Pune is one such city that offers every type of road trip experience. There are amazing spots for short drives from here and plenty of options for weekend escapes as well. If you want a little spiritual touch, then you can drive towards temples and sacred destinations. If you like heritage and history, then head towards forts and old towns. For scenic beauty, road trips to valleys, hills and waterfalls are absolutely perfect.
The best thing about road trips from Pune is their flexibility. You can take breaks as per your wish, explore viewpoints and decide for yourself how fast or slow you want to travel. Short drives are only up to 40 km from Pune, which are best for a quick refreshment trip. Weekend Pune road trips between 150 km to 250 km give you a mix of both leisure and adventure. And if you like long drives, then journeys up to 500 km will give you a complete travel experience which will include culture, food and nature.
So why wait, plan and choose your best for your road trips from Pune today!
Quick One-Day Road Trips
The location of Pune makes it one of the popular gateways to the major hill stations and tourist sites that you can easily explore during your one-day road trip. You can easily cover it by taking taxi services in Pune that offer you a trip that includes a world-famous hill station to the amazing historical sites, perfect for sightseeing and other adventure activities. We have chosen the top sites.
Lonavala & Khandala: If you are planning short drives from Pune, then Lonavala and Khandala are the most popular destinations. It is approximately 65 km from Pune, and the drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The drive on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is extremely smooth, and one gets scenic views of green valleys and waterfalls on both sides of the road. The July to September monsoon season is the best as the entire area turns lush green, and one can see small waterfalls.
Lavasa: Lavasa is a modern hill station located approximately 60 km from Pune, accessible by car in about 2 hours. The road is winding and passes between the Western Ghats, which gives a very scenic feel. The lakeside promenade and Italian-style architecture make it distinct. The weather from October to March is pleasant and is perfect for short drives from Pune.
Sinhagad Fort: If you like both history and adventure, then Sinhagad Fort is the best choice. It is just 35 km away from Pune and is a one-hour drive. The road is a little narrow and hilly, but the views of the valley are absolutely amazing. Watching the sunrise or sunset at the fort is a unique experience. Both monsoon and winter seasons are best for this.
Karla & Bhaja Caves: These ancient Buddhist caves are within 60km of Pune and take around 1.5 hours to get there. The roads are completely accessible, and the surroundings are full of green valleys and hills. The rock-cut architecture and sculptures inside the caves are worth seeing. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is cool.
Jejuri: Jejuri is famous for the Khandoba temple and is also called "Sonyachi Jejuri" because during festivals, the whole area turns yellow with turmeric powder. It is 50 km from Pune and the drive takes 1.5 hours. The road is easy, and the countryside experience is unique. The best time to visit is the winter season.
Shani Shingnapur: If you are planning a religious one-day trip, then Shani Shingnapur is a perfect destination. It is 120 km from Pune and takes approximately 3 hours. The roads are state highways and are easily drivable. This place is world-famous for its houses without doors tradition. It is best to visit during winter and festivals.
Bhimashankar: Bhimashankar is a superb option for nature lovers and trekkers. It is 110 km from Pune and the drive takes around 3.5 hours. The roads are a bit hilly and forested, which gives an adventurous feel. This place is also known for a Jyotirlinga shrine, and the scenic beauty of the dense forest is unique. The best time is monsoon and winter when the greenery is at its peak.
Mumbai: If you want a little urban escape, then a one-day road trip from Pune to Mumbai is a great idea. The distance is around 150 km, and the drive on the expressway takes about 3 hours. The road is very smooth, and the views from the lower sections are unbeatable. Attractions like the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Juhu Beach in Mumbai can be enjoyed in a day. The best time to visit is from October to March.
For more one-day road trip option read: One Day Road Trip from Pune
Weekend Escape Road Trips (150–300 km)
If you live in Pune and want to take a short break, then weekend road trips are the best option. You can easily relax amidst nature by planning 1-2 nights. You can easily plan your weekend road trips from Pune, as there are some popular weekend getaways near Pune, and the drive is also very scenic.
Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani (120–140 km | 3–4 hours)
The road trip from Pune to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani is absolutely evergreen. Both are major weekend gateways for tourists and travellers alike. From Pune, one of the best ways to enjoy the trip is by booking a Pune to Mahabaleshwar cab. The best part is that by travelling with a cab, you can easily add Panchgani without any hindrance. Also, the winding ghat roads are a different kind of fun. Valley views, strawberry farms and misty hills make this route memorable. The best seasons are winter and monsoon when the whole area is lush green.
Bhandardara (165 km | 4–5 hours)
If you want to feel a little offbeat, the drive from Pune to Bhandardara is perfect. The road is a little narrow and winding, but the scenery is worth it with lakeside and hills. Arthur Lake and Randha Falls are the highlights here. Both the monsoon and winter seasons are ideal for visiting here.
Alibaug (145 km | 3.5–4.5 hours)
For sea lovers, the Pune to Alibaug road trip is best. Mumbai–Goa highway and coastal roads are extremely scenic. Beaches, forts and seafood make Alibaug a weekend favourite. October to March is the best time when the weather is cool.
Harihareshwar & Diveagar (170–190 km | 4–5 hours)
If you want to be away from the crowd and want peace, then this coastal belt is a must-try. The drive is through NH66, where you get a combo of hills and sea. The beaches here are clean and peaceful, and you can also feel the temple vibes. The best season is winter and early summer.
Kolhapur (230 km | 4–5 hours)
Suppose you want to explore some culture and history. Then the Pune to Kolhapur road trip is perfect for you. You get a smooth drive on NH48. Mahalakshmi temple, Rankala lake and spicy Kolhapuri food make this trip memorable. You can go throughout the year, but October to March seems to be the coolest.
Satara (115 km | 2.5–3 hours)
Satara is definitely the right choice for a short drive. It is a straight and comfortable ride from Pune on NH48. During the monsoon and September–October months, the view of the valley of flowers of the Kas Plateau here is absolutely magical.
Lonavala (65 km | 1.5–2 hours)
If you want a quick Pune weekend drive, then Lonavala is the most popular option. Both the expressway and the old highway routes are famous for green valleys and waterfalls. It is good throughout the year, but the monsoon season has a different feel with the clouds and greenery. The Pune to Lonavala road trip gives a fresh feel every time.
Getaway to Hill Stations (300–600 km)
If you want to enjoy the peace of nature, indulge in some offbeat activities and spend some time amid the hills, then planning a hill station road trip from Pune is one of the best options. There are ample hill stations where you can easily reach from Pune. They are renowned for their impeccable natural beauty and unadulterated charm that captivate your hearts and give relaxation to your soul.
Amboli: The Pune to Amboli hill station road trip is approximately 350 kms in which the drive takes around 7-8 hours. The road route is mostly smooth with NH48 and the winding roads of Western Ghats making the whole experience even more scenic. Amboli waterfalls and green valley views make the drive magical, especially during the monsoon season. The best time to do a road trip here is July to September, when all the hills are lush green and the weather is cool.
Chikhaldara: Chikhaldara is around 600 km away from Pune, which takes approximately 11-12 hours to drive. This road trip is a bit long but worth it, as the valleys and forested roads of the Satpura ranges feel very refreshing. The route from Pune to Chikhaldara includes hilly roads along with smooth highways. The best time is from October to March, when the cool climate and foggy views make the trip perfect.
Saputara: Pune to Saputara road trip is around 300 km, which takes approximately 6-7 hours to complete. This drive goes through Nashik road and the curves of the mountains, and the views of tribal villages are a unique pleasure. Saputara is called the only hill station of Gujarat, and this place looks very attractive in both monsoon and winter seasons. The Pune to Saputara trip is best for a short yet peaceful getaway.
Matheran: Matheran is just around 120 km from Pune, but this Pune to Matheran road trip is always a favourite because the hill station is vehicle-free, and the complete nature walk and toy train ride have a unique charm. The drive around is of 3-4 hours, in which the winding ghat roads and panoramic viewpoints make the trip memorable. The best time is from October to May when the weather is clear and cool.
