Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl Airport to Mumbai by Train — Costs, Times & Tips (2026)
Mumbai's airport metro finally makes the city's famous suburban rail network accessible from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Whether you're heading to Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, or all the way to Churchgate, this guide covers every option — fares, travel times, and step-by-step directions.
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Quick Comparison: All Transport Options from BOM
Prices are approximate and based on standard adult fares in 2026. Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ ₹83.
| Option | Time | Cost (INR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RecommendedMetro Line 1 (Airport Metro) | 20–35 min | ₹10–70 | $0.12–$0.85 |
| Western Railway (local train) | 45–70 min | ₹5–15 | $0.06–$0.18 |
| Central Railway (local train) | 50–80 min | ₹5–15 | $0.06–$0.18 |
| Prepaid AC Taxi | 30–90 min | ₹500–1 200 | $6–14 |
Local train fares are for second-class unreserved travel. First-class and AC chair car options cost more.
Step-by-Step: Airport Metro to Mumbai City
Mumbai Metro Line 1 is the recommended route for most travellers — affordable, frequent, and air-conditioned.
Exit the terminal and follow Metro signs
After collecting your baggage, follow the blue Metro signs inside Terminal 2 (T2) or Terminal 1 (T1). The covered walkway from T2 takes roughly 5 minutes. Look for the bright purple and yellow Metro hoarding near Gate 8.
Reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Metro Station
The dedicated airport metro station is on Mumbai Metro Line 1 (the Versova–Andheri–Ghatkopar corridor). It opened in 2024 and connects directly to the domestic and international terminals.
Buy a token or tap your Smart Card
Token machines and counters are available at the station. A single journey to Andheri costs ₹10; to Ghatkopar it's ₹40. If you travel regularly, a Mumbai Metro Smart Card saves 10 % on every trip. Contactless UPI payments are also accepted at many machines.
Board the correct direction
Trains run from approximately 05:30 to 23:30 every 4–7 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes off-peak. Towards Versova (westbound) for Santa Cruz, Vile Parle, and Andheri interchange. Towards Ghatkopar (eastbound) for Marol, Chakala, and the Eastern Express Highway.
Interchange if needed
At Andheri station you can switch to Western Railway suburban trains to reach Churchgate, Bandra, Dadar, or Borivali. At Ghatkopar you can interchange with Metro Line 2 (under completion in 2026) or board Central Railway trains towards CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus).
Arrive at your destination
Most central Mumbai neighbourhoods — Bandra, Dadar, Andheri, Powai — are within 35 minutes. For South Mumbai (Colaba, Marine Drive, Fort), take Western Railway from Andheri to Churchgate (additional ~40 min, ₹10).
Insider Tips for BOM Metro Travellers
- →Monsoon delays: Between June and September, waterlogging can slow surface connections between terminals and the metro station. Allow an extra 15–20 minutes buffer.
- →Currency: Metro token machines accept ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, and ₹200 notes as well as coins. UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) is accepted at most kiosks.
- →T1 vs T2: Terminal 1 handles most domestic IndiGo flights; Terminal 2 handles international and some domestic Air India flights. Both have metro access but T2's connection is newer and better signposted.
- →Late night arrivals: Metro services stop around 23:30. For arrivals after midnight, use the prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal — safer and price-fixed.
- →SIM card: Pick up a prepaid SIM at the airport before heading to the metro — you'll need a local number for UPI payments and app-based cab bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
QIs there a direct metro from Mumbai Airport to South Mumbai?
Not yet in 2026. The current Metro Line 1 terminates at Versova (west) and Ghatkopar (east). For South Mumbai destinations like Churchgate, Nariman Point, or Colaba, the fastest train combination is Metro to Andheri, then Western Railway suburban train to Churchgate — total journey around 70–80 minutes and under ₹25. A fully underground metro corridor connecting the airport to South Mumbai is planned but not operational before 2027.
QCan I bring large suitcases on the Mumbai Metro?
Officially, luggage must fit within 60 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm. In practice, airport metro trains are less crowded than city trains and conductors rarely enforce baggage rules for travellers with standard check-in-size bags. However, during peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00) the trains fill up quickly. If you have multiple large bags, consider travelling off-peak or using the prepaid taxi counter instead.
QHow early should I leave for Mumbai Airport by metro?
Allow at least 90 minutes before your departure for domestic flights and 2.5–3 hours for international flights. Add extra buffer during monsoon season (June–September) when flooding can cause delays, and during major public holidays when trains are exceptionally crowded. The metro itself is reliable, but the walk through the terminal and security queues can take longer than expected, especially at T2 during peak international departure windows (late evening and early morning).
Airport → Andheri
Airport → Ghatkopar
Airport → Versova
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Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge for 2026. Metro fares, schedules, and terminal connections are subject to change — always verify with official Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) sources before travel. Flight search links are affiliate partnerships that help support this free guide.