Mumbai Airport (BOM) and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) are separate airports in different parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Connecting between them requires leaving your arrival airport and travelling by road to the other airport. Allow substantial time for baggage collection, traffic and fresh check-in—not just the driving time.
Navi Mumbai International Airport, commonly abbreviated NMIA and also known as D. B. Patil International Airport, began commercial operations with domestic flights. As airlines introduce services and change departure airports, check the airport code on every flight in your itinerary. This is especially important when your domestic flight uses NMI and your international flight departs from BOM, or vice versa.
This guide explains how to travel in both directions, compare taxis and buses, and allow enough time for baggage collection, the road journey and check-in at your next airport.
Before you book: BOM means Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. NMI means Navi Mumbai International Airport (New Bombay / Vashi). For a connection involving both airports, budget separately for airport exit formalities, ground transport and the next airline’s check-in deadline. A one-hour driving estimate is not a one-hour flight connection.
Transport and facility information checked: September 2026. Journey times and connection buffers below are planning suggestions, not guaranteed travel times or airline-approved minimum connections.
On this page
- BOM and NMI: know the difference
- Distance and road travel time
- Mumbai Airport to Navi Mumbai Airport
- Navi Mumbai Airport to Mumbai Airport
- Taxi costs and booking advice
- Buses, shuttles, trains and autos
- How much connection time to allow
- Baggage and separate-ticket connections
- Airlines and flight changes
- Lounges and airport readiness
- Frequently asked questions
Mumbai Airport and Navi Mumbai Airport Are Different Airports
| Airport | Code to check | What it means for your journey |
|---|---|---|
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai | BOM | The existing Mumbai airport. Check the terminal shown on your ticket. |
| Navi Mumbai International Airport | NMI | The separate airport in the Ulwe–Panvel area of Navi Mumbai. |
“Mumbai” in a booking search is not enough. Check the three-letter airport code before paying, after any schedule change and again before leaving for the airport.
A terminal number also needs an airport name. “Terminal 1” at NMI is not Terminal 1 at BOM.
If both flights use BOM, start with our Mumbai Airport transit guide. This article covers the longer journey between BOM and NMI.
How Far Is Navi Mumbai Airport From Mumbai Airport?
Airport planning documents describe the Navi Mumbai airport site as approximately 35 km from the existing Mumbai airport. That figure should not be treated as the road distance between your arrival and departure terminals. See the government-hosted airport project document.
Your actual driving distance depends on the BOM terminal, the airport access roads and the route selected. A journey via Atal Setu can have a different distance from one routed through Vashi and the Sion–Panvel corridor.
For the usable road distance, enter the exact terminals into a live navigation app. Do not search only for “Navi Mumbai”: a fare or distance to Vashi, Nerul or another neighbourhood may not represent a trip to NMI.
You can start with BOM Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai Airport driving directions, then confirm the terminal pins and intended departure time.
How long does the road transfer take?
For initial planning, set aside around two hours for the road transfer, with room for three hours or more during serious congestion, heavy rain or disruption. This is a cautious allowance, not a measured average or a promise that the journey will finish within that time.
A live map may show a quicker trip in light traffic. Use that estimate to choose a route, but do not remove your connection buffer simply because the roads look clear when you check.
The road estimate excludes time spent getting off the aircraft, collecting bags, finding the pickup point and waiting for a vehicle.
How Do You Go From Mumbai Airport to Navi Mumbai Airport?
- Confirm that your onward flight departs from NMI. Check the latest airline itinerary, rather than an old confirmation.
- Complete arrival formalities at BOM. International arrivals must complete the applicable immigration and customs process before travelling by road.
- Collect your checked bags unless the airline has explicitly confirmed another arrangement.
- Book a taxi or confirmed ground transfer to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Show the driver the airport name and NMI code.
- Check the route and total fare. Ask whether tolls, airport charges and waiting are included.
- Go to the correct NMI departure entrance. Complete check-in, bag drop and security for the onward flight.
With suitcases, children or an international flight to catch, a direct car transfer is usually the most practical option because it avoids changes between local transport services.
How Do You Go From Navi Mumbai Airport to Mumbai Airport?
The journey works in reverse, but specify the BOM terminal shown on your ticket. Do not simply tell the driver “international airport,” because both airport names contain that phrase.
- Collect your luggage and follow signs to the designated transport pickup area.
- Set your destination to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, BOM, with the correct terminal.
- Confirm the registration number, vehicle size and fare before boarding.
- Monitor the arrival estimate during the trip.
- At BOM, proceed to your airline’s check-in area with your travel documents ready.
Arrange internet access before arrival if you intend to use a booking app. Our guide to getting internet after landing in India explains the options without relying on an Indian SIM.
How Much Does a Taxi Between BOM and NMI Cost?
