11 Local Transportation Guides for New Travelers

10. Mumbai (local trains + best practices for new travelers)

Mumbai’s suburban local trains move huge numbers of passengers and are the lifeline of city commuting. Trains can be extremely crowded during peak times, so if you’re new to the city, pick off-peak hours for travel whenever possible. Ticketing options include single-journey tickets and smart cards at larger stations; many local routes still use paper tickets from vending windows. Keep belongings close and wear a small cross-body bag while navigating platforms and carriages. There are women-only compartments on many trains—respect these spaces and follow local signage. For tourist routing, locals often recommend combining a short train ride with local taxis or app-based cabs for the last mile to landmarks like the Gateway of India. If you need to avoid crowds, choose local trains outside weekday commuter hours or consider road-based rides when time permits. Accessibility varies by station and car; some suburban stations have ramps, but many platforms are steep. When in doubt, ask station staff for directions and follow local queue lines to board more smoothly.