Mumbai (Bombay) Travel Guide

Getting There By Air

Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji) International Airport (BOM)
Tel: (022) 2682 9000 or 2615 6000.
Website: www.csia.in

Mumbai International Airport is located 30km (19 miles) north of the city center at Sahar and is the main international gateway to South India.

Airportfacilities
There are two international terminals and two domestic terminals (located at the domestic airport, 4km away). The international airport has two arrival halls with foreign-exchange counters, a Government of India tourist office booth, hotel reservation counters, an ATM, prepaid taxi booth, Internet cafés, shopping and bars.

Transporttothecity
Taxis are readily available at the airport and the journey to the city center takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic which can be terrible. Public transport buses operate from the airport, but taxis are the most reliable, easy and comfortable way for visitors to get to the city center. A taxi to Colaba, the Fort and Marine Drive will cost around Rs450.

Approximate flight times to Mumbai
From London is 9 hours; from New York is 16 hours; from Los Angeles is 17 hours 30 minutes; from Toronto is 15 hours 30 minutes; and from Sydney is 12 hours 45 minutes.

MumbaiDomesticAirport
Tel: (022) 2615 6600 or 2627 6738.
Website: www.csia.in

Mumbai's domestic airport is 26km (16 miles) north of the city center, at Santa Cruz. A free shuttle bus runs between the airports and terminals.

Airport facilities
Foreign exchange bureau, ticketing counters, an ATM, restaurant and bar are on site. The Government of India tourist office booth is located in Terminal B.

Transport to the city
Taxis are readily available. Journey times and fares to the central and southern parts of the city are not dissimilar to the international airport.

Approximate flight times to Mumbai
Within India, from Delhi is 2 hours; from Bangalore is 1 hour 30 minutes; from Chennai (Madras) is 1 hour 50 minutes; and from Calcutta is 2 hours 20 minutes.

Getting There By Road

For those brave enough to tackle Mumbai's congested roads, driving is on the left. Foreign drivers must be over 18 and possess an International Driving Permit. Consider using taxis or hiring a car and driver for longer journeys.
Those taking their own car to India must obtain a Carnet de Passage from an international motoring association before entering India. Motorists should seek insurance cover from an Indian insurer. Visit www.wiaaindia.com for more information.

Emergency breakdown services
Western India Automobile Association (tel: (022) 2204 1085) provides a limited breakdown service within Mumbai for members.

Routes to the city
National Highways (NH) 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 17 provide connecting routes between Mumbai and the rest of India. Take NH 3 for Agra; NH 4 for Chennai via Pune, and NH 8 for New Delhi.

Coach services
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (tel: (022) 2369 6109/10; www.msrdc.org) operates coach services from Mumbai. Private bus companies tend to have faster, more comfortable services. The main government and private bus terminal is located opposite Central Station, on Bellasis Road (tel: (022) 2307 4272). Destinations include Goa, Pune and Udaipur.

Getting There By Rail

Rail Services
Mumbai is very well served by its railways, both for suburban and national routes. Three train systems operate out of Mumbai but the most useful for visitors are the Western Railway (tel: (022) 2262 5959; www.wr.indianrail.gov.in) and Central Railway (tel: (022) 2262 0079). A computerised inquiry system for arrivals and departure information is available (tel: 131 or 134). During the rush hour (0700-1100 and 1600-2100), trains are extremely crowded and best avoided. Western Railway services depart from Mumbai Central (MC) Station, Boman Behram Road, while the majority of Central Railway services depart from the magnificent CST building (formerly Victoria Terminus), on Dr D Navroji Road, at the corner of St George's Road. A few Central Railway trains depart from Dadar, a few stations north of CST. Both stations offer basic facilities.

Rail Operators
Together Central Railway and Western Railway transport over 6 million passengers every day. Central Railway handles services to the east, south and a handful to the north, while Western Railway covers services to the north. Major destinations include Agra (journey time - 21 hours 30 minutes), Bangalore (24 hours 30 minutes), Delhi (17 hours), Goa (8 hours), Jaipur (18 hours), Kolkata (30 hours) and Varanasi (29 hours).

Getting Around in Mumbai (Bombay), India

Public Transport

There is no underground system in Mumbai but the city is well served by its suburban rail network. Single- and double-decker buses are also useful for getting around town. Fares are cheap around south Mumbai but bus routes can be hard to fathom; check www.bestundertaking.com for bus routes information. Buses are often crowded and seats hard to come by; only a small minority are fitted with air conditioning. Tickets are best purchased from the driver.

Taxis

Mumbai has plenty of black-and-yellow premier taxis plying the streets and they are the best way to get around. Unlike other Indian cities, autorickshaws are banned. Taxis can be hailed on the street and drivers almost always use the meter without prompting. Fares (usually inexpensive) are calculated according to a conversion table, which all drivers are required to carry. City Cool Cabs (tel: (022) 2216 4466; www.citycoolcab.in) offer air-conditioned taxis a third more expensive but also more comfortable.

Taxi drivers don't always know Mumbai's street names so give directions by landmarks. Tipping etiquette can also be confusing; some drivers demand a tip quite openly, while others are content with the metered or negotiated fare. A 10% tip is generally acceptable.

Driving in the City

Driving in Mumbai is not recommended for tourists. The streets are chaotic and poorly signposted and you'll have to dodge trucks, cows and potholes in addition to finding your way around. There are traffic regulations but they're regularly ignored. Parking is another huge problem in Mumbai, and another reason not to drive.

Car Hire

Drivers in India must be over 18 years, although many car hire companies will insist on a higher minimum age. Drivers will need an International Driving Permit, and insurance must be arranged at the time of hiring. Avis at the Oberoi Hotel (tel: (022) 2857419; www.avis.com) and Royal Cars (tel: (022) 2283 2928) provide self-drive hire cars.

Bicycle Hire

Bicycles are popular on the crowded streets of Mumbai and there is no requirement for cyclists to wear helmets. Motorbikes are available for long-term buy-back (you purchase the bike and the shop guarantees to buy it back from you when you're done) from Allibhai Premji Tyrewalla 205/207 Dr D Bhadkamkar Road, Opera House (tel: (022) 2309 9313; www.premjis.com).