How to Get to Pune. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

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

Located approximately 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.
Lower fares 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 heavy 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 neighboring states. Private operators offer comfortable AC and non-AC buses. Use online platforms like RedBus, AbhiBus 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 airports. 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 online 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 immigration checks after security.
PNQ has basic dining options, duty-free shops, and waiting lounges.

Train & Bus Station Facilities

At Pune Junction railway 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 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 an inland city within 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 public transportation system allows access to various parts of the city economically, 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 6 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 buses (PMPML website) and metro (stations/online).
Public buses have limited accessibility. Newer metro 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. Be ready for standing room only.

How to Get to Pune