There is no single fare that applies to every booking. The total depends on vehicle category, demand, route, pickup charges, tolls and waiting time.
For a preliminary travel budget, you could set aside ₹1,500–₹3,000 or more per car. This is an editorial budgeting allowance, not a verified airport tariff or live quote. Obtain an actual price for your date, terminals and luggage before deciding whether a cheaper flight from the other airport saves money.
NMIA’s official transport page lists app-based providers including Uber and Ola, alongside car-rental services. Availability and vehicle categories should be checked when booking.
Check these details before confirming the taxi
- Destination: NMI airport, rather than a general Navi Mumbai address.
- Tolls: Whether the quoted total includes the selected route’s tolls.
- Airport fees: Pickup, parking or access charges.
- Waiting: Charges if baggage or immigration takes longer than expected.
- Luggage capacity: Several large suitcases may require a larger vehicle.
Do not assume that every fare includes an Atal Setu toll or that the driver must use that bridge. Compare the live routes and the final payable amount.
Are There Buses or Shuttles From Navi Mumbai Airport?
Yes, airport bus services are listed, but distinguish local connections from a direct inter-airport shuttle.
The airport lists NMMT links to railway stations including Kharkopar, Targhar, Belapur, Nerul, Khandeshwar and Panvel. It also lists Chalo connections to parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Does the Chalo bus go directly to BOM?
Chalo publishes an NMI–Andheri service, route S-563. Its published stops include locations in Navi Mumbai, BKC and Andheri. The outward list includes “Domestic Airport Junction,” which should not be mistaken for a drop at your airline’s departure terminal.
Check the boarding point, direction, current timetable and final connection to BOM. A route serving Andheri is not automatically a nonstop airport-to-airport coach, and “all day” should not be read as a confirmed 24-hour frequency.
I could not verify a dedicated, free BOM–NMI terminal-to-terminal shuttle from the official pages reviewed. If an airline offers one with your ticket, obtain the pickup location, operating hours and booking conditions directly.
Do not confuse the shuttles: BOM’s inter-terminal coach concerns terminals at Mumbai Airport. It is not evidence of a free transfer to Navi Mumbai Airport.
Should you travel between the airports by local train?
We do not recommend local trains for a BOM–NMI flight connection, particularly with suitcases, children or older travellers. This is not a direct airport train service.
The Mumbai suburban railway involves different lines and branches. Reaching the Navi Mumbai airport area can require changing trains at suitable interchange stations, followed by a separate road journey to the terminal. Do not assume that every Harbour Line train serves the station you need.
Changing platforms may involve footbridges and stairs. Do not rely on a lift or escalator being available and working throughout your route: you may have to carry your bags yourself. Crowded platforms and trains also make boarding, keeping luggage together and protecting valuables more difficult.
For visitors unfamiliar with the network, the potential saving comes with substantial inconvenience and uncertainty. Choose a direct taxi or prearranged car for an airport-to-airport connection. Keep your phone, wallet and travel documents secure on any crowded public transport.
Can you take an auto between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports?
AUTO-RICKSHAWS ARE NOT A BOM–NMI AIRPORT TRANSFER OPTION. BOOK A TAXI OR CAR.
Do not hire an auto at Mumbai Airport expecting a through ride to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Autos have operating-area and road-access restrictions.
Uber Auto services listed at Navi Mumbai Airport are for local connections - New Mumbai Area Only. They should not be confused with an airport-to-airport service between NMI and BOM.
Is there a direct metro between the airports?
Do not plan your journey around a direct airport metro without an operational timetable. Metro Line 8 has been described as an airport-link project; the official material reviewed did not establish a running terminal-to-terminal service. Announced infrastructure and transport available for today’s journey are different things.
Do autos go to Navi Mumbai Airport?
Yes. NMIA’s official transport information lists Uber Auto from a designated pickup zone for local connections. Use the app and airport signs to confirm the current pickup arrangement.
An auto may suit a nearby station or local address. For the full transfer between BOM and NMI, especially with large bags, choose a car or a carefully planned bus journey.
How Much Time Should You Allow Between Flights?
Calculate the whole connection, not just the drive. You need time to leave the first airport and arrive at the next one before your airline’s check-in and bag-drop deadlines.
| Connection involving BOM and NMI | Suggested starting point when choosing flights | Main time pressures |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic arrival → domestic departure | About 6 hours between scheduled flights | Baggage collection, road transfer, fresh bag drop and security |
| Domestic arrival → international departure | About 7–8 hours; consider an overnight stay for separate tickets | Road uncertainty plus international check-in and departure formalities |
| International arrival → domestic departure | About 7–8 hours; allow more if delays would be costly | Immigration, baggage, customs, road transfer and domestic check-in |
| International arrival → international departure | Prefer an overnight connection where practical | Permission to enter India, arrival formalities and a second international departure |
These are conservative editorial suggestions, not official minimum connection times or guarantees. Heavy rain, delayed arrivals and slow baggage delivery can defeat even a generous buffer. The airline’s own deadlines and any protected connection arrangements take priority.
