Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport (BOM)
Airport Overview
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB), officially renamed in 1999 in honour of the 17th-century Maratha emperor, is India's second-busiest airport and the primary international gateway to Mumbai — the country's financial, commercial, and entertainment capital. Located in Sahar, Andheri East, the airport sits approximately 28 km north of Mumbai's city centre (Nariman Point) and 18 km from the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the city's modern business district.
The airport serves as the primary hub for Air India and IndiGo, and as a significant base for Vistara (now merged into Air India), Air India Express, and GoFirst (suspended since 2023). Mumbai is a critical transhipment point for Middle Eastern carriers including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, each operating multiple daily widebody flights. In 2024 the airport handled approximately 50.1 million passengers, making it one of the top 40 busiest airports globally and the second-busiest in India after Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The site has a long aviation history dating to 1942, when it was developed by the US military as Sahar Aerodrome during World War II. Civil operations began in 1948, and international services followed shortly after. The landmark Terminal 2 (T2), designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and inaugurated in February 2014, transformed the airport with its 440,000 sq m integrated facility capable of handling 40 million passengers annually. T2 is celebrated for its Art at Airport programme, housing one of the largest art collections in Asia — over 7,000 works spanning traditional and contemporary Indian art displayed across its public areas.
Mumbai Airport is operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a joint venture between the Adani Group (74%) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) (26%). A major expansion — the greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport — is under construction across the bay and expected to open in phases from 2025–2026, which will eventually relieve capacity pressure on the existing facility.
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Terminals & Gates
Terminal Overview
Mumbai Airport has two active terminals — T1 and T2 — which are approximately 3 km apart and connected by a free shuttle bus (journey ~10 minutes, runs 24/7). There is no airside connection between terminals; passengers must exit and re-enter security.
Terminal 2 (T2) — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Terminal
T2 is the jewel of Mumbai Airport and one of the largest and most architecturally celebrated terminals in Asia. Designed by the New York firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in collaboration with Mumbai-based architects, it was inaugurated in February 2014 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The terminal covers approximately 440,000 sq m (4.7 million sq ft) across 8 levels and has a design capacity of 40 million passengers per year.
- Airlines: All international flights; full-service domestic carriers including Air India, Vistara (now Air India), and select IndiGo routes
- Alliances: Star Alliance (Air India), SkyTeam (Air France, KLM, Delta), oneworld (British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways), and major unaffiliated carriers
- Gates: 100+ gates including 43 aerobridge gates; gates spread across 4 piers (A, B, C, D)
- Check-in: Over 180 check-in counters on Level 4 departures; separate international and domestic check-in zones
- Art at Airport: 7,000+ artworks including sculptures, paintings, installations, and a stunning 3.5-km "peacock wall" mural in the departure hall
- Lounges (airside, international):
- Air India Maharaja Lounge (Star Alliance eligible)
- GVK Lounge (accessible via Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey)
- Plaza Premium Lounge (pay-per-use ~₹3,500/~€41 or via credit card)
- Various airline-specific lounges: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, British Airways
- Facilities: Extensive duty-free (Nuance Watson), luxury retail (Burberry, Coach, Montblanc), 30+ food & beverage outlets, medical centre, prayer rooms, baby care rooms, showers (in select lounges)
Terminal 1 (T1) — Santacruz Domestic Terminal
T1 is the older terminal, used primarily by low-cost domestic carriers including IndiGo (main user), SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. It was partially renovated in 2012 and handles approximately 15–20 million passengers per year. T1 is a more functional, no-frills facility.
- Gates: ~45 gates, mostly domestic, limited aerobridges
- Check-in: Automated kiosks and standard counters at Level 2
- Lounges: IndiGo 6E Lounge; limited Priority Pass options compared to T2
- Facilities: Basic food court, convenience retail, ATMs, pharmacy
- Inter-terminal transit: Free MIAL shuttle bus departs every 10–15 minutes from designated bus bays outside arrivals; allow 30–45 minutes total for terminal change (including security re-screening at T2)
Transportation Guide
Getting to and from Mumbai Airport (BOM)
Mumbai's urban geography — a narrow peninsula — means all routes to the city centre involve navigating congested arterial roads or the suburban rail network. Travel times vary enormously depending on time of day; the Western Express Highway can take 30–45 minutes at 6 AM and over 90 minutes during evening peak hours (5–9 PM). Plan accordingly, especially for early-morning international departures.
