7 Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Under 3 Hours by Train

Mumbai never sleeps. Its streets hum endlessly, local trains rattle like the city’s heartbeat, and the skyline glimmers day and night. But sometimes, even the most devoted Mumbaikar longs for a break, a place where the air smells fresh, the pace slows, and the horizon stretches beyond the high-rises.

The good news? You don’t need a week-long getaway to escape. Within three hours by train, you can step into misty hills, sleepy towns, or golden beaches and let the weekend unfold on its own rhythm.

Whether it’s wandering along quiet trails in Karjat, feeling the monsoon mist in Lonavala, or listening to waves lap Alibaug’s shores, these trips offer the perfect “vikendcha shanti” (weekend peace) without the stress of long travel.

Imagine sipping hot chai at a hilltop point, saying “kaka, ek vada pav dya” (uncle, give me one vada pav) at a small roadside stall, or watching the sun sink behind coconut groves, it’s the kind of simple joy that makes a short getaway feel like a lifetime away from the city.

Quick weekend escapes from Mumbai under 3 hours

1. Lonavala: Misty Hills and Monsoon Magic

Lonavala is the evergreen queen of weekend escapes. Whether it’s the cascading waters of Bhushi Dam, the breathtaking cliff-edge at Tiger’s Leap, or the haunting ruins of Rajmachi Fort, this hill station is a canvas painted differently in every season. During the monsoon, waterfalls spill down every rock, and in winter, the morning mist makes everything look like it belongs in a fairytale.

• Distance from Mumbai: ~83 km

• Travel Time by Train: 2–2.5 hours

• Best Trains: Deccan Express, Intercity Express, Indrayani Express

• Approx. Ticket Price: ₹100–₹300

• Friday Departure: Catch the Indrayani Express at 5:40 PM from CSMT, reaching Lonavala by 8:15 PM.

• Sunday Return: Intercity Express departs Lonavala at 7:30 PM, bringing you back to Mumbai by 10 PM.

• Food Stop: Stop at Cooper’s Fudge & Chikki Shop for slabs of gooey chocolate fudge, or pick up packets of peanut chikki that taste like nostalgia wrapped in sugar.

Also read: 10 Best Budget Stays In and Around Lonavala for Families

2. Khandala: The Overlooked Beauty

Khandala has always lived in the shadow of Lonavala, but for travelers seeking a quieter escape, that’s a blessing. The trekking route to Duke’s Nose offers sweeping views over valleys and rail lines, while Amrutanjan Point is where you can simply sit with a thermos of chai and watch the hills shift colors as the sun dips. Unlike Lonavala’s constant crowds, Khandala lets you breathe.

• Distance from Mumbai: ~81 km

• Travel Time by Train: 2–2.5 hours

• Best Trains: All Lonavala-bound trains halt here

• Approx. Ticket Price: ₹100–₹300

• Friday Departure: Board the Deccan Express at 3:30 PM from CSMT, arrive by 6 PM.

• Sunday Return: Sinhagad Express leaves Khandala at 6:30 PM, reaching Mumbai by 9 PM.

• Food Stop: Vada pav at the station is a local ritual here, spicier than city versions, paired with fried green chilies for the brave.

3. Karjat: Gateway to Treks and Waterfalls

Karjat is the starting point of countless adventures. From here, trekkers set off toward the Kondana Caves, their stone carvings whispering Buddhist tales, or toward Peth (Kothaligad) Fort, where the panoramic views stretch across the Sahyadris.

The monsoon season makes Karjat unforgettable, green hills shrouded in mist and waterfalls that crash so close you can feel the spray on your face.

• Distance from Mumbai: ~62 km

• Travel Time by Train: ~2 hours

• Best Trains: Karjat Fast Local, Sinhagad Express

• Approx. Ticket Price: ₹50–₹250

• Friday Departure: Karjat Fast Local departs from CSMT at 5:05 PM, reaching Karjat by 7:15 PM.

• Sunday Return: Board the Karjat Fast Local at 7 PM, reaching Mumbai by 9:15 PM.

• Food Stop: Karjat is famed for its version of vada pav, extra crisp, served with fiery chutney that lingers long after the bite.

4. Matheran: A Step Back in Time

Arrive at Matheran, and suddenly, the world slows. No honking horns, no revving engines, just the rhythmic sound of horse hooves and the crunch of red soil underfoot. Asia’s only automobile-free hill station, Matheran charms you with its simplicity.

Walk to Panorama Point for sweeping views of the Sahyadris, or find peace beside Charlotte Lake. The toy train ride from Neral itself is an experience, a slow ascent through forests that look straight out of a vintage postcard.

