Japan to Pune: via Delhi or Mumbai?

Hello folks,

I am currently based in central Japan and am planning to visit Pune in the near future. This will be my first trip to India, and I'm a little uncertain about domestic flights.

Given that I intend to visit Pune, would it be preferable to choose Delhi or Mumbai as the international airport, before taking a domestic flight to Pune?

I gather it's also possible to travel from Mumbai to Pune by bus/train (even taxi?), however I'm more interested in comfort and convenience in getting to my destination, rather than cost, so assume a domestic flight is the best option.

Many thanks for any advice or suggestions.

James
x

Mumbai is preferable any day because it is closer.

Considering the time taken in commuting to and from the airports in both cities, and the possible need for a hotel for you to rest in between landing and your onward flight, it would be more practical for you to take a taxi/Cab/Train/Bus from Mumbai immediately after landing. You will be in Pune in 4 hours max after landing if you take a cab. Bus/train will take longer.

narendra.d, thank you for your reply.

The international flight I am currently considering arrives in Mumbai on a Sunday at 4:10am. I can then take a Jet Airways flight at 9:55am.

Alternatively, what kind of land transport (bus/taxi/train) options to Pune would be available at this time?

I assume waiting inside Mumbai airport for the domestic flight would be more comfortable than taking a taxi to Pune immediately after, yes?

Thank you once again!

James
x

Cute James

Since this will be your first trip to India and your goal is to get to Pune, it is important to think about the practical logistic for a first-timer. There are a few flights daily from Delhi to Pune (non-stop). If it is convenient for you to fly into Delhi, then that would be my suggestion - check out ixigo dot com for flight information on all major carriers - put in the information of your travel and you will get various possibilities.

Traveling from Mumbai to Pune whether by road or rail for the first timer can be a challenge especially after an international flight and the jet-lag.

Next, please let us some more details of your trip, is it Pune only, other places, how long so that we at IM can help you. As Narendra so eloquently wrote on another thread, I also feel that IM members have given me valuable and it is a pleasure for me to help in whatever way I can.

Cheers

Nattusbs

Nattusbs, thank you for your reply.

Yes, flying into Delhi is also a possibility. Actually, this was my initial consideration as I assumed flights from Delhi to Pune would be more frequent.

Up until now I had been using the Wego.com site to check flight options from Nagoya (NGO) and Narita (NRT) airports in Japan to Pune (PNQ). Nagoya is the closer airport and therefore preferable, however I do not mind travelling to Narita if it helps with scheduling.

Thank you for the ixigo recommendation - I have checked briefly and it appears to open up some alternative flights.

Regarding the details of my trip, I intend to stay at an Ayurveda centre for two weeks, and do not have any plans to travel further afield. Upon arriving at Pune airpot, I would take a taxi to the treatment centre, remain there for two weeks, then return to Japan.

Many thanks!

James
x

Since we are looking at the agony factor, Here are two screen shots. One from NGO to Pune, and other from Narita. The site is hipmunk

If money is no object (within reasonable limits) I'd fly into Mumbi, and take a pre-booked taxi to Pune. I would just sleep in the back seat while heading to Pune. But then, that's MHO.

nycank, thank you for your suggestion.

A pre-booked taxi from Mumbai to Pune is probably the best bet, although I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep terribly easily. I actually don't mind lay-overs in the airport if I'm at least able to walk around a little, maybe take a shower to refresh, that kind of thing.

Thanks,
James
x

I do not know if such a facility or facilities (shower etc) exist in the airports in BOM/DEL for arriving passengers and those waiting to connect domestically.

Ah, okay. That was perhaps a little over optimistic.

So rather than waiting at Mumbai airport for the flight to Pune, it's advisable to simply take the taxi immediately after arriving, yes?

James
x

Yes. By the time you board the flight to Pune you will have already reached Pune if you go by cab

If you're considering the Japan-Mumbai Plane , then that's not much of a problem . Avoid getting into Mumbai between peak hours i.e 8-11 AM and 5-9 PM . Anytime other than this is fine .
By train : You could consider going upto Kurla Terminus which is in proximity to the Int'l Airport. And then take the Madurai/Coimbatore Express.
By road : Travelling by the Pune-Mumbai Expressway saves a heck lot of time . And if you're considering coming here in the monsoon , you HAVE to stop at Lonavala! The place is awesome in the rains ! Grab some quick food and head for Pune . There will be traffic in Pune - Avoid going by the Aundh road .
By Air : If you're low on time , then the flight is the thing though it can get delayed in the rains .Rains are horrible in Mumbai.
Hope these small tips prove useful
Enjoy your First India Trip

If you're considering the Japan-Mumbai Plane , then that's not much of a problem . Avoid getting into Mumbai between peak hours i.e 8-11 AM and 5-9 PM . Anytime other than this is fine .
By train : You could consider going upto Kurla Terminus which is in proximity to the Int'l Airport. And then take the Madurai/Coimbatore Express.
By road : Travelling by the Pune-Mumbai Expressway saves a heck lot of time . And if you're considering coming here in the monsoon , you HAVE to stop at Lonavala! The place is awesome in the rains ! Grab some quick food and head for Pune . There will be traffic in Pune - Avoid going by the Aundh road .
By Air : If you're low on time , then the flight is the thing though it can get delayed in the rains .Rains are horrible in Mumbai.
Hope these small tips prove useful
Enjoy your First India Trip

Thank you for the detailed info!

I've arranged to be collected from Mumbai airport and will be driven directly to the Ayurveda centre in Pune.

James
x