Panvel to Pune Distance & Travel Guide

Complete travel guide with best routes, toll charges, bus options, and insider tips for traveling from Panvel to Pune.

📏
115 km
Distance
⏱️
2 - 2.5 hours
Travel Time
🛣️
Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Best Route
💰
₹295 (one-way, car)
Toll Charges
⛽
₹800-1000 (petrol car)
Fuel Cost
🚌
₹250-400
Bus Fare

🛣️ Route Options: Panvel to Pune

Mumbai-Pune Expressway RECOMMENDED

115 km
2 - 2.5 hours
Toll: ₹295 (car), ₹150 (bike)
Road Condition: Excellent (6-lane expressway)
Route: Panvel → Khalapur Toll → Lonavala → Khandala Ghat → Pune

✅ Pros

  • Fastest route
  • Well-maintained road
  • Good amenities (food courts, fuel stations)
  • Less traffic on weekdays

❌ Cons

  • Toll charges
  • Weekend traffic jams near Lonavala
  • Speed limits enforced (80-100 km/h)
📍 View Key Stops on This Route
Stop Distance Facilities
Khalapur Toll Plaza 15 km Toll plaza
McDonald's / Food Court 35 km Food, restrooms
Lonavala Exit 65 km Exit for Lonavala, Khandala
Khandala Ghat 70 km Scenic views
Pune Entry 115 km City entry

Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH48)

150 km
3.5 - 4.5 hours
Toll: ₹0 (No toll)
Road Condition: Good to Average
Route: Panvel → Khopoli → Lonavala (market) → Khandala → Pune

✅ Pros

  • No toll charges
  • Scenic ghat road through Lonavala
  • Multiple food stops
  • Good for bikers and road trip enthusiasts

❌ Cons

  • 35 km longer than expressway
  • Heavy traffic through towns
  • Slow going through Lonavala market
  • Ghat road can be dangerous in monsoon
📍 View Key Stops on This Route
Stop Distance Facilities
Khopoli 25 km Food, fuel, Imagica nearby
Lonavala Market 70 km Chikki shops, restaurants
Khandala 75 km Viewpoints, hotels
Kamshet 95 km Paragliding

Via Thane (Alternative)

145 km
3.5 - 4 hours
Toll: ₹295+
Road Condition: Good
Route: Panvel → Thane → Kalyan → Karjat → Pune

✅ Pros

  • Alternative if expressway is jammed
  • Can combine with Thane visit

❌ Cons

  • 30 km longer
  • More tolls
  • Goes through city traffic

🚌 Transport Options: Panvel to Pune

🚗

Self Drive (Car)

2 - 2.5 hours
₹800-1200 (fuel + toll)
✅ Flexible, comfortable, can stop anywhere
❌ Toll charges, parking in Pune
💡 Start early (before 7 AM) on weekends to avoid Lonavala traffic. Get FASTag for smooth toll passage.
🚌

Bus (Shivneri/Private)

2.5 - 3 hours
₹250-500
✅ Affordable, no driving stress, frequent departures
❌ Fixed schedule, less flexible
💡 MSRTC Shivneri (AC Volvo) from Kalamboli is best. Private buses like Neeta, Purple available from Panvel.
📱 Book online at msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in or redBus
🚂

Train

3 - 4 hours
₹100-400
✅ Cheapest option, scenic route via Karjat
❌ Longer travel time, no direct train
💡 Take train to Karjat, then bus/taxi to Pune. Not recommended unless you enjoy train journeys.
🚕

Taxi/Cab

2 - 2.5 hours
₹2500-3500
✅ Door-to-door, no driving, comfortable
❌ Expensive, need to book in advance
💡 Book Ola Outstation or Uber Intercity. Negotiate for round trip deals.
🏍️

Bike

2.5 - 3 hours
₹300-400 (fuel + toll)
✅ Adventurous, cheaper, can weave through traffic
❌ Tiring, weather dependent, safety concerns
💡 Old highway is more scenic for bikers. Carry rain gear during monsoon. Ghat sections can be tricky.

💰 Toll Charges: Panvel to Pune

Total Toll (One-way)
₹295 (car, one-way)
Payment
FASTag (mandatory) or Cash

Toll Plaza Breakdown

Toll Plaza Location Car Bike
Khalapur Toll Plaza 15 km from Panvel ₹65 ₹30
Somatne Toll Plaza Before Pune entry ₹230 ₹120
💡 Pro Tip: FASTag is mandatory since Feb 2021. Get one from any bank or Paytm. Dedicated FASTag lanes are faster.

⏰ Best Time to Travel

Daily Travel Windows

Early Morning (5-7 AM)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Best time! Clear roads, no traffic, reach by 9 AM
Morning (8-10 AM)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Traffic builds up near Lonavala on weekends
Afternoon (12-4 PM)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Moderate traffic, hot during summer
Evening (5-8 PM)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Return traffic from Lonavala, longer travel time
Night (9 PM+)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Less traffic but be careful on ghat roads

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (Mar-May)

Conditions: Hot and dry, clear roads

💡 Carry water, AC essential. Best time for quick trips.

