Every day, thousands of Sai Baba devotees finish darshan at Shirdi and head straight for Mumbai — and the humble ST bus remains the most economical way to make that trip. The road distance is about 240–250 km, and depending on the ghat section and Mumbai’s traffic, the run takes anywhere from 5.5 to 6.5 hours (occasionally longer on Sunday evenings). MSRTC operates a spread of services through the day toward different Mumbai terminals — Parel/Dadar side, Mumbai Central, Thane and beyond toward Borivali and Nalasopara — so pilgrims from almost any part of the metropolitan region can find a bus that drops them close to home. Here is the 2026 picture of timings, fares, bus classes and boarding details for the Shirdi–Mumbai corridor, including the return Dadar/Mumbai to Shirdi direction.
Shirdi to Mumbai MSRTC Departure Table
These are the frequently operated departures from Shirdi bus stand toward the Mumbai region:
| Departure Time | Bus Route |
|---|---|
| 07:30 AM | Shirdi to Nalasopara via Sangamner |
| 09:00 AM | Shirdi to Mumbai Central via Sinnar |
| 01:30 PM | Shirdi to Thane CBS via Bhiwandi Bypass |
| 02:00 PM | Shirdi to Parel |
| 03:00 PM | Shirdi to Thane CBS via Bhiwandi Bypass |
| 05:00 PM | Shirdi to Parel |
| 08:00 PM | Shirdi to Parel |
A word of caution: MSRTC reworks this schedule with every seasonal timetable, and extra buses are added around Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami when Shirdi’s crowds swell. Verify the day’s departures at the Shirdi bus stand enquiry counter or through official MSRTC channels rather than relying on any published chart, this one included.
Mumbai / Dadar to Shirdi: The Return Direction
In the opposite direction, buses for Shirdi leave from Mumbai Central, Parel and Thane depots through the morning and afternoon, with early departures (roughly 5:00–7:00 AM) being the most popular since they deliver devotees to Shirdi in time for afternoon darshan. Passengers from the Dadar area generally board at Parel ST depot, a short ride away. Frequency in this direction is similar — expect a handful of direct services spread across the day plus many more options if you are willing to change at Nashik or Sangamner.
Bus Types and What They Cost
- Ordinary / Lal Pari: non-AC, maximum halts, the cheapest option — roughly ₹300–350 for the full journey.
- Semi-Luxury: marginally quicker with better seats, around ₹350–400.
- Shivshahi (AC seater): the most popular class on this route for its 2+2 pushback seats and air-conditioning; budget approximately ₹450–550.
Treat all these numbers as approximate — MSRTC fare tables are revised periodically and vary slightly by the exact terminal you travel to.
Boarding and Alighting Points
At Shirdi
All departures leave from the main Shirdi bus stand (Sai Baba’s samadhi mandir is within walking distance of the old stand area; the newer Sainagar depot is a short auto ride away). Reach the stand 20–30 minutes early on weekends — queues at the reservation window get long after major aartis.
On the Mumbai Side
Depending on your service, you can alight at Thane CBS, Mumbai Central, Parel (handiest for Dadar), or continue toward Borivali/Nalasopara on the via-Sangamner services. Passengers headed to the western suburbs often find the Nalasopara service more convenient than crossing the city from Parel.
If your itinerary combines Shirdi with Nashik or Trimbakeshwar — a very common pilgrimage loop — long-distance connections through Nashik operate from the Thakkar Bazar (New CBS) stand in Nashik, and local shuttles for the Jyotirlinga town are detailed on the Trimbakeshwar local bus stand page.
How to Reserve Your Seat
Advance booking is worth it on this route, particularly for Shivshahi services on Fridays, Sundays and festival dates. Use the official MSRTC reservation website or the MSRTC mobile app (bookings open up to 60 days ahead), or the computerised counters at Shirdi, Mumbai Central, Parel and Thane depots. Concessions to remember: senior citizens travel at heavily discounted fares under the state scheme, and women passengers get the Mahila discount — carry photo ID to avail either.
Journey Tips for Pilgrims
- The 08:00 PM Parel service reaches Mumbai past 2:00 AM — arrange onward transport in advance if you take it.
- Kasara ghat fog in winter mornings and monsoon rain can add 30–60 minutes to the run.
- Buses halt once mid-way for food; keep water and light snacks for the rest of the trip.
- Luggage goes in the rear dickey or under the seats — oversized baggage may attract a luggage ticket.
Shirdi–Mumbai Route FAQs
How many hours is Shirdi to Mumbai by MSRTC bus?
Usually 5.5 to 6.5 hours for the 240–250 km journey; city traffic on the Mumbai end can stretch it further.
Is there a night bus from Shirdi to Mumbai?
The 08:00 PM Parel departure is the late option on the current chart, arriving in the small hours. Timings change seasonally, so reconfirm.
Which Mumbai stop is best for Dadar?
Take a Parel-bound service — Parel depot is the closest ST point to Dadar.
Do I need to book in advance?
Recommended on weekends, holidays and Sai festival days; on quiet weekdays a current-booking ticket at the counter usually works.
Are AC buses available on this route?
Yes, Shivshahi AC seaters operate alongside ordinary and semi-luxury services; fares are higher but the ride is far more comfortable in summer.
Where do buses to Shirdi leave from in Mumbai?
Primarily from Mumbai Central, Parel and Thane depots, mostly in the morning hours — check the depot enquiry number for the day’s list.
msrtc.org.in is an unofficial, independent travel guide and has no association with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation; please confirm every timing and fare with official sources before travelling.
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