Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), commonly called Mumbai Airport, is India's second-busiest airport and the primary gateway to the country's financial capital. Located approximately 30 km north of South Mumbai (the historic city center), it handles over 50 million passengers annually and serves as a hub for Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo.

The airport has two terminals in separate buildings connected by a shuttle bus:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic flights (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go First domestic operations)
• Terminal 2 (T2): International flights and select domestic carriers (Air India, Vistara, all international airlines)

Terminal 2, opened in 2014, is architecturally acclaimed, featuring the Jaya He art wall showcasing Indian heritage. Terminal 1 is older and more utilitarian. The terminals are approximately 4 km apart and not connected airside; transfers between terminals require exiting security and taking a shuttle bus.

Important: If connecting between domestic and international flights, confirm which terminal your domestic carrier uses, as some domestic flights operate from T2.

Mumbai Airport is located 30 km north of South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Marine Drive) and 15 km north of Bandra, the city's popular western suburb.

Typical travel times:

• South Mumbai (Colaba/Fort): 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Bandra: 30-45 minutes
• Andheri (closest suburb): 15-25 minutes
• Navi Mumbai: 45-60 minutes

Mumbai traffic is notoriously heavy, especially during peak hours (8:00-11:00, 17:00-21:00). Travel times can double during monsoon season (June-September) or rush hour.

Uber and Ola

Both Uber and Ola (India's largest rideshare app) operate at Mumbai Airport.

• Pickup location: Designated rideshare area in arrivals (follow signs to "App-based Cabs")
• Services available: Ola Micro/Mini/Prime, Uber Go/Premier
• Wait times: 5-15 minutes typical

Destination	Fare (Approx.)	Time
South Mumbai (Colaba/Fort)	INR 800-1,200 (USD 10-15)	60-90 min
Bandra	INR 400-600 (USD 5-7)	30-45 min
Andheri	INR 200-350 (USD 2.50-4)	15-25 min
Powai	INR 300-500 (USD 4-6)	25-40 min

Tip: Download both Ola and Uber apps before arriving to compare prices and availability.

Prepaid Taxi

Prepaid taxi counters are located in the arrivals hall of both terminals. Pay a fixed fare at the counter, receive a receipt, and present it to your assigned driver.

Destination	Prepaid Fare
South Mumbai (Colaba)	INR 900-1,100 (USD 11-13)
Bandra	INR 450-550 (USD 5.50-7)
Juhu	INR 350-450 (USD 4-5.50)
Andheri	INR 250-350 (USD 3-4)

Benefits of prepaid: Fixed price regardless of traffic, no negotiation required, safer for first-time visitors.

Black-and-Yellow Taxis

Mumbai's iconic black-and-yellow taxis are metered but not recommended from the airport due to potential disputes over fare calculations. Use prepaid or app-based cabs instead.

Mumbai Metro

The Mumbai Metro Blue Line (Line 3) is under construction with airport stations planned. As of 2025, metro does not directly connect to the airport terminals.

Current workaround:

1. Take a taxi/auto-rickshaw to Andheri Metro Station (15-20 min, INR 100-150)
2. Take Metro Line 1 from Andheri to Ghatkopar (20 min, INR 40)
3. Transfer to other metro lines as needed

Local Trains (Suburban Railway)

Mumbai's extensive local train network does not have a station at the airport, but nearby stations provide budget access to the city.

Nearest stations:

• Andheri Station (Western Line): 6 km from airport, reachable by auto-rickshaw (INR 80-120)
• Vile Parle Station (Western Line): 4 km from airport

From Andheri Station to South Mumbai (Churchgate):

1. Take auto-rickshaw from airport to Andheri Station (15-20 min, INR 100)
2. Board Western Line train towards Churchgate (45-60 min, INR 15)
3. Exit at Churchgate for South Mumbai

Warning: Local trains are extremely crowded during peak hours (8:00-11:00, 17:00-21:00). Avoid if carrying heavy luggage.

BEST Bus

BEST (municipal bus service) operates routes from the airport but is not recommended for tourists due to complexity and crowding.

Mumbai Airport offers multi-level parking at both terminals.

Terminal 2 Parking

Facility	Rate
Short-term (0-30 min)	INR 100
Hourly (after first 30 min)	INR 100/hour
Daily maximum	INR 600/day

Terminal 1 Parking

Facility	Rate
Short-term (0-30 min)	INR 80
Hourly (after first 30 min)	INR 80/hour
Daily maximum	INR 500/day

Tips:

• Pre-book online at mumbaiairport.aero for discounts
• Valet parking available at T2 for INR 300+ per day
• Pick-up and drop-off zones have strict time limits; use parking for extended waits

Mumbai Airport offers extensive dining options, particularly in the newer Terminal 2.

