Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl Airport to Mumbai by Bus — Costs, Times & Tips (2026)
Mumbai Airport (BOM) sits just 26 km north of the city centre — and you can reach it by bus for as little as ₹6 (~$0.07). This guide covers every bus option in 2026, with step-by-step directions, live schedule tips, and what to watch out for.
Tip: Mumbai traffic is notoriously heavy. Always add a 45-minute buffer when busing to catch a flight. Last buses from Terminal 2 depart around 23:30 — plan accordingly for red-eye departures.
Bus Options at a Glance — Mumbai Airport (2026)
All costs are approximate and based on 2026 BEST/NMMT published fares. USD conversions use ₹83 = $1.
| Option | Journey Time | Cost (INR) | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEST City Bus | 60–90 min | ₹6–₹20 | $0.07–$0.24 | Cheapest option; multiple routes; can be crowded at peak hours |
| Best ValueNMMT AC Bus (AC-1) | 45–75 min | ₹70–₹150 | $0.84–$1.80 | Air-conditioned; fewer stops; more comfortable; limited hours |
| Mumbai Metro (+ bus/auto) | 50–80 min | ₹30–₹60 | $0.36–$0.72 | Walk/auto to Andheri, then Metro Line 1; good for eastern suburbs |
| Private Airport Coach | 40–70 min | ₹300–₹500 | $3.60–$6.00 | Pre-bookable; drop-off at major hotels; AC guaranteed |
Step-by-Step: Taking the BEST Bus from Mumbai Airport
The BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) city bus is the most popular public option — here's exactly how to do it.
Exit the terminal and follow bus signage
After clearing customs at Terminal 2, follow the green 'Ground Transport' signs. Exit via Gate 5 (arrivals level). For Terminal 1 (domestic), use the main exit on Level 1. Bus stops are clearly marked with BEST logos — look for the orange and red livery.
Identify your route
Check the route board at the bus shelter. Route 302 goes south via Bandra, Dadar to CST. Route 303 covers the eastern corridor via Kurla. Route 321 heads north-west to Andheri station. Destination boards are displayed in English and Marathi. If unsure, ask the BEST conductor — they are generally helpful.
Board and pay your fare
Board from the front and move towards the rear. A conductor will collect your fare on board — have exact change or small notes ready. Fares are distance-based starting at ₹6. Request a printed ticket and keep it until you alight. BEST buses do not currently accept UPI or card payments on board.
Track your journey
Download the 'BEST Bus' app or use Google Maps (real-time BEST tracking is integrated). Signal your stop by pressing the buzzer or calling out to the conductor a few stops before your destination. Allow extra time during morning (07:30–10:00) and evening (17:00–20:30) peak hours when journey times can extend by 30–45 minutes.
Alight and continue your journey
Most city bus routes terminate at Dadar (T) or CST. From Dadar, you can switch to the Mumbai Local (Central/Western/Harbour lines) for ₹5–₹15 to reach virtually any part of Mumbai. From CST, Mumbai's suburban rail network is directly accessible on platforms 1–18.
Key BEST Bus Routes from Mumbai Airport (BOM)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bus goes directly from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Dadar or CST?
BEST bus routes 302 and 303 connect Terminal 2 (International) with Dadar and CST respectively. Journey time is approximately 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run roughly every 20–30 minutes between 06:00 and 23:00. The fare is ₹6–₹20. For Terminal 1 (Domestic), walk to the Vile Parle or Santacruz stop on the Western Express Highway and board any BEST service heading south.
Is there a direct bus from Mumbai Airport to Andheri station?
Yes. Andheri (W) station is less than 4 km from Terminal 1. You can take BEST bus route 321 or simply walk/auto-rickshaw to Andheri and then continue by Mumbai Metro Line 1 or Western Railway. The BEST bus fare is just ₹6–₹10 and takes around 15–25 minutes.
Are airport bus services available 24 hours at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl Airport?
Regular BEST city buses operate approximately 05:30–23:30. For late-night or early-morning arrivals, the NMMT air-conditioned bus AC-1 runs a limited night schedule, but coverage is reduced. Outside bus operating hours, pre-paid app-based taxis (Uber/Ola) or the airport's authorised cab service are the most reliable alternatives. Always have local currency (INR) ready as card acceptance on buses is limited.
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Information on this page reflects publicly available BEST and NMMT data as of January 2026. Fares, schedules, and route numbers are subject to change. Always verify with official sources before travel. Affiliate links are marked with sponsored — they help keep AirConnect free to use.