Quick Answer
The fastest way to reach Alibaug from Mumbai is by catamaran ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa Jetty (~1 hour, from ₹185). Three catamaran operators — PNP, Maldar, and Ajanta (incl. Apollo & Apollo II) — run 25+ daily departures. If you need to bring a car, bike, or pet, take the M2M Ro-Ro ferry from Bhaucha Dhakka (~1 hour, from ₹300/person + ₹800/car). All catamaran fares include a free bus transfer from Mandwa to Alibag town.
How to Reach Alibaug from Mumbai by Ferry
The entire journey from Mumbai to Alibaug by sea takes about 1.5 to 2 hours including the bus transfer. Here's the step-by-step breakdown:
Reach Gateway of India, Colaba
Take a taxi from CST station (~10 min) or walk from Churchgate (~20 min). Limited parking available — public transport is recommended. The ferry terminal is at Apollo Bandar, right next to the Gateway monument.
Buy Your Ticket at the Counter
Walk to the ticket counters for PNP, Maldar, or Ajanta. Choose your operator and seating class. Carry Aadhaar or ID proof. Weekend mornings get crowded — arrive early.
Board the Ferry & Enjoy the Ride
Boarding closes 10–15 minutes before departure. Grab a seat on the upper deck for stunning views of the Mumbai skyline and the open Arabian Sea. The ride is smooth on most days.
Arrive at Mandwa Jetty
You'll dock at Mandwa Jetty, about 20 km from Alibaug town. Follow the signs to the bus boarding area — it's right outside the jetty exit.
Take the Free Bus to Alibag
Your catamaran ticket includes a free connecting bus from Mandwa to Alibag ST Stand. Buses depart within 10–15 minutes of ferry arrival. The ride takes about 30–45 minutes through scenic coastal roads.
You're in Alibaug!
From Alibag ST Stand, take an auto-rickshaw to your hotel, beach, or fort. Popular spots: Alibaug Beach (5 min), Kolaba Fort (10 min), Kashid Beach (45 min drive).
Total journey time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours from Gateway of India to Alibag town. Compare this to the 3–4 hour road journey via Mumbai–Pune Expressway and NH66. Check today's ferry schedule →
Which Ferry Should You Choose?
Depending on your starting point in Mumbai and what you need to carry, you have four main ferry services to choose from:
PNP Maritime
Gateway of India → Mandwa
The most popular and reliable catamaran service. Offers both AC and non-AC seating with 350+ passenger capacity. Known for punctual departures and comfortable ride.
Maldar Catamaran
Gateway of India → Mandwa
Largest capacity catamaran with 399 passengers including 194 AC seats. Three seating classes give you the most flexibility on price and comfort.
Ajanta Ferry
Gateway of India → Mandwa
The most budget-friendly option with Ajanta Regular at ₹185. Also operates Apollo (₹200) and Apollo II AC (₹285) catamaran services with 15+ daily departures combined.
M2M Ro-Ro Ferry
Bhaucha Dhakka → Mandwa
The only ferry that carries vehicles and pets. Departs from Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) near Mazgaon. Capacity: 500 passengers + 150 vehicles. Most reliable in bad weather.
Ferry Ticket Prices 2026
All fares below are one-way per person. Catamaran fares (PNP, Maldar, Ajanta incl. Apollo) include a free connecting bus from Mandwa Jetty to Alibag town.
| Operator | Seating Class | Fare (₹) | AC | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajanta | Regular | ₹185 | No | ~1.5 hours |
| Maldar | Main Deck | ₹200 | No | ~1 hour |
| Maldar | Upper Deck | ₹250 | No | ~1 hour |
| Maldar | AC Cabin | ₹285 | Yes | ~1 hour |
| PNP | Upper Deck | ₹285 | No | ~1 hour |
| PNP | AC Main Deck | ₹285 | Yes | ~1 hour |
| Ajanta (Apollo) | Apollo | ₹200 | No | ~1h 15m |
| Ajanta (Apollo II) | Apollo II AC | ₹285 | Yes | ~1h 15m |
| M2M Ro-Ro | Zone | ₹300 | No | ~1 hour |
| M2M Ro-Ro | Deck | ₹400 | No | ~1 hour |
| M2M Ro-Ro | Lounge | ₹1,200 | Yes | ~1 hour |
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Fare (₹) |
|---|---|
| Bicycle | ₹110 |
| Two-Wheeler (Bike/Scooter) | ₹210 |
| Pet | ₹310 |
| Car / Four-Wheeler | ₹800 – ₹1,200 |
| Bus | ₹3,200 – ₹4,500 |
* Fares are approximate and subject to change. Always verify on the operator's website or at the counter before booking.
Boarding Points & How to Reach
Gateway of India Jetty
PNP, Maldar & Ajanta
- Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
- 10 min taxi from CST station
- Walk from Churchgate station (~20 min)
- Limited parking — use public transport
Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf)
M2M Ro-Ro only
- Ferry Wharf, Mazgaon, Mumbai 400010
- Near Dockyard Road railway station
- Drive-in terminal for vehicles
- AC waiting lounge available
Ferry Timings & Schedule
Ferries from Gateway of India typically run every hour from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The M2M Ro-Ro from Bhaucha Dhakka runs 3–4 trips daily.