Nashik: The Pune to Nashik drive is approximately 210 km, and the travel time is approximately 5–6 hours. The road conditions are quite good, and en route, travellers get views of vineyards and the Sahyadri ranges. Nashik is not just a religious city but also a relaxing weekend getaway where Sula Vineyards and Trimbakeshwar temple are worth exploring. The best time to take a road trip here is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant.
Coorg: The road trip from Coorg hill station to Pune is a little long, around 600 km, which takes 11-12 hours. The route is mostly highways along with ghats and coffee plantation views, which make the whole journey scenic. This destination is a paradise for nature lovers, where waterfalls and spice estates change the whole vibe. The best season is from October to March, when the weather is cool and the trip amidst the coffee blossoms becomes a memorable one.
Offbeat & Heritage Road Trips
For those who look for something different and more adventurous, planning an offbeat road trip from Pune to one of the given sites offers an incredible experience. Each site offers something unique that makes your heritage road trip from Pune a memorable trip. For that, we have picked some really popular destinations for you:
Ajanta & Ellora Caves: If you want a combo of history and architecture, then the Ajanta & Ellora Caves road trip is absolutely the best. It is around 260 km away from Pune, and the drive takes approximately 6-7 hours. The road is mostly smooth through NH 60, where one gets scenic views of the greenery and fields of rural Maharashtra in between. This is a perfect heritage road trip from Pune, as here you get to see UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where you get to see detailed carvings of ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves. The best season to visit here is the monsoon and winter, when the weather is cool and travel-friendly.
Shivneri Fort: Shivneri Fort is a historical gem where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. This fort is just 95 km away from Pune and is a short drive of approximately 2-3 hours, which is the best choice for an offbeat road trip to Pune. The road is mixed, which has both highway and hilly terrains, and during the monsoon, the entire route becomes lush green. The scenic appeal is high, especially for those who enjoy a little trekking and fort exploration. The best seasons are the monsoon and winter.
Lonar Crater Lake: Lonar Lake is a natural wonder that was formed by an ancient meteor impact. It is 350 km away from Pune, and the drive takes approximately 7-8 hours. Road conditions are decent, mostly highway and a little rural patch in the end. This is perfect for an offbeat road trip to Pune, where you will get a unique view of the blue-green crater lake surrounded by forests and temples. The best time to visit here is winter, when the weather is pleasant and the colour of the lake looks even more stunning.
Raigad Fort: Raigad Fort is a historical fort that was the capital of the Maratha Empire. It is 135 km away from Pune and is approximately a 3-4 hour drive. The road is full of winding and accidents, whose scenic appeal is high, especially during the monsoon when the entire route is covered with fog and greenery. This is a heritage road trip from Pune that both history lovers and adventure seekers enjoy. The best seasons are the monsoon and winter.
Nanded: If you want to go on a spiritual and cultural trip, then Nanded is a good option. It is 575 km away from Pune and is a long drive of approximately 11-12 hours, which feels like a proper road trip. The route is smoother than the highways, and in between, there are villages and small towns, which give the essence of pure Maharashtra. The reason to go here is Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, which is a major centre of Sikh pilgrimage. The best time to visit is winter, as summers are a little harsh.
Goa: The Pune to Goa cab drive is every traveller's dream. It is a distance of approximately 450 km, which takes 8-9 hours, and the road is extremely scenic, making it one of the stunning road trip options. You can easily get a Pune to Goa taxi from a platform like CabBazar. In this route, you get everything from mountains, ghats and coastal vibes, which makes it the ultimate offbeat road trip to Pune and beach escape. The route turns into a green paradise during monsoons, but the winter season is the best, as there are even more vibes happening on the beaches.
