How to get from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport to Gateway of India

Getting from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM; Terminals T2/T1) to the Gateway of India in Colaba is straightforward. Choose between door-to-door taxis/rideshares, a value combo of Metro + suburban train + short taxi, airport buses, or a prebooked private transfer. Steps and planners below.

At A Glance (Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport to Gateway of India)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)	~60–90m (traffic-dependent)	Simplicity with luggage/late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 700–1,400 one-way + tolls | Fixed quotes: » GetTransfer
🚇🚆 Metro Line 1 + Suburban Train + Short Taxi/Walk	~75–100m (good off-peak)	Budget travelers, avoiding road traffic
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 100–250 total (Metro + train + last-mile)
🚌 BEST Airport Bus + Short Taxi	~90–120m (route-dependent)	Low cost + sit back
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 100–250 (bus) + last-mile
🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet)	~60–90m	Families, bulky luggage, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 2,000–4,000 per vehicle » compare vehicles | GYG transfers | Klook
🚘 Self-Drive Rental (Least common)	~70–100m (parking scarce)	Experienced city drivers only
🏷️ Cost: from ~INR 2,500/day + fuel/parking » compare rentals | Trip.com Car Hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & easiest with bags/at night: Taxi / rideshare.
• Best value & often fastest at rush hour: Metro + Suburban train to Churchgate/CSMT, then short taxi.
• Lowest cost with a seat: BEST airport bus toward Colaba/Fort + short taxi.
• Hands-off door-to-door: Private transfer (meet-and-greet).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Ride-hailing: Uber and Ola work well from both terminals; follow signs to app pickup zones. For a guaranteed English-language pickup or larger vehicle, compare GetTransfer.
• Luggage storage: Kill time hands-free near Colaba/Fort via Radical Storage Mumbai.
• Cash/cards: Trains/Metro accept tokens/SmartCards; keep small cash for local taxis/auto-rickshaws.
• Peak traffic: 08:00–11:00 & 17:00–21:00; rail often beats road at these times.
• Staying nearby: Check Colaba/Fort hotels for easy walks to the monument—browse stays near Gateway of India.

🚖 Option #1 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)

Easiest 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: From BOM T2/T1 arrivals, follow signs for prepaid taxis or app-based pickups (Uber/Ola). Ride straight to Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
• How to book (with price): Use Uber/Ola apps or request a fixed quote via GetTransfer. Expect ~INR 700–1,400 + tolls/parking depending on car type and traffic.
• Pros: No transfers; best with heavy luggage or at odd hours. Cons: Mumbai traffic can be slow at peaks.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

1. Exit customs and follow signs to Prepaid Taxi or Ride App Pick-Up zones (T2: lower arrivals; T1: forecourt).
2. Book your ride (Uber/Ola) or get a fixed fare. For meet-and-greet, pre-arrange via GetTransfer.
3. Confirm destination as Gateway of India (Apollo Bunder) and share your hotel pin if you’re staying nearby.
4. Pay in app/cash; allow extra time in rush hours and during monsoon downpours.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Forecourt)

• T2 International: Clearly marked taxi/app zones at arrivals.
• T1 Domestic: Taxi ranks outside arrivals; app pickups follow signage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚇🚆 Option #2 — Metro Line 1 + Suburban Train + Short Taxi/Walk (Best Value)

Avoids traffic Frequent Some transfers

• Overview: From the airport area, ride Mumbai Metro Line 1 (Airport Road/Marol Naka) to Andheri, change to Western Line suburban train to Churchgate, then take a short taxi/kaali-peeli or walk/auto toward Colaba (or ride Central Line to CSMT and taxi).
• How to book (with price): Buy Metro tokens/SmartCard at the station (Airport Road/Marol Naka) and a suburban train ticket at Andheri. Total ~INR 100–250 including last-mile taxi.
• Pros: Often quickest in peak traffic; very economical. Cons: Crowded at rush hours; stairs/footbridges at stations.

