About the Pune-Mumbai Expressway
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway (also known as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway or Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway) is India's first controlled-access expressway, inaugurated in 2002. Spanning approximately 94.5 km of dedicated highway, it revolutionized travel between Maharashtra's two largest cities, reducing journey time from 4-5 hours to just 2.5-3 hours.
The expressway is a marvel of engineering, cutting through the scenic Western Ghats with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and lush greenery—especially spectacular during the monsoon season. However, it demands respect: proper planning, safe driving, and awareness of road conditions are essential for a smooth journey.
Whether you're commuting for business, planning a weekend getaway, or traveling to Mumbai Airport, this complete guide will help you navigate the expressway like a pro.
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Complete Route Map & Key Landmarks
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway starts from Kiwale (near Dehu Road, Pune) and ends at Kalamboli (Panvel, Navi Mumbai). Here's a detailed breakdown of the route with key landmarks:
| Km | Location | Landmark / Facility |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Kiwale (Pune Entry) | Talegaon Toll Plaza (Entry Point) |
| 25 | Vadgaon | Scenic ghats begin |
| 50 | Khandala Ghat | Khandala Toll Plaza, viewpoints |
| 58 | Lonavala | McDonald's, CCD, petrol pump, rest area |
| 65 | Khandala | Food plazas, Tiger Point exit |
| 72 | Amrutanjan Point | Famous viewpoint (exit required) |
| 78 | Khopoli | Khalapur Toll Plaza, Rasoi restaurant, petrol pump |
| 85 | Borghat | Urse Toll Plaza, Kinara Village Dhaba nearby |
| 94 | Panvel (Expressway End) | Vashi Toll Plaza, connects to Mumbai-Goa Highway |
| 145 | Mumbai (CST/BKC/Andheri) | Final destination (via Sion Panvel Expressway) |
Total Journey Distance: 145-150 km from central Pune (like Shivajinagar) to central Mumbai (like CST), depending on your exact pickup and drop location. Most travelers who book a cab from Pune to Mumbai find the expressway route to be the fastest and most scenic option.
Average Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (can extend to 4 hours during peak traffic or heavy monsoon)
Toll Plaza Guide & Costs
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway has 5 toll plazas. Here's a complete breakdown of toll costs and payment options:
1. Talegaon Toll Plaza
Location: Km 0 (Entry from Pune)
Sedan/Car: ₹115
SUV: ₹170
2. Khandala Toll Plaza
Location: Km 50 (Khandala)
Sedan/Car: ₹75
SUV: ₹110
3. Khalapur Toll Plaza
Location: Km 78 (Khopoli)
Sedan/Car: ₹75
SUV: ₹110
4. Urse Toll Plaza
Location: Km 85 (Borghat)
Sedan/Car: ₹45
SUV: ₹65
5. Vashi Toll Plaza
Location: Km 94 (Near Panvel, entry to Navi Mumbai)
Sedan/Car: ₹35
SUV: ₹50
Total Toll Cost (One Way):
- Sedan/Car: ₹345 (approx)
- SUV/MUV: ₹505 (approx)
FASTag: Highly recommended for faster toll clearance. All our cabs are FASTag-enabled.
Best Food Stops & Rest Areas
A long journey deserves good food and clean facilities. Here are the top-rated stops along the expressway:
Top 5 Recommended Stops:
1. McDonald's Lonavala (Km 58)
Facilities: AC seating, clean restrooms, parking, Wi-Fi
Best For: Quick breakfast, coffee, kids-friendly
Open 24/7 | Average cost: ₹300 for 2
2. Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) Khandala (Km 65)
Facilities: Scenic view, outdoor seating, restrooms
Best For: Coffee break, photo opportunities
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Average cost: ₹250 for 2
3. Rasoi Restaurant Khopoli (Km 78)
Facilities: Full restaurant, Indian cuisine, parking
Best For: Lunch/dinner, vegetarian options
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Average cost: ₹400 for 2
4. Kinara Village Dhaba (Near Borghat)
Facilities: Traditional dhaba, authentic food, large parking
Best For: North Indian food lovers, highway experience
7:00 AM - 10:30 PM | Average cost: ₹350 for 2
5. Food Plazas at Lonavala Exit
Facilities: Multiple options (McDonald's, Subway, local stalls)
Best For: Variety, family groups
Most open 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Varies by outlet
Pro Tip: Weekend rush hours (11 AM - 2 PM) can make restaurants crowded. If traveling during peak times, consider stopping at off-peak hours or packing snacks.
When to Travel: Timing & Traffic Tips
Timing is everything on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. Choose the right departure time to avoid traffic jams and enjoy a smooth ride.
Best Times to Travel:
Early Morning (5:00 AM - 8:00 AM)
- Minimal traffic, smooth ride
- Scenic sunrise views in ghats
- Reach Mumbai by breakfast time
- Best for flight connections
Late Evening (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM)
- Post-office hours, less traffic
- Cool weather (summer advantage)
- Well-lit expressway
- Ideal for return journeys
Times to Avoid:
❌ Friday Evenings (4 PM - 10 PM)
Weekend rush from Pune to Mumbai
❌ Sunday Evenings (3 PM - 10 PM)
Return rush from Mumbai to Pune
❌ Public Holidays
Long weekend getaway traffic
Traffic Impact: During peak hours, your travel time can increase from 2.5 hours to 4-5 hours, especially near Lonavala, Khandala, and the Panvel exit. If you're planning to travel during these times, consider booking a Mumbai to Pune cab for your return journey well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
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Monsoon & Seasonal Travel Guide
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway transforms during different seasons. Here's what to expect and how to prepare:
Monsoon Season (June - September):
🌧️ Scenic Beauty: The Western Ghats come alive with waterfalls, lush greenery, and misty mountains—absolutely breathtaking!
