Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport operates 2 terminals. The buildings are separated by about 3 km.
Both buildings are modern and meet all international standards.
Best hotels near Mumbai Airport
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 serves domestic flights of smaller airlines. The building is known locally as Santacruz Airport and is the original airport terminal completely renovated in 2001.
Terminal 1 is used by the following airlines.
- Akasa Air
- Indigo (selected flights only)
- Spice Jet
Terminal 2
Mumbai Airport's largest building was built brand new in 2014.
Terminal 2 serves the domestic flights of these airlines:
- Air India
- Air India Express
- IndiGo (selected flights)
- Star Air
- Vistara
In addition, all international flights are handled at Terminal 2.
Transfer between terminals
A free airport bus runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 via the outdoor public area. The "Inter-Terminal Shuttle" bus service operates 24/7 and runs at a frequency of approximately 10-20 minutes.
The journey between the terminals takes 20-35 minutes depending on traffic.
- Terminal 1 - stop in front of the arrivals hall, exit 2
- Terminal 2 - stop at the arrivals hall, level -1, exit P4
There are no buses running on the tarmac through the transit zone (airside).
It is therefore always necessary to leave the transit area when moving between terminals.
Security checks
In Mumbai, you will be subjected to the first check when you enter all terminals from the outside. Have your passport and especially your ticket or boarding pass ready, either in mobile or paper form.
The usual waiting time to enter the terminals is up to 10 minutes.
The next check is the classic security screening between the public and transit area, as you know from all airports in the world.
The queues for security checks in all terminals can take up to 45 minutes.
How far in advance should I arrive at the airport?
Even with double checkpoints (and extra passport control for international flights), it is recommended to arrive at Mumbai Airport 3 hours before departure.
Transfer between flights
Mumbai Airport is the 2nd largest transfer point for international and domestic flights in the whole of South Asia. Transfer at Mumbai Airport is clearly signposted with signs "Transfer".
International transfer
International flight transfers (i.e. arriving in Mumbai from abroad and departing to another international destination, e.g. Dubai -> Mumbai -> Bangkok) will only ever take place within Terminal 2.
When connecting internationally, you never have to move between terminals.
If you have purchased a ticket with a transfer in Mumbai, your transfer is guaranteed and you do not have to go through immigration or leave the transit zone at all.
- Baggage - will be automatically transferred and you don't have to worry about it
- Visas - you do not need an Indian visa for the transfer, no passport control is required
Domestic transfer
Transferring between domestic routes can already be tricky, especially if you're travelling with IndiGo airlines that operate from Terminals 1 and 2.
Other airlines (such as Air India, Vistara, Spicejet) operate all their international and domestic flights from one terminal.
No change of terminal
You will not need to leave the transit area if you are only connecting within a single terminal.
Change of terminal
However, if you change to another terminal, you must always leave the transit area and go completely outside the airport building.
A free airport bus runs between all terminals. Once outside, follow the signs "Inter-terminal Shuttle Bus".
The bus runs at 10-20 minute intervals 24 hours a day.
- Terminal 2 <-> Terminal 1: total transfer time including waiting for the bus approx. 40-60 minutes
Transfer from international to domestic flight
If you are travelling with one booking from an international destination and proceeding from Mumbai to another Indian destination, you must always exit the transit zone.
If you have to change terminal, the process is the same as for a purely domestic transfer see above.
- Baggage - you must always collect your baggage and re-check in at a dedicated check-in counter marked "Transfer".
- Immigration - you go through immigration at Mumbai airport
Transfer from domestic to international flight
If you are travelling with one booking from an Indian destination via Mumbai to an international destination, you must always exit the transit zone.
If you have to change terminals, the process is the same as for a purely domestic transfer see above.
- Baggage - you do not collect it on transfer, it will be checked in from the point of departure to the final destination
- Immigration - you go through immigration only at Mumbai airport