How to Reach Matheran
Trains, roads and the final vehicle-free stretch — a practical arrival guide.
Matheran is a small, vehicle-free hill station in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, in the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) range. Reaching it has two parts: getting to the base of the hills, then the final stretch into a town where private vehicles are not allowed.
Quick answer: Neral is the nearest mainline railway station. From Neral, take the toy train or a road vehicle toward Matheran; cars stop at Dasturi Naka. The last stretch into town is on foot, by toy train, by pony or by hand-pulled rickshaw. Mumbai and Pune are the usual gateways, while Delhi requires a flight or long-distance train to Mumbai or Pune first.
Train schedules, toy-train operation, road conditions and local transport can change. Confirm the current position before you travel rather than relying on an old timetable.
Last updated: October 2026
How to Reach Matheran
Matheran sits on a forested plateau above the plains of Raigad. The journey is deliberately slow: mainline trains and roads bring you to the foot of the hills, and the hill station itself is entered without a car.
There are three practical pieces to plan: the mainline journey to the base, the climb to the vehicle terminus or toy-train station, and the final approach into town.
By train
Travel to Neral on the Central Railway line, then take the narrow-gauge toy train or a road vehicle toward Matheran.
By road
Drive to Dasturi Naka, the vehicle terminus at the edge of the hill station. Cars are not allowed beyond it.
The final stretch
Continue into town on foot, by toy train, by pony or by hand-pulled rickshaw through the vehicle-free paths.
Matheran by Road
By road, the drive ends at Dasturi Naka, the vehicle terminus at the edge of Matheran. Private and commercial vehicles are not permitted inside the hill station, so this is where the car part of the journey stops.
Aman Lodge, a stop on the toy-train line, is another point used for the final approach. From the terminus, continue into Matheran on foot, by toy train, by pony or by hand-pulled rickshaw. Vehicles are left at the terminus; follow local signage and staff directions on arrival.
- Plan for the handover — you will leave the vehicle and continue without it, so keep luggage manageable.
- Arrive with daylight to spare — the final walk is easier before dark, especially on a first visit.
- Confirm the return plan — ask about the vehicle pickup point and timing when you arrive.
Road conditions and local transport arrangements can change with the weather and season. Confirm the current position locally rather than assuming a fixed routine.
Mumbai to Matheran
Mumbai is the most common starting point for a Matheran trip. The usual pattern is to reach Neral first, then choose the toy train or the road for the climb.
- By train from Mumbai — take a Central Railway service toward Neral, then continue by toy train or road. Check the current timetable for your starting station.
- By road from Mumbai — drive toward Neral and the Matheran road, ending at Dasturi Naka. From there, continue without the car.
- Allow a buffer — connections and hill-road conditions can add uncertainty, so avoid a tightly timed onward plan.
Mumbai–Matheran is a popular weekend route. If you are travelling on a Friday or Saturday, book your stay before you leave and confirm the toy-train status.
Pune to Matheran
Pune is the other main gateway. Travellers from Pune usually head toward the Neral side of the hills by road or rail, then follow the same final route into Matheran.
- By road from Pune — drive toward Neral and the Matheran approach road, then stop at Dasturi Naka and continue into town.
- By rail from Pune — take a train toward the Neral side, then use the toy train or road for the climb. Check current services rather than assuming a connection.
- Combine it with a stay — Pune is close enough for a weekend, so an overnight stop makes the trip feel less rushed.
As with any hill route, weather can affect the drive. Check conditions before setting out, particularly in the monsoon.
Delhi to Matheran
There is no direct connection from Delhi to Matheran. The practical route is to reach Mumbai or Pune first, then continue to Neral and the hill station.
- Fly to Mumbai or Pune — then travel onward by road or rail toward Neral. Book the onward leg with enough time to absorb a delay.
- Take a long-distance train — rail options run to Mumbai and Pune, after which you continue to Neral and Matheran.
- Break the journey — an overnight in Mumbai or Pune makes the final leg to Matheran more comfortable.
Flight and long-distance train schedules change, so confirm both legs of the journey before booking. The final approach to Matheran is the same as for Mumbai and Pune travellers.
Matheran by Train
Neral is the nearest mainline railway station to Matheran. It sits on the Central Railway line and is the point where most rail journeys switch to the hill section.
From Neral, the narrow-gauge Matheran toy train climbs through the hills to the town's own small station. It is a heritage service and a memorable part of the trip, but its operation can vary, so check the current status with Indian Railways or Central Railway before relying on it.
If the toy train is not running, or you prefer a different approach, road vehicles from Neral can take you as far as Dasturi Naka. The vehicle-free final stretch then follows.
