Tips for Mumbai mini-bus and coach tourism

Useful tips for Mumbai bus groups with ‘what to see’ and ‘what to do’ items and  ‘bus- friendly’ or must see tourist sites in Mumbai . Check our list of attractions before planning your bus tour with a stop or departure in Mumbai . Let us know if your favourite attraction or ‘bus-stop’ is not there and you think we should add it to our list of Mumbai highlights.

What you need to know about Mumbai Airport

Known as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), over 30 million passengers use Mumbai airport every year. It"s located in the suburb of Santa Cruz and is served with flights from Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere in Asia. Budget airlines like Jet Airways and Spicejet fly here from many cities in India. The terminals have recently been redeveloped and you can expect modern facilities when you arrive.

Mumbai Airport

Mumbai Airport credit: Mack Male CC BY-SA 2.0

Be wary of porters who will walk up and start carrying away your luggage. They won"t steal it, but will demand a huge fee for carrying your bags the tiniest of distances. Porters will not give change so if you use their services it"s essential you first find somewhere to change your money into small rupee bills. Better still avoid the hassle and take your own luggage. If you have pre booked a taxi a driver will meet you at arrivals and carry your luggage.

The best transfer from Mumbai Airport to Mumbai

Despite being located in the city limits it"s still around 25km to the main tourist centre of Colaba in Southern Mumbai. There are many private transportation options to travel to the centre.

interior caravan motorhome from jltourandtravels

Interior Caravan motorhome airport transfer from JL Tour & Travels

Pre booked airport transfers

Pre booked Taxi:

We have several companies listed who provide airport transportation. You will have a smiling Indian man waiting for you at arrivals, who will be keen to impress and welcome you to India. Tipping is optional, and should be done if the taxi driver has provided a good service and kept you entertained. Most prepaid taxis are usually 4 seater Tata or Toyota cars. Companies like Meru Cars, Mega Cabs, and RK Travels. Costs should be around Rs 500 – 600 (€7-9).

Mumbai CSIA

Mumbai CSIA credit: Chris Hoare CC BY 2.0
Artwork around the airport

In other countries you may also call this a meet and greet service as your taxi driver will be waiting for you at the gate and carry your luggage, before driving you to your hotel in Mumbai. You can pre-book an airport transfer from Mumbai airport to Mumbai using our form below.

Mini bus or coach airport transfer:

If you have a group of 5 or more it may be cheaper to book a minibus or coach. Nira Kars, Ashapura Travel World and Mumbai Bus Hire all do Mumbai airport transfers. Your minibus driver will meet you at the arrivals gate and take you to the waiting vehicle. You can use our form below to request and compare quotes for private transportation between Mumbai and Mumbai Airport.

27-mini-bus mumbai bus hire  mumbai

27-seater minibus from Mumbai Bus Hire 

Car with driver:

If you are planning to visit many places in Mumbai you should consider hiring a car with driver. Your driver will meet you at the airport and also act as your guide throughout your stay in Mumbai. Cars used range from old Tata vehicles to new Mercedes and the price also depends on the quality and experience of your driver. For example there is Ashapura Travel World in Ncpa Marg, India Tours and Travels in Jogeshwari, and Shree Tours & Travels in Ghatkopar.

Organising an airport transfer on arrival at Mumbai Airport

Taxi on arrival:

A number of taxi companies have stands in Mumbai airport and touts waiting at arrivals to get customers. Taxi companies are supposed to have set rates but will often charge dependent on how affluent you look. You can negotiate a price or go to a different company. To use these taxis you should first prepay at the counter. Your receipt will have the registration of the taxi. Go outside and find the relevant vehicle. Don"t give your receipt to the driver until you have reached your destination. If you hand it over immediately the taxi driver may take you to the wrong destination and then ask for an additional charge to correct his mistake.

-Cars-Berggruen Car Rentals Pvt. Ltd.

Luxury cars with driver from Berggruen Car Rentals Pvt. Ltd.

Flag down a taxi:

It is not advisable to flag down a taxi without prepaying. The driver will definitely overcharge and may not be registered. Especially when travelling with all your bags we recommend pre paying for your transport.

Using Public Transport:

Mumbai Airport is not well connected for public transport, however there is one viable option for travellers looking to get to downtown for cheaper. This involves taking either a local bus or taxi to nearby Vile Parle Station and then taking a local train from there. This should not be attempted during morning rush hour as there will barely be enough room for your body on the train, never mind your luggage.

Hilton Mumbai Airport

Hilton Mumbai Airport credit: Mack Male CC BY-SA 2.0

Want to know more about travel in India? Read more about things to do and see in Mumbai, various travel services in India or ideas for trips and transport in Maharashtra. A relaxing holiday or succesful business trip starts at the airport. Start your trip the best way you can by booking the airport transfer of your choice. Just fill out the form to start receiving airport transport quotes for free and discover the benefits of using RentAutobus first hand!

More travel and transport info for tourist flying in to Mumbai

Want to know more about travel in India? Read more about things to do and see in Mumbai , various travel services in India or ideas for trips and transport in Maharashtra. A relaxing holiday or successful business trip starts at the airport. Start your trip the best way you can by booking the airport transfer of your choice. Just fill out the form to start receiving airport transport quotes for free and discover the benefits of using RentAutobus first hand!

More about Mumbai

Would you like to organize a bus tour to see all these beautiful highlights? Request quotes and compare the different bus and coach hire companies:

Bus tours in Mumbai