Mumbai’s international flights use Terminal 2, and connecting from one international flight to another usually keeps you inside the terminal’s transit area. That’s the right call more often than you might think, and T2 is a comfortable place to wait.
When staying in is the right call
- You don’t have an Indian visa. Leaving the terminal means clearing immigration, even for an hour.
- Your window is short. Under about 6 hours, most of your time outside would be spent in a car. Our layover checker does the maths.
- It’s the middle of the night. Most places are closed or dark; rest is the better use of the hours.
- Your bags aren’t checked through, or you’re changing terminals on a tight connection.
Transit without a visa
If you connect from one international flight to another inside the international transit area, without passing through passport control, you don’t need an Indian visa. You just can’t leave the airport. Visa requirements can still depend on your nationality and airline, so check with your airline before you fly. Our visa guide has the detail.
Your bags
Ask your airline whether your bags are tagged through to your final destination. The airport’s own advice is simple: if your baggage is not tagged to your destination, you must collect it and check it in again. Collecting bags means passing through immigration, which needs a visa, so settle this before you travel.
Changing terminals
Terminal 1 handles domestic flights and Terminal 2 international ones. The airport runs a free shuttle between the two for eligible connecting passengers; your airline or the transfer desk will tell you whether yours qualifies.
For connections, the airport recommends allowing at least 3 to 4 hours for international flights and 2 to 3 hours for domestic ones, especially when you change terminals.
Rest, showers and lounges
- A transit hotel. Niranta’s airside hotel in the international departures area is for international-to-international transit passengers, with rooms by the hour. No Indian visa is needed to stay there.
- Lounges. T2 has several. Access depends on your ticket, airline status, a lounge membership or a paid pass; many have showers and quiet areas.
- Help at any hour. The airport says staff are available around the clock, and information desks can point you to what’s open.
Using the time well
- Look at the walls. Terminal 2 is home to Jaya He, a large public art programme with thousands of works and artefacts from across India. A slow walk is a good way to stretch your legs.
- Get online. The airport Wi-Fi is free. Without an Indian mobile number, an information desk or Wi-Fi kiosk can set you up with your passport. See phone and internet.
- Eat properly, then sleep. A real meal and a few hours flat beat six hours of scrolling at the gate.
Next time
If you’ll pass through Mumbai again, a visa and a longer connection turn a wait into a morning by the sea. Our complete guide explains what a longer layover can hold.
Quick answers
Do I need a visa to transit through Mumbai airport?
Not if you connect from one international flight to another inside the international transit area without passing through passport control. You’ll need a visa to leave the airport. Rules can depend on your nationality and airline, so check with your airline.
Is there a transit hotel at Mumbai airport?
Yes. Niranta runs an airside hotel in the Terminal 2 international departures area for international-to-international transit passengers, with hourly rates. No Indian visa is needed to stay there.
How long do I need for a connection at Mumbai?
The airport recommends at least 3 to 4 hours for international connections and 2 to 3 hours for domestic ones, especially when changing terminals.
Can I use the Wi-Fi without an Indian phone number?
Yes. Visit an information desk or Wi-Fi kiosk with your passport and they’ll give you a password.