- Mainline to Neral — the practical railhead for Matheran, not the hill station itself.
- Toy train to Matheran — a slow, scenic climb on the narrow-gauge line; confirm that it is operating on your dates.
- Road alternative — from Neral to Dasturi Naka, then onward on foot, by pony or by hand-pulled rickshaw.
Neral and Matheran Connectivity
Neral is the practical gateway to Matheran. Mainline trains stop here, and from the station you can pick up local transport toward the hill station or board the toy train.
It helps to keep two names separate: Neral is the mainline railway station at the base, while Matheran railway station is the small station in the hill town at the top of the toy-train line. A ticket to Matheran is not the same as a mainline ticket to Neral.
Local taxis and other transport connect Neral with the Matheran approach. Availability can vary by time of day and season, so confirm your onward option when you arrive rather than assuming a vehicle will be waiting.
For the wider trip plan, including the best time to travel and where to stay, see the Matheran travel guide.
Local Travel and Getting Around Matheran
Once you are in Matheran, the town works without cars. Getting around is part of the experience, and the options are simple.
- Walking — the main way to move around. Paths link the market, viewpoints and accommodation, and many are shaded by trees.
- The toy train — best treated as the scenic hill journey rather than local transport around town.
- Pony rides — a traditional way to cover the paths, particularly where walking is tiring.
- Hand-pulled rickshaws — used for the final approach and around town; arrangements are made locally.
Paths can be uneven and slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip and travel light. If you are carrying a lot of luggage, plan how you will move it over the final stretch before you arrive.
Travel Planning Tips
A little preparation makes the journey to Matheran much easier. These are the checks worth making before you leave.
- Check current transport — confirm mainline trains, toy-train operation and local road conditions before travelling.
- Travel light — the final stretch is without a car, so pack what you can comfortably carry.
- Arrive in daylight — allow margin so you are not making the final approach after dark.
- Wear shoes with grip — paths can be wet and uneven, especially in the monsoon.
- Carry water and a light layer — the ridge can feel cool and the weather can change during the day.
- Book your stay ahead — weekends and holidays fill up, particularly in the cooler months.
- Keep plans flexible — monsoon weather and operational changes can affect the journey.
For seasonal weather and what to pack, see our guide to the best time to visit Matheran.
Where to Stay in Matheran
After the final vehicle-free stretch, a central place to stay makes the arrival easier. The town is compact, and accommodation near M.G. Road keeps you close to the market and the main walking routes.
The Byke Heritage is a heritage resort on M.G. Road in Matheran, with heritage cottages and rooms, a swimming pool, wellness spa, restaurant and gardens.
You can also contact the resort team for help planning your arrival.
Once you are here, see the places to visit in Matheran and the guide to things to do in Matheran.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest railway station to Matheran?
Neral, on the Central Railway line, is the nearest mainline railway station. From Neral, the toy train or a road vehicle takes you to the edge of Matheran, and the final stretch into town is on foot, by pony or by hand-pulled rickshaw.
How do I reach Matheran from Mumbai?
Travel to Neral by train or road, then continue by toy train or by road to Dasturi Naka. From there, enter Matheran on foot, by pony, by hand-pulled rickshaw or by toy train. Check current services before you travel.
How do I reach Matheran from Pune?
Pune travellers usually reach the Neral side by road or rail, then follow the same route: toy train or road to Dasturi Naka, followed by the vehicle-free final stretch. Confirm current connections before setting out.
Can I reach Matheran from Delhi?
There is no direct connection from Delhi to Matheran. Fly or take a long-distance train to Mumbai or Pune, then travel to Neral and continue into Matheran. Allow time between connections.
Can I drive to Matheran?
You can drive to Dasturi Naka, the vehicle terminus at the edge of Matheran. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the hill station, so the final stretch is on foot, by toy train, by pony or by hand-pulled rickshaw.
Is the Matheran toy train running?
The toy train is a heritage service and its operation can vary with the season and conditions. Check the current status with Indian Railways or Central Railway before planning to use it.
How do I get around Matheran once I arrive?
Matheran is vehicle-free, so getting around means walking, taking a pony, using a hand-pulled rickshaw or riding the toy train on the hill section. Most visitors explore on foot.
How do I reach The Byke Heritage in Matheran?
The Byke Heritage is on M.G. Road in central Matheran. After the final vehicle-free stretch, the resort is reached on foot from the town centre. Contact the resort team before travelling if you would like help planning your arrival.
Plan Your Arrival
The Byke Heritage is a heritage resort on M.G. Road in Matheran, with heritage cottages and rooms, a swimming pool, wellness spa, restaurant and gardens.