Delhi to Mumbai Distance by Car vs Train vs Flight: Which Saves Most? [2025]

Travelling the Delhi to Mumbai distance by car spans an impressive 1,324 kilometres, making it one of India’s most significant journeys. As someone who’s lived in Delhi for 20 years and taken this trip countless times, I’ve experienced firsthand how each travel option offers distinctly different experiences. While flying takes just 2 hours and 23 minutes and costs between $55-$150, train journeys require about 15 to 40 minutes at a more affordable $7-$200. However, driving demands approximately 17 hours and 30 minutes, with fuel expenses ranging from €141 to €204.

Whether you’re considering the Delhi to Mumbai flight distance for a quick business trip or exploring train Delhi to Mumbai options for a more economical journey, the choice ultimately depends on your priorities. The Delhi to Mumbai by road experience provides flexibility but requires endurance for the long haul. The upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Expressway promises to reduce the journey to just 12 hours with speeds up to 120 km/h. But is the distance from Mumbai to Delhi worth covering by car when other options exist? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the time, cost, comfort, and convenience factors to help you decide which mode of transportation best fits your travel needs in 2025.

Travel Time Comparison: Which Mode Gets You There Fastest?

When comparing speed between Delhi and Mumbai, the time factor varies dramatically across transportation options. I’ve made this journey countless times in my 20 years living in Delhi, and the difference can be substantial.

Flight: 2h 20m to 3h 30m (plus airport time)

Flying offers the quickest travel option between these metropolises. The actual flight time ranges from approximately 2h 5m to 2h 25m, making it significantly faster than other modes. Akasa Air and IndiGo operate multiple daily flights with consistent durations around 2h 20 m- 2 h 25m. Nevertheless, you should account for additional time at airports – reaching the airport early, security checks, and potential delays can add 2-3 hours to your journey. Consequently, your door-to-door travel time typically extends to 4-5 hours.

Train: 15h to 20h, depending on service

Train journeys between Delhi and Mumbai span a much longer timeframe. The fastest train is the Hazrat Nizamuddin – Pune AC Duronto Express, completing the 1330km route in approximately 15h 27m. Meanwhile, the Delhi-Mumbai train spectrum ranges from 15h 40m to nearly 20h, depending on your chosen service. The Golden Temple Mail takes around 19h 35m, whereas other trains might require up to 24h. Throughout my years of travel, I’ve found overnight trains particularly convenient – board in the evening and arrive the following morning.

Car: 17h to 24h, depending on route and stops

Driving from Delhi to Mumbai by car currently requires between 17h 30m to 2,4h depending on your route, stops, and traffic conditions. The road distance spans approximately 1377-1436km. Additionally, the journey demands stamina and careful planning for rest stops. Fortunately, the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Expressway promises to revolutionise this option by reducing travel time to just 12 hours and shortening the distance by 130km. For those who prefer buses, services via Indore typically take longer than personal vehicles, often extending beyond 24 hours with multiple stops.

Cost Breakdown: Budgeting Your Delhi to Mumbai Trip

Budgeting wisely for the Delhi-Mumbai journey can significantly impact your overall travel experience. After taking this trip numerous times over my 20 years in Delhi, I’ve analysed each transportation mode’s financial implications.

Flight Tickets: ₹4,000 to ₹12,000

Air travel costs between Delhi and Mumbai fluctuate based on booking timing and airline selection. The lowest airfare starts around ₹3,515, with average prices hovering at ₹5,146. Premium or last-minute bookings can reach upwards of ₹12,000. Notably, budget airlines like SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Vistara offer tickets starting from ₹3,000-₹4,000. For the best deals, I’ve found booking 1-3 months ahead and targeting Tuesday or Wednesday departures works best.

Train Fares: ₹500 to ₹2,000 based on class

Train travel offers the most economical option between these metropolises. The fare structure varies dramatically by class:

• Sleeper Class: ₹575-₹600

• Third AC (3A): ₹1,105-₹1,656

• Second AC (2A): ₹2,226-₹2,391[133]

• First Class (1A): ₹3,835-₹4,726[133]

Generally, Rajdhani and premium trains command higher prices than regular express services.

