Mumbai International Airport, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, is located in the western suburbs of Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is one of India's busiest airports, serving millions of domestic and international travelers each year. This airport is a major gateway for business and leisure travelers visiting Mumbai and the surrounding regions.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mumbai International Airport from different parts of the city. Whether you prefer trains, buses, private cars, or taxis, you will find detailed information and practical tips to plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Mumbai City to Mumbai International Airport – Main Options

Train

Using the local train network is a popular and affordable way to reach Mumbai International Airport, especially during peak hours when road traffic is heavy. The airport is connected by the Western Line of Mumbai's suburban railway.

• The nearest railway station to the airport is Andheri on the Western Line, about 5 km away, with frequent local trains from Churchgate and other central stations. The journey from Churchgate to Andheri takes around 30-40 minutes.

• From Andheri station, you can take a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride to the airport terminals, which takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Auto-rickshaws are cheaper but less comfortable with luggage.

• Trains run frequently from early morning till midnight, but trains can be very crowded during peak hours (8-11 am and 5-8 pm), so avoid traveling with heavy luggage at these times if possible.

• Tickets are inexpensive, usually under ₹20 for most city routes, and you can buy them at stations or use smart cards. However, luggage handling can be challenging during busy hours.

Bus

Public buses operated by BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) connect various parts of Mumbai to the airport area. This option is budget-friendly but slower and less comfortable than trains or taxis.

• BEST buses such as routes 615 and 615A run from Dadar and other central locations to the airport area, taking approximately 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and distance.

• Buses stop near the airport terminals, but you may need to walk a few hundred meters or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to reach the exact terminal entrances.

• Bus fares are very low, usually between ₹10 to ₹30, making it suitable for travelers on a tight budget or those familiar with local transport.

• During monsoon season, buses can be delayed due to waterlogging on roads, so plan extra time for your journey in July and August.

• Bus frequency varies, with more buses during daytime and fewer late at night, so check timings in advance, especially for early morning or late-night flights.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Mumbai International Airport is convenient if you have your own vehicle or rent a car. The airport is well connected by major roads and highways, but traffic congestion can affect travel times.

• The airport is accessible via the Western Express Highway (NH48) and the Link Road, with clear signboards directing to Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international).

• Depending on your starting point, travel time can range from 30 minutes to over 90 minutes during peak traffic hours, especially from South Mumbai or central areas.

• Parking is available at the airport with hourly and daily rates; long-term parking is also offered but can be expensive, so check rates beforehand.

• Toll plazas on the Western Express Highway can add to travel costs, so keep some cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Driving during early mornings or late nights is generally faster due to lighter traffic, but avoid peak office hours (8-11 am and 5-8 pm) to save time.

Taxi / App-Based Cabs

Taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are the most popular and comfortable options for reaching Mumbai International Airport. They offer door-to-door service and can handle luggage easily.

• Ola and Uber operate across Mumbai and provide direct rides to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with estimated travel times of 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and starting location.

• Fares vary by distance and time of day, typically ranging from ₹300 to ₹700 from central Mumbai, with surge pricing during peak hours or bad weather.

• Prepaid taxi counters are available at railway stations and bus depots, but app-based cabs are usually cheaper and more convenient.

• Booking a cab in advance is recommended during early morning flights or late-night arrivals to avoid waiting times and higher fares.

• During monsoon season, traffic jams are common, so allow extra travel time and check real-time traffic updates on your app before starting your journey.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling to Mumbai International Airport for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you prepare and reach the airport without stress.

• Check your flight timing and terminal (Terminal 1 for domestic, Terminal 2 for international) to plan your route accordingly and avoid confusion on arrival.

• Book your taxi or cab in advance using Ola or Uber apps, especially if traveling early morning or late night, to ensure availability and avoid surge pricing.

• If using local trains, buy your ticket or smart card from the station beforehand and avoid peak hours to travel comfortably with luggage.

• Leave home at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights to account for Mumbai’s unpredictable traffic and security checks.

• Keep your ID proof, flight ticket, and luggage tags handy to speed up check-in and security clearance at the airport.

• Use Google Maps or local traffic apps to check real-time traffic conditions and choose the fastest route to the airport on your travel day.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks, as Mumbai traffic jams can extend travel time unexpectedly, and airport food options can be expensive.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs rather than hailing street taxis to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying too many bags on local trains or buses, as these can get crowded and uncomfortable.

• During monsoon, wear waterproof shoes and carry an umbrella or raincoat, as heavy rains can cause delays and waterlogging near the airport.

• Book your tickets and cabs in advance during festival seasons like Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi, when Mumbai experiences heavy traffic and travel demand spikes.

• Use airport shuttle services if available from your hotel or nearby railway stations to save cost and avoid parking hassles.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Mumbai’s weather and traffic conditions can greatly affect your journey to the airport. Understanding the best times to travel can save you time and stress.

The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains and flooding, which often cause roadblocks and delays. Winter months from November to February offer pleasant weather and smoother travel conditions.

• Avoid traveling during peak office hours (8-11 am and 5-8 pm) on weekdays to escape heavy traffic jams on main roads leading to the airport.

• Festival periods such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali see increased traffic and crowded public transport, so plan extra travel time during these times.

• Early morning flights are best reached by leaving very early to avoid both traffic and last-minute rush at the airport.

• During monsoon, check weather and traffic updates before starting your journey, as waterlogging can cause unexpected route changes and delays.

Arrival at Mumbai International Airport & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mumbai International Airport, you will find clear signboards directing you to the domestic and international terminals. The airport is large but well organized, with multiple entry and exit points.

For local commute, prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are available outside both terminals. Auto-rickshaws are generally not allowed inside airport premises, so plan accordingly. Many hotels offer airport shuttle services, which can be convenient if you have pre-booked.

Popular areas to stay near the airport include Andheri, Vile Parle, and Santacruz, which have good hotel options and easy access to the airport. If you arrive late at night, it is safer to book a cab in advance rather than waiting outside the terminal.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mumbai International Airport depends on your budget, comfort preference, and starting location. For most travelers, app-based cabs offer the best balance of convenience and reliability, especially with luggage. Local trains are a good budget option but can be challenging during peak hours.

Planning your journey with enough time, checking real-time traffic updates, and booking transport in advance are key to a smooth airport transfer. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best mode of transport and enjoy a hassle-free start or end to your Mumbai trip.