Navi Mumbai to Matheran Road Trip Guide: Parking, Ghat and Tips
Matheran is the rare hill station you reach by car but explore on foot - vehicles are not allowed inside. That single fact shapes the entire trip: you drive to Dasturi Naka, park, and continue by foot, horseback or the famous toy train.
Here is how to plan the drive from Navi Mumbai and what to expect on the ghat.
The route
From Panvel, head toward Neral and follow the signed road up to Dasturi Naka. From Kharghar and Nerul add about 15 to 30 minutes respectively. Panvel is the closest pickup node for this route.
- Panvel to Dasturi Naka - about 52 km, 1 hour 30 minutes
- Kharghar to Dasturi Naka - about 58 km, 1 hour 45 minutes
- Nerul to Dasturi Naka - about 58 km, 1 hour 45 minutes
Parking at Dasturi Naka
Dasturi Naka is the vehicle parking point below Matheran. It is a managed lot with nominal charges payable on site. Park, lock the car, and take a pony, hand-pulled rickshaw or the toy train up to the hill town.
The ghat road
The climb to Dasturi is a short but steady ghat. It is not extreme, but it rewards a well-maintained car - healthy brakes, coolant and tyres matter far more than engine size. Our team checks all of this before any Matheran-bound handover.
Best car for Matheran
A compact SUV or a well-kept sedan handles the ghat comfortably. Families of six or more should take the Ertiga or Innova for stability and space.
Best time to visit
October to February offers clear views and pleasant walks. Monsoon is spectacularly green but the trails get slippery and the toy train can be disrupted. Either way, leave early to enjoy the hill town before the afternoon crowds.
Cars you can book
Live availability by date - every plan includes insurance, 300 km per day and 24/7 roadside help.
- Hatchbacks from ₹2,499/day
- Sedans for the city
- Compact SUVs for the ghats
- 7-seaters for families
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive my rental car into Matheran?+
No. Vehicles are allowed only up to Dasturi Naka, after which Matheran is vehicle-free. You park at Dasturi and continue on foot, horseback or by toy train.
Is parking available at Dasturi Naka?+
Yes, there is a managed paid parking lot at Dasturi Naka. Charges are nominal and paid on site. Keep your booking confirmation handy for vehicle checks.
Which pickup point is closest to Matheran?+
Panvel is the closest GetSetDrive pickup node, followed by Kharghar and Nerul. Booking from Panvel trims about 40 minutes off the drive.
Can I do Matheran as a day trip?+
Yes, from Panvel and Kharghar it works as a comfortable day trip. An overnight stay lets you catch the sunrise viewpoints without rushing.
Book a self drive car here
Self drive car in Matheran
Drive to Matheran in your own rented car - park at Dasturi, walk the rest.
Navi MumbaiSelf drive car in Panvel
Panvel is our home turf - fastest handovers in the city.
Navi MumbaiSelf drive car in Kharghar
Book a self drive car in Kharghar - pickup from your society, drive anywhere.
Navi MumbaiSelf drive car in Nerul
Self drive cars delivered across Nerul - East or West, we reach you.
Your car is one tap away
Free doorstep delivery, insurance included and no hidden charges. Pick your dates and we will bring the car to your gate.
Why drivers choose GetSetDrive
“Booked an SUV for Lonavala on Friday and it was at my gate in the evening. Spotless car, zero paperwork drama.”
“The self drive option is so much cheaper for my airport runs than cabs. Documents verified once, done.”
“Took the Ertiga for an Alibaug weekend with friends. Transparent pricing and no surprise charges at return.”