Train from Mumbai to Pune

HI...I heard that it is difficult for a foreigner to get a train from Mumbai to Pune b/c they only sell a set amt of tickets for foreigners (USA)...is this true? Should we buy tickets in advance? How long is the journey?

Also, any info on the trains would help. Are they air-conditioned? What is the difference between first class & the other classes?

Thanks.

Take the cool cabs from Dadar. They take the expressway which is a beautiful ride. But I must say that particularly train journey is awesome and you will get tickets, just book in advance if you want an AC or first class.

Travel by the Deccan Queen, by AC Chair Car. AC Chair Car is aircon sitting accomodation, with cushioned, push-back seats. This is ideal for short journeys. The fare is Rs. 270/- per head. The journey time is 3 hrs. 15 mins.

I do not see any difficulty in your getting tickets on this train, if booked in advance.

As Kaushik mentioned, I think that road journey, either with taxi or hired car and driver, is worth considering. Comfortable and easy for your luggage. Cheap and pretty, on a great road, plus you can stop in Lonavla (hill station) and take a break for a breath of fresh air. At this time of year you can even have the windows down once you pass Mumbai and enjoy a cool breeze.

Thanks for the input...we want to take a train b/c we have a 2-year old and will not have a carseat...we have accepted not having a car seat in the city, but the highway is a different story...

anyone know how we go about purchasing advance tickets from the US?

There is a wealth of material on this in the archives here chiefly by Stephen Ber. The rub is that the tickets need to be delivered to your hotel and therefore you need to have a hotel booked and arrange to get the tickets..

Maybe you can find a travel agent who'll book and hold the tickets for you?

You can book your ticket on internet and have it delivered to some address in India. If you have booked a hotel in Mumbai, you can get it there or if there is any IM'er you know in Mimbai, you can get it delivered there.