Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) Guide
Quick summary
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMIA / BOM) is Mumbai's main airport, with a domestic Terminal 1 and a large international Terminal 2 that are physically separate. A free 24/7 inter-terminal coach links them, and app cabs or prepaid taxis handle the rest.
The bottom line on BOM
Mumbai's biggest trap is assuming its two terminals are one place: T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) sit 5-6 km apart by road with no airside link, so a self-transfer runs through city traffic and can easily take over an hour. The free inter-terminal coach runs every 10 minutes, 24/7, but only if you show both your arriving and onward tickets.
The smart move is to leave a generous connection window and use only the official prepaid taxi counter or app cabs (Uber, Ola) from the designated pickup zones, never touts. A cab between terminals runs about ₹250-400, and a ride into central or south Mumbai typically ₹400-800.
AirportScore
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Traps most travelers fall for at BOM
- T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) sit 5-6 km apart by road with no airside link, so a self-transfer runs through city traffic and can easily take over an hour — leave a generous connection window.
- The free inter-terminal coach runs every 10 minutes 24/7, but you must show both your arriving and onward tickets to board.
- There's no metro straight to T2 — use only the official prepaid taxi counter or app cabs (Uber, Ola) from the designated pickup zones, never touts.
Terminals at BOM
Mumbai has two separate terminals. Terminal 1 (T1) is the domestic terminal, split into sub-piers (T1A/T1C) and used mainly by low-cost carriers. Terminal 2 (T2) is the modern X-shaped flagship handling all international flights plus some full-service domestic services. The two terminals are not connected airside - they sit roughly 5-6 km apart by road with separate entrances and drop-off zones. To transfer, the airport runs a free inter-terminal coach every 10 minutes, 24/7; you must show your previous and onward flight tickets to board, and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. The T2 boarding point is on the Ground Transportation level (P4); at T1 the pickup is by the Arrivals exit, near Departure Gate 2. Alternatively an app cab or prepaid taxi between terminals costs around ₹250-400. Because it's a landside transfer through city roads, always leave a generous connection window - a self-transfer can take well over an hour in Mumbai traffic.
BOM parking rates & options
| Minimum stay — T2 (car) | About ₹150 (₹250 premium) for up to 30 min |
| Short stay — a few hours | Rises steadily; check posted slab rates |
| 8 to 24 hours — T2 (ordinary) | About ₹1,000 per day |
| 8 to 24 hours — T2 (premium) | About ₹1,200 per day |
| Valet parking — T2 | Base fee plus about ₹150 per extra hour |
Where the money actually goes at BOM
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is ₹1,050 a day — ₹150 at the valet parking — t2 versus ₹1,200 at the 8 to 24 hours — t2 (premium). Over a week that is ₹7,350, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above — not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
🚆 Getting to & from the airport
There is no metro line running directly into Terminal 2, so most travellers use app cabs or taxis. App-based cabs (Uber, Ola) and the airport's prepaid taxi and radio-taxi counters are the main way into the city - use the official pickup zones (T2 pickups are on the Ground Transportation level) rather than accepting rides from touts. Fares into central and south Mumbai typically run ₹400-800 and up depending on distance, time of day and surge pricing, and traffic can make journeys long. The Mumbai Metro network serves nearby areas (with connections a short taxi ride from the airport) and public/AC buses offer the cheapest option, but for door-to-door convenience an app cab or prepaid taxi is the norm at BOM.
BOM vs DEL: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
| BOM | DEL | |
|---|---|---|
| City transit ease | 2 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Layover comfort | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Value for money | 3 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
🛋️ Lounges
Terminal 2 (international) is the lounge hub, with premium options such as the Adani/Encalm and GVK-legacy lounges, Air India's Maharaja Lounge, and aggregator lounges that accept Priority Pass, DreamFolks and pay-per-use walk-ins, offering hot buffets, bar service, showers and free Wi-Fi. Terminal 1 (domestic) has its own smaller lounges (including Adani-operated and Loyalty/Encalm-branded spaces) accessible via lounge programs, eligible credit cards or paid entry. Access is generally granted a few hours before departure, and most lounges provide comfortable rest areas and refreshments.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available across both terminals - connect to the '#MumbaiAirportWiFi' network and follow the on-screen sign-in (usually a mobile-number/OTP verification) to get online.
😴 Layovers & overnight
T2 is a comfortable place to wait, with extensive dining, the well-known 'Jaya He' art museum walkway, shopping and lounges, and 24-hour seating. For a paid rest there are nap pods/sleeping cabins and shower facilities within the terminal (bookable in short blocks), and pay lounges include showers. For overnight or long international layovers, several hotels sit close to the airport (a short taxi hop), and a transit/day-use hotel option is available in the T2 precinct. Keep in mind Indian airports restrict terminal entry to ticketed passengers, so hold onto your boarding pass and don't rely on freely moving between T1 and T2 overnight - the free coach still requires valid onward tickets.
Insider tips
- Confirm whether you leave from T1 (domestic) or T2 (international) - they're 5-6 km apart with no airside link, so a wrong-terminal arrival is costly.
- The free inter-terminal coach runs every 10 minutes 24/7 but you must show both your arriving and onward tickets to board.
- There's no metro straight to T2 - use an Uber/Ola or the official prepaid taxi counter from the designated pickup zones, not touts.
- Mumbai traffic is heavy; allow well over an hour for any self-transfer between T1 and T2 or into the city during peak times.
- Connect to '#MumbaiAirportWiFi' for free internet, and use T2's nap pods or pay lounges for showers on a long layover.
BOM airport — FAQ
＋ − How do I get from Mumbai Airport to the city center?
There's no metro directly into the terminals, so most travellers use app cabs (Uber, Ola) or the airport's prepaid/radio taxis from the official pickup zones. Fares into central and south Mumbai typically run ₹400-800 or more depending on distance, time and surge, and traffic can be heavy. AC buses are the cheapest option.
＋ − How much is parking at Mumbai Airport?
At Terminal 2, a short 30-minute stay is around ₹150 (₹250 for premium), rising by posted slabs. A full 8-24 hour day is about ₹1,000 for ordinary parking and around ₹1,200 for premium. Valet parking is available with a base fee plus roughly ₹150 per extra hour; you can pre-book online for longer stays.
＋ − How do I get between the domestic (T1) and international (T2) terminals at Mumbai?
T1 and T2 are physically separate, about 5-6 km apart by road. A free inter-terminal coach runs every 10 minutes, 24/7 - show your previous and onward flight tickets to board, and expect a 15-20 minute ride plus traffic. An app cab or prepaid taxi between terminals costs about ₹250-400. Allow well over an hour for a self-transfer.
＋ − Is Wi-Fi free at Mumbai Airport?
Yes. Connect to the '#MumbaiAirportWiFi' network and complete the on-screen sign-in (usually a mobile-number and OTP verification) to get online across both terminals.
＋ − Where can I rest during a long layover at Mumbai Airport?
Terminal 2 has 24-hour seating, plenty of dining and the 'Jaya He' art walkway, plus nap pods/sleeping cabins and showers bookable in short blocks. Pay lounges also offer showers, and several hotels near the airport (a short taxi hop) suit overnight stays.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.