Mumbai to Lonavala bike ride
Lonavala is about 85 km from Navi Mumbai and about 96 km from South Mumbai, roughly 2 hours on the old Mumbai–Pune highway (NH 48). Two-wheelers are not allowed on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
| Distance | ~85–96 km one way (start-dependent) |
|---|---|
| Time | ~2 h plus stops |
| Road | Old Mumbai–Pune highway (NH 48) |
| Altitude | Lonavala ~624 m |
| Best season | Jun–Sep for waterfalls; Oct–Feb for dry roads |
Route
Mumbai → Vashi / Panvel → Khalapur → Khopoli → Khandala ghat → Lonavala. Regroup at Khalapur before the ghat so nobody chases the pack uphill.
Ghat tips
The Khandala ghat has heavy trucks and buses. Ride single file, don't overtake on blind bends, and in the monsoon keep headlights on and gaps longer. Duke's Nose is visible from the highway near Khandala.
Ride it as a crew
Create a crew on MotoHeads, post the ride with the meeting point, and let everyone RSVP. On the day, everyone shows on one live map, so the lead always knows where the sweep is. Split fuel and food over UPI after. Free.
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More rides: weekend rides from Bangalore · group riding rules
Facts are approximate and change; check current road and event information before you ride. Sources: Lonavala (Wikipedia) · Mumbai–Pune Expressway (Wikipedia) · ReiseMoto: Lonavala ride guide. Last updated 18 Oct 2026.
FAQ
Can I ride a bike on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway to Lonavala?
No. Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, bicycles, pedestrians and tractors are not permitted on the expressway. Ride the old Mumbai–Pune highway (NH 48), which passes through Lonavala.
How far is Lonavala from Mumbai by bike?
About 85 km from Navi Mumbai via Khalapur, roughly 2 hours. From South Mumbai it is closer to 96 km.
Are Lonavala and Khandala the same place?
They are adjacent twin hill stations in the Sahyadris. Khandala's Duke's Nose cliff is visible from the highway.