⚠️ Safety Precautions:
- Reduced visibility due to fog (especially early morning/late evening)
- Waterlogging near Lonavala-Khandala section
- Slippery roads—maintain safe distance and reduce speed
- Use headlights even during daytime
- Speed limit drops to 50-60 km/h in heavy rain
Best Practice: If you're not confident driving in monsoon conditions, our Pune to Mumbai cab service provides experienced drivers who navigate the expressway safely in all weather conditions, especially during the challenging monsoon season.
Summer (March - May):
- ☀️ Clear roads, excellent visibility
- Hot weather—AC vehicles recommended
- Best season for time-sensitive travel (predictable journey duration)
- Carry water; some stretches have limited facilities
Winter (October - February):
- ❄️ Pleasant weather, ideal for travel
- Occasional fog early morning (6 AM - 8 AM) near ghats
- Popular tourist season—restaurants and stops may be crowded on weekends
- Perfect for enjoying scenic viewpoints
Safety Tips & Road Regulations
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway is one of India's safest highways, but following rules is crucial:
🚨 Speed Limits
- Official Limit: 80 km/h for cars
- Strictly Enforced: Speed cameras at multiple points
- Fines: ₹2,000+ for overspeeding
- Monsoon/Fog: Reduced to 50-60 km/h
⛽ Fuel Stations
- Indian Oil near Lonavala (Km 60)
- HP Petrol Pump near Khopoli (Km 80)
- Reliance near Panvel (Km 100)
- Tip: Fuel up before entering if traveling late night
🚗 Lane Discipline
- Stay in left lane unless overtaking
- Use indicators before changing lanes
- No stopping on main carriageway
- Use designated parking bays only
📞 Emergency Contacts
- Expressway Helpline: 1033
- Highway Patrol: 022-27468080
- Ambulance: 108
- Police: 100
Breakdown Protocol:
- Move vehicle to left shoulder immediately
- Turn on hazard lights
- Place warning triangle 50 meters behind vehicle
- Call helpline: 1033
- Do not attempt repairs on main road
Should You Hire a Cab or Drive Yourself?
While driving on the expressway is straightforward, hiring a professional cab service has several advantages:
✅ Benefits of Hiring a Cab:
- ✓ No Driving Fatigue: Relax and enjoy the scenic views
- ✓ Experienced Drivers: Familiar with route, toll plazas, and best stops
- ✓ Safety in Monsoon: Professional drivers handle weather conditions confidently
- ✓ No Parking Hassles: Driver handles parking in crowded Mumbai areas
- ✓ Flexible Stops: Stop for photos, food, or breaks anytime
- ✓ 24/7 Availability: Early morning or late night travel made easy
⚠️ Self-Drive Challenges:
- • Driving Fatigue: 3-hour focus required, tiring for long days
- • Toll Payments: Multiple cash/FASTag transactions
- • Monsoon Stress: Visibility and road conditions require experience
- • Parking in Mumbai: Limited and expensive in most areas
- • Fuel Costs: Similar to cab fare when you factor in toll + fuel
- • Vehicle Wear: 300 km round trip adds mileage and maintenance
Our Cab Service Advantage:
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24/7 Service Availability
Easy Booking via WhatsApp/Call
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Travel Checklist: What to Pack & Remember
Make your expressway journey comfortable with this quick checklist:
📋 Documents
- Valid driving license (if self-driving)
- Vehicle registration & insurance
- FASTag linked to active account
- Emergency contact numbers saved
🎒 Essentials
- Water bottles (2-3 per person)
- Light snacks (chips, biscuits)
- First-aid kit (basic medicines)
- Mobile charger & power bank
🌦️ Seasonal Items
- Umbrella (monsoon essential)
- Sunglasses (summer)
- Light jacket (winter mornings)
- Camera (scenic photography!)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway is approximately 94.5 km long. The total journey from Pune to Mumbai (including entry and exit roads) covers about 145-150 km and takes 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
There are 5 toll plazas on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway: Talegaon (Entry from Pune), Khandala, Khalapur, Urse, and Vashi (near Mumbai). Total toll cost for a sedan is approximately ₹340-370 one way.
The best time to travel is early morning (5:00 AM - 8:00 AM) or late evening (after 8:00 PM) to avoid peak traffic. Avoid Friday evenings, Sunday evenings, and public holidays when traffic is heaviest.
Top food stops include: McDonald's at Lonavala (Km 58), Cafe Coffee Day at Khandala (Km 65), Rasoi at Khopoli (Km 78), and Kinara Village Dhaba near Panvel. Most have clean restrooms and parking facilities.
Yes, the Expressway is operational during monsoon but requires extra caution. Reduce speed, maintain distance, use headlights, and watch for waterlogging near Lonavala-Khandala section. Fog can reduce visibility early morning and late evening.
The official speed limit is 80 km/h. The expressway has speed cameras, and overspeeding fines are strictly enforced. During monsoon and foggy conditions, the limit is reduced to 50-60 km/h.
Yes, there are 3 main fuel stations: Indian Oil near Lonavala (Km 60), HP Petrol Pump near Khopoli (Km 80), and Reliance Petrol Pump near Panvel (Km 100). It's recommended to fuel up before entering if traveling late at night.
Yes, there are designated rest areas and food plazas at Lonavala, Khandala, Khopoli, and near Panvel. Do not stop on the main carriageway. Use designated parking bays only.
Hiring a professional cab service has several advantages: experienced drivers familiar with the route, no driving fatigue, flexibility to enjoy scenery, and safety during monsoon/night travel. Our drivers know all the best stops and routes.
Move your vehicle to the left shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle 50m behind. Call the Expressway helpline: 1033 or highway patrol: 022-27468080. Breakdown assistance is available 24/7.
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