Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves Mumbai (formerly Bombay, hence the IATA code) and is India’s second-busiest airport. The official name is sometimes shortened to CSMIA, though BOM is also common when referring to it.
The airport is located in the area of Andheri East, more specifically in the suburbs of Santacruz and Sahar, which give unofficial names to its terminals. BOM is the busiest single-runway airport in the world.
In 2024, BOM served a record-breaking 55 million passengers, with flights to over 100 destinations worldwide, making it one of the top 35 busiest airports in the world.
Major Airlines - Air India,
CSMIA is a hub for Air India, the recently privatized flag carrier of the country. It flies to over 40 destinations both domestically and around the world, as far as the USA. Most of its domestic flights are operated by its regional subsidiary, Air India Express.
Mumbai Airport is also an operating base for three other Indian airlines:
IndiGo: The largest airline in India by both passengers carried and fleet size. Its low-cost model provides dozens of cheap flights to destinations across Asia from Mumbai.
Akasa Air: A low-cost airline flying within India and nearby Asian destinations.
Other Indian airlines with a notable presence in BOM include the government-owned Alliance Air and the domestic low-cost SpiceJet.
Numerous international carriers operate at CSMIA, some of which include:
Emirates flies direct to Dubai (DXB).
Qatar Airways flies direct to Doha (DOH).
Lufthansa flies direct to Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC).
Singapore Airlines flies direct to Singapore (SIN)
British Airways flies direct to London (LHR)
In total, over 50 airlines serve Mumbai Airport, providing non-stop or direct flights to some of the biggest cities in the world. You can see a full list of airlines at BOM here.
Terminal Layout and Gates
CSMIA has two main terminals:
Terminal 1 (T1): Also known locally as “Santa Cruz Airport”, as it’s on the west side and closer to this neighborhood. It handles domestic flights for low-cost carriers. In March 2024, plans to demolish and rebuild this terminal were announced, with a starting date of November 2025 and planned completion in 2028 or 2029.
Terminal 2 (T2): A newer and more modern facility on the north eastern side of the airport, also known as the Sahar Terminal (due to its proximity to the neighborhood of this name). It manages all international flights and the full-service domestic airlines.
The terminals are approximately 5-6 km apart, requiring a 20-minute drive or a free shuttle bus to transfer between them.
Connecting Flights and Transit
For international-to-international connections, you need to remain within the international transit area of Terminal 2. India allows transit stays of up to 24 hours there, without the need for a visa. You may not leave the airport in this case. This, of course, assumes that your two flights are booked under the same PNR, operated by the same (or partnering) airline, and your luggage is checked through to your final destination.
For connecting flights including a domestic connection, you may need to change terminals. There is a free shuttle bus connecting T1 and T2 every 20-30 minutes, 24/7, which takes 15-20 minutes to travel between the two. Pick-up locations are between Gates 1 and 2 in T1 and at P4 West side in T2. Needless to say, you will need to go through Immigration in Terminal 2.
Wi-Fi At BOM
Mumbai Airport offers free and paid Wi-Fi options.
To connect, select “#FreeWiFiByAirport”, which will automatically launch the welcome page. There, you will have the opportunity to choose between “Free Wi-Fi” or “Premium Wi-Fi access”.
You will need a local mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS. If you don’t have one, seek assistance from one of the information kiosks available near Gate 67 and the International transit area.
The free Wi-Fi is limited to 30 minutes, after which you get the option to upgrade to the paid one, which is also faster.
Dining Options at Mumbai Airport
The dining options you can pick from at the airport depend on which terminal you fly from.
Terminal 2 is newer, more modern, receives all of the international flights, and caters to a diverse crowd, so it's no surprise that it offers more when it comes to choice and quality. It houses over 75 outlets, and you will surely find something you like.
Some of the best restaurants in T2 include:
Haldiram's: Traditional Indian snacks and sweets.
KFC: An international fast food chain known for fried chicken with spices.
Baker Street: Bakery and cafe with freshly baked goods.
Balaji Blackberry: Offers rolls, coffee, biryani, and more.
New York Burrito: Pizzas, sandwiches, and Mexican food.
Street food by Punjab Grill: Serves North Indian food and rolls.
Terminal 1 offers a much more modest selection of just 13 eateries. A few of the best ones are:
Madras Coffee House: Top quality coffee, snacks, and other beverages.