Important: Schedules change frequently based on demand and weather. Always check the latest timings on our live ferry schedule page before heading to the terminal.
Arrive 30 minutes early to complete boarding. Weekend and holiday ferries fill up fast — especially the first morning departure and the last evening return.
What Is the Last Ferry from Alibaug (Mandwa) to Mumbai?
This is one of the most common questions tourists ask — and missing the last ferry means a 3-hour road trip back to Mumbai. Here are the approximate last departure times from Mandwa Jetty to Gateway of India:
| Operator | Last Departure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| PNP | ~5:30 PM | May vary on weekends |
| Maldar | ~6:00 PM | Check for seasonal changes |
| Ajanta (Apollo II) | ~8:15 PM | Latest option available |
Don't risk it! Always plan to catch a ferry at least 1 hour before the last departure. Timings change without notice, and the last ferry often fills up quickly on weekends and holidays. Check the live Mandwa → Gateway schedule before heading to the jetty.
Taking Your Car or Bike
Only the M2M Ro-Ro ferry from Bhaucha Dhakka carries vehicles. The RoPax vessel can accommodate up to 150 vehicles including cars, bikes, and buses.
Cars
₹800–₹1,200 per vehicle (varies by size). You drive on and drive off — no crane loading.
Two-Wheelers
₹210 per bike/scooter. Bicycles at ₹110.
Booking
Book online at m2mferries.com — vehicle slots sell out fast on weekends.
Is the Mumbai to Alibaug Ferry Pet-Friendly?
If you're planning to travel with your dog or cat, your only option is the M2M Ro-Ro ferry from Bhaucha Dhakka. None of the catamarans from Gateway of India allow pets on board.
M2M Ro-Ro: Pets allowed. Dedicated pet zone on board. Fare: ~₹310 per pet. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Carry water and a bowl for your pet — the journey is about 1 hour.
PNP, Maldar, Ajanta: Pets are not allowed on catamaran services from Gateway of India. Service animals may be permitted — contact the operator directly.
Many pet-friendly resorts in Alibaug accept guests with dogs. Book the M2M Ro-Ro in advance as vehicle and pet slots fill up fast on weekends.
Best Seat on the Ferry & How to Avoid Seasickness
First time on the Mumbai–Mandwa ferry? Here's insider advice on where to sit and how to make the ride comfortable:
Best Views
- Upper deck, right side — stunning view of the Mumbai skyline as you depart from Gateway of India
- Sunset returns (5–6 PM) — sit on the left side for a gorgeous Arabian Sea sunset
- The open deck areas on PNP and Maldar offer the best photo opportunities
Avoiding Seasickness
- Sit in the middle of the boat — least rocking. Avoid the front and back
- Look at the horizon, not your phone. Fresh air on the upper deck helps
- Take Avomine or Meclizine 30 min before boarding if you're prone to motion sickness
- Avoid heavy meals before the ride. Light snacks and water are fine
Good news: The ride is generally very smooth on catamarans, especially PNP and Maldar. Rough seas are rare except during pre-monsoon (May) and monsoon (June–September) months. Most travelers — including children and elderly passengers — handle the journey comfortably.
Winter 2026 Travel Advisory: Beating the Fog
During December to February, early morning ferries (6:00 AM – 8:30 AM) from Gateway of India frequently face fog delays. Visibility drops over the harbour, causing 30–60 minute delays or even cancellations.
Pro Tip: Book the 10:00 AM or later slot when visibility is clear and departures are on time.
Reliability: The M2M Ro-Ro from Bhaucha Dhakka is less likely to be cancelled due to fog compared to the smaller catamarans at Gateway of India.
Weather: Winter is otherwise the best season for the ferry — calm seas, pleasant temperatures (18–28°C), and no monsoon disruptions.
Is the Mumbai to Alibaug Ferry Running in Monsoon?
During the monsoon season (June to September), catamaran services (PNP, Maldar, Ajanta) are frequently suspended due to rough seas and high waves in the Arabian Sea. The M2M Ro-Ro is the most reliable option during this period as it's a larger, all-weather vessel.
June–July: Most catamaran services are suspended. M2M Ro-Ro may operate on calmer days. Always check status on the morning of travel.
August–September: Services gradually resume as monsoon weakens. Expect intermittent cancellations during heavy rain spells.
How to check status: Call the operator directly or check our ferry schedule page and operator contact numbers on the morning of your trip.
Monsoon Advisory: Always check ferry status on the day of travel. Cancellations are common during heavy rain. Full refunds are typically provided for weather-related cancellations. Have a road travel backup plan (Mumbai → Alibaug via NH66, ~3.5 hours) during June–September.
How to Book Tickets
M2M Ro-Ro Ferry
Online booking required — book at m2mferries.com. Vehicle slots sell out fast on weekends and holidays. Book at least 2–3 days in advance.
