Neral–Matheran Train Services Resume: Daily Trains, Vistadome Coaches and Shuttle Timetable from 6 November 2025
Central Railway has resumed Neral–Matheran train services from 06.11.2025 (6 November 2025). After a pause, daily services between Neral and Matheran are back on track — offering scenic rides through the Western Ghats with regular trains, Vistadome views and frequent Aman Lodge shuttles. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend stay, here’s everything you need to know: timings, coach composition, shuttle services and weekend specials.
What’s back — an overview
The Neral–Matheran heritage route is now operating daily. Two pairs of trains cover the main Neral–Matheran sector while multiple shuttle services run between Aman Lodge and Matheran. The restored service includes Vistadome options and first-class coaches on select trains, giving travellers a chance to enjoy panoramic views and comfortable travel.
Main Neral–Matheran trains (Daily)
Down (Neral → Matheran)
- Train No. 52103 — Neral departure 08:50 hrs | Matheran arrival 11:30 hrs
Composition: 6 coaches — 3 Second Class, 1 Vistadome coach, 2 Second Class cum luggage vans. - Train No. 52105 — Neral departure 10:25 hrs | Matheran arrival 13:05 hrs
Composition: 6 coaches — 3 Second Class, 1 First Class coach, 2 Second Class cum luggage vans.
Up (Matheran → Neral)
- Train No. 52104 — Matheran departure 14:45 hrs | Neral arrival 17:30 hrs
Mirrors 52103 with Vistadome availability on the paired service. - Train No. 52106 — Matheran departure 16:00 hrs | Neral arrival 18:40 hrs
Mirrors 52105 with First Class coach on the paired service.
These timings give visitors comfortable windows for half-day excursions and full-day itineraries. The inclusion of a Vistadome coach on the 52103/52104 pair is especially good for photographers and families who want panoramic views of the hills.
Aman Lodge – Matheran shuttle services (Daily)
Central Railway has reinstated frequent shuttle runs between Aman Lodge and Matheran to help tourists and local commuters move quickly to the hill station gate.
Aman Lodge → Matheran (selected daily services)
- 52153 — Aman Lodge dep. 08:45 hrs | Matheran arr. 09:03 hrs
- 52155 — Aman Lodge dep. 09:35 hrs | Matheran arr. 09:53 hrs
- 52157 — Aman Lodge dep. 12:00 hrs | Matheran arr. 12:18 hrs
- 52159 — Aman Lodge dep. 14:25 hrs | Matheran arr. 14:43 hrs
- 52161 — Aman Lodge dep. 15:40 hrs | Matheran arr. 15:58 hrs
- 52163 — Aman Lodge dep. 17:45 hrs | Matheran arr. 18:03 hrs
Matheran → Aman Lodge (selected daily services)
- 52154 — Matheran dep. 08:20 hrs | Aman Lodge arr. 08:38 hrs
- 52156 — Matheran dep. 09:10 hrs | Aman Lodge arr. 09:28 hrs
- 52158 — Matheran dep. 11:35 hrs | Aman Lodge arr. 11:53 hrs
- 52160 — Matheran dep. 14:00 hrs | Aman Lodge arr. 14:18 hrs
- 52162 — Matheran dep. 15:15 hrs | Aman Lodge arr. 15:33 hrs
- 52164 — Matheran dep. 17:20 hrs | Aman Lodge arr. 17:38 hrs
Weekend specials
On Saturdays and Sundays the Aman Lodge–Matheran shuttle gets extra services to handle higher tourist demand:
- Aman Lodge → Matheran specials: Special-1 dep. 10:30 hrs (arr. 10:48 hrs), Special-3 dep. 13:35 hrs (arr. 13:53 hrs)
- Matheran → Aman Lodge specials: Special-2 dep. 10:05 hrs (arr. 10:23 hrs), Special-4 dep. 13:10 hrs (arr. 13:28 hrs)
These additional runs make it easier to plan flexible day trips during weekends and holiday periods.
Coach details and passenger experience
- Train nos. 52103/52104 operate with 6 coaches: 3 Second Class, 1 Vistadome coach and 2 Second Class cum luggage vans. The Vistadome coach offers large windows and roof panels for uninterrupted views of the misty hills.
- Train nos. 52105/52106 run with 6 coaches: 3 Second Class, 1 First Class coach and 2 Second Class cum luggage vans — ideal for passengers preferring more privacy and comfort.
Tips for visitors
- Book early for the Vistadome seats on 52103/52104 if you want unobstructed views. These seats are popular, especially on weekends.
- Carry light warm clothing — mornings and evenings in Matheran can be chilly, especially in November.
- Matheran is a vehicle-free hill station. Walk, hire a horse or use hand-pulled trolleys to move within the town.
- Check the Central Railway official channels on the day of travel for any last-minute changes.
Why this matters
Resumption of the Neral–Matheran services restores a vital link for tourism and local commuters. The return of Vistadome options and weekend shuttle boosts Matheran’s accessibility, helping travellers enjoy its natural beauty with improved convenience.
Plan your trip now and enjoy the historic hill railway — a short, scenic ride that brings you straight into the heart of the Western Ghats.