Metro Rail
The Mumbai Metro Line 1 (Versova–Andheri–Ghatkopar) runs close to the airport but does not serve it directly. However, the under-construction Metro Line 7 (Dahisar East–Andheri East) and Metro Line 2A extensions are expanding coverage. More importantly, Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) — which opened in phases in 2023–2024 — has a station at Sahar Road / CSIA T2 connecting the airport to BKC and Cuffe Parade (southern Mumbai). As of 2025:
- Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line): Station at T2 (Sahar Road station, a short covered walk from T2 departures). Services run approximately 06:30–23:00.
- Journey to BKC: ~10 minutes, ₹40–60 (~€0.45–0.70)
- Journey to Churchgate/Nariman Point area: ~40–45 minutes with interchange, ₹60–90 (~€0.70–1.05)
- Frequency: every 5–7 minutes during peak hours
- T1 is not directly served — T1 passengers can take the free inter-terminal bus to T2 and then use Metro Line 3.
Suburban Railway (Local Train)
Mumbai's legendary suburban rail network offers the cheapest option but is not airport-integrated and involves significant luggage challenges in crowded carriages. The nearest stations are Andheri (Western Line) and Vile Parle (Western Line), both 3–5 km from T2 reachable by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- Andheri to Churchgate: ~40 minutes, ₹10–50 (~€0.12–0.60) first/second class
- Not recommended for passengers with more than hand luggage
Bus (BEST & NMMT)
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) utility and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) operate several routes that pass near the airport:
- AC Express buses connect the airport (Sahar Road bus stop, T2 exit) to Bandra, Andheri, Dadar, and CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus).
- Fares: ₹30–80 (~€0.35–0.95) depending on route and AC/non-AC
- Journey to Bandra: ~25–40 minutes (off-peak), ₹35 (~€0.40)
- Journey to CSMT: ~60–90 minutes, ₹70–80 (~€0.80–0.95)
- Frequency: every 15–30 minutes; reduced late night
- Not ideal for heavy luggage or late-night arrivals
Taxi — Prepaid & Metered
Prepaid taxis from the official counters at both T1 and T2 arrivals are the most reliable fixed-price option:
- T2 Prepaid Taxi Counter (ground floor, arrivals hall)
- Cool Cabs (AC) to South Mumbai / Nariman Point: ₹800–1,100 (~€9–13)
- Cool Cabs to Bandra / BKC: ₹450–600 (~€5–7)
- Black-and-yellow metered taxis are also available; meters start at ₹25 with ₹14.30/km thereafter
- Journey time: 30–90 minutes depending on destination and traffic
- Night charges (midnight–5 AM): 25% surcharge
Ride-Sharing (Uber & Ola)
Uber and Ola are widely used and often cheaper than prepaid taxis for shorter distances. Designated pickup zones are located outside T2 arrivals (Gate 3 exit, Level 1) and T1 arrivals. App-based booking is strongly recommended:
- Uber/Ola Mini to Bandra: ₹350–500 (~€4–6)
- Uber/Ola Mini to Nariman Point: ₹600–900 (~€7–10.50)
- Surge pricing common during peak hours (7–10 AM, 5–9 PM)
- Uber Premier/XL and Ola Prime available for larger groups or premium rides
- Rapido (bike-taxi) available for solo travellers with minimal luggage
Car Rental
All major car rental companies have desks in the T2 arrivals area or nearby off-airport lots:
- Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Zoomcar (self-drive), Myles
- Chauffeur-driven cars widely available through Savaari, Meru Cabs, and hotel booking
- Self-drive rates from ₹3,000/day (~€35) for a compact; include fuel and tolls
Hotel Shuttles
Most airport-adjacent hotels (Trident, Hyatt Regency, ITC Maratha, Hilton) offer complimentary or paid shuttle services. Confirm at time of booking; shuttles typically depart every 30–60 minutes from designated T2 pickup points.
