The toy train, managed by the Central Railway, paused operations on June 8, 2024, and the first train after almost five months ran on November 6, 2024.

There are two options for tourists.

• Take the toy train from Neral station to Matheran station.
• Take the shuttle from Aman Lodge to Matheran. (Aman Lodge is the point beyond which vehicles are not allowed. One can walk to the hill station, take a horse ride or travel through the toy train.)

There are three stops or stations enroute - Jummapatti, Water Pipe and Aman Lodge.

The Neral-Matheran train runs twice daily in both directions whereas the Aman Lodge-Matheran shuttle runs multiple times a day. 

Train timings from Neral to Matheran

Departure 1: 8:50 AM

Departure 2: 10:25 AM

Train timings from Matheran to Neral

Departure 1: 2:45 PM

Departure 2: 4:00 PM

The total distance between Neral and Matheran is approximately 20 km. The train runs at as speed of 10 kmph. The entire train journey takes 2.5-3 hours. (Pic: Special Arrangement)

The train travels to a height of approximately 800 m. 

As informed by CR officials, the locomotives of these trains are from the British era and have undergone infrastructural upgradation over the years.

The first train after monsoon saw fully booked compartments and a huge rush at Matheran station to buy tickets and board the train. Currently, one can only buy tickets offline at Neral station, Aman Lodge station or Matheran station. Both first class and second class tickets are available.

Visuals from Neral-Matheran toy train

The central charm of the toy train journey lies in the scenic views it offers. The train passes through several curves creating stunning visuals. 

The train also passes through a short tunnel called 'One Kiss Tunnel'. It is called so because it is only long enough to share one kiss. 

Throughout the journey, one will witness forest-like scenery with trees all around. 

While travelling in the toy train, one will also be able to see picturesque valleys. 

One of the main highlights of the journey is Kadyavarcha Ganpati. It is a huge rock-cut idol of Lord Ganesh that is made from a single boulder and sits and stands at the edge of a hill. It is visible from the toy train. 

If you want to be close to nature, away from the trafficked roads, travelling in the Neral-Matheran toy train is a must-try activity.