Car Travel: Fuel, Tolls, and Maintenance

Covering the Delhi to Mumbai distance by car involves substantial expenses. Cab services charge ₹5,490 for one-way trips, while Uber Intercity costs approximately ₹8,586. Self-driving requires calculating fuel (₹15,000-₹18,000), toll charges (₹2,500-₹3,000), and potential overnight stays. Furthermore, some services charge ₹11/km for round trips. The total cab journey price can reach ₹21,416 for door-to-door service.

Bus Option: ₹800 to ₹2,000 (via Indore)

Bus travel provides a middle-ground budget option. Tickets typically start from ₹1,999, though prices can vary between ₹2,800 and ₹5,500 depending on amenities and operator. The cheapest bus tickets begin around ₹2,940, with prices influenced by travel season, bus type (AC vs. non-AC), and additional facilities like Wi-Fi or entertainment systems. Specifically, routes via Indore offer economical options, typically requiring 27-31 hours of travel time.

Comfort and Convenience: What’s the Travel Experience Like?

The travel experience between Delhi and Mumbai varies dramatically across transportation modes. As someone who’s lived in Delhi for two decades, I’ve experienced the comfort levels and convenience factors across all options firsthand.

Air Travel: Fast but Rigid Schedules

Flying offers maximum comfort in minimal time, yet comes with its constraints. Most flights provide 30-32 inch seat pitch with 17-18 inch width, adequate for the short journey. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate approximately 65 daily flights between these cities, offering flexibility in scheduling. Nevertheless, rigid departure times, cancellation penalties, and the 2-hour pre-boarding requirement diminish some convenience advantages. Air travel also restricts luggage to typically 15kg of checked baggage plus 7kg of cabin baggage, requiring careful packing.

Train Travel: Sleepers, Food, and Social Vibe

Train journeys between Delhi and Mumbai create unique social environments. The Rajdhani Express offers three daily departures with complimentary meals included in ticket prices. First-class cabins provide air conditioning, bedding, and privacy, while sleeper class offers basic berths at lower cost. Pantry cars serve hot meals throughout the journey, though bringing snacks remains advisable. Moreover, trains allow more generous baggage allowances without strict weighing. The extended travel time creates opportunities for socializing with fellow passengers, making this 15-20 hour journey surprisingly pleasant.

Car Travel: Flexibility vs Fatigue

Covering the Delhi to Mumbai distance by car offers unmatched freedom. You control departure times, routes, and stopping points along the 1,377km journey. Multiple picturesque locations dot the route, particularly around the Aravalli range. Still, driver fatigue becomes significant, typically requiring overnight stays in cities like Jaipur or Indore. Cab services charge approximately ₹11/km with additional night charges. Self-driving demands preparation for long stretches without services, especially between Vadodara and Mumbai.

Bus Travel: Longest Duration, Limited Comfort

Bus journeys connecting these metropolises offer basic comfort at best. Most busses feature reclining seats with 34-36 inch pitch and minimal legroom. Overnight services make periodic 20-30 minute refreshment stops, yet washroom facilities remain limited. Despite air conditioning, the 27-31 hour duration via Indore makes this option challenging for those seeking comfort, though financially accessible with fares starting around ₹1,999.

New Delhi to Mumbai in 2025: What’s Changing?

The Delhi-Mumbai travel landscape is evolving rapidly for 2025. As I’ve witnessed these changes firsthand during my two decades in Delhi, the transformation will drastically alter how we journey between these major metros.

Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: 12h Drive Possibility

The most significant development reshaping the Delhi to Mumbai distance by car experience is the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This 1,380 km expressway will slash travel time to approximately 12 hours, a remarkable improvement from the current 17+ hours. The 8-lane (expandable to 12) highway features 40 interchanges and 93 wayside amenities, making stops more comfortable. Essentially, this ₹98,000 crore project reduces the Delhi to Mumbai road distance by 130 km compared to existing routes.

