Planning a trip from Mumbai to Lucknow? The City of Nawabs is known for its beautiful architecture, Awadhi cuisine, chikankari, historic monuments and warm hospitality. The good news is that how to reach Lucknow from Mumbai is quite straightforward, with options ranging from direct flights and trains to buses and road trips.
Mumbai and Lucknow are around 1,200 km apart by air, while the road distance is roughly 1,350 to 1,440 km depending on the route.
How to Reach Lucknow from Mumbai by Flight
Taking a flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Mumbai to Lucknow.
You can fly from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) in Lucknow. Direct flights are available, and the flying time is roughly 2 hours, although the total journey time will be longer when airport check-in and transfers are included.
Mumbai to Lucknow by Flight: Route
Mumbai → Lucknow Airport → City Centre
Once you land at Lucknow Airport, you can take a cab, app-based taxi or other local transport to reach your hotel.
If you have limited time, this is easily the best option.
How to Reach Lucknow from Mumbai by Train
Train travel is a popular choice for travellers looking for a more affordable way to travel between Mumbai and Lucknow.
Several train options connect Mumbai with Lucknow and the journey generally takes around 24 to 30 hours depending on the train and route.
You can check trains departing from Mumbai stations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and other Mumbai-area stations, depending on the service.
Mumbai to Lucknow by Train: Route
Mumbai → Lucknow Junction/Charbagh → Hotel
For budget travellers, an overnight train can be a practical option. You save on a night’s accommodation while travelling and arrive in Lucknow the following day.
Book your ticket in advance, especially around festivals, holidays and wedding season.
How to Reach Lucknow from Mumbai by Bus
Travelling from Mumbai to Lucknow by bus is possible, although it is not the most convenient option because of the long distance.
Some bus services operate directly or through connecting cities. Depending on the service and route, the journey can take around 25 to 36 hours or more.
Mumbai to Lucknow by Bus: Route
Mumbai → Lucknow
If you are travelling on a tight budget and don’t mind a very long journey, a bus can be considered. However, for such a long distance, a train usually offers a more comfortable travel experience.
How to Reach Lucknow from Mumbai by Car
A road trip from Mumbai to Lucknow is another option if you enjoy long-distance driving.
The road distance is approximately 1,350 to 1,440 km, depending on the route. A nonstop driving estimate can be around 19 to 21 hours, but it is much better to divide the journey into two or more days.
One possible route is:
Mumbai → Nashik → Indore → Jhansi → Kanpur → Lucknow
Another option is to use the Samruddhi Mahamarg towards Nagpur and continue northwards towards Uttar Pradesh.
If you are driving, plan proper overnight stops instead of attempting the entire journey without adequate rest.
Mumbai to Lucknow via Kanpur
If you are travelling to both Kanpur and Lucknow, you can easily combine the two destinations.
A practical route is:
Mumbai → Kanpur → Lucknow
Kanpur is well connected to Lucknow by road and rail, making it easy to continue your journey after exploring the city.
This can be particularly useful if Lucknow is part of a larger Uttar Pradesh itinerary.
What Is the Best Way to Reach Lucknow from Mumbai?
The best option depends on your budget and available time.
Fastest: Flight from Mumbai to Lucknow
Budget-friendly: Train from Mumbai to Lucknow
For a road trip: Mumbai → Indore/Jhansi → Kanpur → Lucknow
For an adventurous long journey: Bus
For a short holiday, I would recommend taking a direct flight from Mumbai to Lucknow. If you have more time and want to save money, take the train.
How Far Is Lucknow from Mumbai?
The aerial distance between Mumbai and Lucknow is approximately 1,180 to 1,200 km, while the road distance is approximately 1,350 to 1,440 km, depending on the route used.
The exact travel time depends on your mode of transport, traffic, weather and the specific route.
Best Time to Travel from Mumbai to Lucknow
Lucknow can be visited throughout the year, but the weather is particularly pleasant during the winter months.
October to March is a great time for sightseeing, especially if you want to explore places such as Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and the old markets.
Summer can be quite hot, while monsoon brings occasional heavy rain.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you are flying, compare direct and connecting flights before booking. A slightly more expensive direct flight can save several hours.
If you are travelling by train, book your berth well in advance during peak travel periods.
For a road trip, avoid driving continuously for 20 hours. Take proper breaks and plan overnight accommodation along the way.
Once you reach Lucknow, keep some time aside for the city’s famous food. From kebabs and biryani to basket chaat and traditional sweets, the culinary experience is a major part of visiting Lucknow.
If you are wondering how to reach Lucknow from Mumbai, you have plenty of choices.
For convenience, take a flight from Mumbai to Lucknow. For a more economical journey, choose the train. And if you love road trips, Mumbai to Lucknow can become an exciting multi-day drive through central and northern India.
For most travellers, Mumbai → Lucknow by direct flight is the easiest option, while the train is a great alternative for budget-conscious travellers.
