Mumbai Transport

Mumbai is a highly congested city and unnecessary travel should be avoided at peak times, namely the weekday rush hours up to 09:00, and around 18:00. Do not under estimate how long it can take to cover long distances here.

Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap but often a little on the rundown side. Most run on metres, including the commonly seen yellow-and-black taxis. The metre does not display your fare but instead some elaborate code which eventually comes up with the amount to be paid, usually in writing according to a printed sheet of paper.

Auto-rickshaws are also available but only in certain areas of the central and western suburbs - they are banned everywhere else. Again the fares on the meter don't add up to your fee. Multiply the reading by about 10 and you usually get the fare about right.

Bus routes cover the city extensively but difficult to navigate for the uninitiated. Buses are cheap but tightly packed and run from 05:00 until midnight for those brave enough. Ferries and inner city trains are useful for those out-of-the-way places; otherwise get around on foot.

Ferry As Mumbai is almost surrounded by water ferries are often the best way to travel.
There are a few of the major ferry links:

• Gateway of India - Elephanta caves - Moderately priced fast boats and Catamarans operated by private operators. This is the only way to get to Elephanta Caves.
• Marve Jetty (Malad) - Manori Jetty - Cheap ferry connecting Manori and Gorai. Also services for Esselworld (Amusement Park)
• Versova (Andheri) - Madh Jetty - Cheap ferry connecting Madh/Erangal/Aksa/Marve.
• Gorai (Borivali) - Cheap ferry connecting Gorai Beach/Esselworld

Transport links