Terminal 2 (Airside)

• Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra: Upscale modern Indian cuisine
• Khyber: Classic North Indian and Mughlai dishes
• Flying Saucer: Pan-Asian options
• Starbucks: Coffee and light snacks
• Bombay Brasserie: All-day dining, international menu
• Theobroma: Famous Mumbai bakery, brownies and patisserie

Terminal 2 (Landside)

• McDonald's: Fast food
• Subway: Sandwiches
• Costa Coffee: Coffee and snacks
• Chai Point: Indian tea and quick bites

Terminal 1

• Subway: Sandwiches
• Cafe Coffee Day: Indian coffee chain
• Food court: Various fast-food options
• Limited options compared to T2

Budget tip: Food prices are elevated at the airport. Eat before arriving or carry snacks. Theobroma brownies make excellent gifts.

Vegetarian note: Most restaurants offer extensive vegetarian options, marked with green dots on menus.

Free WiFi is available throughout Mumbai Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	MIAL_Free_WiFi
Registration	Mobile number OTP verification required
Time limit	45 minutes (can re-register)
Speed	Moderate; sufficient for email and browsing

Tip: International travelers may need an Indian mobile number for OTP. Some lounges offer unrestricted WiFi without registration.

International SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, though registration requirements make it time-consuming.

Airport Locations

• Airtel Store (T2 arrivals): Open 24/7
• Jio Store (T2 arrivals): Open 24/7
• Vodafone-Idea Store (T2 arrivals): Extended hours

SIM Card Requirements

Indian regulations require passport copy, visa, and local address for SIM activation. Activation can take 4-24 hours.

Pricing

Provider	Price	Data
Jio	INR 249-449 (USD 3-5.50)	1.5-2 GB/day for 28 days
Airtel	INR 299-499 (USD 3.60-6)	1.5-2 GB/day for 28 days
Vodafone-Idea	INR 299-449 (USD 3.60-5.50)	1.5-2 GB/day for 28 days

Recommendation: Jio has the widest 4G coverage across India. For immediate connectivity, consider purchasing an international eSIM before arrival (Airalo, Holafly) which works instantly without registration.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in landside and airside areas. All major Indian banks are represented.

Currency

• India: Indian Rupee (INR / Rs)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 83 INR, 1 EUR = 90 INR

ATMs

• State Bank of India (SBI): Available in both terminals
• HDFC Bank: Multiple locations
• ICICI Bank: T2 arrivals and departures
• Axis Bank: T1 and T2

Withdrawal limits: Most ATMs allow INR 10,000-25,000 per transaction.

Currency Exchange

Thomas Cook, Travelex, and UAE Exchange counters are located in arrivals. Airport rates include 3-5% markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw INR from ATMs using a no-fee international debit card
• Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates
• Many establishments accept UPI payments via international cards

Tip: India is increasingly digital; Google Pay and PhonePe (linked to Indian bank accounts) are widely used. International visitors should carry both cash and cards.

Mumbai Airport features extensive duty-free shopping, particularly in Terminal 2.

Duty-Free

• Mumbai Duty Free (T2): Main operator with liquor, perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and tobacco
• Tax-free savings: Significant savings on whisky, perfume, and electronics

Indian Products

• Fabindia: Traditional Indian clothing and home decor
• Forest Essentials: Luxury Ayurvedic beauty products
• Good Earth: Premium Indian lifestyle brand
• The Bombay Store: Curated Indian handicrafts
• Hidesign: Indian leather goods

Other Retail

• WH Smith: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Electronics stores: Mobile accessories, adapters
• Swarovski, Victoria's Secret, MAC: International brands in T2

Best buys: Indian textiles, Ayurvedic products, spices (available in sealed gift packs), and local snacks.

Mumbai Airport has numerous lounges, with good options for Priority Pass holders.

Priority Pass Lounges

Encalm Privee (T2, International):

• Location: After immigration, near gates
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Hot Indian food, bar, showers, quiet zones
• Quality: Excellent; one of India's best airport lounges

Travel Club Lounge (T2, Domestic):

• Location: Near domestic gates
• Hours: 06:00-22:00
• Amenities: Buffet, drinks, workstations
• Notes: Can be crowded during peak hours

Encalm Prive (T1, Domestic):

• Location: Airside T1
• Hours: 05:00-23:00
• Amenities: Hot food, bar, comfortable seating

Credit Card Lounges

Many Indian credit cards (HDFC Diners Club, Axis Magnus) provide lounge access. International Amex Platinum cards are accepted at select lounges.

