Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves Mumbai as India’s second-busiest airport and the city’s only option for both international and domestic flights. This sprawling airport can be confusing and stressful, much like travelling in India more broadly. Having navigated through BOM several times, I can give you several tips to make your life easier.
How to get to and from BOM and Mumbai
The most practical way of reaching BOM from Mumbai city centre is by private car, whether that’s an Uber or a transfer arranged via your hotel. While the CSMIA–T2 station on Mumbai Metro Line 3 now connects directly to Terminal 2 via a newly opened 100-metre foot overbridge, Terminal 1 still has no direct rail or metro link.
Scams can be common in India, so I highly recommend pre-arranging your ride, especially on your way in from the airport. I learned the hard way not to accept a ride from a regular taxi driver, even when using the “official” airport desk.
Before heading to the airport, verify your terminal assignment. International passengers always depart from Terminal 2. Most domestic passengers on low-cost airlines use Terminal 1, though IndiGo and SpiceJet also operate some flights from Terminal 2, so check your itinerary. Full-service carriers like Air India (which now includes former Vistara operations following their merger in 2024) use Terminal 2 for domestic flights.
Several kilometres of pavement (and lots of traffic) separate Mumbai’s two terminal buildings, so knowing your terminal matters. When in doubt, contact your airline to verify.
Traffic patterns vary depending on your flight time, with overnight flights often encountering lighter traffic. Still, the trip between BOM and Mumbai’s city centre can easily take an hour or more depending on traffic. It’s always a good idea to leave yourself more time than you think you need.
Navigating security lines at BOM
BOM requires security checks before you even enter the terminal to check in. You’ll scan all belongings through an x-ray and walk through a metal detector, with all passengers (regardless of cabin class) waiting in the same often-long lines. As is the case in airports throughout India, security here is intense and can even be intimidating.
Unlike what you might expect for international travel, there’s no airport-operated fast-track for security or border control, so standard lanes apply for everyone. This is helpful to know because, in my experience, Indian security personnel are very strict with the rules, especially when it comes to removing liquids from luggage.
You might be asked to remove shoes, belts, or other clothing, so I recommend wearing slip-on shoes and loose-fitting layers. It just makes complying with an officer’s request that much quicker.
Additional security screening may occur at BOM, even after you’ve gone through a metal detector.
Give yourself longer than you think you need: three hours minimum for international flights and two hours for domestic. Staffing shortages and equipment failures are common here, which means lines move slowly in addition to being long. Line-cutting is also much less frowned upon in India than it is elsewhere.
If you’re flying to the US and certain other destinations, be prepared for potential additional security procedures. I usually get to the gate early, just in case.
Transfers at BOM
Connecting flights at BOM range from easy to extremely stressful depending on your situation. International-to-international transfers are simplest, requiring only security re-screening. International-to-domestic connections within Terminal 2 (on Air India, which now includes former Vistara operations) add border control and baggage collection.
So, how much time do you need? I like to give myself at least three to four hours between flights. This buffer accounts for common arrival delays at BOM and potential long lines at security or border control. If you have extra time, you can always hit an airport lounge or grab a bite to eat.
If you’re connecting from a low-cost domestic flight to an international one, or vice versa, you may need to transfer between terminals. While there’s a free inter-terminal shuttle that operates 24/7 (with Terminal 2 pick-up at P4 Level 1 and Terminal 1 pick-up near Departure Gate 2), I’ve found taking an Uber or taxi can sometimes be more reliable if you’re pressed for time.
Connecting between two domestic flights on the same airline is simple and shouldn’t take more than an hour or two, though official guidelines recommend allowing two to three hours, especially when changing terminals. I’d personally avoid booking a low-cost airline followed by a full-service one (or the other way around). The stress of potentially changing terminals in Mumbai just isn’t worth the money you might save.
Airline lounges and alternatives at BOM
BOM offers lounges for premium cabin passengers, credit card holders, and Priority Pass members. I find the international lounges within Terminal 2 to be the most in line with international standards, while the offerings at Terminal 1 are less impressive (which makes sense for a low-cost terminal).
Premium passengers are usually directed to lounges like the Adani Lounge East (post-border control) or the Loyalty Lounge. These spacious lounges serve travellers from all airlines and offer fresh food and an open bar.
If you’re not flying in the premium cabin classes, you might still get into a lounge. The Centurion Lounge (the American Express facility) in Terminal 2 Domestic Departure is accessible to holders of premium Amex cards like The Platinum Card and Centurion Card. My advice? I only go in if there’s no line, as seating can be pretty limited inside.
If you have a Priority Pass card, you can use various lounges throughout the airport – options vary between terminals, so check the Priority Pass directory for current participating lounges and access terms. While I don’t find their food and drinks particularly memorable, they offer a quiet space to spread out, which is often worth it.
Over in Terminal 1, the lounges aren’t very impressive, which makes sense for a low-cost terminal. However, if you have Priority Pass or don’t mind paying a small entry fee, the Travel Club and the Oasis Lounge are decent spots to pass the time.
Luggage storage at BOM
Each of Mumbai’s terminals has an official “Cloak Room” for luggage storage. You can find them at the Arrival Hall Exit Ramp in Terminal 1 and on Level -1 near door P-4 in the international area of Terminal 2. Rates start at ₹200 (C$3) to store a cabin bag for up to six hours, and can reach ₹3,200 (C$47.50) for a check-in bag stored up to 72 hours.
While the official Cloak Rooms say they can transfer luggage between terminals, I’d personally suggest taking your bags with you. Also, I wouldn’t risk leaving your bags at any unofficial storage spots you might see.
BOM transit hotel
The Niranta Transit Hotel in Terminal 2 offers an option for half-day or overnight transfers without going into the city. Unlike most transit hotels, this one sits outside the secure area at Level 1 (Arrivals) and connected landside (pre-security) locations, which affects your departure planning. I suggest checking out with plenty of time before your outbound flight, depending on whether you’re changing terminals or flying domestically versus internationally.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