Road Trip Planning Tips
If you are planning a road trip to Pune, then a little preparation is necessary because the journey is enjoyable only when everything is smooth. First of all, choose the best time, from October to February, when the weather is a little cool and pleasant, which is perfect for a long drive. Don't skip vehicle preparation, check the brakes and tyres and keep an extra tyre and toolkit with you. As per Road Safety Tips India, a first aid box, a flashlight, and a power bank are necessary. Packing essentials include light clothes, jackets (if it is a hill route), water bottles and quick snacks like chips and energy bars that help a lot. For stops, you can enjoy the dhabas and tea stalls on the highway, which provide local flavor.
Also, Mobile coverage is mostly good on highways, but the signal can be weak at some remote stretches, so keep an offline map downloaded. Keep Fastag recharged for fuel and toll, and it is best to start with a full tank. If going via Mumbai to the Pune Expressway, the 94 km stretch takes approximately 2-3 hours, which is a six-lane expressway and is quite scenic too, especially during monsoons when green valleys are visible. Similarly, if planning from Pune to Lonavala, it is only 65 km and takes approximately 1.5 hours with winding valleys and scenic hills. With all these tips, your Pune trip experience will be safe and enjoyable.
Sample Road Trip Itineraries
To make your planning a bit easier, we have planned two different itineraries. These Pune itineraries for a road trip are perfect for you. Simple, sorted and easy to follow, these plans will make your travel smooth and memorable. Whether it is a short one-day break or you are in the mood to escape for a weekend, just pack your bags and get going.
One-Day Trip: Pune → Mumbai → Dinner at Highway Dhaba → Return
If you need a short escape, then the Pune to Mumbai itinerary is the best option. The distance is approximately 150 km, which is covered via the NH48 expressway, and the drive takes around 3 to 4 hours. The roads are wide and smooth, offering a scenic combo of speed, lush green hills and tunnel passages. After exploring Mumbai city throughout the day, having a hot dinner at a famous dhaba on the highway in the evening is a unique experience. This trip is possible throughout the year, but the view looks even more magical during the monsoons.
Weekend Trip: Pune → Goa (Stay) → Local Sight Early → Return
If you need a long break, then the Pune weekend hill trip plan to Goa is perfect. The distance from Pune to Goa is approximately 450 km, which you will cover in 9 to 10 hours via NH66. This route is known for the coastal beauty and greenery of the Western Ghats, and while driving, one gets to see the rustic charm of waterfalls and small villages. You can enjoy the beaches, forts and local markets by staying in Goa for one or two days. The best seasons are winter and monsoon when the weather is comfortable for a road trip. This is a full weekend getaway that is full of memories.
FAQs
When is the best time to take a road trip from Pune?
The best time for a Pune road trip is from October to February, as the weather is a little cool and pleasant. Monsoon is also an option, but during the rains, the roads become a little slippery, so one has to be careful.
Are these routes suitable for self-driving?
Absolutely. All the popular routes out of Pune are perfect for self-driving. The roads are quite smooth and well-connected. Just ensure that the car is up to date in service and is comfortable for a long drive.
How safe are these routes at night?
It is generally safe, but it is better to avoid night driving. If necessary, stay on highway routes as they are safer and traffic-supported. Remote streets or shortcuts may seem risky at night.
Accommodation options?
Budget accommodation is easily available on every route. Highway hotels, resorts, guest houses and even luxury stays are also available. It is a good idea to pre-book, especially during weekends or the holiday season.
What about fuel and toll costs?
Fuel cost will depend on your route and vehicle mileage. Toll charges are levied on every major road trip destination from Pune and can go up to an average of 300-800 INR, depending on distance. It is best to keep extra cash or a FASTag ready for toll and fuel.
Final thoughts, I would like to say in simple words that the experience of road trips from Pune is always different and fun. Here you will find hills, beaches, heritage spots and modern cafes, meaning there is an option for every mood and every group. The biggest advantage of travel is that you get multiple vibes from a single city. If you too want to plan your weekend or a short getaway, then this list of the best road trips from Pune will be useful for you. Now don't delay, start your next journey and share it with your friends too. Start your next Pune road trip—bookmark this guide!