Step-by-step: Metro + Suburban Train

1. From T2, take a short taxi/auto to Airport Road or Marol Naka Metro (Line 1). From T1, it’s a brief ride to Western Express Highway or Airport Road stations.
2. Ride Metro to Andheri (Line 1). Exit and follow signs to the Andheri (Western Line) suburban station.
3. Buy a local train ticket to Churchgate (or CSMT via an interchange) and board a fast or slow train as suits.
4. At Churchgate/CSMT, take a short taxi/auto to the Gateway of India (approx. 10–15 minutes off-peak).

Getting to the main embarking points (Metro & Andheri/Churchgate/CSMT)

• Metro Line 1 (Airport Road/Marol Naka): Frequent trains; luggage okay off-peak.
• Andheri Station: Large interchange—use footbridges; mind signage for Western Line platforms.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — BEST Airport Bus + Short Taxi (Cheapest With a Seat)

Budget No transfers (some routes) Route-timing varies

• Overview: AC BEST buses run from the airport corridor toward Colaba/Fort/CSMT. Depending on route, alight near Regal/CSMT and hop a short taxi to the Gateway. Comfortable seats, great for daylight arrivals.
• How to book (with price): Buy on board or via mobile ticketing apps; expect ~INR 100–200 plus last-mile taxi/auto.
• Pros: Low cost, seated ride. Cons: Headways vary; slower in heavy traffic; last-mile needed.

Step-by-step: Airport Bus + Short Taxi

1. From T2/T1, follow signs to the BEST bus stop or ask staff for the next Colaba/Fort/CSMT-bound AC bus.
2. Ride to Fort/CSMT/Regal area.
3. Take a short taxi/auto or walk the final stretch to the Gateway of India.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stops & Fort)

• Airport stops: Clearly signed BEST stops outside both terminals; AC routes are common.
• Fort/Colaba: Taxis plentiful; sidewalks busy at peak times.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Most Comfortable)

Meet-and-greet Direct Higher cost

• Overview: A driver waits in arrivals with a name sign and escorts you to a sedan/MPV/van; direct drop at the monument or your Colaba hotel.
• How to book (with price): From ~INR 2,000–4,000 per vehicle. Compare on GetTransfer, browse GetYourGuide, or check Klook.
• Pros: Zero hassle; good with kids/elderly or oversized luggage. Cons: Costs more than taxis/rideshares.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Enter flight number, party size, and luggage when booking (choose sedan/MPV/van).
2. After immigration, meet your driver in arrivals; confirm drop at Gateway of India or your hotel.
3. Ride directly; tip at your discretion if service was great.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Hall & Colaba)

• Arrivals hall: Drivers wait with signage; message via app if needed.
• Colaba area: Most hotels within a few minutes’ walk of the Gateway.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive Rental (Only if You Must)

Independence Airport pickup City traffic/parking

• Overview: Pick up at the airport, drive south via Western Express Highway, then Marine Drive/Fort to Colaba. Street parking is scarce—use hotel or paid garages.
• How to book (with price): From ~INR 2,500/day + fuel/parking. Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Full control if continuing to out-of-city destinations. Cons: Heavy traffic, narrow lanes, limited parking in Colaba.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Collect your car at T2/T1; verify documents, fuel, and Fastag (tolls).
2. Set GPS to Gateway of India; follow Western Express Hwy → Marine Drive/Fort → Colaba.
3. Use paid parking/valet near your hotel; avoid peak-hour arrivals when possible.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Counters & Colaba)

• Airport rental desks: Typically in/near arrivals; hours vary by provider.
• Colaba parking: Prefer hotel car parks; on-street options are limited and regulated.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport to Gateway of India)

How long does it take from the airport to the Gateway of India?
Typically 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic; 75–100 minutes by Metro + train + short taxi.

Is the Metro + suburban train option safe with luggage?
Yes, but avoid peak crush hours if carrying big bags. Keep valuables close and use station lifts where available.

Do Uber/Ola pick up at both terminals?
Yes—follow “Ride App” signage. Fares vary by demand, time, and car type.

What’s the exact address of the Gateway of India?
Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001 (next to The Taj Mahal Palace).

Where should I stay for easy access?
Colaba/Fort (walkable to the Gateway). Compare hotels on Booking.com near the Gateway.

Can I store luggage near Colaba?
Yes—find vetted left-luggage spots via Radical Storage Mumbai.