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How to Get to Pimpri-chinchwad

How to Get to Pimpri-chinchwad

Pimpri-chinchwad Maharashtra, India Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Pune

Pune International Airport (PNQ): The main airport serving Pune, located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of the city center. PNQ handles both domestic and limited international flights.

International Connections

  • Limited direct international flights from PNQ (mainly Middle East, Southeast Asia).
  • No direct flights from North America or Europe; connect through Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi (DEL).
  • Connections available through Middle Eastern hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi).

Mumbai International Airport BOM

Found roughly 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Pune, Mumbai airport serves as a major international gateway for travelers heading to Pune. It has a wider range of international flights.

PNQ Domestic & Seasonal Flights

  • Major domestic carriers from PNQ: IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Air India, Akasa Air, Star Air.
  • Flight prices peak during high tourist season (Oct-March) and major Indian festivals.
  • More affordable tickets during monsoon (June-Sept). Book flights in advance.

Cheap Flights

Find flight deals with Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Search

Compare flights on Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Book car rentals on DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Transfers

PNQ Transfers

  • Pre-paid Taxis: Counters outside terminal. Fixed fares.
  • Ride-sharing Apps: Ola and Uber. Book via app, designated pick-up points.
  • Local Buses: PMPML buses connect to city. Economical but less convenient with a lot of luggage.
  • Pune International Airport has basic services: ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, eateries.

Mumbai BOM Transfers

  • Intercity Cabs/Taxis: Private taxis (e.g., Meru Cabs, Savaari) pre-booked or hired.
  • Shared Cabs/Buses: Private operators provide shared AC buses and cabs from Mumbai airport to Pune.
  • These are more economical than private taxis.
  • Frequent bus and taxi services connect Mumbai airport to Pune.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Pune Junction (PNQ) offers excellent connectivity to most parts of India. Direct trains connect Pune to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata. Book tickets via IRCTC website or at station counters.

Long-Distance Buses

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) connects Pune to cities across Maharashtra and nearby states. Private companies offer comfortable AC and non-AC buses. Use the internet platforms like RedBus, AbhiCoach for booking.

Self-Driving

Not generally recommended for first-time visitors due to chaotic traffic and varying road conditions. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally needed. Major highways are generally excellent, city roads can be congested.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No separate exit fees or taxes are typically levied for international departures from Indian aviation hubs. These costs usually are part of your airfare at ticket purchase.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights: Arrive at PNQ at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure from PNQ.
  • Complete airline check-in digitally or at airport counter.

Airport Security & Facilities

Proceed through security checks. Indian airports have strict security protocols. Passengers are asked to remove electronic devices and liquids from bags for separate screening.

PNQ Facilities

  • Be prepared to remove belts, watches, and sometimes shoes for security.
  • For international departures, clear customs and immigration after security.
  • PNQ has basic dining options, duty-free shops, and waiting lounges.

Train & Bus Station Facilities

At Pune Junction train station and major bus terminals, you find eateries, waiting areas, and basic amenities for departing travelers.

Tips for Departure

  • Allow ample time to reach the airport or station.
  • Account for potential city traffic.
  • During monsoon, allow extra travel time due to rain.

Sea/River Arrivals

Pune is an inland city and does not have sea or river ports for passenger arrivals. Therefore, sea or river transportation is not a means of reaching Pune for international or intercity travel.

Point

  • No maritime or otherwise riverine passenger transport to Pune.
  • Lakes nearby like Mulshi Dam offer recreational boating.
  • Focus on air and land travel for arrival/departure.

Border Crossing

  • Pune is a landlocked city withinside India.
  • No international land borders to cross when traveling directly to Pune.
  • Border crossing information is not relevant for Pune travel.
  • All entry procedures happen at your first point of entry into India.
  • Focus on airport immigration for international arrivals.
  • Train and bus travel within India do not involve border checks.

Local Transportation

Public Transit Systems

Pune''s mass transit system allows access to various parts of the city economically, even though it needs patience during peak hours.

Buses & Metro

  • PMPML Buses: Main public bus service, extensive network. Economical.
  • Pune Metro: Rapidly expanding rail system. Aqua Line and Purple Line operational.
  • Buses operate from early morning (5 AM) to late evening (11 PM). Metro from SIX AM to 10 PM.

Ticketing & Accessibility

Bus fares are paid in cash to the conductor. Metro fares are distance-based; smart cards (MahaCard) for convenience, single-journey tokens are also available.

Important Information

  • Route maps for public buses (PMPML website) and metro (stations/online).
  • Public buses have limited accessibility. Newer underground stations offer better accessibility (lifts, ramps).
  • Use Google Maps for real-time bus and metro routes.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Ola and Uber are widely available for car services. Book via app for transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and customer support. Always confirm driver and vehicle details.

Auto-rickshaws

Common local transport. Metered fares are standard, but drivers may negotiate. Insist on meter use or agree on price beforehand.

Walking & Cycling

Koregaon Park has pedestrian-friendly streets. FC Road & JM Road are walkable but crowded. Dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited. Recreational cycling is good in parks.

Traveler Tips

During peak hours, public transport can be very crowded. Expect standing room only.