Pune sits at the centre of western India, which is why so many good drives start here. Within an hour you are in the Sahyadris, within three you are on a Mumbai flyover, and in a long day you are in Goa.
A self drive car changes these trips. You leave when you want, stop wherever looks interesting, and you are not negotiating a fare for the return leg at midnight.
Lonavala - 55 km, about 1 hr 15 min
The classic Pune weekend. The expressway makes it quick, and the town works as a base for Bhushi Dam, Tiger Point and the smaller forts around it. Go early - the expressway is at its best before the office traffic and the ghats fill up.
Almost any car in the fleet handles this comfortably. It is the trip people take in a hatchback without thinking twice.
Mahabaleshwar - 120 km, about 3 hrs
Strawberry farms, Arthur's Seat and the viewpoints along the Western Ghats. The drive itself is part of the pleasure, with the last stretch climbing through forest.
The roads are narrow in places and the weather turns quickly in the monsoon, so a car with good ground clearance and confident brakes earns its keep here.
Mumbai - 145 km, about 3 hrs
A day trip to Mumbai from Pune is entirely realistic, and the expressway takes most of the pain out of it. Leave early, deal with the city while it is still moving, and drive back in the evening.
For a family of four with luggage, a sedan or SUV is the difference between arriving relaxed and arriving cramped.
Nashik - 210 km, about 4 hrs 30 min
Wine country, Trimbakeshwar and the Ramkund ghats on the Godavari. It is a longer, flatter drive than the coast, which suits a comfortable sedan or a diesel SUV.
Shirdi - 235 km, about 5 hrs
One of the most common pilgrimage drives out of Pune. Families usually travel together, so the seven-seaters - Ertiga, Carens and Scorpio - are the practical choice when four or five people are going.
Goa - 455 km, about 8 hrs
A full day of driving, best split or started before dawn. It is the kind of trip where car choice actually matters: you want a quiet cabin, supportive seats and enough space for a weekend of bags.
Check the outstation terms before you book, plan the return time properly, and keep the trip within the dates you reserved.
Choosing the right car for the drive
| Trip | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lonavala, day trips | Hatchback | Nimble on ghats, easy to park |
| Mumbai, Nashik | Sedan or SUV | Highway comfort over 3+ hours |
| Mahabaleshwar | SUV | Ground clearance on hill roads |
| Shirdi, family trips | 7 seater | Five or more passengers with luggage |
| Goa, long weekends | SUV or 7 seater | Space, comfort and luggage capacity |
Before you set off
- Keep the original licence and government ID with you - they are what you showed at handover.
- Check the return time on your booking and work backwards from it.
- Pick up the car the night before if you are leaving at dawn.
- Fill up before leaving Pune so you are not searching for a pump on a hill road.
- Take a photo of the car at pickup, exactly as you would for any other rental.
Frequently asked questions
Which car is best for hill roads around Pune?
An SUV suits the ghats best because of the ground clearance and confident braking. For Lonavala and short hill runs, a hatchback is perfectly adequate.
Can I take a rented car outstation?
Outstation trips are a normal part of what the fleet is used for - Lonavala, Mumbai, Nashik, Shirdi and Goa are all listed on the service area pages. Read the terms for your specific booking dates before you leave.
What is the best time of year for these drives?
Post-monsoon, from around September to February, gives the clearest views in the Sahyadris. Monsoon driving is beautiful but slower and needs more care on the ghats.
Should I book the car the night before an early start?
Yes. Doorstep delivery can be timed for an early pickup, which is far better than waiting for a booking window to open on the morning you want to leave.
Ready to book?
Pick a car, show a licence and one ID, and have it delivered to your address in Pune.