With a population of over 20 million Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, is the most populated city in India and one of the most populated cities in the world. Mumbai is also home to one of the country’s busiest airports, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the second busiest airport in India, operating flights to major international destinations around the world.  Every year Mumbia welcomes countless visitors from different parts of the world.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport was created from the combination of Santa Cruz Airport and Sahar Airport. Today the airport contains numerous services and amenities to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects Mumbai to different regions in India and major destinations across the world.

The airport is located in relatively close proximity to the city. However getting to and from the airport can take much longer than expected due to the heavy traffic conditions in the city. Traveling between the city center and the airport can take between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on the traffic and the method of transportation you use. The most convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city center is by taxi.

There isn’t direct access to the airport by train but passengers can transfer to the train using buses. Trains are the fastest method of transportation in the city but they are extremely crowded at almost every hour of the day. The train is so overcrowded that we wouldn’t recommend using it as a transportation alternative.

Taxi

Taxis are a comfortable way to get to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport from the city center. The only thing you have to pay attention to is making sure you use a prepaid taxi. By using a prepaid taxi you pay the fare beforehand and avoid any chances of overpaying. There are regular taxis that run metered fares in the city as well but when you take the heavy traffic conditions in the city into account, these taxis can cost more than prepaid taxis.  

Bus

There are no direct bus routes that provide transportation from the city center to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Passengers can take the train from the city center to the nearby areas of Ville Parle and Andheri and take a bus from there to the airport. The bus from this region to the airport is very short. Buses and trains in Mumbai are incredibly crowded and therefore not a very comfortable transportation alternative. However, they are preferred by those who are looking for a quick transportation alternative since they bypass most of the city’s traffic. It is a method of transportation to consider, especially if you don’t have a lot of luggage.

Train

Another transportation alternative available to get to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is by train. The train is a much faster alternative compared to other methods of transportation. However, the train is always incredibly crowded. So if you’re looking for a convenient method of transportation we would recommend taking a taxi, even though taxis are more expensive compared to trains. Those who want to take the train can depart from the city center and travel to the Andheri or Ville Parle areas, which are in close proximity to the airport. From here you have to transfer to a bus that provides transportation to the airport. The train can be a viable transportation alternative if you don’t have a lot of luggage.

Hotel Shuttle Services

There are many major hotels located in the city center of Mumbai, which is a very bustling tourist destination. Major hotels that are located in the city center offer guests hotel shuttle services to and from the airport. Some hotels offer these services to their guests at a fee while some of them offer these services for free. Hotel shuttle services pick you up from in front of your hotel and provide direct transportation to the airport. This is one of the most reliable and comfortable transportation alternatives to get to the airport from the city center, especially if you have heavy or excess luggage.

Rental Car

Renting a car in Mumbai is another alternative to get to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and to get around in the city during your trip. There are rental car offices located in many parts of the city where you can rent a vehicle that meets your exact specifications.

Although traffic in the city is quite congested and somewhat complicated the comfort of being in your own vehicle instead of a crowded train or bus makes renting a car worth it. However, if you plan on travelling between cities in India by car keep in mind that there would be a lot of distance to travel.

Limousine

Another transportation alternative to get to the airport, and get around in the city and its surrounding areas, is renting a limousine. Usually limousine services come with a chauffer and can be rented on an hourly or daily basis. Renting a limousine is quite expensive but it is a very comfortable means of transportation. If you want to rent a limousine we suggest researching companies online and comparing prices beforehand.

Shared Rides

Shared ride services are ideal for those who want to travel to the airport by taxi but who don’t want to pay a lot of money. Shared ride services offer a cheaper opportunity that is still comfortable and convenient. Shared ride services can accommodate a number of people who will then split the fare, offering a cheaper total cost to get to the airport in a vehicle that is as comfortable as a taxi. If you can’t find other passengers to share a ride with, you can ask your hotel for assistance.  

Airport Information

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects the city of Mumbai, one of India’s most populated and most developed cities, to the world. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the city’s primary international airport and the country’s second busiest airport. The airport operates domestic flights and international flights out of 2 passenger terminals. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport links the city of Mumbai with major international destinations around the world, such as Paris, London, Singapore, Istanbul, Bangkok, Dubai, and Frankfurt. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport features a variety of services and amenities aimed at meeting passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport contains restaurants and cafes that offer delicious flavors from Indian cuisine and international cuisine. If you want to grab a bite to eat at the airport you can dine at quick service restaurants, restaurants, bars, cafes, or snack bars, including Amreli, Asia 7, Baker Street, Burger King, Café Istanbul, Costa Coffee, Haagen Dazs, KFC, Masala Twist, Olive Bistro, Pizza Hut, Street Foods of India, Vaango, and Zambar. The airport also contains stores that offer an almost endless selection of products, kiosks where you can buy magazines, books, or newspapers, gift shops where you can buy last minute souvenirs, and an extremely large duty free shop.

The airport features private passenger lounges where you can rest, work, and spend time in a relaxing environment. Other basic passenger services at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport include ATMs, currency exchange services, spa services, Wi-Fi, smoking zones, prayer/meditation rooms, child care rooms, medical center, lost and found, children’s play areas, and postal services.

There are different accommodation alternatives available for passengers who want to stay at the airport or nearby. Hotels that passengers can choose from include the Hyatt Regency, The Lalit Mumbai, The Leela Mumbai, Hilton Mumbai, and Hotel Suba International. We recommend taking a the city guide from the airport because it will come in handy during your trip.