How to Get to Mumbai. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport Overview & Facilities

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport CSMIA

CSMIA (IATA: BOM) is the sole international airport for Mumbai. It sits in Sahar, Andheri East, ranking among India's busiest. It features two main terminals: Terminal 2 (T2) and Terminal 1 (T1).

Terminal Details

Terminal 2 (T2): Handles all international flights and a growing number of domestic flights. It is modern and architecturally striking.
Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily handles most domestic flights operated by budget carriers.
Shuttle buses provide complimentary transfers between T1 and T2, a journey typically taking 20-30 minutes.

Airport Facilities & Connectivity

Terminal 2 offers a modern and comfortable travel experience with extensive amenities. Upon arrival, various reliable options connect you to your city accommodation.

Services and Transfers

T2 features duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, premium lounges, currency exchange, and SIM card kiosks.
Prepaid taxis and ride-sharing apps (Ola/Uber) offer reliable transfers from the airport to the city.
BEST buses offer an economical option, though less convenient with much luggage.

Airlines & Routes

Global carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air India serve Mumbai. Domestically, IndiGo, Vistara, and others connect Mumbai to all key Indian cities.

Direct Flight Options

Mumbai enjoys direct connecting flights from key hubs on The european continent (London, Frankfurt), Middle East (Dubai, Doha), Southeast Asia (Singapore), and limited direct flights from North America (New York, San Francisco).

Seasonal Pricing

Peak season (Nov-Feb) sees higher flight prices. Shoulder season (March, Oct) typically presents slightly lower fares. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or use Skyscanner for comparisons.

Departure Information from Mumbai

Exit Fees & Timing

No separate exit fees or taxes are typically levied beyond your airline ticket price.
Arrive at CSMIA at least 3 hours before international departure; 2 hours for domestic flights.
Mumbai traffic can be notoriously unpredictable; factor in significant buffer time for your journey.
Check real-time traffic conditions using Google Maps or a local ride-sharing app before leaving.

Airport Facilities for Departure

CSMIA (Terminal 2) has numerous restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and lounges.
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, and other amenities.
Major railway stations also offer basic amenities like waiting rooms and food stalls.
Consider arriving early to rest in a lounge or enjoy a meal before your flight or train.

Seamless Journeys

Check-in & Security

Allocate ample time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.

Comfortable Waiting

Airport amenities offer comfort and dining options for departing travelers.

Land Transportation to Mumbai

Train Connections and Services

Mumbai is a major railway hub in India, served by Central Railway and From the west Railway. Indian Railways connects Mumbai to all major cities and regions across India.

Major Stations & Classes

stations include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai Central, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT).
Classes of travel range from AC First Class (1A) to Sleeper Class (SL) and Unreserved (UR).
Book train tickets well in advance via the IRCTC website or authorized travel agents for popular routes.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses present an adaptable and often more direct way to reach smaller towns or cities not well-connected by train. Both state-run and private operators serve various destinations.

Operators & Terminals

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates an extensive network.
Private companies offer comfortable air-conditioned sleeper and seater buses to various cities.
Major coach terminals include Mumbai Central, Dadar, Borivali, and Sion. Book digitally or at depots.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving in Mumbai and India poses significant challenges due to dense, chaotic, and often unpredictable traffic. Road rules frequently find loose adherence.

Requirements & Safety

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home license is a must.
India has high accident rates; expect reckless driving, constant horn usage, and diverse road users.
Self-driving in Mumbai is generally not recommended for foreign tourists. Consider DiscoverCars.com if you need to rent.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads in Mumbai generally find good maintenance. However, smaller streets can be narrow, heavily congested, and prone to potholes, especially during monsoon season.

Driving Safety & Pedestrians

Road safety standards in India rank lower than in many Western countries. Drive with caution.
Night driving has particular risks due to poor street lighting and unlit vehicles.
Be extra cautious as a pedestrian and always assume drivers may not see you.

Sea/River Arrivals in Mumbai

Domestic Ferries: Regular public ferries travel from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves (1 hour journey).
Ro-Ro Ferry: Connects Mumbai to Mandwa (near Alibaug), popular for day trips and vehicle transport.
Cruise Port: Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) operates a dedicated cruise terminal for international and domestic cruises.

River transportation is not a major mode of public transport within Mumbai city.
Immigration and customs procedures for international cruise arrivals handle at the MPT cruise terminal.
The cruise terminal and ferry points are well-connected to land transportation (taxis, ride-sharing, buses).

Walking & Cycling in Mumbai

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas and Walking Routes

While Mumbai is a city of constant motion, certain areas present delightful opportunities for walking. Guided and self-guided guided tours provide insights.

Scenic Strolls & Historic Paths

Promenades: Marine Drive, Bandra Bandstand, and Worli Seaface are excellent for leisurely strolls, especially at sunset.
Historic Districts: Colaba Causeway, the Fort Area, and Kala Ghoda Art District suit self-guided or guided heritage walks.
Parks and Gardens: Numerous parks across the city offer pedestrian-friendly paths for walks and relaxation.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

Cycling slowly gains traction in specific zones. Dedicated cycling infrastructure stays confined, and main roads can present hazards.

Cycling Zones & Rentals

Cycling on main roads can be hazardous as a result of traffic congestion and lack of special lanes.
Safer areas for cycling include certain parks or promenades (e.g., early mornings on Marine Drive).
Some local shops offer bicycle rentals, but it is not a principal mode of tourist transportation inside the city.

Guided Walking Tours

Numerous tour operators offer guided walking tours focusing on Mumbai's history, architecture, street food, or Bollywood. These tours present valuable insights and local context.

Self-Guided Exploration

You can explore many areas independently using maps, guidebooks, or mobile apps. The Fort area, Colaba, and Kala Ghoda suit self-guided architectural walks.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians

Avoid walking or cycling on heavy traffic arteries, highways, and flyovers due to danger. Exercise caution in poorly lit or deserted areas, notably at night.

Specialized Transportation in Mumbai

Tour Buses & Water Transportation

Mumbai features tour bus services for major attractions. Water transportation mainly serves leisure and excursion purposes rather than daily inner-city commuting.

City Tours & Ferries

Mumbai Darshan Bus: Fixed routes cover major city attractions, a convenient way to see many landmarks.
Hop-on-Hop-off (HOHO) Buses: Some private operators offer HOHO services in popular tourist zones; check availability.
Boat Taxis & Ferries: The Elephanta Caves ferry plus Alibaug ferry offer scenic excursions.

Accessibility Services

Mumbai's general public transport infrastructure is not extensively outfitted for travelers with mobility challenges. Many historical sites also lack full accessibility.

Mobility & Planning

Newer metro stations present an improvement, offering elevators and ramps.
Pre-booking accessible taxis or private vehicles with drivers assists with mobility needs.
Research specific attraction accessibility before your visit.

Unique Local Transport Insights

No Cable Cars/Funiculars

Mumbai city does not present operational cable cars or funiculars as a piece of its public or tourist transportation system.

Water Taxis Future

A widespread water taxi system for inner-city commute is not yet fully operational in Mumbai, but discussions persist.

Embrace Local Charm

The attraction of specialized transport in Mumbai lies in its boat excursions and unique guided tours, offering different perspectives.

Travel Flexibility

Mumbai's diverse transportation options cater to various preferences, from efficient public networks to leisurely specialized tours.

How to Get to Mumbai