Mumbai to Alibaug: Ferry, Road and How to Choose

Alibaug is close enough to Mumbai that most people assume getting there is simple, and it is. But there are three genuinely different ways to do it, and the best one depends on whether you are bringing a car, how much luggage you have, and which month you are travelling in.

Quick answer: Travelling light without a car, the passenger ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa is usually the most pleasant crossing while it is running. Bringing a car, either drive over the Atal Setu or take the Ro-Ro vehicle ferry from Bhaucha Dhakka. Passenger ferries pause for the monsoon (in 2026, from 26 May to 31 August), so a June to August trip relies on the road or the Ro-Ro.

The three routes at a glance

• Passenger ferry, Gateway of India to Mandwa — Best for: Couples and small groups travelling light — What to expect: Roughly an hour at sea, then a road transfer to your stay — Worth knowing: Weather-dependent; paused for the monsoon
• Ro-Ro vehicle ferry, Bhaucha Dhakka to Mandwa — Best for: Families, pet owners, anyone bringing a car — What to expect: Around an hour at sea, then a drive from Mandwa — Worth knowing: Continued to run through the 2026 monsoon
• By road via the Atal Setu — Best for: Larger groups, flexible timings, monsoon travel — What to expect: Roughly 95 to 120 km depending on where you start — Worth knowing: Journey time swings with traffic

The passenger ferry from the Gateway of India

This is the crossing most people picture: a short walk to the jetty at the Gateway of India in Colaba, a catamaran across the harbour, and a landing at Mandwa, the nearest jetty to Alibaug. Several private operators run the route. When services resumed on 1 September 2026, PNP, Maldar, Ajanta and Apollo were named as the operators ready for the new season, with the number of sailings depending on the weather.

That last point matters. Ferry frequency is not fixed, so check the operator's current timetable rather than relying on last season's screenshot. Connecting buses run from Mandwa to Alibaug town, but if you are staying in a villa it is easier to ask your host how long the transfer from the jetty takes and whether a car can be arranged in advance.

The Ro-Ro from Bhaucha Dhakka

The Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) vehicle ferry runs from Bhaucha Dhakka, also known as Ferry Wharf, in Mazgaon to Mandwa. It began operating in March 2020 and carries vehicles, which makes it the practical choice if you would rather not drive the full road route but still want your own car at the other end.

Because the car travels with you, it is the option people with pets tend to prefer, and our guide to travelling from Mumbai to Alibaug with a dog explains what to check. Confirm the current schedule and booking arrangements with the operator before you travel, as both can change.

By road via the Atal Setu

The Atal Setu (formally the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu) opened on 12 January 2024 and is 21.8 km long. Most drivers from Mumbai now cross it and continue by road towards Pen and Alibaug. The total distance is roughly 95 to 120 km, depending on where in Mumbai you start.

The bridge is the quick part. Journey time varies most on the smaller roads after it: allow around an hour and a half in light traffic and up to three hours when the roads are busy. Leaving outside the Friday evening rush makes the biggest difference. If you would rather not drive, state transport (MSRTC) buses also serve Alibaug.

Which one should you choose?

• Couples or two friends with light bags: the passenger ferry, when the season allows. The crossing is part of the trip.
• Families with children and luggage: a car, either by road or on the Ro-Ro. Having your own vehicle at both ends takes a lot of friction out of a weekend.
• Groups of eight or more: by road, with cars sized to the group, so nobody is waiting on a jetty transfer.
• Travelling with a pet: by road or the Ro-Ro, so the animal stays in the car.
• Monsoon weekends: by road or the Ro-Ro. Read Monsoon in Alibaug for what else changes in those months.

The monsoon and the ferries

The Maharashtra Maritime Board suspended the Gateway to Mandwa passenger service from 26 May 2026, and services resumed on 1 September 2026. The dates change every year, so treat them as a pattern rather than a promise: the passenger service typically pauses for around three months of the monsoon. If you are travelling between June and August, plan around the Ro-Ro or the road, and check the current status before you book.

After you land

Mandwa is the gateway to the northern side of Alibaug, with Mandwa Beach close by. Where you go next depends on where you are staying. Our guide to the best areas to stay in Alibaug explains how Nagaon, Kihim, Awas and the others differ, and the complete Alibaug travel guide covers the wider trip. Coming from Pune instead? See Pune to Alibaug.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a ferry from Mumbai to Alibaug all year round?

Not for passengers. In 2026 the Gateway to Mandwa service paused from 26 May to 31 August and resumed on 1 September. The Ro-Ro and the road remain available in the monsoon.

Can I take my car on the ferry?

Yes, on the Ro-Ro vehicle ferry from Bhaucha Dhakka. The passenger catamarans from the Gateway of India carry people, not cars.

Is the ferry faster than driving?

Often, but not always. The crossing is roughly an hour and is followed by a road transfer from Mandwa. On a clear-road day the Atal Setu drive can be comparable.

Where do the ferries land?

At Mandwa jetty, the nearest jetty to Alibaug.

Plan Your Stay with Privy Stays

Once you know how you are getting there, choose where to arrive. Browse villas in Alibaug or explore the full Privy Stays collection.