Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (BOM)

How to get to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Mumbai city centre (South Mumbai) is approximately 25 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 45-75 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, which is notoriously heavy; metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) reaches South Mumbai in about 45 minutes.

By Car

By car, you reach South Mumbai in approximately 45-75 minutes, with significantly longer times during peak hours.

By Train

Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), almost entirely underground, has a station at each terminal (CSMIA T1 and CSMIA T2) and has been fully open since October 2025, from Aarey to the terminus at Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai: it takes about 45 minutes from the airport. Along the route there are interchange stations with the suburban rail network, including Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

By Bus

BEST and NMMT buses connect the airport to various areas of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai; ticket roughly 50-150 rupees depending on distance.

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Tips Use only pre-paid taxis at the official counters of Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) in both terminals T1 and T2, paying at the counter before leaving: you will receive a receipt with the driver's name and registration number. Mumbai traffic is among the most intense in India: always allow ample time.

Average travel time to BOM

TrainAbout 45 minutes to Cuffe Parade (metro Line 3)

Shuttle busNot a dedicated service

Taxi / Private hire45-75 minutes (by destination)

Parking near Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

A multi-story parking structure stands next to the terminal.

Video surveillance is active, with rates remaining moderate.

How to get to Mumbai from BOM

By Train

Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) links terminals T1 and T2 to South Mumbai without changes: the terminus at Cuffe Parade is reached in about 45 minutes, with intermediate stops including Churchgate and CSMT, where you change for suburban trains.

By Bus

BEST and NMMT buses connect the airport to various areas of Mumbai; approximately 50-150 rupees depending on distance.

By Taxi

Pre-paid taxis cost approximately 350-450 rupees to Bandra (nearest area), 600-900 rupees to South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Nariman Point), with a 20-40% surcharge for air-conditioned Cool Cabs.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

From BOM to the most sought-after destinations

If you want...	Choose	Approximate cost
Spend the minimum possible	Metro Line 3 (T1 and T2 stations) or BEST bus	10-70 rupees
Reach Bandra or Andheri without stress	Pre-paid AC taxi	~400-500 rupees
Arrive at South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Nariman Point)	Metro Line 3 to Cuffe Parade or Churchgate, or a pre-paid taxi (longer journey)	up to 70 rupees (metro) / ~700-900 rupees (taxi)
Relax on a beach after the flight	Taxi to Juhu Beach	~500-800 rupees

Mumbai → CSMT (South Mumbai railway station)

For those who need to continue by train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the simplest way today is metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), which has a stop right at CSMT; with a lot of luggage the pre-paid taxi remains a good choice.

Mumbai → Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)

The BKC financial district, where corporate headquarters and business hotels are concentrated, is just a few minutes taxi from the airport: one of the fastest and most predictable trips, useful for business travelers.

Mumbai → Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach, frequented by families and cinema fans for its proximity to Bollywood studios, is about 6 km away: a taxi reaches it in 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Mumbai → Colaba / Gateway of India

For the southern tip of the city, where the Gateway of India and major museums are located, allow longer than expected travel times: the route crosses all of Mumbai. The pre-paid taxi is the most practical option for those arriving with luggage, while metro Line 3 runs as far as Cuffe Parade, in the south of the city, avoiding road traffic.

Car rental at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Leading car rental companies have counters at the airport.

Bring your driving license, passport, and credit card; the International Driving Permit is generally also required. Mumbai's chaotic traffic makes hiring a local driver the strongly preferred choice for most visitors.

Hotels near Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Mumbai is unforgiving on long transfers: South Mumbai is 25 km away and a taxi takes between 45 and 75 minutes, more at rush hour. Anyone landing at night, or flying out at dawn, avoids the problem by sleeping in Sahar and Santacruz, where the big hotels are a few minutes from the terminals. Those with a one-night layover can even stay inside T2. Visitors who come to see the city should head straight for Bandra-Kurla or Colaba, accepting the journey on arrival just once: since October 2025 the Aqua Line metro has linked T2 to Cuffe Parade, on the edge of South Mumbai.

At the airport

Inside Terminal 2

The hotel is in the T2 arrivals area, so you reach it on foot. For the domestic T1, which is far from T2, you need a transfer by car.

Best for: Night layovers and international flights at dawn, for those who don't even want to leave the building.

