Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) — complete Mumbai airport guide
Quick answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM) is Mumbai's main airport, about 8-10 km from the Bandra-Kurla business district and roughly 30-60 minutes from south Mumbai depending on traffic. It has two terminals: T1 (Santacruz) for domestic flights and the larger T2 (Sahar) for all international flights plus some domestic. The Aqua Line metro now serves the airport. Busiest routes include Delhi, Bengaluru and the Gulf. The key thing to know: T1 and T2 are about 4 km apart with no airside link, so know your terminal in advance. Note the separate new Navi Mumbai airport. Verify on the official CSMIA site.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Mumbai fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
Mumbai airport (BOM) — quick facts
- IATA / ICAO code: BOM / VABB
- City served: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Distance to city: ≈ 8 km to Bandra-Kurla Complex; ~20 km to South Mumbai
- Operator: Mumbai International Airport Ltd (Adani Airports)
- Traffic: ~50 million passengers a year — India's second-busiest, on a single main runway.
Terminals at Mumbai airport
BOM has two terminals roughly 4 km apart. T2 (Sahar) handles all international flights and a share of domestic flying, including Air India and Air India Express plus foreign carriers like Emirates, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines. T1 (Santacruz) is domestic, used by IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa. There is no continuous airside connection between them, so transferring means leaving and re-entering; a free inter-terminal shuttle runs between T1 and T2. Confirm your terminal by flight number on the official site.
How to get from Mumbai airport to the city
- Mumbai Metro Aqua Line (Line 3): an underground line serving the airport, linking T1 and T2 toward the business district and central Mumbai; check current station, timings and frequency locally.
- App cabs (Uber and Ola): widely available from designated pick-up areas at both terminals, with surge pricing during peak hours.
- Prepaid taxis and 'cool cab' / radio taxi counters in the arrivals halls: book a fixed fare before exiting the terminal.
- Black-and-yellow metered taxis and auto-rickshaws (autos serve nearby suburbs, not south Mumbai) operate from the kerbside.
- Inter-terminal free shuttle bus runs between T1 and T2 at regular intervals; allow 15-20 minutes plus waiting time.
- BEST and other public buses serve nearby suburbs and rail stations such as Andheri for onward local-train connections.
- Self-drive and chauffeur car rentals are available through operators at the airport.
Airlines flying from Mumbai (BOM)
T1 handles domestic carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air. T2 handles Air India and Air India Express (domestic and international) plus international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines. Common destinations include Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa, Chennai and Hyderabad domestically, and Dubai, Doha, London, Singapore and Abu Dhabi internationally.
Lounges at BOM
T2 has the main lounge offering, now under Adani Airports management, with operators such as the Adani Lounge and Plaza Premium in the international zone and a domestic lounge near the departure gates; T1 also has lounge facilities. Access is via eligible credit/debit cards, Priority Pass or DragonPass, business-class tickets, or paid walk-in. Confirm current lounge names, locations and access rules on the official airport site.
Popular flights from Mumbai
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Mumbai T1 and T2?
T1 (Santacruz) handles domestic flights by IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa. T2 (Sahar) handles all international flights plus domestic flights by Air India and Air India Express. The terminals are about 4 km apart with no airside link, so confirm your terminal by flight number before you travel.
Is Navi Mumbai airport the same as Mumbai airport?
No. Navi Mumbai International Airport is a separate airport that began commercial operations in late 2025, with its own codes and location across the bay. Make sure your ticket shows CSMIA (BOM) if you mean the main Mumbai airport, as the two are far apart.
Does the metro go to Mumbai airport?
Yes, the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line serves the airport and connects T1 and T2 toward central Mumbai. It is a useful traffic-free option, though for some neighbourhoods a cab is still simpler. Check current timings and the nearest station on the official metro or airport site.
How early should I arrive at Mumbai airport?
Arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international flight, allowing extra time at peak hours. Check-in usually closes around 60 minutes before domestic and about 75 minutes before international departures; confirm exact cut-offs with your airline.
Is there parking at Mumbai airport?
Yes, both terminals have paid short-stay and long-stay parking, with multi-level facilities at T2. Rates depend on duration and terminal. Check current charges and any pre-booking options on the official CSMIA site before you travel.
Are there hotels near Mumbai airport?
Yes. Andheri, Sahar and the Western Express Highway corridor near the airport have many hotels across budgets, popular for early flights and layovers. They are a short ride from the terminals; arranging a hotel shuttle or cab in advance is easiest.
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