How to Reach Shirdi from Mumbai: Complete Travel Guide

Shirdi is one of the most visited pilgrimage towns in India, known worldwide as the home of Sai Baba, the saint who continues to inspire millions of devotees. Located in Maharashtra, Shirdi attracts travelers from across the country and abroad who visit to seek blessings at the Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir and other spiritual spots. If you are starting your journey from Mumbai, reaching Shirdi is straightforward as the town is well connected by train, bus, road, and even flights.

The distance between Mumbai and Shirdi is about 240 km by road, making it possible to plan both short pilgrimages and weekend trips. Since Mumbai is a major metropolitan city, multiple transport options are available, catering to different types of travelers. Whether you want a budget journey, a comfortable road trip, or the fastest flight option, there is something for everyone.

Many devotees search for practical information like “Mumbai to Shirdi train timings,” “Mumbai to Shirdi bus fare,” “best route by car,” or “nearest airport to Shirdi.” This guide answers all such questions in one place. We cover the exact distance, travel time, train routes, bus services, driving directions, and flights to Shirdi from Mumbai. Along with that, you’ll also find travel tips such as the best time to visit, advance booking advice, and accommodation suggestions.

This blog is written as a step-by-step Mumbai to Shirdi travel guide to help you choose the best option based on your budget, time, and comfort. Whether you are planning a family trip, a solo spiritual journey, or visiting with friends, you will find every detail you need here.

1. Mumbai to Shirdi Distance and Travel Time

Before choosing a travel mode, it is important to understand the distance and approximate travel time between Mumbai and Shirdi.

• Distance by road: Around 240 km (via NH160, the Mumbai–Nashik Highway).
• Travel time by car or taxi: 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops.
• Travel time by bus: Around 7 to 8 hours, as buses make multiple stops and move at a slower pace.
• Travel time by train: 6 to 8 hours depending on the type of train and boarding station in Mumbai.
• Travel time by flight: About 45–50 minutes from Mumbai to Shirdi International Airport (SAG), plus 30–40 minutes by taxi to reach the temple.

The road route is scenic, especially as you pass through Igatpuri and Nashik, with views of hills and greenery during the monsoon season. Most travelers prefer either bus or car for the road journey, while others opt for overnight trains for convenience.

If you are short on time, flights from Mumbai to Shirdi are the quickest but also the costliest option. On the other hand, if budget is a priority, MSRTC buses and trains are the most economical.

The good part is that all travel options are available daily, and you can plan your journey based on your schedule. On weekends and festive seasons, the Mumbai to Shirdi route gets very busy, so booking tickets in advance is strongly advised.

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2. How to Reach Shirdi by Train

Traveling by train is one of the most popular and budget-friendly ways to reach Shirdi from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station (SNSI), located just 3 km from the main Sai Baba temple.

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Major Trains from Mumbai to Shirdi:

• Sainagar Shirdi Express (Via Dadar / CST)
• Shirdi Fast Passenger
• Dadar–Sainagar Shirdi Express
• Lokmanya Tilak–Sainagar Shirdi Express
• Mumbai CST–Sainagar Shirdi Superfast Express

Most of these trains run daily and cover the distance in 6 to 8 hours. Ticket prices range from ₹200 (Sleeper Class) to ₹800 (AC classes) depending on comfort. Tickets can be easily booked on the IRCTC website or app.

Why Choose Train?

• Affordable: Cheapest among all options.
• Direct connectivity: Sainagar station is close to the temple.
• Comfortable: AC coaches are good for family travel.
• Overnight travel: Saves time if you take night trains.

Travel Tips:

• Always book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during Sai Baba festival days.
• For senior citizens, booking lower berths is more comfortable.
• Autorickshaws and taxis are available outside Sainagar station for a quick ride to the temple.

For travelers searching “Mumbai to Shirdi train timings” or “Mumbai to Shirdi train booking,” the train option offers both convenience and affordability.

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3. How to Reach Shirdi by Bus

Buses are another common way to travel from Mumbai to Shirdi, especially for devotees who prefer overnight journeys. Both government-run and private operators run frequent services between the two cities.

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Types of Buses Available:

• MSRTC Buses: Shivneri Volvo, Semi-Sleeper, and Non-AC options.
• Private Operators: Neeta Travels, VRL, SRS Travels, and more.
• Luxury Coaches: AC Sleeper and Volvo for added comfort.

Boarding Points in Mumbai:

Buses to Shirdi depart from Borivali, Andheri, Dadar, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Chembur. Online booking portals like RedBus and AbhiBus make it easy to choose your preferred seat and boarding point.

Travel Details:

• Travel time: 7–8 hours depending on traffic and stops.
• Fare: ₹400–₹1,000 based on bus type (Non-AC sleeper to AC Volvo).
• Timings: Both day and night buses are available. Night buses are more convenient as you reach Shirdi early morning.

