A practical guide to Mumbai's three main ferry hubs, with routes, timings and which terminal suits your trip.
Gateway of India: The Tourist Launchpad
The Gateway of India in Colaba is Mumbai's most famous ferry terminal, handling thousands of tourists daily. From here, ferries run to Elephanta Island (UNESCO caves) every 30–45 minutes from 9am to 2pm, except Mondays. A return ticket costs around ₹200–300 for the hour-long ride. The terminal is chaos personified: touts, queues and no clear signage. Arrive before 10am to avoid the worst crowds. Book through the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) counter inside the Gateway complex for fixed prices. Avoid private touts who overcharge and crowd you.
For stays, Colaba and Fort are ideal: the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and numerous budget guesthouses are within walking distance. The area is safe and lively, with cafes and shops. A taxi from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) takes 10 minutes (₹50–100). If you're heading to Elephanta, wear comfortable shoes—the island involves 120 steps. Skip the ferry if you have mobility issues; the boats are basic and the island's paths uneven. Best months: November to February, when seas are calm and heat is bearable.
Bhaucha Dhakka: The Local's Gateway to the Harbour
Bhaucha Dhakka (also called Ferry Wharf) in Mazgaon is a working port, not a tourist hub. It serves ferries to Mandwa and Rewas for people heading to Alibaug, and to Mora and Nhava Sheva for locals. The terminal is gritty: expect crowds, cargo and no frills. Ferries to Mandwa run hourly from 6am to 6pm, taking 45 minutes and costing about ₹100–150 one-way. From Mandwa, buses connect to Alibaug (30 minutes, ₹50). This route is faster and cheaper than the road, especially on weekends when traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway is brutal.
Bhaucha Dhakka is accessible by taxi from Byculla station (10 minutes, ₹60–80) or a 20-minute walk from Reay Road station. There's no tourist infrastructure—no cafes, no waiting lounges. If you're staying in South Mumbai, it's a 15-minute drive from Fort. For a comfortable stay, choose a hotel in Colaba or Fort; Bhaucha Dhakka has no decent hotels nearby. The ferry is strictly for transport, not sightseeing. Skip it unless you're heading to Alibaug. Best time: October to March, as monsoon seas can be rough and services irregular.
Manori: The Quiet Creek Crossing
Manori is a village on the northern edge of Mumbai, reached by a short ferry from Marve in Malad. The ferry crosses the Manori Creek in 10 minutes, running every 15–20 minutes from 6am to 10pm. Tickets are ₹10–20, and vehicles are also ferried. The terminal is a simple jetty with a few stalls; don't expect facilities. Manori beach is a 15-minute walk from the jetty, and the village has a laid-back vibe with seafood shacks. This is a world away from the Gateway's bustle—ideal for a half-day escape from the city.
To reach Marve, take a taxi from Malad station (15 minutes, ₹100–150). From South Mumbai, it's a 90-minute drive (₹500–700 by taxi). Manori has a handful of guesthouses and resorts, but most travellers stay in the city and visit for the day. If you want to overnight, book a hotel in Malad or Andheri for better amenities. The ferry is a charming, no-frills experience—bring cash and patience. Skip it if you have limited time; it's a detour. Best months: November to February, when the beach is pleasant. Monsoon brings high tides and occasional suspension.
Which Terminal Should You Choose?
For first-timers, the Gateway is your only choice for Elephanta. It's convenient and iconic, but crowded. Book a hotel in Colaba to be close. For Alibaug, Bhaucha Dhakka is the practical pick: faster and cheaper than road. Stay in Fort or Colaba and take a taxi. For a quiet escape, Manori offers a slice of village life, but it's out of the way; stay in Andheri and day-trip. If you have just two days in Mumbai, prioritise the Gateway and skip Bhaucha Dhakka and Manori unless you're heading to Alibaug or have a spare afternoon.
All terminals are busy—keep an eye on belongings and avoid peak hours (8–10am, 5–7pm). Buy tickets at official counters, not from touts. Ferries are basic: no air-conditioning, limited life jackets. If you're prone to seasickness, take precautions. For hotel bookings, south Mumbai (Colaba, Fort) is best for the Gateway; Andheri or Malad for Manori. Bhaucha Dhakka is a transit point, not a base. Compare prices on our site and book early for December–January, the peak season.
Questions travellers ask
How do I get from Mumbai Airport to the Gateway of India?
A prepaid taxi takes 45–60 minutes (₹500–700). Alternatively, take the airport express bus to CSMT and walk 10 minutes. Avoid rush hour (8–10am, 5–7pm).
Are there ferries from Mumbai to Alibaug?
Yes, from Bhaucha Dhakka. Ferries run hourly from 6am to 6pm, take 45 minutes and cost ₹100–150. From Mandwa, take a bus or taxi to Alibaug.
Is Manori worth visiting for a day?
If you want a quiet beach break, yes. The ferry from Marve is short and cheap. But there's little infrastructure—bring cash and don't expect luxury.