| Transport | Time to City Centre | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 3 (to BKC) | 10 min | ₹40–60 (~€0.50) | 5–7 min | 06:30–23:00 |
| Metro Line 3 (to South Mumbai) | 40–45 min | ₹60–90 (~€0.75) | 5–7 min | 06:30–23:00 |
| BEST AC Bus | 60–90 min | ₹30–80 (~€0.40–0.95) | 15–30 min | Reduced late night |
| Prepaid Taxi (AC) | 30–90 min | ₹450–1,100 (~€5–13) | On demand | 24/7 |
| Uber/Ola Mini | 30–90 min | ₹350–900 (~€4–10) | On demand | 24/7 |
| Local Train (via auto to Andheri) | 50–60 min total | ₹30–60 (~€0.40–0.70) | 5–10 min | 04:00–01:00 |
Hotels Near the Airport
Hotels Inside / Connected to the Airport
There are no hotels directly connected via airside walkway to T2, but several properties are within 5 minutes by hotel shuttle or car:
- ITC Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Mumbai's closest luxury airport hotel, 2 min from T2. Rates from ₹12,000–25,000/night (~€140–295). Complimentary shuttle.
- Trident Nariman Point / Trident BKC — Part of Oberoi Group; BKC property 15 min via Metro Line 3. Rates from ₹9,000–18,000/night (~€105–210).
Hotels Within 5 km of T2
- Hyatt Regency Mumbai ★★★★★ — 3 min from T2. Complimentary airport shuttle. Rates ₹10,000–20,000/night (~€118–235). Pool, multiple restaurants.
- Hilton Mumbai International Airport ★★★★★ — Adjacent to T2, walkable distance. Rates ₹9,500–18,000/night (~€112–210). Popular for layovers.
- Novotel Mumbai International Airport ★★★★ — 5 min walk from T2. Rates ₹7,000–13,000/night (~€82–153). Good value, free shuttle.
- Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport ★★★★ — 5 min drive. Rates ₹6,500–11,000/night (~€76–129). Shuttle available.
- Vivanta Mumbai, Cuffe Parade (Taj) ★★★★★ — 35 min, South Mumbai. Rates ₹12,000–22,000/night (~€140–260).
- ibis Mumbai Airport ★★★ — Budget-friendly, 5 min drive. Rates ₹3,500–6,000/night (~€41–70). No frills, clean, reliable.
Budget Options
- FabHotel Prime Airport Inn — Rates from ₹2,000–3,500/night (~€23–41). Andheri East, 10 min drive.
- Zostel Mumbai — Hostel in Bandra, ~20 min. Dorm beds from ₹700/night (~€8). Not ideal for early/late flights.
Sleep Zones / Transit Rest
T2 has Plaza Premium Lounge rest zones with reclining chairs available for purchase (approx. ₹3,500/~€41 for 3-hour access). There are no dedicated capsule hotels or sleep pods airside as of 2025, though comfortable seating areas near Gates 1B–3B are used by transit passengers overnight. The airport operates 24/7 so overnight waiting is permitted.
---Parking Options & Rates
Parking at Mumbai Airport (BOM)
MIAL operates multi-level car parks at both T1 and T2. Online pre-booking is available via the CSIA website and is recommended for stays over 24 hours to secure lower rates.
T2 Parking
- T2 Multi-Level Car Park (MLCP): Directly connected to T2 departures via covered walkway. Capacity ~5,000 vehicles.
- Short-term / Express Drop-off: Level P1, free for first 10 minutes, ₹100 (~€1.20) per 30 minutes thereafter.
- Standard Parking: ₹80/hour (~€0.95) for first 2 hours; ₹40/hour thereafter; daily cap ~₹800 (~€9.40).
- Weekly: ~₹4,000–5,000 (~€47–59) — pre-booking recommended.
- Valet Parking: ₹500 handling fee + standard hourly rates. Available at T2 main entrance.
T1 Parking
- Open surface and partial MLCP; similar pricing structure to T2 but slightly lower rates.
- ₹60–70/hour, daily cap ~₹650 (~€7.65)
EV Charging
EV charging stations are available at T2 MLCP (Level P2 and P3) — compatible with standard Indian Type 2 and CCS plugs. Charging rates approximately ₹20–25/kWh. Number of bays: 20+ as of 2025 (expanding).
