Pune to Lonavala by Car: The Perfect Weekend Road Trip Guide

Let’s get real—from time to time, we all need a break from the daily grind.

While in Pune and craving a break from your hectic schedule, the name that immediately comes to mind is Lonavala. It’s near, it’s lush, it’s scenic, and then there’s the chikki! This tiny hill station is the most favorite weekend destination of the people of Pune, and it’s no wonder why. If you’re a nature enthusiast, a road trip addict, or simply yearning for some solitude and fresh air, Lonavala ticks all the boxes.

Pune to Lonavala by Car

But as in most cases, the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. And so, going from Pune to Lonavala by car is the reason why the trip stands apart. Hills rolling up and down, good road, good playlist, and the kind of weather that makes you want to roll down the windows. It’s the kind of road trip in which the trip itself is as much fun as the end you are going to.

The Route: Quick, Scenic, and Smooth

The distance from Pune to Lonavala is around 65 km, depending on where you start in the city. The easiest and most popular route is via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It’s smooth, well-maintained, and honestly, just a joy to drive on. If you leave early in the morning—say around 6:30 or 7—you’ll skip the traffic and catch some amazing misty views, especially during monsoon or winter months.

You can also use the old road (NH4) if you’d appreciate a slower, more laid-back journey with a couple of local eateries along the route. It’s a bit longer and slower, but ideal if you are not in a great hurry and wish to see more of the locality.

What to Pack and Prepare

This is not a very long road trip, but some prep never hurts. Pack some snacks, water, and a first aid kit. Sunglasses and sunblock are advisable, too, if you are going in the summer. If it’s monsoon, carry an umbrella or a raincoat at the very least. Car trips from Pune to Lonavala by car should be fun and memorable, but safety should always take first priority.

Pit Stops Worth Making

One of the joys of a road trip is that you can stop wherever you wish to. There are certain good spots between Pune and Lonavala worth stopping at. Self-drive car rentals in Pune offer the freedom to travel on your own schedule, without the hassle of taxis.

Next, we have the Food Mall along the Expressway. It is always crowded, especially at weekends, but it does have clean toilets and a choice of food from idlis and dosas to sandwiches and coffee. It’s not gourmet, but it’s dependable.

As you travel along the old road, you will go through places such as Kamshet and Shirwal. Kamshet, however, is a gem of a location, famous for paragliding and natural scenery. Even if you aren’t paragliding, the mountains and the farmland make a perfect subject for photo shoots.

Reaching Lonavala: First Things First

Once you arrive at Lonavala, the first thing you will likely do is feel the reduction in temperatures–particularly if it’s the rainy season or cold months that you are entering. It’s a relief from the warmth and traffic of Pune. You can go immediately to your hotel, or take your time looking around.

If it’s a day trip, driving from Pune to Lonavala by car is always a good idea. If you’re spending the night, then you have a little more leeway. Either way, it’s a good idea to have a rented self-drive car and a rough plan of how much you want to see.

Things to do in Lonavala

There’s no shortage of places to explore in Lonavala. If you love nature and views, Tiger Point is a must. It’s probably the most popular viewpoint in the area, and for good reason. Sunrise or sunset here is something else. Just be ready for a bit of a crowd on weekends.

Then we have Bhushi Dam. It’s a lively spot during the monsoon, with churning water and excited visitors. It gets crowded, so go during the mornings. And waterproof shoes are a requirement.

These are ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave sites that are of great interest to history enthusiasts. These cave sites give you an insight into how life existed even a hundred years back. The climb up the cave sites is a little steep, but the scenery and the carvings make it absolutely worth it.

If you are in the mood to relax, go to a viewpoint café. German Bakery, Mapro Garden, or even a simple chai stall somewhere near the viewpoint. When driving from Pune to Lonavala by car, customize your own itinerary and avoid the hassle of adhering to rigid timelines.

Food to Try

You can’t go to Lonavala and not have a bite. Besides the regular snacks, do local delights such as vada pav, corn bhutta when it’s monsoon, and misal pav. Maggi can be had almost anywhere, and surprisingly, even tastes a hundred times more delicious as the landscape offers a view of the mountains. Choose affordable car rental services in Pune​ so that you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring on your own time.

For the dessert, stock up on the famous Lonavala chikki. Dozens of shops along the Main Bazar sell all types-peanut, sesame, chocolate-coated, dry fruit-you name it. Maganlal Chikki’s the big name, but honestly, most local shops sell equally good items.

Best Time to Go

Lonavala is always open, year-round, but the scene varies by season. Monsoon season, June through September, is absolutely the most enchanting time of year. The greens of the mountains are deep, the falls are at full tilt, and the mist just makes the scene more theatrical. Winter, October through February, is also good if you like cold, dry weather.

Summer is the least ideal time, as it gets hot and dry, but if you go early in the morning and stay in the shade, it’s still manageable. Just avoid peak afternoon hours.

Wrap-Up: Easy, Breezy, Totally Worth It 

A Pune to Lonavala road trip isn’t merely a checklist of another location—it’s the thrill of getting on the road, the freedom of stopping wherever you want, and the surprises along the way. If you’re road-tripping with buddies, the entire squad, or simply going solo, it has something for all of you. It’s short enough to be completed in a day but nice enough to be lengthened into the weekend. Next time you’re feeling the need to break out of the city, don’t give it much thought. Just toss a bag in the car, fill up the tank, and go to Lonavala. The hills are calling.

Renting a car from Revv is a smart and budget-friendly choice for going from Pune to Lonavala by car. Instead of putting extra miles on your personal vehicle or booking multiple cabs, choose self-drive car rental in Pune. With options ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs, flexible pricing, and fuel or no-fuel packages, Revv makes travel easy and affordable. You even get doorstep delivery, roadside assistance, and unlimited kilometre plans. With Revv, your weekend getaway starts the moment you hit the road.