Mumbai to Ujjain - Complete Travel Guide
Train, flight, and bus options from Mumbai to Ujjain for Simhastha 2028 - with realistic cost estimates, booking advice, and what to expect on the journey.
Mumbai to Ujjain - Overview
Mumbai is one of the major source cities for Simhastha pilgrims. Maharashtra's large Hindu population and strong devotional traditions mean that trains from Mumbai to Ujjain are among the most heavily booked for Simhastha - and that booking them well in advance is not optional but essential.
The distance from Mumbai to Ujjain is approximately 620 km by road and the journey time varies considerably depending on whether you fly to Indore first or take the train directly.
By Train - The Primary Route
Mumbai has two major railway termini relevant for Ujjain travel: Mumbai Central (served by Western Railway) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT, for Central Railway services to Madhya Pradesh).
- Avantika Express (12961/12962): The most important train on this route and the one that most serious Simhastha pilgrims aim to book. It runs between Mumbai Central and Ujjain Junction with a journey time of approximately 16-18 hours.
- Narmada Express (11093/11094): Another option between Mumbai LTT and Ujjain, with a slightly longer journey time (20-22 hours) but often better availability if the Avantika Express is full.
Approximate Train Costs
| Class | Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹500-800 | Budget option; hot in May |
| 3rd AC (3A) | ₹1,400-2,000 | Good balance of cost and comfort |
| 2nd AC (2A) | ₹2,200-3,200 | Comfortable for family travel |
| 1st AC (1A) | ₹4,000-6,000 | For those prioritizing rest |
By Flight - Via Indore
There is no commercial airport in Ujjain. The nearest major airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore (IDR), approximately 55 km from Ujjain. From Mumbai, multiple airlines operate direct flights to Indore daily (IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet).
Flight time is approx 1 hour 15 minutes. Total door-to-door time from central Mumbai to Ujjain is approx 4-5 hours. Economy class flights during Simhastha peak dates will likely be priced at ₹4,000-8,000 per person.
By Bus
State government buses (MSRTC for Maharashtra, MPSRTC for Madhya Pradesh) and private operators run services between Mumbai and Ujjain. The journey time is approximately 11-13 hours for direct services, making it a reasonable overnight option.
AC sleeper buses are priced at ₹800-1,800. Non-AC seater buses are cheaper (₹500-900) but a 12-hour bus journey in Indian summer heat on a non-AC bus is a significant physical undertaking.
Bus booking for Simhastha 2028 should be done 2-3 months in advance. Prices increase as dates approach and specific departure timings become unavailable.
Planning Your Departure
The most important logistical point for Mumbai pilgrims: the three Shahi Snan dates (April 22, May 6, May 9) require arriving in Ujjain at least one day before - ideally two to three days before - to avoid travel disruption.
On the days immediately before Shahi Snan dates, train services to Ujjain will be at maximum capacity. On the days of Shahi Snan, road access to central Ujjain is heavily restricted. Pilgrims who try to travel from Mumbai on the morning of a Shahi Snan day are likely to arrive too late for the main ritual and may face significant delays.