Mumbai Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Mumbai, India’s financial capital and a mega-city, is primarily served by one colossal international airport, with a second, older airport handling limited domestic traffic. The main airport is a major global hub, renowned for its sheer scale and traffic. Understanding its complex layout and the intense road traffic of the city is critical for planning any trip.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)

Overview: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM), formerly Sahar International, is the primary and busiest airport in India. Located about 30 km (19 miles) north of South Mumbai’s historic core, it handles the vast majority of international and domestic traffic. The airport is a major hub for Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo, and a focus city for many foreign carriers.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1) – Santacruz: Handles all domestic flights for low-cost carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Go First. It is a separate, older building located across the airfield from T2.
• Terminal 2 (T2) – Sahar: A stunning, iconic terminal that handles all international flights and domestic flights for full-service carriers Air India, Vistara, and Star Alliance members. It is a massive, integrated four-level building.

Critical: The two terminals are not connected airside or landside. They are approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) apart by road. A free, 24/7 shuttle bus runs between them, but the journey can take 20-45 minutes depending on airport perimeter traffic. Always confirm your terminal with your airline. A mix-up can cause you to miss your flight.

Getting to and from Mumbai Airport (BOM):

• Mumbai Metro (Line 2A & 7):
  The newest and most efficient public transport link. The Metro stations are connected to both T1 (Dahisar East – Andheri East line) and T2 (Ghatkopar – Andheri East line). The metro provides a fast, affordable, and traffic-free connection to key suburban hubs like Andheri, Ghatkopar, and beyond. For South Mumbai, you will need to connect to the Western Railway line at Andheri.
• Suburban Railway (Western Line):
  The backbone of Mumbai’s transport. From T1, take an auto-rickshaw to Andheri Station. From T2, take an auto-rickshaw or the metro to Andheri or Vile Parle station. Trains are incredibly cheap but are extremely crowded during peak hours and not suitable for travelers with significant luggage.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Uber/Ola):
  The most common door-to-door option. Pre-paid taxi counters are available in the arrivals halls of both terminals—purchase a fixed-fare coupon to avoid meter disputes. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are also reliable and offer upfront pricing. Warning: Road travel is highly unpredictable. A trip to South Mumbai (Colaba, Nariman Point) can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over 2.5 hours depending on the time of day.
• Car Rental (with Driver):
  For a more comfortable experience, consider pre-booking a car with a driver for the day or your entire stay. This is a common and relatively affordable service in India.

Best for: All international travelers and most domestic travelers. T2 is for international/full-service flights; T1 is for domestic low-cost carriers.

Juhu Aerodrome (No Commercial Flights)

This is a general aviation airport in the Juhu suburb, used for private jets, charters, and pilot training. It does not handle scheduled commercial passenger flights.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Mumbai?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is the only commercial airport for scheduled passenger flights. Your choice is between its two terminals, T1 and T2, based on your airline.

There is no alternative commercial airport for Mumbai.

Getting to Key Areas from Mumbai Airport (BOM)

All times are estimates for light traffic. During peak hours (8-11am, 5-9pm), these times can triple.

• To South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Nariman Point):
  The historic and business heart. By road: 60-120+ minutes. Best option: Take the metro from T2 to Ghatkopar, then transfer to the Central Line train to CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) or take an Uber during off-peak hours.
• To Western Suburbs (Bandra, Juhu, Andheri West):
  Popular residential and hotel areas. Closer to the airport. By road: 20-60 minutes. The metro is an excellent option for these areas.
• To the Eastern Suburbs & Navi Mumbai:
  Across the harbour. By road via the Eastern Freeway or MTHL bridge: 45-90 minutes.

Essential Travel Tips for BOM:

• Terminal Confirmation is #1 Priority: This cannot be overstated. Know if you fly from T1 or T2. The shuttle bus between them requires you to have checked out of one terminal and checked into the other.
• Traffic is Your Enemy: Mumbai has some of the world’s worst traffic congestion. For a crucial flight, leave for the airport at least 4-5 hours before a domestic flight and 5-6 hours before an international flight if staying in South Mumbai. The airport itself is vast and requires significant walking.
• International to Domestic Connection at BOM: If arriving internationally at T2 and connecting to a domestic flight at T1, you must clear immigration, collect bags, clear customs, take the shuttle bus to T1, and re-check-in. Allow a minimum of 4 hours between flights, even if booked on a single ticket.
• Pre-Paid Taxis: Always use the pre-paid taxi booth. Keep the receipt until you reach your destination.
• SIM Cards: Foreigners can purchase tourist SIM cards at counters in the arrivals hall of T2, but the process requires passport photos and can be time-consuming.

Bottom line: You will fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Confirm your terminal (T1 or T2) meticulously. For the fastest transfer, use the new Mumbai Metro lines if your destination is on the route. For door-to-door transport, use Uber/Ola or a pre-paid taxi, but allow an enormous buffer for traffic. Plan your airport transfer as carefully as your flight.