Off-Airport Parking
Several private operators in Andheri East offer cheaper long-stay parking:
- Rates from ₹250–350/day (~€2.95–4.10)
- Free shuttle to airport
- Search "airport parking Andheri East" for current operators — quality and security varies; verify reviews
| Type | Location | First Hour | Daily Cap | Weekly (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2 Short-Term | T2 MLCP, Level P1 | ₹80 (~€0.95) | ₹800 (~€9.40) | ₹4,500 (~€53) |
| T1 Standard | T1 Car Park | ₹60 (~€0.70) | ₹650 (~€7.65) | ₹3,800 (~€45) |
| Valet (T2) | T2 Main Entrance | ₹500 + hourly | ₹500 + ₹800 cap | N/A |
| Off-Airport Private | Andheri East | N/A | ₹300 (~€3.55) | ₹2,000 (~€23.60) |
Services & Facilities
WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout T2 (and T1) under the network "CSIA_FREE_WIFI". Connection requires mobile number OTP verification. Speed is adequate for browsing and messaging (15–30 Mbps typical), though it can slow during peak hours. Paid premium WiFi (faster, no time cap) is available via airport portal at approximately ₹200–400 (~€2.35–4.70) for 24 hours. WiFi is available pre- and post-security.
Lounges
- Air India Maharaja Lounge (T2, International) — For Air India business class, First, and Star Alliance Gold members. Buffet, bar, showers.
- GVK Lounge (T2, International Departures) — Accessible via Priority Pass, Lounge Key, DragonPass. Walk-in: ~₹3,500 (~€41). Buffet, bar, showers, private cubicles.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (T2, Domestic) — Pay-per-use ₹1,800–2,500 (~€21–29) for 3 hours. Meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, showers.
- Airline-specific lounges: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines all maintain their own lounges for eligible passengers in T2 international.
- IndiGo 6E Lounge (T1) — IndiGo frequent flyers and eligible cardholders; simple fare, beverages.
Shopping
T2 has an extensive retail offer across two main zones:
- International Duty Free (Nuance Watson / The Moodie): Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, confectionery. Major brands: MAC, Jo Malone, Chanel, Dior.
- Luxury Retail: Montblanc, Burberry, Coach, Emporio Armani, Swarovski.
- Indian Handicrafts & Gifts: Fabindia, Good Earth, Bombay Store — excellent for last-minute authentic souvenirs.
- Electronics: iStore (Apple), Bose
- Books & Travel: WHSmith, Crossword
Dining
- 24-hour options: McDonald's, Subway, Costa Coffee (T2 landside and airside)
- Indian cuisine: Bombay Brasserie, Masala Kitchen, Status Restaurant — full Indian menu, ₹400–1,200/person (~€4.70–14)
- Bar: Kingfisher Bar (T2 airside), draft beer from ₹400 (~€4.70)
- Premium: Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food India (T2 airside international) — ₹1,500–3,000/person (~€17.65–35)
- Note: All duty-free and airside outlets are open 24/7 in line with flight operations
Medical Services
- Airport Medical Centre: T2 Level 3, open 24/7. General consultation, emergency first aid, ambulance on standby.
- Pharmacy: Apollo Pharmacy, T2 arrivals hall and departure levels; open 24/7.
- AEDs (automated defibrillators) located throughout both terminals.
Family Facilities
- Kids' Play Area: T2 airside, near Gate 1B — indoor soft play zone
- Baby Care Rooms: Dedicated rooms with changing tables and nursing areas, T2 Level 3 and Level 4; T1 near domestic gate area
- Family Lanes: Dedicated security lanes at T2; request at the check-in desk
Accessibility (PRM)
- Wheelchair assistance available — request at check-in or at airport information desks
- Accessible restrooms throughout both terminals
- Hearing loop systems at information counters
- Pre-register PRM assistance via airline or CSIA's official website
Currency Exchange & ATMs
- Thomas Cook, UAE Exchange, Muthoot Forex counters at T2 arrivals and departures
- ATMs (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Citibank) throughout both terminals, landside and airside
- Best rates: use ATMs (Visa/Mastercard) rather than exchange counters for INR withdrawal
Luggage Storage
- Left luggage facility at T2 (Level 1, near arrivals): ₹200–350 per bag per 24 hours (~€2.35–4.10)
- T1 has limited storage near arrivals — confirm availability on arrival
- Urpago and Bounce partner locations in central Mumbai (Bandra, Andheri) for city-side storage
Smoking
Mumbai Airport is a no-smoking facility indoors. Designated outdoor smoking zones are available at T2 ground floor (landside only, outside the terminal building). No airside smoking zones exist after security. E-cigarettes follow the same rules; note that e-cigarettes are banned in India — do not attempt to import or use them.