• Distance from Mumbai: ~90 km (till Neral, then toy train)

• Travel Time by Train: ~2 hours to Neral, plus 40 minutes by toy train

• Best Trains: Karjat Fast Local, Deccan Express

• Approx. Ticket Price: ₹60–₹300 (Mumbai–Neral); Toy Train ₹45–₹300

• Friday Departure: Deccan Express at 3:30 PM from CSMT to Neral, connect to the 6 PM toy train.

• Sunday Return: Toy train down to Neral at 4 PM, connect with Sinhagad Express at 6:15 PM, reaching Mumbai by 8:30 PM.

• Food Stop: Sit at a homestay verandah with plates of sabudana khichdi or hot poha, the kind of comfort food that warms you from within.

Also read: Matheran Travel Guide - The Nearest Hill Station to Mumbai

5. Alibaug: Where the Sea Meets History

Alibaug has been Mumbai’s seaside playground for generations. Stroll along Alibaug Beach at sunset, when the waves seem to glow under the fading light.

Explore Kolaba Fort, standing tall amidst the sea, or try water sports at Nagaon Beach.

Unlike Goa, Alibaug doesn’t demand all-night parties, it offers a quieter rhythm where the sea speaks louder than the crowd.

• Distance from Mumbai: ~100 km (train to Pen, then road to Alibaug)

• Travel Time by Train: ~2.5 hours to Pen, 45 minutes by road

• Best Trains: Konkan Kanya Express, Mandovi Express

• Approx. Ticket Price: ₹150–₹400

• Friday Departure: Konkan Kanya Express at 11:05 PM from CSMT, reach Pen by 1:20 AM. Stay overnight or travel to Alibaug early morning.

• Sunday Return: Mandovi Express departs Pen at 5:45 PM, reaching Mumbai by 8:15 PM.

• Food Stop: Seafood is king here, think crispy pomfret fry, spicy prawn curry, and a glass of pink solkadhi that refreshes like nothing else.

Also read: 2 Days Itinerary to Alibaug For The Best Weekend

6. Igatpuri: Wrapped in Clouds

Igatpuri sits in the lap of the Sahyadris, where mist drifts across railway tracks and clouds descend low enough to touch.

Trekkers love climbing to Kalsubai Peak, the highest in Maharashtra, while others come here for peace at the Vipassana International Academy, where silence becomes a teacher.

Even without an itinerary, Igatpuri charms with its monsoon waterfalls and winter sunrises that paint the valley gold.

• Distance from Mumbai: ~120 km

• Travel Time by Train: 2.5–3 hours

• Best Trains: Panchavati Express, Tapovan Express

• Approx. Ticket Price: ₹120–₹400

• Friday Departure: Panchavati Express leaves CSMT at 6:10 PM, arriving in Igatpuri by 9 PM.

• Sunday Return: Tapovan Express departs Igatpuri at 6:20 PM, bringing you back to Mumbai by 9 PM.

• Food Stop: Steaming kanda bhaji and cutting chai from a local stall, simple, hot, and utterly perfect against the cool mountain breeze.

7. Palghar: Beaches Off the Map

Palghar is where time stretches out with the waves. The beaches, Kelva, Satpati, and Mahim, are quieter than their more famous cousins.

You can walk for miles without bumping into selfie sticks or beach shacks blasting music. Add in small fishing villages, old forts, and endless coconut groves, and you’ll see why Palghar is a secret worth keeping.

• Distance from Mumbai: ~110 km

• Travel Time by Train: 2–2.5 hours

• Best Trains: Flying Ranee Express, Dahanu Local, Saurashtra Express

• Approx. Ticket Price: ₹60–₹300

• Friday Departure: Flying Ranee Express leaves Mumbai Central at 5:55 PM, arriving at Palghar by 8:10 PM.

• Sunday Return: Dahanu Local departs Palghar at 7:25 PM, reaching Mumbai by 9:45 PM.

• Food Stop: Order a surmai or bombil thali from a family-run eatery near the station. The freshness of the fish tells you the sea is only a stone’s throw away.

How to Make Your Weekend Escape Seamless

• Book Early: Friday trains fill quickly, secure your seat midweek.

• Travel Light: Carry only essentials; a backpack is ideal.

• Carry Cash: Small towns rely heavily on cash for food stalls and rickshaws.

• Choose the Season: Monsoon brings green valleys and waterfalls, winter means crisp air, while summers call for coastal escapes.

Conclusion

A weekend getaway doesn’t need elaborate plans. Sometimes, all it takes is a train ticket, a small bag, and the willingness to wander. By Friday evening, Mumbai’s clamor fades behind you; by Sunday night, you return carrying misty hills, golden sands, sea breezes, local flavors, and memories that linger long after the weekend ends.

These seven escapes remind us that adventure, calm, and discovery are never far away. All it takes is a short journey, a curious heart, and a little “mazaa” along the way. Sometimes, just saying “chal, pahuya” (let’s go see) is all you need to reset your spirit.