Search Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl. Airport Flight Tickets

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl. Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport serves Mumbai in Maharashtra, within the Mumbai Suburban district, and is located about 8 km from the main city centre areas of South Mumbai. Originally developed from the former RAF Santacruz airfield, it opened to civil air traffic in 1946 and is operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited. As the primary aviation gateway for Mumbai and one of India's busiest airports, it plays a central role in business travel, tourism, trade and regional connectivity across western India.

The airport has an integrated terminal structure supporting both domestic flights and international flights, with Terminal 2 handling most international services and many full-service domestic operations, while domestic services also operate through dedicated domestic facilities. Its annual passenger handling capacity is generally understood to be in the range of 50 million passengers, supported by modern check-in areas, lounges, retail zones, cargo infrastructure, ground transport links and runway systems designed for high-frequency operations. Traffic is strong throughout the year, with higher demand during winter travel months, festival periods and school holidays, while monsoon conditions can occasionally affect operating schedules.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is served by major Indian and global airlines, offering flight tickets across a wide network of domestic and international routes. Key direct domestic destinations include Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Goa, Ahmedabad and Kochi, while major international links include Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, London, Singapore, Bangkok, Istanbul and other regional and long-haul hubs. Demand remains consistently high due to Mumbai's position as India's financial capital, with strong business traffic, steady leisure travel and significant connecting demand across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl. Airport to Mumbai City Center Transport

Transport from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Mumbai city center includes BEST buses, airport shuttle buses, Metro Line 3, taxis, car rental, and pre-booked private transfers. The fastest public transport option is usually the metro, while taxis and transfers are the most convenient for door-to-door travel.

Bus

Municipal BEST buses depart from the airport terminals and connect the airport with South Mumbai, nearby railway stations, and suburban interchange points. Journey times to central and South Mumbai areas are typically 75 to 120 minutes, depending on traffic.

• BEST 881 / A-1: Terminal 2 to Cuffe Parade, useful for Colaba, Churchgate, Fort, and Nariman Point.
• BEST 312: Terminal 1 to Vile Parle and Andheri railway stations.
• BEST 321 / 308: Terminal 2 to Vile Parle or Andheri railway station connections.

Airport Shuttle (Havas/Havabus)

Mumbai does not generally use the Havas or Havabus brand, but regular airport shuttle-style services operate as Chalo Bus Airport Express routes from the airport. These air-conditioned buses are useful for travelers with luggage and offer fixed-stop service. Average travel time to South Mumbai is around 90 to 130 minutes.

• Airport to Cuffe Parade, with stops such as Worli, Haji Ali, Cumbala Hill, and South Mumbai.
• Airport to Thane, with stops around Marol Naka, Saki Naka, Powai, and Thane.
• Airport to Kharghar, with stops such as Sion, Chembur, Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, and Kharghar.

Metro

Mumbai Metro Line 3, also called the Aqua Line, serves both airport terminals via CSMI Airport T1 and CSMI Airport T2 stations. It is a traffic-free option for reaching central business districts and South Mumbai. The average journey time is about 30 to 35 minutes to Worli and about 50 to 70 minutes to Cuffe Parade.

• CSMI Airport T2 to Bandra Kurla Complex: about 18 minutes.
• CSMI Airport T2 to Worli: about 33 minutes.
• CSMI Airport T2 to Cuffe Parade: about 50 to 70 minutes.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, including prepaid taxis, app-based cabs, and standard airport taxis. A taxi to Mumbai city center, including Fort, Colaba, Churchgate, Nariman Point, or Cuffe Parade, usually takes 45 to 90 minutes, but travel time can increase during peak traffic or monsoon conditions.

• Best for late-night arrivals, heavy luggage, or direct hotel travel.
• Use official taxi counters or recognized ride-hailing pickup zones.
• Allow extra time during weekday rush hours.

Car Rental

Car rental services are available through airport-area offices and counters, with pickup usually arranged at or near the terminal exit. Renting a car can be useful for onward travel outside Mumbai, but it is less convenient for first-time visitors staying in the city center because of traffic, parking limits, and local driving conditions.

• Self-drive and chauffeur-driven options may be available.
• Confirm terminal pickup instructions before arrival.
• Recommended mainly for regional travel beyond central Mumbai.

Transfer

A private airport transfer is the easiest door-to-door option from Mumbai Airport to the city center. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for early-morning arrivals, late-night flights, families, business travelers, or passengers carrying extra luggage. Average travel time is usually 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the destination and traffic.

• Private car transfer to hotels in Colaba, Fort, Churchgate, Nariman Point, or Cuffe Parade.
• Meet-and-greet service at arrivals can simplify the airport exit.
• Advance booking helps secure a fixed price and suitable vehicle size.