How to reach Nashik for the Kumbh Mela: train, bus, road and air
Nashik is about 170 km from Mumbai and 210 km from Pune. Most pilgrims arrive by train at Nashik Road station, by MSRTC bus, or by car on the Mumbai-Nashik highway. The nearest airport is Nashik (Ozar); Mumbai and Pune airports have far more flights. On snan days, vehicles are stopped outside the city and pilgrims walk or take shuttles.
How do I reach Nashik by train?
The main station is Nashik Road on the Mumbai-Bhusawal line of Central Railway, with direct trains from Mumbai and many cities in North and Central India. Panchavati and Ramkund are about 10 km from the station.
- Indian Railways usually runs extra Kumbh special trains and opens extra ticket counters; these are announced on our news page.
- From the station, use buses, shared autos or taxis to the city.
How do I reach Nashik by bus?
MSRTC (ST) buses connect Nashik with Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Shirdi, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) and most of Maharashtra, and private buses run from other states. Extra buses are run for the Simhastha, with temporary bus stands outside the crowded areas on snan days.
How do I reach Nashik by car from Mumbai or Pune?
- From Mumbai (about 170 km): the Mumbai-Nashik highway through Thane and the Kasara ghat, or the Samruddhi expressway for part of the way.
- From Pune (about 210 km): the Pune-Nashik highway through Sangamner.
- Avoid driving into the city on Shahi Snan days. Use the marked parking and park-and-ride areas and follow police traffic advisories.
Which airport is nearest to the Kumbh Mela?
Nashik airport is at Ozar, about 20 km from the city, with a few domestic flights. Most pilgrims fly into Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) or Pune and continue by road or train.
How do I get from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar?
Trimbakeshwar is about 30 km from Nashik city. MSRTC buses run often from the Nashik bus stands, and shared jeeps and taxis are available. Allow much more time on snan days, when the road is busy and vehicles may be stopped before the town.
What changes in traffic on snan days?
- Vehicles are stopped at the city edge; parking lots and shuttle buses are set up for pilgrims.
- Roads near the ghats become walking-only zones.
- One-way routes lead to and from the ghats; follow the signs and volunteers.
- Check the snan dates and the map before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest railway station to Ramkund?
Nashik Road station, about 10 km from Ramkund and Panchavati.
How far is Nashik from Mumbai?
About 170 km by road, usually 4-5 hours by car or bus outside the Mela rush.
Can I drive to Ramkund on a Shahi Snan day?
No. On snan days vehicles are stopped outside the city and the area near the ghats is for walking only. Use parking and shuttle buses.
How far is Trimbakeshwar from Nashik?
About 30 km. Frequent MSRTC buses, shared jeeps and taxis run between them.
