Rahul's Travel and Food

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, has two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Although both terminals belong to the same airport, they are located in different parts of the airport complex and are separated by a road journey.

If you have a connecting flight departing from a different terminal, you need to plan your transfer in advance. The good news is that Mumbai Airport provides a complimentary inter-terminal shuttle service, so you do not necessarily have to spend money on a taxi.

In this guide, I will explain how to travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, where to find the shuttle bus, and what alternatives are available if you prefer a taxi or app-based cab.

Mumbai Airport T1 and T2: What Is the Difference?

Terminal 1 is located in the Santacruz area, while Terminal 2 is in the Sahar area. The terminal assigned to your flight depends on the airline and the specific flight.

Terminal 1 handles domestic flights of Alliance air, Spice Jet , Star one and few Indigo flights , whereas Terminal 2 handles international flights and domestic flights of Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air and few domestic flights of Indigo.

Important: Do not assume your terminal based only on the airline’s name. Always check your ticket, boarding pass or the latest flight information before leaving for the airport.

Do You Need to Exit the Terminal to Transfer Between T1 and T2?

Passengers travelling between the two terminals should follow the transfer instructions provided by their airline and the airport staff.

For many connections, you will need to leave the arrival area and travel between the terminal buildings using the airport’s inter-terminal coach or another ground transport option.

If both flights are on the same booking, ask your airline how your checked baggage will be handled. If your flights are booked separately, you need to collect your baggage and check in again at the next terminal. Also if its International to domestic connection on same PNR then you mandatorily have to collect baggage and recheck after customs if from same terminal, have to travel with baggage to next terminal if terminal is changed. Except that for every other type of connection on same PNR baggage is mostly transferred by airline.

How to Transfer Between Mumbai Airport T1 and T2

There are two main road-transfer options to consider:

1. The complimentary airport shuttle bus.
2. A taxi or app-based cab.

For most passengers who want to save money, the free shuttle is a good option. A taxi or cab may be more convenient if you are carrying a lot of luggage or prefer a private vehicle.

Option 1: Free Shuttle Bus Between T1 and T2

Mumbai Airport provides a complimentary inter-terminal coach service for passengers travelling between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

The service operates 24 hours a day, with departures approximately every 20 minutes. Actual waiting and journey times can vary, so allow sufficient time for your connecting flight.

From Terminal 1 to Terminal 2

If you arrive at Terminal 1 and need to catch your next flight from Terminal 2, follow these steps:

1. After collecting your checked baggage (If required), proceed towards the arrivals exit.
2. Exit the arrivals area ,Turn right and follow the signs towards Departure Gate 2.
3. Look for the inter-terminal coach boarding point.
4. Confirm with airport staff that the bus is going to Terminal 2 before boarding.
5. After reaching Terminal 2,bus will drop you at departure level.

From Terminal 2 to Terminal 1

If your next flight departs from Terminal 1, follow these steps:

1. After arriving at Terminal 2 and collecting your baggage, follow the airport signs towards ground transportation.
2. Proceed to Ground Transportation Level (P4), where the inter-terminal coach pickup point.
3. Confirm the destination with airport staff before boarding.
4. Once you reach Terminal 1, At T1 shuttle drop exactly at departure ,follow the signs to the departure area , enter the terminal and your airline’s check-in counter, if required.

Before travelling, check the official Mumbai Airport inter-terminal coach information for the latest pickup details.

Option 2: Transfer by Taxi or App-Based Cab

If you do not want to wait for the shuttle bus, you can consider a taxi or an app-based cab.

Mumbai Airport has taxi and app-based transport facilities, with pickup arrangements at the terminals. Follow the airport’s transport signs and use the designated pickup point for your chosen service.

A taxi may be convenient when travelling with family, children, elderly passengers or several pieces of luggage. However, the cost and travel time can vary depending on the service, traffic conditions and pickup arrangements.

In my original visit notes, I recorded a prepaid non-AC taxi fare of ₹350. Please treat this as a historical reference rather than a current fare, as taxi prices and service arrangements can change. Confirm the price before booking.

How Much Time Does It Take to Transfer Between T1 and T2?

The total transfer time depends on several factors:

• How long you take to exit the arriving terminal.
• Whether you need to collect checked baggage.
• How long you wait for the shuttle bus.
• Road traffic and the time required to reach the other terminal.
• Whether you need to check in again and clear security.

Do not plan your connection based only on the road journey. You must also account for baggage collection, check-in deadlines, security checks and boarding time.

If you are booking connecting flights yourself, leave a comfortable buffer between them. The required time can be significantly different for a domestic-to-domestic connection and a domestic-to-international connection.

For a same-booking connection, confirm the minimum connection time and transfer arrangements with your airline. For separate bookings, allow additional time because you may need to collect and recheck your baggage.

Important Tips for Passengers Connecting at Mumbai Airport

1. Check the terminal before travelling

Confirm whether your flight departs from T1 or T2.

2. Check your baggage arrangements

Ask your airline whether your baggage will be transferred automatically or whether you need to collect it at the first terminal.

3. Keep your boarding pass and booking details handy

These can help airport staff direct you to the correct transfer service.

4. Allow enough time

Do not rely on the best-case journey time. Shuttle waiting times, road traffic and airport formalities can all affect your connection.

5. Verify the latest pickup location

Follow airport signs and ask airport staff if you cannot find the shuttle boarding point. Pickup arrangements can change.

For your convenience I am had also uploaded video of complete procedure of transferring between terminal by shuttle bus ,please go through them too for better understanding.

>Mumbai Transfer from T1 to T2 by shuttle bus, complete journey

>Mumbai Transfer from T2 to T1 by shuttle bus, complete journey

Conclusion

Transferring between Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is manageable when you know where to go and plan your connection in advance.

The complimentary inter-terminal shuttle is a useful option for budget-conscious travellers, while taxis and app-based cabs provide alternatives. Check the latest airport information, verify your airline’s baggage and transfer arrangements, and allow enough time to reach your next departure terminal.

I hope this guide helps make your journey through Mumbai Airport easier.

If you have recently transferred between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, feel free to share your experience in the comments. Your tips may help other travellers plan their connections.

Thanks for reading Rahul Travel And Food.

Happy travelling!