Mumbai airport: BOM or NMIA, and how to get to the city
Mumbai now has two airports, and the first thing to check is the code on your ticket. BOM, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International, sits in the city's suburbs and is linked to the centre by the Aqua Line metro; NMI, Navi Mumbai International, is in Ulwe, about 40 km from South Mumbai across the Atal Setu bridge, and is reached by road. The two are about an hour apart by car.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM)
The city's long-standing main airport, in Santacruz. T1 and T2 stand about five kilometres apart, so the terminal on your ticket is worth reading twice.
Best option
Navi Mumbai International (NMIA)
The city's second airport, opened for domestic flights in December 2025 and for international ones from July 2026. It sits in Ulwe, some 40 km from South Mumbai across the Atal Setu bridge, so check the code on your ticket before you plan the day.
There are two airports now, an hour apart by road. Check whether your ticket says BOM or NMI.
BOM or NMI: which airport is yours
BOM is the city's long-standing main airport, in Santacruz. The UK Foreign Office notes that Mumbai is one of the places with two airports a considerable distance apart, so read the ticket carefully, especially when connecting between flights booked separately.
NMI (also written NMIA) is the newer airport in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, across the harbour from the city. A taxi to South Mumbai across the Atal Setu costs approximately ₹1,200–1,800, which already covers the bridge toll of about ₹250, and takes roughly 50 to 110 minutes depending on traffic. There is no metro to NMI.
BOM terminals: T1 and T2
The airport describes Terminal 1 as domestic and Terminal 2 as international. The two terminals stand about five kilometres apart, so check which one your airline uses. A free inter-terminal coach runs between them for eligible passengers; the pick-up points are at the T1 arrival exit towards Departure Gate 2, and at T2 on Level 1, the ground transportation level (P4).
If you are connecting, the airport recommends allowing at least 3 to 4 hours for international connections and 2 to 3 hours for domestic ones, especially when changing terminals. You may leave the airport during a layover only with a valid visa for India and enough time. If your bag is not tagged through to your final destination, collect it and check it in again.
From BOM to the city
Options from the official airport transport page.
- Metro: Aqua Line
The airport lists metro stations at CSMIA Airport T2 and CSMIA Airport T1, plus Marol Naka and Sahar Road nearby. Line 3 (Aqua) runs from the airport through BKC to the Fort and Cuffe Parade at the southern end, avoiding road traffic, for approximately ₹10–80. Metro tickets come as QR codes through WhatsApp. See Mumbai metro.
- Taxi or app cab
Metered taxis, fleet taxis and app cabs (Uber, Ola, Rapido) pick up at both terminals; at T2 most pick-ups are on Level 1 of the P4 car park, Uber from P7 West. There is a prepaid counter in arrivals. Mumbai's black-and-yellow cabs run on the meter. Heading south at busy times, the metro is often faster.
- Suburban train
The nearest stations are Vile Parle (East) for the domestic terminal and Andheri (East) for the international one, on the Western line. Local trains are the fastest way across the city outside the peaks of about 8:00–11:00 and 17:30–21:00. Tickets come from the RailOne app or the station window, not on board.
- Bus
BEST route 312 runs from T1 to Vile Parle (East) and Andheri (East) stations; from T2, route 321 goes to Vile Parle (East) and route 308 to Andheri (East). Air-conditioned Chalo buses link the airport with Thane, Andheri, BKC, Navi Mumbai and Colaba.
- Auto-rickshaw
Autos wait at both terminals but only operate in the suburbs, from Borivali to Bandra in the west and up to Sion in the centre. They cannot take you to Colaba or the Fort. Pay by the meter.
From NMI to the city
From Navi Mumbai airport you go by road. App cabs (Uber, Ola, Rapido, Alyte, Allmiles and Aero link) and car rentals work here, Uber Auto runs locally, and there is a prepaid counter. NMMT buses connect the airport with Kharkopar, Targhar, Belapur, Nerul, Khandeshwar and Panvel railway stations, and Chalo buses run to Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Thane and Colaba. The airport names Panvel and Targhar as the expected nearest suburban stations; Panvel Junction serves long-distance trains.
Before you land
Pick your area before you book the ride: autos stop at Bandra, so for Colaba, Fort or Marine Drive plan on the metro or a taxi. For where to base yourself see Where to stay in Mumbai, and for the rest of the city's transport, Getting around Mumbai. Arriving by train instead? See How to get to Mumbai.
FAQ
What is the short form of Mumbai airport?
BOM is the code for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, often shortened to CSMIA. The second airport, Navi Mumbai International, has the code NMI.
How do I check my flight terminal in Mumbai?
Check the airport code and terminal on your ticket or with your airline. At BOM, the airport describes T1 as domestic and T2 as international, and the two are about 5 km apart.
How do I get from Mumbai airport to the city?
From BOM, the Aqua Line metro runs from the airport to BKC, the Fort and Cuffe Parade for approximately ₹10–80. Taxis and app cabs pick up at both terminals. From NMI, take a taxi across the Atal Setu, approximately ₹1,200–1,800.
Is there a shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?
Yes, a free inter-terminal coach for eligible passengers, from the T1 arrival exit towards Departure Gate 2 and from Level 1 (P4) at T2.
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Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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