PNP, Maldar & Ajanta
Tickets available at the counter at Gateway of India. Walk-in seating is usually available for the next departure. However, weekend and holiday slots can fill up — arrive early or check operator websites for online booking options.
Mandwa to Alibaug: The Last Mile
All ferries dock at Mandwa Jetty, which is about 20 km from Alibaug town. Here's how to cover the last stretch:
Free Bus (Included in Fare)
PNP, Maldar, and Ajanta fares include a connecting bus from Mandwa to Alibag ST stand (~30–45 min).
Auto-Rickshaw / Taxi
Available at Mandwa Jetty. Expect ₹200–₹400 to Alibaug town. Useful if you're heading to a specific resort or beach.
Your Own Vehicle (M2M)
If you brought your car/bike on the M2M Ro-Ro, simply drive off at Mandwa and head to Alibaug (~25 min drive).
Pro Tips for First-Timers
- 1
Arrive 30 minutes early. Boarding closes 10–15 minutes before departure. Latecomers are not allowed.
- 2
Carry ID proof. Indian citizens should carry Aadhaar Card. Foreign nationals need passport and visa.
- 3
Book return tickets early. The last ferry back from Mandwa is around 5:30–6:00 PM. Miss it and you're looking at a 3-hour road trip.
- 4
Sit on the upper deck for the best views of the Mumbai skyline and the open sea. Especially stunning during sunset returns.
- 5
Carry motion sickness medicine if you're prone to seasickness. The ride is generally smooth, but can get choppy during pre-monsoon months.
- 6
Don't carry valuables. Ferry operators are not responsible for lost items. Keep bags secure.
- 7
Check our live schedule before leaving. Timings change without notice, especially during weather disruptions.
Quick FAQs for Travelers
Can I take my dog on the ferry?
Yes, but only on the M2M Ro-Ro ferry from Bhaucha Dhakka. They have a dedicated pet zone. Pet fare is ~₹310. Catamarans from Gateway of India do not allow pets.
Where is the boarding point?
Catamarans (PNP, Maldar, Ajanta) leave from Gateway of India, Colaba. The M2M Ro-Ro leaves from Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf), Mazgaon.
Is online booking available?
M2M offers full online booking at m2mferries.com. For PNP and Maldar, you can often buy tickets at the counter, though weekend slots fill up fast.
Can I take my car to Alibaug by ferry?
Yes, on the M2M Ro-Ro ferry only. Car fares start at ₹800–₹1,200. Two-wheelers at ₹210. Book online in advance as vehicle slots sell out quickly.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to weather?
Full refunds are typically provided for weather-related cancellations. The M2M Ro-Ro is the most reliable in bad weather. Always check status before heading to the terminal.
How do I get from Mandwa to Alibaug?
Catamaran fares include a free bus from Mandwa to Alibag (~30–45 min). Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also available at Mandwa Jetty (₹200–₹400).
Is the ferry safe?
Yes. All ferries are well-maintained, equipped with life jackets, and follow government safety protocols. Services are suspended during unsafe weather conditions.
What is the best time to visit Alibaug?
October to March is ideal — cool weather, calm seas, and no monsoon disruptions. February is particularly pleasant with temperatures around 18–28°C.
What is the last ferry from Mandwa (Alibaug) to Mumbai?
The last catamaran from Mandwa to Gateway of India is typically around 6:00–6:30 PM (Maldar/PNP). Ajanta's Apollo II service runs until ~8:15 PM — the latest option. Always verify on the day as timings change without notice.
What is the difference between PNP, Maldar, and Ajanta ferries?
PNP is the most popular with AC and non-AC options (₹285). Maldar has the largest capacity (399 seats) with 3 seating classes from ₹200. Ajanta is the cheapest (₹185) and also operates Apollo (₹200) and Apollo II AC (₹285) services. All depart from Gateway of India.
What is the Apollo ferry? Is it different from Ajanta?
Apollo and Apollo II are catamaran services operated under Ajanta. Apollo costs ₹200 (non-AC) and Apollo II costs ₹285 (AC). They run on specific departure times — check the schedule page for exact Apollo timings.
Do I get seasick on the Mumbai to Alibaug ferry?
The ride is generally smooth on catamarans. If you're prone to motion sickness, sit in the middle of the boat, look at the horizon, and take Avomine 30 minutes before boarding. Avoid heavy meals before the ride.
Is the Mumbai to Alibaug ferry running during monsoon?
Catamaran services (PNP, Maldar, Ajanta) are frequently suspended during June–September due to rough seas. The M2M Ro-Ro from Bhaucha Dhakka is the most reliable during monsoon. Always check status on the morning of travel.
Which side of the ferry has the best view?
When departing from Gateway of India, sit on the right side (starboard) for views of the Mumbai skyline. For sunset returns from Mandwa (5–6 PM), sit on the left side for a stunning Arabian Sea sunset.
Ready to Plan Your Ferry Trip?
Check live ferry schedules, compare fares across all operators, and find the best departure for your Alibaug getaway.