Pune is India's IT hub and cultural capital of Maharashtra, connected via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

About Pune (via Mumbai-Pune Expressway)

Pune is a city of contrasts — a historic Maratha stronghold that has reinvented itself as India\'s Oxford (home to prestigious universities) and a major IT center rivaling Bangalore. The Hinjewadi IT Park, Magarpatta City, and Kharadi house campuses of Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and hundreds of technology companies, drawing a young, educated workforce that shapes the city\'s progressive character.

The old city around Shaniwar Wada (the ruins of the Peshwa palace) and the Kasba Peth neighborhood preserves Maratha heritage, with temples, traditional eateries serving Puneri misal pav and sabudana khichdi, and the vibrant Mahatma Phule Market (formerly Crawford Market). The hilltop Sinhagad Fort, one of many Maratha-era fortresses surrounding Pune, offers popular trekking and stunning views.

Pune\'s cultural life is rich — it\'s considered the cultural capital of Maharashtra, with a thriving theater scene, music festivals, and the Osho International Meditation Resort in Koregaon Park (which attracts thousands of international visitors annually). The Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar neighborhoods are Pune\'s most cosmopolitan areas, with cafés, brewpubs, and restaurants rivaling any Indian city.

Nearby Landmarks

Shaniwar Wada Aga Khan Palace Sinhagad Fort Osho Ashram Dagdusheth Temple

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost INR 3000-5000 (USD 36-60)
Time 3-4 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost INR 2500-4000 (USD 30-48)
Time 3-4 hours

Pre-book through app

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Taxi to Dadar bus station. 2. Board Shivneri bus to Pune. 3. Via Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

MSRTC Shivneri Bus

Cost INR 400-600
Time 4 hours
Frequency Every 30 minutes from Dadar

Dadar bus station (30 min from airport)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi INR 3000-5000 (USD 36-60) 3-4 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare INR 2500-4000 (USD 30-48) 3-4 hours Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle INR 400-600 4 hours Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, a taxi from Mumbai Airport to Pune costs INR 3,500-5,000 (book via Ola/Uber Outstation). The expressway is well-lit and safe for nighttime driving. Private car services with driver are popular for this route. Shivneri (MSRTC) Volvo buses run from Mumbai to Pune but depart from Dadar/Borivali, not the airport. Late-night drives take about 2.5 hours with light traffic.

Luggage Tips

For the 150 km expressway journey, ensure a comfortable vehicle. Ola/Uber Outstation and Savaari offer SUVs for this route. The expressway has well-maintained rest stops at Khalapur and Lonavala for food and restroom breaks. If combining a Mumbai layover with a Pune trip, the airport has luggage storage facilities.

Accessibility

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is a modern highway with accessible rest stops. Pune's newer IT areas (Hinjewadi, Kharadi) have better accessibility than the old city. Hotels in Koregaon Park and Kharadi meet international standards. Pune's local auto-rickshaws and many restaurants are not wheelchair accessible. Pre-arrange accessible transport through your hotel.