Three main ways to get from Mumbai to Shirdi — train, bus, and car. Plus an optional flight when time matters more than money. Each has its own comfort, cost, and trade-off. Direct comparison so you can pick the right one for your group:
🚆
Train
COMFORT
Direct trains run from Mumbai CSMT and LTT to Sainagar Shirdi station. Travel time 6–7 hours. Sleeper ₹300–400, AC 3-tier ₹800–1,100. Sainagar station to the temple is just 3 km. Best option if you’re travelling with elderly or children.
🚖
Want a Mumbai → Shirdi taxi quote?
Which mode for whom?
First-time pilgrims, family group — train. Predictable, comfortable, kids and elders manage well.
Tight budget, want to arrive rested — overnight AC bus.
3–4 people, no fixed schedule — your own car.
Half-day darshan, return same evening — flight.
When to book
Train — opens 60 days out. Tatkal availability is thin on this route, so book early.
Bus — 7–10 days ahead is fine on normal days; 3–4 weeks for festival dates.
Flight — cheaper the further ahead you book, expensive on weekends.
Quick check before you go
Sainagar Shirdi station name on IRCTC — not all railway searches show it if you type 'Shirdi' alone. Use the station code SNSI to filter.
By flight — roughly 1 hour to Shirdi airport (SAG). By road, a car is fastest at 5–6 hours.
What is the cheapest way from Mumbai to Shirdi?
The bus — regular seater fares start around ₹400.
What is the nearest railway station to Shirdi?
Sainagar Shirdi (station code SNSI), about 3 km from the temple.
Is there a direct train from Mumbai to Shirdi?
Yes — several trains run to Sainagar Shirdi. The overnight train is the most convenient.
Once you’ve booked transport, the stay is the next thing to lock in — Shirdi sells out faster than most pilgrims expect, especially Thursdays and weekends.
How did you last reach Shirdi? Which mode worked best? Tell us in the comments. 🙏
Was this helpful?
Comments