Donna Italia: Italian pizza and other goodies.
Joshh: Indian favorites like bhaji, samosa, and lassi.
Shawarma Shack: A taste of the Middle East with shawarma, wraps, fatoosh, falafels, and more.
Various other dining options await you both landside and airside.
Lounges at BOM
Mumbai Airport houses a total of nine lounges available to passengers of all airlines, split between the two terminals.
In Terminal 1, you can choose between:
Adani Lounge: Located on the 1st Floor, after Security, in Terminal 1B. Available for first and business class passengers and open 24/7.
Travel Club: Located on the ground floor, after Security, in Terminal 1C. Open 24/7.
Good Times Bar: Located on the ground floor, after Security, in Domestic Departures. Open from 11 AM until 11 PM.
Terminal 2 has the other six lounges:
Travel Club: Located on the ground floor, after Security in Domestic Departures. Available 24/7.
Loyalty Lounge: Located on the ground floor, after Security in International Departures. Available 24/7.
Adani Lounge East: Located on the first floor, after Security in International Departures. Open 24/7.
Aviserv East: Located on the ground Floor in the Arrival hall of Domestic Arrivals. Open 24/7.
Aviserv West: Located on the ground Floor in the Arrival hall of Domestic Arrivals. Also open 24/7.
Most lounges at BOM offer unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi for 3 hours, comfortable couches or workdesks, complimentary food and beverages, and additional premium services for first and business class passengers.
As a Priority Pass member, you will have access to many of the lounges inside Mumbai Airport. Otherwise, you can pay an entrance fee and access any of those lounges.
Transportation options at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport
Mumbai Airport is connected to the city by both public transport and numerous taxis, ridesharing services, and private shuttles.
The Mumbai Metro Line 3 (also called the Aqua Line) stops at both terminals. It is not the most convenient because the stations are a good 10-minute walk away from the Arrivals Hall, and large luggage is not permitted onboard, but it sure is one of the cheapest options with fares between 10 and 50 INR. The reach of Line 3 will be (has been) significantly lengthened in 2025 with the opening of 17 new stations.
An alternative is the Mumbai Suburban Railway. The nearest station is Vile Parle on the Western line and the Harbour line. However, you need to take a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw from the airport to the station.
A combination of the two (the Metro and the Suburban Railway) can get you pretty much anywhere in the metropolis.
Several public buses also serve the airport:
BEST operates air-conditioned buses between Mumbai Airport and Andheri Western railway station.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) provides a bus service between the airport and Navi Mumbai.
Taxis are available at stands near the airport’s exit. It’s best to buy a taxi voucher and avoid the hassle of negotiating for the ride. A taxi ride from the airport to the Gateway of India costs around 700 INR.
Ride-sharing companies like Uber have their dedicated pick-up locations in different areas of the airport. Follow the directions in the respective app.
Parking at Mumbai Airport
One parking lot is available in front of each terminal. It functions as both a short-term and a long-term parking solution, with rates as follows:
General Parking: Rates start at 150 INR for 30 minutes. The daily rate is 1000 INR.
Premium Parking: Rates start at 250 INR for 30 minutes. The daily rate is 1200 INR.
Valet Parking: For added convenience, just drop off your car in front of Departures, where an attendant will take care of the parking for you. This service costs 300 INR for the first hour, with less added for every additional hour, up to 1500 INR per day.
Parking is limited to 15 days at both lots.
Parking can be pre-booked online via the Adani OneApp platform.
Hotels near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
If you’re looking for a hotel to stay during transit at Terminal 2, the Niranta Airport Transit Hotel is the solution. It’s within the terminal and offers good quality rooms at affordable rates.
In Terminal 1, an equivalent transit hotel is the Hotel Avenue Residency. Although not as good, it prioritizes convenience over value and has an unbeatable location.
However, if you’d like a more upscale property, go to the Taj Santacruz, which is located outside Terminal 1. It’s a 5-star hotel with a modern, yet beautiful and comfortable atmosphere. It features a pool and complimentary breakfast among other services.
Back to Terminal 2, the choice for those seeking luxury should be the Fairmont Mumbai. It’s located mere minutes away from the terminal and has an impressive facade, which sets you up for an exciting stay. This 5-star hotel is one of the best in the city, not just among those near the airport.
If you’d like to explore more hotels near either terminal of BOM, click here.
Mumbai, India