Why Choose Bus?

• Economical: Slightly more than train but still budget-friendly.
• Frequent services: Buses run every hour, especially from Dadar and Thane.
• No ticket hassle: Seats can be booked online within minutes.

Travel Tips:

• Opt for Volvo or AC Sleeper buses for long overnight journeys.
• MSRTC buses are considered safer and more punctual compared to some private operators.
• Carry light snacks and water as buses usually have limited stops.

For those searching “Mumbai to Shirdi bus ticket,” “bus timings,” or “MSRTC Shirdi bus,” this option balances affordability with flexibility.

4. How to Reach Shirdi by Car/Taxi

If you prefer flexibility and comfort, traveling by car or taxi is one of the best ways to reach Shirdi from Mumbai. The driving distance is about 240 km, and the route follows the Mumbai–Thane–Igatpuri–Nashik–Sinnar–Shirdi (NH160) highway.

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Travel Details:

• Travel time: 5–6 hours depending on traffic.
• Fuel cost: Around ₹2,000–₹2,500 for a round trip in a standard car.
• Toll charges: ₹500–₹800 on the route.
• Taxi cost: ₹3,500–₹6,000 (one-way, depending on car type).

Car Rental & Taxi Options:

• Outstation taxi services from Mumbai (Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity, and private agencies).
• Self-drive car rentals like Zoomcar or Revv for those who want to drive themselves.

Why Choose Car/Taxi?

• Comfort: Best for families, especially with kids and elders.
• Flexibility: Stop at Nashik for sightseeing or meal breaks.
• Time-saving: Direct route without unnecessary stops.

Travel Tips:

• Start early in the morning to avoid heavy Mumbai traffic.
• The road is smooth but can get congested near Igatpuri and Sinnar.
• Monsoon travelers should drive carefully due to slippery roads.

For those searching “Mumbai to Shirdi car route” or “Mumbai to Shirdi taxi fare,” this is the most convenient and flexible travel choice.

5. How to Reach Shirdi by Flight

For travelers who want to save maximum time, flights are the fastest option. Shirdi has its own airport – Shirdi International Airport (SAG) – located 15 km from the temple.

Flight Details:

• Flight duration: 45–50 minutes from Mumbai.
• Airlines operating: IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air.
• Fare: ₹2,000–₹4,500 depending on the season.
• From airport to temple: 30–40 minutes by taxi or auto (₹300–₹500).

Why Choose Flight?

• Fastest: Reach Shirdi in less than 2 hours including airport transfers.
• Comfortable: Avoid long road or train journeys.
• Good for quick weekend trips.

Travel Tips:

• Book flights early as seats are limited.
• Pre-book a taxi from the airport for smooth transfer.
• Combine a flight one way and train/bus for return if you want to save money.

For those searching “Mumbai to Shirdi flight ticket,” “Mumbai to Shirdi flight price,” or “Shirdi airport distance from temple,” this is the fastest but costliest option.

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6. Best Travel Option Based on Budget & Convenience

Choosing the best travel option depends on your budget, time, and comfort.

• Budget-friendly travelers: Train (₹200–₹800) or MSRTC bus (₹400–₹600).
• Families and comfort seekers: Private car or taxi.
• Short on time: Flight (₹2,000–₹4,500) saves maximum time.
• Balanced option: Volvo bus overnight – affordable and time-efficient.

If you are planning a weekend trip, an overnight train or sleeper bus works well. For family pilgrimages, car or taxi gives maximum flexibility. Business travelers or those visiting Shirdi for a quick darshan should opt for flights.

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7. Travel Tips for Mumbai to Shirdi Trip

• Best time to visit Shirdi: October to March when weather is pleasant. Summers (April–June) are hot, while monsoons bring heavy rains.
• Advance booking: Always book train, bus, or flight tickets in advance for weekends, holidays, and Sai Baba festivals.
• Clothing: Carry light cotton clothes; winters need a light sweater.
• Accommodation: Temple trust accommodation is available at reasonable prices. Budget and luxury hotels are also present near the temple.
• Temple darshan: Book online darshan and aarti slots through the Sai Baba Sansthan official website to avoid long queues.
• Local transport: Autos and shared taxis are easily available for temple and hotel transfers.

These tips will ensure a smooth Mumbai to Shirdi trip, whether it’s your first visit or a regular pilgrimage.

8. Conclusion

Shirdi is a spiritual destination that every devotee of Sai Baba wishes to visit at least once. From Mumbai, the journey is simple and well connected by train, bus, car, and flight. Each option has its pros – trains and buses are budget-friendly, cars offer comfort and flexibility, and flights are the fastest.

The Mumbai to Shirdi distance is about 240 km, and you can reach in 5 to 8 hours by road or rail, or less than 2 hours by flight. Choose the option that fits your budget, time, and travel style. With proper planning and advance booking, your journey will be convenient and spiritually fulfilling.