Prayer Rooms & Chapel
- Multi-faith prayer room: T2 Level 3 (airside international), near Gate 2C. Open 24/7.
- Separate male/female ablution facilities adjacent to prayer room.
Showers
Showers are available in the GVK Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, and airline-specific lounges (Emirates, Etihad, etc.) in T2. Lounge access fees apply (from ₹1,800/~€21 for Plaza Premium). There are no public pay showers outside lounge access at BOM.
---Airlines & Destinations
Hub and Base Airlines
- Air India (Star Alliance) — Primary hub at T2. Operates wide international network including North America (New York JFK/EWR, Chicago, San Francisco), Europe (London LHR, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Amsterdam), and extensive Asia-Pacific coverage. Fleet includes Boeing 787 and 777.
- IndiGo — Largest domestic carrier by market share; operates primarily from T1 with some T2 international routes. Serves 80+ domestic destinations and growing international network (Dubai, Bangkok, Doha, Istanbul, etc.).
- Air India Express — Low-cost subsidiary of Air India; focus on Gulf routes (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Kuwait, Doha) and Southeast Asia from T2.
- Akasa Air — Newest Indian full-service LCC launched 2022; domestic only from T1.
Major International Airlines (Star Alliance)
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt), Swiss (Zurich), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), United Airlines (Newark), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul)
Major International Airlines (oneworld)
- British Airways (London LHR), Qatar Airways (Doha), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), American Airlines (codeshare via BA)
Major International Airlines (SkyTeam)
- Air France (Paris CDG), KLM (Amsterdam), Delta (codeshare), China Eastern (Shanghai)
Low-Cost / Gulf Carriers
- Emirates (Dubai — multiple daily, one of the busiest routes globally)
- Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi)
- Flydubai, Air Arabia, WizzAir Abu Dhabi
- GoAir/GoFirst (suspended since 2023)
Top Busiest Routes from BOM (approx. annual passengers)
| Route | Airlines | Est. Annual Pax |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai–Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Air India, Vistara/AI, SpiceJet | ~8–9M |
| Mumbai–Dubai (DXB) | Emirates, IndiGo, Air India, Air Arabia, Flydubai | ~3–4M |
| Mumbai–Bangalore (BLR) | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | ~3.5M |
| Mumbai–London (LHR) | Air India, British Airways | ~1.5M |
| Mumbai–Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Etihad, Air India Express, IndiGo | ~1.2M |
| Mumbai–Singapore (SIN) | Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, Air India | ~1.1M |
| Mumbai–Doha (DOH) | Qatar Airways, IndiGo, Air India | ~1M |
| Mumbai–Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | IndiGo, Thai Airways, Air India | ~900K |
| Mumbai–New York (JFK/EWR) | Air India | ~600K |
| Mumbai–Frankfurt (FRA) | Lufthansa, Air India | ~550K |
Distances & Travel Times
Distances from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
| Destination | Distance | By Car / Taxi | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex) | 18 km | 20–40 min | 10–15 min (Metro Line 3) |
| Bandra West | 14 km | 20–35 min | 20–30 min (metro + walk) |
| Nariman Point (City Centre) | 28 km | 40–90 min | 40–55 min (Metro Line 3) |
| CSMT / Victoria Terminus | 26 km | 40–80 min | 50–70 min (metro + train) |
| Juhu Beach | 6 km | 15–25 min | 20–30 min (auto + metro) |
| Andheri East (local hub) | 3 km | 10–15 min | 10 min (metro) |
| Bollywood Studios (Film City, Goregaon) | 10 km | 20–35 min | 25–40 min |
| Gateway of India | 30 km | 45–100 min | 55–70 min (Metro 3 + ferry or taxi) |
| Elephanta Caves (ferry from Gateway) | 35 km total | 50 min drive + 1hr ferry | 65 min transit + 1hr ferry |
| Thane | 20 km | 30–55 min | 50–70 min |
| Pune (city centre) | 155 km | 2.5–3.5 hrs | 3–3.5 hrs (Pune Shivneri bus) |
| Navi Mumbai (CBD Belapur) | 35 km | 45–75 min | 60–80 min |
Passenger Statistics
Mumbai Airport Traffic Statistics
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has shown robust recovery and growth post-pandemic, driven by India's booming aviation market. Mumbai consistently ranks as India's #2 airport by passengers (behind Delhi IGI) and is a top-40 global hub by volume.