Example: NMI domestic arrival connecting to an international flight at BOM
Suppose your flight is scheduled to land at NMI at noon and your international flight leaves BOM at 8 p.m. The apparent eight-hour gap must cover getting off the aircraft, collecting bags, finding the car, driving to BOM and completing international departure procedures.
If the international airline asks you to arrive three hours before departure, your working target is BOM by 5 p.m. The road journey must fit before that target—not before the 8 p.m. takeoff time.
Is a three- or four-hour connection enough?
I would not recommend deliberately booking that gap for a self-transfer between these airports. It leaves little room for the first flight to be late, bags to arrive slowly or traffic to worsen.
For an expensive long-haul flight, an overnight stay near the departure airport can be a better decision than relying on the fastest possible drive.
Do Your Bags Transfer Automatically Between BOM and NMI?
Plan to collect and transport your own checked luggage unless your airline expressly confirms otherwise. A shared booking reference is not, by itself, proof that a ground transfer or baggage transfer between airports is included.
Ask the airline or booking agent:
- Must I collect my bags at the arrival airport?
- Who arranges and pays for the journey between airports?
- Is the onward connection protected if the inbound flight is delayed?
- What happens if the airport change makes the itinerary impractical?
Also compare baggage allowances. Your domestic ticket may include less luggage than your international flight. See 23 kg international, 15 kg domestic: the baggage problem for NRIs.
International passengers need to be able to enter India
A road transfer requires you to leave the airport’s transit area and enter India. Do not assume that eligibility for an airside international connection permits an inter-airport transfer. Confirm the entry documents required for your nationality and itinerary before booking.
Which Airlines Fly From Navi Mumbai Airport?
Official airport and airline sources identify services by IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air. Routes and operating days vary, so check the airline’s booking system for your actual travel date.
- NMIA’s airline directory lists IndiGo and Air India Express.
- Akasa Air’s flight schedule includes Navi Mumbai services.
- Star Air’s official announcements describe its NMI operations.
Air India Express and Air India are different airlines. A reference to Air India Group does not confirm that a particular Air India flight uses NMI.
Are all Mumbai domestic flights moving to Navi Mumbai?
Do not assume a blanket move. New services, selected relocations and timetable changes need to be checked flight by flight. An airline can serve both airports.
If you receive an airport-change notification, recheck the whole itinerary, including hotel location, ground transfer and onward flight. Our guide to Mumbai flights moving to Navi Mumbai covers this separate question in more detail.
Is Navi Mumbai Airport Ready, and Does It Have Lounges?
Is Navi Mumbai Airport operational?
Yes. The airport operator confirms that commercial operations began on 25 December 2025. See its opening announcement.
However, an operating airport does not mean every future terminal, transport link or expansion phase is complete. Check the services available for your flight rather than relying on the airport’s ultimate development plan.
Does Navi Mumbai Airport have lounges?
Yes, lounges are listed by Adani One. Its Navi Mumbai airport lounge page identifies facilities in Terminal 1’s post-security area on Level 3.
Confirm access for your airline, card or paid booking. Lounge eligibility, capacity and permitted stay can vary. A post-security departure lounge is not a place to wait immediately after arriving if you still need to collect bags and travel to BOM.
For broader facilities information, visit our Navi Mumbai International Airport travel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Navi Mumbai Airport connected to Mumbai Airport?
You can travel between them by road. They are separate airports, and a connection requires ground-transport planning. Do not assume a shared airside area, automatic baggage transfer or complimentary airport-to-airport shuttle.
What is the easiest way to transfer in either direction?
A direct taxi or prearranged car is generally the simplest choice with luggage. Enter both airport names and the correct terminal, then check the live fare and route.
Is Atal Setu always the fastest route?
Do not assume so. The best route depends on your starting terminal, access roads and current traffic. Compare live alternatives before departure.
Can I use the same taxi estimate in both directions?
No. Pickup charges, demand and vehicle availability may differ. Obtain separate quotes for BOM–NMI and NMI–BOM.
Is a cheaper flight from NMI worth it?
Compare the airfare saving with the car or bus fare, extra baggage charges, possible hotel cost and additional travel time. For a family, compare the total booking saving with the cost of one suitably sized vehicle.
What should I do if my flight moves to the other airport?
Contact the airline before accepting an impractical itinerary. Ask about alternatives and any ground-transfer arrangements, especially if you have an onward flight. Save the original booking and the airport-change notification.
What should I check on the day of travel?
Confirm the airport code, terminal, flight status, road conditions, transport pickup point and check-in deadline. Keep your booking and destination saved offline, and allow extra time if rain or disruption is forecast.
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