GETTING AROUND
Mumbai is one of the major metropolitan cities of the country. It is well connected to the outside world through airways, railways and road. The Chattrapati Shivaji International
Airport serves the city and it is the busiest airport of India. The airport consists of two terminals - an international terminal and a domestic terminal at Santa Cruz Airport. These terminals are situated 4 kms apart and a shuttle bus is used to connect them. Air travel is most convenient as there are direct flights to Mumbai from all the major cities of the world. The Indian railways also connect Mumbai to all the major cities of the country.
Mumbai has various modes of transportation available to tourists and general public. Local trains, buses, taxis and autos are the most commonly available modes of commuting.
LOCAL TRAINS
There are four lines of these local trains that cover the city extensively. Western Railway running between Churchgate and Virar, Central Railway running between Bombay V.T. and Karjat, Harbour Line running between Bombay V.T. and Mankhurd and another railway line running between Bombay V.T. and New Mumbai. These trains run from 4 am to 1 am in the night and are called, "locals" by the people of Mumbai city. They are the most widely used mode of commuting for the general public.
BUSES
Mumbai's transport authority, Bombay Electric Supply and Transport, popularly called B.E.S.T runs local buses in the city. It has a fleet of red single and double-decker buses. These buses cover almost all the parts of the city. They run from 5 am till midnight, at an interval of 5 to 30 minutes. The final destination is written in Marathi in front of the bus, and in English at the side. There are newly introduced air-conditioned buses as well.
TAXIS
Other common means of transportation are taxis. These taxis can be hailed on the streets. There are two types of taxis in Mumbai city, Cool Cabs and the standard black and yellow taxi. Cool Cabs are air-conditioned and gray in color and charge 40 percent more than other taxis. They have electronic meters, which display the fare. The standard yellow and black taxis use a mechanical meter. The starting fare is Rs.13. The night charges are 25 percent extra and are applicable from midnight till 5 a.m.
AUTOS
Only taxis are allowed within the city limits, but in the suburbs, the auto rickshaws are a popular means of transport. Three wheeled auto rickshaws, more commonly called autos, can take in upto three passengers. These are run by CNG and carry an electronic meter in front, which displays the fare at the end of the journey.
Flight to Mumbai | Mumbai International Airport