| Year | Total Passengers | International | Domestic | Growth YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 49.8M | 16.8M | 33.0M | +3.2% |
| 2020 | 21.3M | 6.4M | 14.9M | –57.2% (COVID) |
| 2021 | 18.2M | 3.9M | 14.3M | –14.6% |
| 2022 | 38.6M | 10.1M | 28.5M | +112% |
| 2023 | 47.3M | 14.2M | 33.1M | +22.5% |
| 2024 | 50.1M | 15.6M | 34.5M | +5.9% |
Aircraft movements: Approximately 380,000–400,000 per year (2024). BOM operates on just 2 runways, making it one of the most operationally intensive dual-runway airports in the world — handling a movement roughly every 80 seconds at peak times.
Cargo: Mumbai is India's busiest air cargo hub, handling approximately 800,000–850,000 metric tonnes per year (2024), including significant pharmaceutical exports from Maharashtra.
Ranking: #2 in India (behind Delhi IGI at ~72M), approximately #38–42 globally by passengers. Busiest months are typically December–January (peak tourist season + NRI visits) and May (pre-summer holiday).
Capacity constraint: T2 was designed for 40M passengers; the airport as a whole consistently operates above theoretical capacity. The greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — projected initial capacity of 20M, eventually 60M — is intended to provide long-term relief and is expected to receive its first commercial flights in 2025–2026.
---Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
General Airport Information
Phone: +91 22 6685 1010
24/7
Official Website
Airport Emergency (India)
Phone: 112 (national emergency number)
Social Media
Twitter: @CSIAMumbai
Facebook: CSIAMumbai
Instagram: @csiamumbai
Lost & Found
Phone: +91 22 6685 1444
Location: T2 Level 1, near Arrivals Exit; T1 Ground Floor Information Desk
Open: 24/7 (peak staffing 06:00–23:00)
Pro Tips for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport
- T2's Art at Airport collection is worth 20 minutes of exploration — the 'Jaya He' mural on the departure level is genuinely stunning. The best viewing stretch is between Gates 2A and 3C on the international airside.
- The food court on T2 Level 4 (domestic departures, pre-security) consistently has shorter queues and identical food at lower prices compared to airside options. Stock up before going through security for domestic flights.
- For Uber/Ola pickups at T2, exit via the Gate 3 arrivals door and walk to the designated app-taxi zone on Level 0. Ignoring this and standing at the main exit causes confusion and longer wait times.
- The SBI ATM on T2 Level 1 (near international arrivals) typically has the most reliable uptime and dispenses ₹2,000 and ₹500 notes. Avoid the standalone ATM kiosks near duty-free — higher fees.
- Always confirm your terminal — T1 vs T2 — before leaving for the airport. IndiGo operates from T1 for domestic and T2 for some international routes. A wrong-terminal mistake at Mumbai adds 45 minutes minimum.
- Book Metro Line 3 tickets via the Mumbai Metro app or buy at station kiosks to avoid queues. The Sahar Road station (T2) is a 5-minute covered walk from the T2 departures entrance.
- For international departures, target arrival 3 hours early for midnight–3 AM departure banks (most Air India, Emirates, and Gulf carrier flights depart in this window). The security queue at T2 Gate 5 (east security) is typically shorter than the main Gate 1 central security — check with airport staff.
- If you have Axis Bank, HDFC Infinia, or Amex Platinum credit cards, check complimentary lounge access — the GVK Lounge charges ₹3,500 walk-in but many Indian premium cards grant free entry.
- Underestimating Mumbai traffic at peak hours (7–10 AM, 5–9 PM). A 28 km journey to Nariman Point can take 90 minutes or more. Many travellers miss flights despite leaving what seemed like adequate time. Always add a 45-minute buffer during weekday rush hour.
- Attempting to use e-cigarettes or vapes — these are banned nationwide in India under the PECA 2019 law. Airport security will confiscate them; customs may levy fines. Leave all vaping devices at home.
- Skipping online check-in for domestic IndiGo/SpiceJet flights and then arriving at T1 to face very long queues. Web check-in opens 48 hours before departure and significantly reduces T1 queue time, especially during festive periods.