10 AM-2 PM): 2.5-3 hours
• Peak hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM): 3.5-4 hours
Step 3: Drop at Final Destination
Direct drop (airport terminal, hotel door, home): 0 additional time!
Total Door-to-Door: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Fastest option overall; predictable with smart timing
Punctuality & Reliability
| Factor | Train | Bus | Cab |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Delay | 15-45 min (common) | 30-90 min (traffic) | 10-30 min (off-peak) |
| Cancellation Risk | Rare (< 1%) | Occasional (2-3%) | Very rare (< 1%) |
| Arrival Predictability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mostly predictable | ⭐⭐⭐ Traffic dependent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Most predictable |
| Alternative if Missed | Next train (hourly) | Next bus (30-60 min) | Rebook anytime (24/7) |
Time Winner: Private cab is fastest door-to-door (2.5-3.5 hrs) with most predictable arrival. Train is predictable station-to-station but adds 1-2 hours for terminal access. Bus is slowest and least predictable due to traffic.
Comfort Comparison
Train
✅ Pros:
- • Spacious seating (AC chair car)
- • Can walk around, stretch
- • Clean bathrooms available
- • Charging points at seats
- • Food/tea vendors
❌ Cons:
- • Crowded (peak hours)
- • Noisy passengers/vendors
- • Luggage management hassle
- • No privacy
- • Station platforms uncomfortable
Bus
✅ Pros:
- • Reclining seats (Volvo)
- • Good AC
- • Personal TV (premium buses)
- • Blanket provided (overnight)
- • Smoother than non-AC bus
❌ Cons:
- • Cramped seating
- • Limited bathroom access
- • Can't move around
- • Motion sickness (some people)
- • Stops for breaks (delays)
Private Cab
✅ Pros:
- • Complete privacy
- • Spacious, reclining seats
- • Control AC/music
- • Stop anytime (bathroom/food)
- • Sleep comfortably
- • Work on laptop
- • Zero noise/crowds
❌ Cons:
- • Can't walk around
- • Depends on driver skill
- • (None significant really!)
Comfort Winner: Private Cab offers unmatched personal space, privacy, and control. You can sleep, work, talk freely, and stop whenever needed. Train and bus offer decent comfort but lack privacy and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheapest: train, bus, or cab from Pune to Mumbai?
Train is cheapest (₹145-280 per person). Bus is mid-range (₹300-800). Cab is most expensive (₹2,700-4,500) but becomes competitive with 4+ passengers. For 4 people, electric cab costs ₹675/person, which is comparable to premium bus fares but with door-to-door service.
Which is fastest: train, bus, or cab for Pune-Mumbai?
Express trains (Deccan Queen, Shivneri) are fastest at 3-3.5 hours station-to-station. Private EV cabs take 2.5-3 hours door-to-door (including last-mile travel). Buses take 3.5-5 hours. However, when you add station/terminal access time, cab is fastest overall for door-to-door journey.
Is train or cab better for Pune to Mumbai Airport?
Cab is significantly better for airport trips. Direct door-to-door (2.5 hours), handles luggage easily, no transfers needed, and arrives right at terminal. Train requires: Pune station → Mumbai station (3 hours) → local train/cab to airport (1+ hour) = 4-5 hours total with 2 transfers and luggage hassle.
Which is most comfortable: train, bus or cab?
Private cab > Train AC chair car > Luxury bus > Regular train > Regular bus. Private electric cab offers best comfort: climate-controlled, spacious, no crowds, reclining seats, personal space. Train AC chair car is comfortable but crowded. Luxury buses are decent but cramped. Regular options are least comfortable.
Can I travel with heavy luggage on train vs bus vs cab?
Cab is best for luggage (dedicated boot, help with loading). Train AC has overhead racks but heavy bags are difficult to lift; general class is very challenging with luggage. Bus has limited under-seat/overhead space; large suitcases problematic. For airport trips or moving, cab is only practical option.
Which is safer: train, bus, or cab for night travel?
All are generally safe. Train is safest statistically (lowest accident rate). Private cab with professional driver is very safe and offers personal security. Buses are safe but higher accident risk on highways. Late night (post-midnight): trains run less frequently, so professional cab service is recommended.
Do trains get delayed more than buses or cabs?
Average delays: Trains 15-45 minutes (frequent but predictable), Buses 30-60 minutes (traffic dependent), Cabs 15-30 minutes (most punctual with early morning travel). Trains rarely get canceled. Buses occasionally cancel. Professional cab services are most reliable for time-sensitive travel.
Which option is best for families with kids?
Private cab is best for families: kids can sleep/play, food breaks possible, bathroom stops easy, no luggage carrying, direct travel. Train is second best (space to move, bathrooms) but crowded and requires station navigation. Bus is least suitable (cramped, limited bathroom access, no flexibility).