Airline Lounges

Air India Maharaja Lounge (T2):

• Access: Air India Business Class, Star Alliance Gold
• Amenities: Indian cuisine, bar, spa services

Vistara Lounge (T2):

• Access: Vistara Business Class, Club Vistara Gold/Platinum
• Amenities: Premium food, quiet ambiance

Emirates Lounge (T2):

• Access: Emirates First/Business Class
• Amenities: Full-service bar, shower suites

Pay-Per-Entry

Most lounges offer day passes for INR 1,500-3,000 (USD 18-36). Book via lounge websites or Priority Pass for discounts.

Several hotels are located near Mumbai Airport, with options for all budgets.

At the Airport

Niranta Transit Hotel (T2):

• Located inside Terminal 2 (airside and landside options)
• Capsule-style rooms and suites available
• From INR 3,000/6 hours (USD 36)
• Ideal for long layovers without clearing immigration

Near the Airport

ITC Maratha (2 km from airport):

• 5-star luxury, Mughal-inspired architecture
• Free airport shuttle
• From INR 12,000/night (USD 145)

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar (3 km):

• 5-star, extensive dining options
• Free airport shuttle
• From INR 10,000/night (USD 120)

Hyatt Regency Mumbai (3 km):

• 5-star, business-focused
• Airport transfers available
• From INR 9,000/night (USD 108)

Budget Options

Ibis Mumbai Airport (4 km):

• 3-star, clean and efficient
• Free shuttle to T2
• From INR 4,500/night (USD 54)

Ginger Mumbai Airport (5 km):

• Budget-friendly, Tata-owned chain
• From INR 3,500/night (USD 42)

Transit/Nap Options

Niranta Snooze Rooms (T2 Airside): Bookable by the hour, from INR 1,500/3 hours, ideal for overnight layovers.

Mumbai is India's financial capital and entertainment hub, a sprawling metropolis of 20+ million people with colonial architecture, Bollywood glamour, and incredible street food.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Gateway of India	60-90 min	Taxi/Uber to Colaba
Marine Drive	45-75 min	Taxi/Uber to Churchgate
Elephanta Caves	2-3 hours	Ferry from Gateway of India (1 hour each way)
Bandra-Worli Sea Link	30-45 min	Taxi towards Bandra
Dharavi (Slum Tours)	30-45 min	Between airport and city center
Film City (Bollywood)	20-30 min	Near the airport in Goregaon

Travel Tips

• Ola/Uber: Essential for navigating Mumbai; always use app-based transport
• Local trains: Fastest during rush hour but extremely crowded; avoid with luggage
• Auto-rickshaws: Not available in South Mumbai; use in suburbs (meters are mandatory)
• Monsoon season (June-September): Heavy flooding common; allow extra travel time
• Cash and cards: Most establishments accept cards, but carry cash for street food and smaller shops

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Stay at airport, explore T2's Jaya He art museum (free), lounge access
• 8-hour layover: Quick trip to Bandra for Leopold Cafe, return via Bandra-Worli Sea Link views
• 12+ hour layover: Visit Gateway of India, Marine Drive sunset, dinner in Colaba

Mumbai Specialties

• Vada Pav: Mumbai's iconic spiced potato fritter in bread (INR 20-40)
• Pav Bhaji: Mashed vegetable curry with buttered bread
• Bombay Sandwich: Layered vegetable sandwich with chutney
• Bhel Puri: Puffed rice street snack
• Mumbai-style Chinese: Indo-Chinese fusion (try Schezwan dishes)
• Seafood: Fresh pomfret, prawns, and crab at coastal restaurants

Must-See Attractions

• Gateway of India: Colonial-era arch monument overlooking the harbor
• Marine Drive: 3.6 km oceanfront promenade, stunning at sunset
• Elephanta Caves: UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut temples (ferry from Gateway of India)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Gothic-Victorian railway station (UNESCO site)
• Dhobi Ghat: Open-air laundry, iconic Mumbai sight
• Chor Bazaar: Antiques and curios market in South Mumbai
• Colaba Causeway: Street shopping and cafes

Day Trips from Mumbai

• Lonavala/Khandala: Hill stations 80 km from Mumbai, 2-3 hours by road
• Alibaug: Beach town across the harbor, 1-hour ferry
• Matheran: Vehicle-free hill station, 2.5 hours by road + toy train
• Ajanta/Ellora Caves: UNESCO sites, fly to Aurangabad (1 hour) or 8-hour drive