Monsoon (Jun-Sep)

Conditions: Heavy rain, fog on ghats, occasional landslides

💡 Check weather before traveling. Avoid night driving. Ghat roads can be slippery.

Winter (Oct-Feb)

Conditions: Pleasant weather, clear visibility

💡 Best season for road trips. Can be foggy early morning in Dec-Jan.

💡 PI (Panvelinsider.com) Tips

📅 Avoid Weekend Rush

Friday evening and Sunday evening see heavy traffic due to Mumbai-Pune weekend travelers. Start before 6 AM or after 9 PM.

🍔 Food Stops

The food court near km 35 has McDonald's, KFC, and Indian options. Alternatively, stop at Lonavala for local chikki and vada pav.

⛽ Fuel Strategy

Fill up before Khalapur toll. Fuel stations on expressway are slightly expensive. Shell has best fuel quality.

📞 Emergency Numbers

Expressway helpline: 020-26051010. Highway patrol is active. Breakdown services available at toll plazas.

🚦 Speed Limits

Speed limit is 80-100 km/h. Speed cameras active. Fines range from ₹1000-5000. Don't overtake from left.

🅿️ Parking in Pune

Deccan, FC Road, JM Road have paid parking zones. Use mall parking (free with purchase) if visiting those areas.

📍 Places to Visit En Route

Imagicaa Theme Park

📍 Khopoli (25 km from Panvel)
↪️ 5 km from expressway

India's largest theme park with rides, water park, and snow world.

Lonavala

📍 65 km from Panvel
↪️ On route (old highway) / 5 km detour (expressway)

Hill station famous for Tiger's Leap, Bhushi Dam, and chikki.

Khandala

📍 70 km from Panvel
↪️ 2 km from expressway

Duke's Nose viewpoint, scenic valley views.

Karla Caves

📍 80 km from Panvel
↪️ 10 km from expressway

Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves (2nd century BC). Ekvira Devi temple.

Bhaja Caves

📍 85 km from Panvel
↪️ 12 km from expressway

Buddhist caves older than Karla, less crowded.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Panvel to Pune? +
The distance from Panvel to Pune is approximately 115 km via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. If you take the old highway through Lonavala, it's about 150 km.
How long does it take to travel from Panvel to Pune? +
Via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, it takes 2 to 2.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. On weekends, especially Friday/Sunday evenings, it can take 3-4 hours due to Lonavala traffic.
What are the toll charges from Panvel to Pune? +
Total toll charges are approximately ₹295 for cars (one-way) via the expressway. There are two toll plazas: Khalapur (₹65) and Somatne near Pune (₹230). Bikes pay around ₹150 total.
Is there a bus from Panvel to Pune? +
Yes, MSRTC Shivneri AC Volvo buses run from Kalamboli (near Panvel) to Pune every 15-30 minutes. Private buses like Neeta and Purple also operate from Panvel. Fare ranges from ₹250-500.
Which is the best route from Panvel to Pune? +
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the best route for speed and road quality. It's 115 km and takes 2-2.5 hours. The old highway via Lonavala is scenic but longer (150 km, 3.5-4 hours).
Is there a train from Panvel to Pune? +
There's no direct train from Panvel to Pune. You can take a local train to Karjat and then catch a Deccan Express or Pragati Express to Pune. Total time is 3-4 hours. Road travel is faster.
What is the fuel cost from Panvel to Pune? +
For a petrol car with average mileage (12-15 km/l), fuel cost is approximately ₹800-1000 one-way. Add ₹295 for toll, making total car travel cost around ₹1100-1300 one-way.
Can I take a bike from Panvel to Pune on the expressway? +
Yes, bikes are allowed on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Toll for bikes is around ₹150 total. However, maintain lane discipline and be cautious of high-speed vehicles. Old highway is more scenic for bikers.
What is the best time to travel from Panvel to Pune? +
Early morning (5-7 AM) is best to avoid traffic. Avoid Friday evening and Sunday evening when weekend traffic peaks. Night driving is fine but be careful on ghat sections.
Is the expressway safe during monsoon? +
The expressway is generally safe during monsoon but fog and rain can reduce visibility. Landslides occasionally block roads. Check weather and traffic updates before traveling. Avoid night driving in heavy rain.

🔗 Related Routes

Panvel to Lonavala
65 km
Panvel to Mumbai
45 km
Panvel to Alibag
35 km
Panvel to Thane
32 km

✅ About This Guide

Author: PI (Panvelinsider.com) Team | Last Updated: December 2025 | Next Review: January 2026

Sources: Google Maps, MSRTC, Maharashtra Expressway Authority, Local travel experience

⚠️ Travel times and costs are approximate. Toll charges may change. Always verify current information before traveling. Found an error? Contact us.

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