Getting Around Mumbai — Trains, Taxis & Transport
Mumbai is spread out and traffic-choked. Local trains are the backbone — learn to use them and the city opens up.
Airport to City
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Two terminals:
- Terminal 2 (T2): International flights, most domestic
- Terminal 1 (T1): Some domestic (being expanded)
Distance to key areas:
- Colaba: 30 km (1-2 hours)
- Bandra: 10 km (30-60 minutes)
- Juhu: 7 km (20-40 minutes)
By Uber/Ola
To South Mumbai (Colaba): ₹600-1,000 To Bandra: ₹300-500 Time: Varies wildly with traffic
You need Indian SIM for OTP. Get one at airport or have hotel arrange pickup.
By Prepaid Taxi
Counter inside arrivals. Fixed rates, no haggling.
- To Colaba: ₹700-900
- To Bandra: ₹400-500
- To Juhu: ₹300-400
Add 25% for night (midnight-5 AM).
By Hotel Pickup
Most hotels offer. ₹1,000-2,000. Convenient but expensive.
Metro (Coming Soon)
Airport metro line under construction. Will connect to existing network. Not operational yet.
Mumbai Local Trains
The Lifeline
12 million daily riders. Fastest way to cover distances. Terrifying during rush hour. Essential knowledge for any Mumbai visit.
Lines
Western Line: Churchgate → Virar (runs through Bandra, Andheri) Central Line: CSMT → Kalyan (runs through Dadar) Harbour Line: CSMT → Panvel
For tourists: Western Line most useful (Churchgate, Mumbai Central, Bandra, Andheri).
Key Stations
| Station | Near |
|---|---|
| Churchgate | Gateway, Colaba (taxi needed) |
| Mumbai Central | Central tourist area |
| Bandra | Bandra neighbourhood, links |
| Andheri | Airport area, suburbs |
| CSMT | Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market |
Classes
Second class: ₹5-20. Extremely crowded in rush hour. First class: ₹65-150. Still crowded but manageable. Worth it for tourists.
Timing
Rush hours: 8-11 AM and 5-9 PM. Avoid as a tourist. Dangerously crowded. Off-peak: 11 AM - 4 PM is comfortable. Late evening also fine.
Women's Compartment
Marked clearly. Safer and less crowded for female travellers. Men face fines for entering.
How to Use
- Buy ticket at counter (cash) or use UTS app (requires Indian number)
- Check platform for your direction
- Board quickly — doors don't close
- Hold on — trains move while people board
- Start moving to door before your station
Tips
- Carry small change for tickets
- Keep bags close
- Phones get stolen — keep in inside pocket
- Don't stand near doors (people push)
- Ask locals — Mumbaikars are helpful
Taxis and Autos
Black and Yellow Taxis
Mumbai's iconic black cabs. Metered, relatively honest.
How it works:
- Flag down taxi
- Confirm driver will go to your destination
- Meter starts automatically
- Pay meter amount (or check fare card for conversion)
Approximate fares:
- Minimum: ₹25
- Per km: ₹15-20
- Colaba to Bandra: ₹300-400
Auto Rickshaws
Only operate in suburbs (north of Bandra). Not allowed in South Mumbai.
Fares: Similar to taxis. Negotiate or insist on meter.
Uber and Ola
Essential for door-to-door convenience.
When to Use
- Airport transfers
- Within South Mumbai (train-free zone)
- Night travel
- Heavy luggage
- Avoiding train rush hour
Typical Fares
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Colaba to Bandra | ₹350-500 |
| Bandra to Juhu | ₹150-250 |
| Airport to Colaba | ₹600-1,000 |
| Within South Mumbai | ₹100-200 |
Tips
- Traffic makes timing unpredictable
- Rush hour can triple journey times
- Surge pricing hits during rain and peak times
- Ola often slightly cheaper than Uber
Ferry
To Elephanta Caves
From: Gateway of India Cost: ₹150-200 economy, ₹250 deluxe Time: 1 hour each way Schedule: 9 AM - 3:30 PM (last return 5:30 PM) Closed: Mondays, monsoon
To Mandwa (for Alibaug)
From: Gateway of India Cost: ₹120-200 Time: 45-60 minutes Good for: Beach day trip
Getting Between Areas
South Mumbai
Walking + Uber works best. Local train to Churchgate/CSMT, then taxi.
South Mumbai to Bandra
Local train: Churchgate → Bandra (30 min, ₹65-150 first class) Uber: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic (₹350-500)
Bandra to Juhu
Uber: 20-40 minutes (₹150-250) Auto: Available, metered
Airport to South Mumbai
Uber/taxi only: 1-2 hours (₹600-1,000) No train: Metro coming soon
Rush Hour Reality
Mumbai traffic and trains during rush hour are legendary:
8-11 AM and 5-9 PM:
- Trains at 200% capacity
- Roads gridlocked
- What takes 30 minutes can take 2 hours
Tourist strategy:
- Start sightseeing after 10 AM
- Return before 5 PM or after 9 PM
- Use trains off-peak, Uber for rush hour if necessary
- Stay near your activities
Transport Cost Summary
| Mode | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Local train (first class) | Long distances | ₹65-150 |
| Local train (second class) | Budget travellers | ₹5-20 |
| Taxi (metered) | Short South Mumbai trips | ₹50-400 |
| Uber/Ola | Convenience, airport | ₹100-1,000 |
| Auto rickshaw | Suburbs only | ₹30-150 |
| Ferry | Elephanta, Alibaug | ₹150-250 |
Day Trips
To Elephanta Caves
Ferry from Gateway of India (see above).
To Lonavala/Khandala
Train from CSMT (2-3 hours). Or hire car.
To Alibaug
Ferry to Mandwa, then auto to Alibaug beach.
To Matheran
Train to Neral, then toy train up (only hill station without vehicles).
For planning, see our day trips guide.