India GOHow to get around Mumbai
Mumbai splits in two for getting around. South of Bandra and Sion there are no auto-rickshaws at all, so the old city moves by black-and-yellow taxi, local train and, now, the underground Aqua Line. North of that line autos take over. The fares are in the cards above; below is how each option works in practice, and which one to pick when.
Local trains
Three lines (Western, Central and Harbour), every two to five minutes. Outside the peaks (8:00–11:00 and 17:30–21:00) it is the fastest thing in the city; first class costs four to five times more and is far calmer.
from ~₹5
Metro, and the Aqua Line above all
Line 3 Aqua opened end to end in October 2025 and links the airport, BKC and the southern tip; lines 1, 2A and 7 cover the western suburbs. QR tickets come through WhatsApp.
~₹10–80
Kaali-peeli and the apps
Mumbai is the rare Indian city where the black-and-yellow cabs really do run the meter. Uber and Ola work everywhere; bike taxis lost their licences in March 2026, so do not count on two wheels.
from ~₹31
Auto-rickshaws, north of Bandra only
Autos are barred from the city south of Bandra and Sion, so in Colaba or Fort you will not find one at all; that half of Mumbai belongs to taxis and the trains.
from ~₹26
Ferries from the Gateway
Catamarans run from the Gateway of India to Mandwa for Alibaug, and the RoRo leaves from Ferry Wharf with cars aboard. Elephanta is a separate boat, ~₹260 return.
~₹150–300 to Mandwa
BEST city buses
Red double-deckers included: cheap, slow in traffic, and easiest to work out through the Chalo app, which shows the buses live.
from ~₹10, AC from ~₹12
There are two airports now, an hour apart by road. Check whether your ticket says BOM or NMI.
Taxis: kaali-peeli and the apps
The black-and-yellow cabs, kaali-peeli in Mumbai slang, are the city's own: you flag one on the street and, unusually for India, it really does run the meter. Fares start from about ₹31. Uber and Ola work across the city, and at the airport there is a prepaid taxi counter in arrivals, with app pick-ups from marked bays.
In the south, where autos are not allowed, a taxi is the default for short hops between Colaba, the Fort, Marine Drive and Malabar Hill. For long north-south rides in traffic, the train or the metro is often faster.
Local trains: the fastest thing in the city, outside the peaks
The suburban railway is Asia's oldest: its first train ran from Bori Bunder to Thane in 1853. Today its three main lines, Western, Central and Harbour, carry more than 7.5 million people a day, with trains every two to five minutes. Outside the rush hours (roughly 8:00–11:00 and 17:30–21:00) nothing crosses Mumbai faster, and tickets start from about ₹5. In the peaks the carriages are packed far beyond what most visitors expect; that is the moment to take a taxi instead.
First class costs four to five times more and is far calmer. Local trains have marked women-only coaches, which at peak hours make a real difference. Tickets come from the RailOne app or the station window; you cannot buy one on board.
Metro: the Aqua Line under the old city
Line 3, the Aqua Line, is Mumbai's first underground metro line: 33.5 km and 27 stations from Cuffe Parade at the southern tip, through BKC and the airport's T2, to Aarey in the north. For the first time the south has a fast link that ignores the traffic, and from T2 it takes you to the Fort and Colaba without a change. Lines 1, 2A and 7 serve the western suburbs. Fares run from about ₹10 to ₹80, and QR tickets can be bought through WhatsApp. Details by line are on the Mumbai metro page.
Autos, buses and boats
Auto-rickshaws are barred from the city south of Bandra and Sion, so in Colaba or the Fort you will not see one. In the suburbs (Bandra, Juhu, Andheri) they are the everyday short ride, metered, from about ₹26, and bookable through Uber, Ola and Rapido too.
BEST buses, red double-deckers included, are the cheapest way around, from about ₹10, but slow in traffic. The Chalo app shows them live, which takes the guesswork out of the routes.
Ferries leave from the Gateway of India: catamarans to Mandwa for Alibaug, and a separate boat to Elephanta, about ₹260 return. The Elephanta Caves and their boats rest on Mondays, and in the monsoon sailings are cancelled by weather.
Which to pick
- Colaba, Fort, Marine Drive: walk or take a taxi.
- South to Bandra or BKC: the Aqua Line or a Western line train outside the peak.
- To and from BOM airport: the Aqua Line from T2, or a prepaid taxi or app cab. Check whether your ticket says BOM or NMI first: the new Navi Mumbai airport is about 40 km from South Mumbai. More on the Mumbai airport page.
- Around Bandra, Juhu and Andheri: auto-rickshaw.
- Arriving by train: see Mumbai railway stations and how to get to Mumbai.
FAQ
Which taxi is cheaper in Mumbai?
For short rides the metered black-and-yellow taxi starts from about ₹31, and in the suburbs an auto-rickshaw from about ₹26. Compare the meter with the app quote from Uber or Ola before a longer ride.
How do I call a taxi in Mumbai?
Flag a black-and-yellow kaali-peeli on the street, or book through Uber or Ola. At the airport use the prepaid counter in arrivals or the marked app pick-up bays.
Are Ola and Uber available in Mumbai?
Yes, both work across the city and at the airports. Rapido also books autos.
Are there auto-rickshaws in South Mumbai?
No. Autos are not allowed south of Bandra and Sion, so in Colaba, the Fort and Marine Drive you will use taxis, trains or the metro.
How do I buy a local train ticket?
Through the RailOne app or at the station window, before boarding; tickets are not sold on the train. First class costs four to five times more than second.
Is the Mumbai local train safe for women?
Local trains have marked women-only coaches, which make the biggest difference at rush hour. For general advice see is India safe.
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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