Mumbai Airport Information

Chhatrapati Shivaj International Airport (BOM)

• (91)22 26264-000 for Terminal 1 (1A and 1B Domestic)
  
• (91)22 26813-000 for Terminal 2 (2B and 2C International)

Website: www.csia.inThe international terminal is located at Sahar in Andheri East while the domestic terminal is in Santa Cruz, 30 kilometers (19 miles) and 24 kilometers (15 miles) north of the city respectively.

One and a half to two hours to Colaba. However, travel time is much less early in the morning or late at night when traffic is lighter.

Mumbai Airport Development Fee:

From April 1, 2009, departing international passengers must pay a 600 rupee ($12) Airport Development Fee, and domestic passengers 100 rupees ($2).

Mumbai airport is the main entry point to India and handles 25 million passengers a year. It was leased to a private operator in 2006 and is undergoing major renovation and upgrade. A new domestic terminal has been opened and construction works are in progress in the international terminal. There's faster immigration and improved amenities, however expect some inconvenience due to construction. T2, a new domestic and international terminal building, is expected to be completed by 2012. Eventually, the domestic and international terminals will be merged together, and the domestic terminal used for cargo.

Mumbai airport has the following terminals:

• Terminal 1A - Domestic departures and arrivals (Air India, Kingfisher Airlines and Alliance Air).
• Terminal 1B - Domestic departures and arrivals (all other domestic airlines including Jet, JetLite, Kingfisher Red, IndiGo, Go Air, and Spice Jet).
• Terminal 2B & 2C - International departures and arrivals. (2A is under reconstruction).

The international and domestic terminals are located around five kilometers (three miles) apart. There's a free shuttle bus, which departs every half hour or so. Time taken to travel between the terminals is around 20 minutes.

• Luggage storage facilities are no longer operational due to security threats.
• Free wireless Internet is available in both domestic and international terminals.
• Passengers with special needs are catered for by reserved parking slots, ramps, lifts and bathrooms. Wheelchairs and attendants are available inside the terminals.
• Money exchange counters and ATMs inside the terminals.
• New duty free shops.
• Beauty spa, and classy Bombay Blue bar, in the international departures terminal.
• Railway reservation counter at the international arrivals terminal (open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and until 2 p.m. on Sunday).

The easiest way to get to your hotel is by taking a prepaid taxi from out the front of the international arrivals area. The fare to south Mumbai (Colaba) is around 400 rupees ($8). Luggage charges are additional. Pre-paid taxis are now also available at the domestic terminal. The stand is a short walk away as you exit the arrivals area. Bus services are also available from the airport.The international terminal is busiest at night, while the domestic terminal is busy during the day. Delays from runway congestion are a big problem at Mumbai airport. Flights are often delayed 20-30 minutes because of this. Mumbai airport often causes confusion to travelers because both the international and domestic terminals, while being located in separate suburbs, are named Chhatrapati Shivaj International Airport. If your ticket for a domestic flight states that it's departing from the international airport, this does not mean the international terminal. Make sure you do go to the domestic terminal.Unfortunately Mumbai airport doesn't have any retiring rooms, however there are plenty of airport hotels in the vicinity. Compare prices and find reviews of these hotels on Kayak, About.com's Travel Partner.

• Hotel Midland -- an ordinary hotel that's a relatively inexpensive option. It's located around 10 minutes from the domestic terminal and 20 minutes from the international terminal. Expect to pay around $100 for a double room.
• Intercontinental The Lalit -- used to be called The Grand. It's located on the road to the international terminal. Double rooms at this luxury hotel are available for under $200.
• ITC Maratha -- a highly rated five star hotel with an opulent Indian feel. It's located in a peaceful spot 5 minutes from the international terminal and 10 minutes from the domestic terminal. Rooms are priced at $230 upwards for a double.
• The Leela Kempinski -- this sprawling luxury hotel, located right near the international terminal, is almost as popular as the ITC Maratha. Doubles cost from $230.
• Le Royal Meridian -- one of Mumbai's best luxury hotels. This hotel, located not far from the international terminal, is relatively small and intimate. Double rooms range in price from around $220-330.
• Sahara Star -- located right next to the domestic terminal. This hotel receives variable reviews. Double rooms cost around $180.
• The Orchid -- a five star eco friendly hotel with double rooms starting from around $200. It's located closer to the domestic terminal than the international one.