Pros

Zero transfers: from baggage reclaim to your room in a few minutes
Bookable by the hour, useful for a half-day layover

Cons

You need a valid ticket and visa to access the property
Small rooms, as reviews often say

Recommended hotels

Niranta Airport Transit Hotel & Lounge Terminal 2 Arrivals Transit hotel in T2 with a round-the-clock reception and hourly booking; presented by the airport as Mumbai's first transit hotel. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport area

Sahar and Santacruz (airport area)

Aurika Skycity is about 2.3 km from T2 (5 minutes); the Taj Santacruz is next to the domestic T1, with a transfer to T2; the Grand Hyatt is 3 km from the domestic terminal and 9 km from the international one.

Best for: Late arrivals and early departures with a real bed and a pool, without crossing the city.

Pros

From T2 you arrive in a few minutes, even with evening traffic
Large hotels with restaurants open at all hours, useful after night flights

Cons

The neighbourhood has little to offer on foot: busy roads and offices
The distance between T1 and T2 is considerable: choose the hotel according to the terminal

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Bandra-Kurla Complex

From T2 the Trident website gives about 11 km and 30 minutes by car; from T1 about 8 km and 20-25 minutes. A taxi is the simplest choice, with times varying according to traffic.

Best for: Business trips and anyone wanting a modern base halfway between the airport and South Mumbai.

Pros

Less time in the car to the airport than from Colaba or Fort
Many restaurants and offices, with concierge services for transfers

Cons

In the evening the business district empties out and has little atmosphere
Traffic on the access roads can double journey times

Recommended hotels

Trident Bandra Kurla Hotel in the business district, about 30 minutes by car from T2 according to the website; transfers can be arranged by the concierge. View availability

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Colaba and Fort (South Mumbai)

A taxi takes 45-75 minutes from the airport. Alternatively, the Aqua Line metro links T2 to Cuffe Parade, a short distance from Colaba, with no changes.

Best for: Those coming to visit Mumbai: the Gateway of India, museums and colonial strolls.

Pros

From here you can explore the old centre on foot, without a car
The neighbourhood has an evening scene and many venues open late

Cons

With traffic, the taxi to the airport needs a good margin
It is far from the terminals: not recommended for dawn flights

Recommended hotels

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Opposite the Gateway of India, open since 1903: on foot from Colaba Causeway, about an hour from the airports according to the website. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is India's second major hub for traffic and the main gateway for the country's financial capital.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area is extensive, with a selection of Indian tea, spices, and traditional handicrafts.

Lounges & relaxation

Mumbai divides its lounges between Terminal 1, where there are only lounges for domestic flights, and Terminal 2, with the domestic lounges on level 3 and the international ones on level 4. Almost all are independent, branded Adani or Travel Club, accept the main access cards or paid entry and have a limited stay; several stay open all night. Those who land find the Aviserv lounges on the arrivals level, with showers and, in the west wing, sleeping pods.

lounges: 11
with Priority Pass: 7
open 24 hours: 8

Which lounge to choose: full comparison

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. Mobile operators Airtel, Jio, and Vi have SIM card stands at the airport.

Families & Children

Travelers with children benefit from play spaces and dedicated family assistance.

Terminal guide

The two terminals (T1 domestic, T2 international) are well-organized but far apart: always verify which one you need. Each has its own station on metro Line 3 (Aqua Line): CSMIA T1 and CSMIA T2.

Customs and security can require extra time: for international flights, it is better to arrive 3 hours early.

Map of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do prepaid taxis work in Mumbai?

You pay at the official MIAL counter inside the terminal before heading out, receiving a receipt with the driver's name and license plate: it's the safest and most transparent way to take a taxi at the airport.

Q. How much does a taxi cost from Mumbai airport to South Mumbai?

Roughly 600-900 rupees, with a journey of 45-75 minutes depending on traffic, which is often very heavy.

Q. Is Mumbai the capital of Bollywood?

Yes, it's the main center of the Hindi-language Indian film industry, as well as the country's financial capital.

Q. Is it worth driving yourself in Mumbai?

Generally not: traffic is chaotic and local driving habits are very different from Western ones. Most visitors prefer to hire a driver.

Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?

7 lounges, including Adani Lounge (T1), Travel Club Lounge (T1), Adani Lounge (Eastern Wing) (T2), Adani Silver Lounge (T2), Aviserv Lounge (Eastern Wing) (T2) and Aviserv Lounge (Western Wing) (T2).

Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?

Yes, 8, including Good Times Bar (T1), Travel Club Lounge (T1), Adani Lounge (Eastern Wing) (T2), Aviserv Lounge (Eastern Wing) (T2), Aviserv Lounge (Western Wing) (T2) and Meghavi Air SpaLounge (T2).