24-Hour Layover in Mumbai: What To Do
Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) · India
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Key Facts
- Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM)
- Country: India
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- Visa & Entry: Same India e-Visa rules as Delhi. Apply at least 4 days before arrival. Airport transit visa available for most nationalities if not leaving the international terminal.
Insider tip
Mumbai's domestic and international terminals are in Chhatrapati Shivaji airport complex. T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) are connected by a free inter-terminal bus.
Getting to Mumbai City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Uber / Ola | $5–12 | 25–50 min |
| Auto-rickshaw (to Bandra only) | $2–4 | 20 min |
Top Mumbai: Where to Go
Bandra West (hip neighbourhood)
30 min from city centreMumbai's coolest suburb — Bollywood star bungalows, Bandstand promenade, and cafe culture on Hill Road.
Marine Drive (Queen's Necklace)
45 min from city centre3.6km Art Deco promenade along the Arabian Sea. Best at dusk when the streetlights form the "necklace".
Dharavi & Mahim
30 min from city centreAsia's largest informal economy — genuine city texture. Dharavi Reality Tours run respectful 2-hour walking tours.
Eat Like a Local in Mumbai
Vada pav (spiced potato fritter in bread roll) from a Shivaji Park street stall — Mumbai's definitive street snack, INR 20.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Mumbai signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Mumbai?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Chhatrapati Shivaji to Mumbai city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Chhatrapati Shivaji?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at BOM
Getting out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Mumbai
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Mumbai and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse MumbaiJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Trains & buses from Mumbai
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Mumbai
Compare 400+ airlines departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport
Hotels near Mumbai Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Other layover guides for Mumbai
Planning a longer stay in Mumbai?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Mumbai Destination Guide →