Mumbai Central bus stand is one of the busiest MSRTC termini in the city and, for lakhs of travellers every year, the starting point of a journey home to Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, the Konkan coast or Marathwada. Sitting almost opposite Mumbai Central railway station, the depot handles everything from premium Shivneri AC coaches to humble Lal Pari ordinaries. Here is a complete 2026 guide to the terminal: where it is, how to reach it, which routes operate from it, indicative timings and how tickets are booked.
Where Is Mumbai Central Bus Stand and How Do You Reach It?
The ST stand is located on Dr. Anandrao Nair Road in South Mumbai, a short walk from Mumbai Central railway station on the Western line. That proximity is its biggest advantage: outstation train passengers can transfer to a state transport bus within minutes.
- By suburban train: alight at Mumbai Central (Western line); the bus stand is a 3–5 minute walk from the station exit.
- By metro: Mumbai Central metro station on Line 3 (Aqua Line) is close by.
- By BEST bus, taxi or auto: ask for “Mumbai Central ST depot”; every driver in the area knows it.
Facilities at the Terminal
The stand offers computerised reservation counters, a staffed enquiry window, waiting halls, drinking water, pay-and-use toilets, snack stalls and a cloakroom. Digital display boards announce platform numbers, though during peak hours it is quicker to confirm your platform at the enquiry counter. Prepaid taxis and BEST connections are available right outside for onward travel within the city.
Major Departures from Mumbai Central – Indicative Timetable 2026
The table below summarises the principal long-distance routes served from this terminus, with approximate first and last departures, journey durations and fares.
| Destination | First Bus | Last Bus | Duration | Fare (approx.) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pune (Swargate) – Shivneri | 5:30 AM | 10:00 PM | 3.5–4 hrs | ₹390 | Shivneri AC |
| Nashik | 5:30 AM | 10:30 PM | 4–5 hrs | ₹200–280 | Shivai / Express |
| Kolhapur | 5:30 AM | 9:30 PM | 8–9 hrs | ₹350 | Express / Night service |
| Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar) | 5:30 AM | 9:30 PM | 8–9 hrs | ₹380 | Express |
| Solapur | 5:30 AM | 9:00 PM | 7–8 hrs | ₹320 | Express |
| Satara | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM | 5–6 hrs | ₹240 | Express |
| Shirdi | 5:00 AM | 9:00 PM | 5–6 hrs | ₹250 | Express |
Important: these timings are indicative and are revised by MSRTC from season to season. Confirm the exact departure of your service at the enquiry counter or through official MSRTC channels before planning tight connections. Pune-bound passengers arriving at Swargate can check onward options in the Swargate bus station timetable.
Konkan Services
Alongside the trunk routes above, seasonal and daily services run towards the Konkan — Alibaug, Murud, Shrivardhan, Mhasala, Dapoli and Ratnagiri among them. Konkan departures multiply dramatically before Ganeshotsav, Holi (Shimga) and summer holidays, when MSRTC operates special “jada” buses for villagers travelling home. During these rush periods, group booking windows open weeks in advance and seats sell out fast.
Types of Buses You Can Board Here
- Shivneri: premium AC coaches, primarily on the Mumbai–Pune corridor, with reserved seating.
- Shivshahi: AC 2+2 seater services to cities such as Nashik, Kolhapur and Aurangabad; fares sit between Express and Shivneri levels.
- Semi-Luxury and Express: non-AC services with pushback or cushioned seats covering most long routes.
- Ordinary (Lal Pari): the everyday red bus, cheapest of all, generally used for shorter or intermediate sectors.
Every fare quoted on this page is approximate; MSRTC revises fares periodically and adds seasonal surcharges on select dates.
How to Book Tickets
Reserved-category services (Shivneri, Shivshahi, night expresses) can be booked on the official MSRTC reservation portal, via the MSRTC mobile app, or over the counter at the stand’s computerised booking windows. Ordinary and many Express services remain walk-in: pay the conductor after boarding. Two concessions are worth remembering — women receive a 50% discount on fares under the Mahila Sanman Yojana, and senior citizens are eligible for free or concessional travel under the Amrut Jyeshtha scheme. Carry valid photo ID to claim either benefit.
Practical Tips for Passengers
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early for reserved services; platforms occasionally change at short notice.
- Keep small change handy for cloakroom and toilet charges.
- For Konkan travel around festivals, book as soon as reservations open rather than relying on walk-in seats.
- Late-night arrivals will find prepaid taxis and app cabs outside; the railway station across the road also runs all night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mumbai Central bus stand the same as Mumbai Central railway station?
No. They are separate facilities standing near each other. The ST bus stand is operated by MSRTC, while the railway station belongs to Western Railway. Walking between the two takes under five minutes.
Which cities can I reach directly from Mumbai Central ST stand?
Direct services operate to Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Satara, Solapur, Shirdi, Aurangabad and multiple Konkan towns, among other destinations across Maharashtra.
What time does the ticket counter open?
Booking windows generally function from early morning (around 4:00–5:00 AM) until late night, matching the first and last departures. Exact counter hours can vary, so check on arrival.
Can I book Shivneri tickets online?
Yes. Shivneri and other reserved services are available on the official MSRTC reservation website and mobile app, where you can choose your seat and pay digitally.
Do women get a discount on tickets from Mumbai Central?
Yes. Under the Mahila Sanman Yojana, women passengers pay half fare on MSRTC buses, including departures from this stand. The concession is applied when the ticket is issued.
Disclaimer: this website is an unofficial, independent information resource and has no affiliation with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation; always confirm timings, fares and platform details through official MSRTC channels.
Find More MSRTC Bus Timetables
Browse all Maharashtra ST bus routes, timetables and ticket prices