How to Reach Alibaug From Mumbai
Alibaug is among the first few places that come to mind when people plan a weekend getaway from Mumbai. Its accessibility with a jetty and M2M ferry brings travel time to barely 2-2.5 hours to reach the coastal town. Driving down all the way is also an option if you enjoy long weekend drives. If you’ve decided to go to the coastal town but are contemplating how to reach from Mumbai to Alibaug on a weekend, this guide will help you out.
Quick Glance at Mumbai to Alibaug Travel Options
| Travel Option | Departure Point | Travel Time |
| M2M Ro-Ro Ferry | Bhaucha Dhakka, Mazgaon | Around 1 hour by sea to Mandwa. Onwards travel towards Alibaug (40-45 mins) |
| Passenger jetty ferry | Gateway of India, Colaba | Around 50-75 minutes by sea, plus onward travel |
| Road | Depending on your starting point | Can take anywhere between 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the route and traffic |
The ferry options arrive at Mandwa Port which is about 17-20 km away from Alibaug. You will have to book a local rickshaw, connecting bus or a taxi towards your beach destination in Alibaug.
Let us look at every option in detail:
1. Mumbai to Alibaug by M2M Ro-Ro Ferry
This is the most favoured option among people regularly going to Alibaug for quick getaways. It is also practical as one can take their 2-wheeler/4-wheeler across the sea stretch and then drive down towards Alibaug. The ferry ride from Bhaucha Dhakka in Mazgaon reaches the Mandwa Ro-Pax Terminal in approximately an hour.
This ferry ride is also an experience in itself. Children can watch the boats and changing coastline from the deck, spot seagulls en route that fly close to the boat and enjoy a nice ride on the sea. There is an indoor lounge when the sun gets too strong, along with onboard food and refreshments.
M2M is pet-friendly with a designated area to sit with pets. So families with young children and pets can travel comfortably and reach quickly rather than driving and taking multiple breaks in between.
M2M Ferry Cost
One-way journey costs INR 400 per passenger. Children above 3 years of age require a full adult ticket. The cost of motorcycle, car and pets is additional.
Due to the growing demand, it is best to make your bookings in advance. For all other details and booking, check m2mferries.com.
2. Mumbai to Alibaug by Ferry from Gateway of India
If you’re travelling light and do not need to take your own vehicle, passenger ferries fly from Gateway of India daily. Different operators like Maldar Catamarans, PNP and Apollo run their ferry services and take about 55-75 minutes. This route is favoured by newer tourists who wish to watch the Gateway, Taj Hotel and surrounding skyline recede into the distance on the ride. Pets are not allowed on these catamaran services.
Unlike the M2M Ro-Ro, these passenger services don’t have provision for your private car. After reaching Mandwa, you can use the operator's connecting bus, where included, or arrange a private taxi to your destination.
Mumbai to Alibaug Passenger Ferry Costs
Compared to M2M, these ferries are cost-effective.
- Main deck: INR 200
- AC Deck: INR 285
For these ferry rides, passengers are requested to arrive at least half an hour prior to the departure. Boarding closes 15 minutes before the departure. The timings and sailing dates may differ during peak season. Check operator websites to book in advance for weekend and holiday slots.
3. Mumbai to Alibaug by Road
If you don’t want a strict timeline and prefer to travel at your own pace, you can choose to drive from Mumbai to Alibaug. This route is convenient for those who stay around the Central regions like Thane, Kalyan and beyond. The road journey from Mumbai and Alibaug depends on where you start in Mumbai, traffic conditions and the route you take:
- Mumbai – Atal Setu – Chirle – Pen – Alibaug (preferred route)
- Thane – Panvel – Pen – Vadkhal Naka – Alibaug
On a busy day, the drive can take longer than expected since many people visit Alibaug for weekend getaways.
Driving makes more sense if you also want to explore further than Alibaug, visit local places, forts and have a proper tourist plan. You can move around at your pace and reach the villa/hotel as per your convenience.
FAQs
Which railway station is near to Alibaug?
Pen railway station is one of the nearest railway stations to Alibaug, approximately 30 km away. From Pen, you can hire a taxi or local transport to reach the Alibaug bus stand. From there you may have to take a rickshaw to further reach up to the beach or your accommodation.
Which is the cheapest way to reach Alibaug from Mumbai?
Taking a state transport bus from Mumbai to Alibaug is generally one of the cheapest options. If you prefer travelling by sea, passenger ferries from the Gateway of India have fares starting at around ₹200 one way per person.
When is the best time to visit Alibaug?
November to February or mid-March is generally a good time to visit Alibaug, with comfortable weather for beach visits and outdoor activities. The monsoon brings lush greenery, but heavy rain and rough seas can affect ferry services and beach plans. Read our season-by-season guide to Alibaug.
Can I take my car on the Mumbai to Alibaug ferry?
Yes. The M2M Ro-Ro ferry carries cars and motorcycles in addition to passengers from Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) in Mazgaon to Mandwa. You can take your vehicle along and drive to your accommodation after reaching Mandwa.
How do I get to Alibaug from Mandwa Jetty?
Mandwa Jetty is about 20 km away from Alibaug town, so you will need onward transport after the ferry crossing. Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw, arrange a private transfer, or use a connecting bus where available. Maldar Catamarans provides a complimentary bus transfer to Alibaug with its ferry service. If you are travelling to a villa or beach outside town, confirm the final distance and transfer arrangements in advance.