More Budget Airlines and Routes

Air travel between these metros is expanding rapidly. Akasa Air has emerged as a promising budget carrier, offering competitive rates alongside established players like IndiGo and SpiceJet. The delhi to mumbai flight distance remains unchanged at 1,148 km, yet we’ll see increased frequency—up to 75 daily flights compared to the current 65. Furthermore, upgraded terminals at both Delhi T1 and Mumbai T2 will enhance the airport experience with faster security and improved amenities.

Train Upgrades: Vande Bharat and Semi-High Speed

Train delhi to mumbai options are undergoing remarkable upgrades. The introduction of Vande Bharat services will reduce travel time to approximately 12 hours, cutting nearly 4 hours from current fastest trains. These next-generation trains offer aircraft-style comfort with rotating seats in executive class and improved catering services. Alongside, Indian Railways’ Vision 2024 plans include semi-high-speed corridors allowing speeds up to 160 km/h.

Improved Bus Connectivity via Indore

The Delhi to Mumbai bus routes are being revitalised with new expressway-enabled services. Luxury operators will introduce sleeper coaches with enhanced amenities like USB charging, entertainment systems, and improved suspension for comfort. According to operators, travel time via Indore will decrease to about 22 hours from the current 27-31 hours, primarily due to improved highway infrastructure.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal mode of transportation between Delhi and Mumbai ultimately depends on your priorities and circumstances. After living in Delhi for 20 years and travelling this route countless times, I can confidently say each option offers distinct advantages. Flights undoubtedly save the most time at 2-3 hours of air travel plus airport procedures, though they generally cost more at ₹4,000-₹12,000 per journey. Trains, on the other hand, provide a balance of economy (₹575-₹4,726) and reasonable comfort during the 15-20 hour trip.

Driving the 1,377km distance currently demands considerable stamina and time investment (17+ hours), but the forthcoming Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will significantly change this equation. Once completed, the 12-hour drive might appeal to those who value flexibility and sightseeing opportunities. Nevertheless, bus travel remains the least appealing option despite its affordability, primarily due to its extended duration and limited comfort.

The transportation landscape between these metropolises will certainly transform by 2025. The introduction of Vande Bharat trains, expanded flight options, and the revolutionary expressway will reshape how we travel this important corridor. Throughout my years of journeying between these cities, I’ve learned that travel preferences often shift based on purpose—business travellers typically prioritise speed, while leisure travellers might value cost-effectiveness or comfort.

Rather than declaring one option superior, I recommend assessing your specific needs for each trip. Time-sensitive business meetings warrant flights, family vacations might benefit from train journeys, and road trips offer unmatched exploration opportunities. Above all, these varied options ensure that India’s two premier cities remain well-connected, accommodating diverse traveller preferences while continuing to evolve with infrastructure improvements that will make this journey increasingly efficient in the coming years.

FAQs

Q1. What is the fastest way to travel from Delhi to Mumbai?

Flying is the quickest option, with a flight time of about 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes. However, you should factor in an additional 2-3 hours for airport procedures.

Q2. How long does it take to drive from Delhi to Mumbai?

Currently, driving from Delhi to Mumbai takes between 17 to 24 hours, depending on the route and stops. However, with the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, this time is expected to reduce to about 12 hours by 2025.

Q3. What is the most economical way to travel between Delhi and Mumbai?

Train travel offers the most budget-friendly option, with fares ranging from ₹575 for Sleeper Class to ₹4,726 for First Class AC, depending on the type of train and class of travel.

Q4. How comfortable is the bus journey from Delhi to Mumbai?

Bus travel is the least comfortable option, with journey times of 27-31 hours via Indore. Most buses offer reclining seats with limited legroom and make periodic stops, but overall comfort is minimal for such a long journey.

Q5. What improvements are expected in Delhi-Mumbai travel by 2025?

By 2025, travellers can expect significant improvements across all modes of transport. These include the completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway for faster road travel, the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, reducing rail journey time to about 12 hours, increased flight frequencies, and upgraded bus services with better amenities.