How to Reach Pandharpur: Road, Train, and Bus Routes from Pune, Mumbai, and Solapur

Shri Kshetra Pandharpur, the sacred abode of Shri Vitthal and Rukmini Mata on the banks of Chandrabhaga, welcomes millions of devotees throughout the year. Kartiki Wari is now just nine days away. Thousands of Varkaris and families are already finalizing their travel to reach the holy town. Proper route planning ensures a smooth pilgrimage. Whether you travel by state transport bus, passenger train, or private vehicle, the journey is simple when planned well.

Reaching Pandharpur from Pune

Pune is the primary gateway for devotees traveling from across western Maharashtra. Pandharpur sits roughly 210 kilometers away.

• By Road: The traditional route follows the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg (NH 965) through Hadapsar, Saswad, Jejuri, Lonand, Phaltan, Malshiras, and Velapur. This journey takes around four to five hours by car. An alternative route runs along the Pune-Solapur National Highway (NH 65) up to Tembhurni, where travelers turn right toward Pandharpur. The highway offers wide, well-maintained four-lane sections.
• By MSRTC Bus: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates direct buses from Swargate and Shivajinagar (Wakdewadi) bus stations. Ordinary express and Shivshahi buses depart every thirty to forty-five minutes throughout the day. Devotees can book seats in advance via the official MSRTC mobile app or website.
• By Train: Direct passenger and express trains operate between Pune Junction and Pandharpur Railway Station. Also, several long-distance trains halt at Kurduvadi Junction, located 52 kilometers from Pandharpur, where frequent connecting passenger trains and shared transport are readily available.

Reaching Pandharpur from Mumbai

Devotees traveling from Mumbai and the Konkan belt journey approximately 360 kilometers to reach the feet of Mauli. Devotion makes every kilometer effortless.

• By Train: Direct train services, such as the CSMT-Pandharpur Express and Dadar-Pandharpur Express, run on designated days. Many pilgrims also prefer boarding Solapur-bound express trains, including the Siddheshwar Express, Udyan Express, or Vande Bharat Express, up to Kurduvadi Junction. From Kurduvadi, state transport buses and local shuttles reach Pandharpur in about one hour.
• By MSRTC Bus: State transport services depart regularly from Mumbai Central, Parel, Kurla Nehru Nagar, and Borivali depots. In preparation for Kartiki Wari, MSRTC schedules extra buses to handle the festive rush.
• By Road: Private cars and taxis can take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Pune, then continue along NH 65 via Indapur and Tembhurni directly to Pandharpur. Total driving time ranges between seven and eight hours.

Reaching Pandharpur from Solapur

Solapur is the nearest railway hub. Located just 72 kilometers east of Pandharpur, it also serves as the closest major district headquarters.

• By Road: The Solapur-Pandharpur route (NH 561A via Mohol) is a smooth, four-lane corridor. Driving by private vehicle or taxi takes roughly 75 to 90 minutes.
• By Bus: MSRTC buses leave Solapur Central Bus Stand for Pandharpur every 15 minutes round the clock.
• By Train: Daily DEMU shuttles and regular passenger trains connect Solapur Railway Station and Pandharpur Railway Station, with a transit time of about one hour and twenty minutes.

Practical Travel Tips for Pilgrims

Plan ahead. With heavy crowds for the Kartiki festival, devotees should book transport and accommodation well in advance. Both Pandharpur Railway Station and the central bus stand are within three kilometers of Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir and Chandrabhaga Ghat. Local battery-operated e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws provide quick, convenient transit throughout the temple town.