After months of working non-stop and surviving the chaos of urban life, I finally decided to take a break—a proper one. The destination? Mumbai—the city that never sleeps, where dreams are born and where the Arabian Sea meets Bollywood glamour. Being a Delhiite, I wanted to explore the best way to get from New Delhi to Mumbai, weigh my travel options, and fully immerse myself in what Mumbai has to offer. If you’re planning the same journey, buckle up—here’s everything you need to know.

Choosing the Right Route: Delhi to Mumbai Travel Options

The distance between New Delhi and Mumbai is around 1,450 kilometers, and the journey offers multiple options depending on your time, budget, and comfort preferences.

1. By Air – The Fastest Way

Flying is undoubtedly the quickest way to reach Mumbai from Delhi. There are over 50 direct flights daily, operated by airlines such as IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet. The average flight time is about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Prices vary depending on the season, but you can snag a one-way ticket for as low as ₹3,000 if booked early. During peak times, it might go up to ₹7,000 or more.

I chose a morning flight from IGI Airport (Delhi) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai). The view while descending into Mumbai, especially during sunrise, is mesmerizing—the city’s sprawling skyline, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the coastline welcome you warmly.

2. By Train – Comfortable and Scenic

If you’re not in a hurry and enjoy long journeys, Indian Railways offers some excellent options. Trains like the Rajdhani Express, August Kranti Rajdhani, and Duronto Express connect Delhi and Mumbai efficiently.

I once took the Mumbai Rajdhani Express, which departs from New Delhi Railway Station and reaches Mumbai Central in about 16 hours. The ticket prices range from ₹850 (Sleeper Class) to ₹2,500 (AC 3-Tier) and ₹4,000 (1st AC), depending on the train and class. The onboard meals in Rajdhani and Duronto are included in the ticket fare and are quite decent.

3. By Road – The Ultimate Road Trip

For adventure seekers, the 24-30 hour road trip via NH48 (New Delhi – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Mumbai) is an experience in itself. I once did this with friends in a rented SUV. Fuel costs for a round trip are around ₹8,000–₹10,000, and tolls come to about ₹1,500. The scenery through Rajasthan and Gujarat is breathtaking, with opportunities to stop at places like Jaipur, Mount Abu, and Surat.

Bus services like Volvo AC Sleeper coaches also run regularly between the two cities. Fares range from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 depending on the operator and season.

Exploring the Heart of Mumbai: Top Tourist Spots

Mumbai is a kaleidoscope of history, modernity, food, film, and sea. You can explore the city within 3–5 days depending on how deep you want to go. Here’s a quick rundown of what I covered during my 5-day trip:

1. Gateway of India

Located in Colaba, the Gateway of India is the perfect place to begin your Mumbai exploration. Built in 1924, it faces the Arabian Sea and stands adjacent to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Entry is free, but ferry rides to Elephanta Caves (another must-see) cost about ₹260 for adults (round trip).

2. Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach

Marine Drive is best visited at sunset. I spent an entire evening here, sitting on the promenade, watching the sun melt into the sea. Nearby Chowpatty Beach is great for trying Mumbai street food like pav bhaji and bhel puri.

3. Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, about an hour’s ferry ride from Gateway of India. The ferry costs ₹260 and entrance to the caves is ₹40 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreigners. The ancient rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are stunning and rich in history.

4. Siddhivinayak Temple

One of the most revered temples in Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi sees thousands of devotees daily. Entry is free, though you might opt for a special darshan (₹100–₹300) if you’re in a hurry. It’s worth visiting just for the spiritual aura.

5. Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Although you can’t stop on the bridge, driving over the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, especially at night, gives a surreal view of the city lights. Toll charges for a car are ₹85 one way.

6. Film City (Goregaon)

For Bollywood fans, a guided tour of Film City is a dream come true. Tours last about 2 hours and cost ₹600–₹1,000 per person. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a shoot from afar!

7. Juhu Beach and ISKCON Temple

Juhu Beach is perfect for a laid-back evening with some pani puri and local snacks. Just a 10-minute walk away is the peaceful ISKCON Temple—great for a break from the bustle.

8. Museums and Art

I visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum). Entry costs ₹150 and the Indo-Saracenic architecture itself is worth seeing. The National Gallery of Modern Art is also nearby and charges around ₹20–₹150 depending on citizenship.

Where to Stay: Budget to Luxury

Mumbai has options for every wallet. I stayed in a mid-range hotel in Bandra for ₹2,000 per night. Hostels and budget lodges are available in Colaba and Andheri starting from ₹500 per night. If you’re splurging, places like the Taj Mahal Palace or Trident offer unforgettable luxury (₹10,000+ per night).

Total Budget for a 5-Day Trip

If you’re on a tighter budget, taking the train and staying in hostels can reduce costs to around ₹12,000–₹15,000 for the whole trip.

Final Thoughts: How Many Days Are Enough?

For a comprehensive experience of Mumbai, 4–5 days are ideal. You can cover the main tourist attractions, savor local street food, enjoy the beaches, and even squeeze in a quick Bollywood experience. If you’re short on time, a 3-day itinerary covering major landmarks like Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, and Elephanta Caves can still give you a rich taste of the city.

Mumbai is more than just a destination—it’s a vibe. Whether you’re walking along the Queen’s Necklace or exploring colonial-era buildings downtown, the city never ceases to amaze. And whether you’re coming from Delhi or anywhere else, the journey to Mumbai is worth every rupee and every minute.