Airport Guide to Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Mumbai Airport, or Chhatrapati Shivaji International, is located approximately 28km (17 miles) north of Central Mumbai. It is the city’s main airport and South Asia’s second-busiest airport, serving around 29 million passengers in 2010-2011.

Spread over two suburban areas, namely Santa Cruz and Sahar, Chhatrapati Shivaji International consists of two main terminals and an additional five sub-terminals. Terminal 1, which is reserved for domestic flights, is located on the Santa Cruz side, while Terminal 2 handles international flights and is situated on the Sahar side. Both terminals are separated on the landslide – thus requiring a 15-20 minute transfer between them – but they share the same airside facilities.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International can get hectic at times; however, the completion of a number of renovations in the near future, including the merging of the airport’s two terminals, should see operations smoothing out across the board. For the time-being, expect long queues and a dash of organised chaos, both of which may be compensated for with a duty-free shopping spree or a tasty meal and drinks at one of Chhatrapati Shivaji International’s eateries.

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Terminal Transfer

A free coach service transfers passengers between the terminals every 20 minutes.

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Getting into Town

Train: Commuting via railway is the fastest way to travel in Mumbai. The Mumbai Suburban Railway Network consists of three lines, namely the Western, Central and Harbour Lines; all of which connect to various parts of the city. The closest station to CSIA’s Domestic Terminal 1 is called Vile Parle, which is located in Santa Cruz, while the nearest station to International Terminal 2 is Andheri, located in Sahar. Both stations may be reached via a quick bus or taxi trip from CSIA. A one-way second-class ticket is about RS 9 (£0.12) and a first-class ticket costs around RS 76 (£1).

Bus: Buses travel between CSIA and nearby railway stations Vile Parle and Andheri. Catch route no. 312 in Domestic Terminal 1 and no. 321 in International Terminal 2.

Taxi: Taxis are the only form of transport offering direct transfers to the city. Choose a prepaid taxi over a metered one as metered taxi drivers are notorious for travelling longer routes to destinations in order to rack up the meter reading. Do not pay more than RS 450-600 (£6-£8) for a prepaid taxi, which will take you past central Mumbai to Colaba, the city’s main tourist hub.

Auto Rickshaw: Auto Rickshaws are only authorised to operate in the western suburbs beyond Bandra, and in the central suburbs past Sion. They are available at Domestic Terminal 1. The minimum fare is RS 11 for 1.2miles (2 km), after which the meter clocks RS 6.50 for each additional 0.6 miles (1 km).

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Car Parking

Parking comprises 2,250 spaces. Prices are RS60 (£0.80) for the first 30 minutes, RS130 (£1.80) for 30 minutes to two hours and RS750 (£10) for 8-24 hours; each additional hour costs RS60 (about £0.80).

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Information Desks

Tourist information counters are located in Terminal 1 B.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: ATMs, currency exchange and post office.

Luggage: There are left-luggage and lost-and-found facilities in both terminals

Conference and business: The departures areas of both terminals contain executive lounges and a business centre. Conference facilities are available at the nearby Leela Kempinski Hotel.

Other facilities: Childcare rooms, medical facilities, a prayer room and a smoking lounge.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available. You have to provide your mobile number to gain access to the network.

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