mumbairoute

Menu

The Ultimate Guide to Mumbai Airport Cabs: Prepaid, App-Based, and Safety Tips

Navigating the transport at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) can be overwhelming after a long flight. Whether you land at Terminal 1 (Domestic) or Terminal 2 (International), choosing the right taxi is the first step toward a stress-free start to your Mumbai journey.

In this guide, I will simplify the Mumbai airport taxi system—from booking at the prepaid taxi counter to using app-based cabs and understanding the latest airport taxi fare 2025.

mumbairoute.com

1. Introduction & Overview

Mumbai Airport has two distinct terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) for domestic flights and Terminal 2 (T2) for both international and some domestic operations. Each terminal offers multiple taxi options including Prepaid Kaali-Peelis, Cool Cabs, and App-based aggregators like Uber and Ola.

This guide is designed for foreign tourists, business travelers, and first-time visitors who want to avoid the common pitfalls of unauthorized touts and hidden charges.

2. Why Use Airport-Specific Taxis?

  • Regulated Fares: Prepaid counters use a government-approved fare chart, protecting you from overcharging.
  • Safety & Security: Official airport taxis are registered with the police, and your destination is logged before you leave the terminal.
  • Doorstep Service: Unlike the local train or Metro, a taxi will drop you exactly at your hotel or residence with your luggage.
  • 24/7 Availability: No matter how late your flight lands, the taxi queues at the airport never sleep.

3. History & Types of Cabs at Mumbai Airport

Mumbai was one of the first cities in India to implement a prepaid taxi system to curb the “tourist scams” of the past.

  • Prepaid Kaali-Peeli: The standard black-and-yellow metered taxi. Most affordable but non-AC.
  • Cool Cabs: Blue-and-silver AC taxis. Highly recommended during the humid months.
  • Fleet Taxis (Meru/Akbar): Newer, more spacious sedans available at specific arrival counters.
  • App-Based Cabs: Uber and Ola have dedicated pickup zones at both terminals.
4. How to Book a Prepaid Taxi (Step-by-Step)
  1. Locate the Counter: Do not exit the terminal building yet. Look for the “Prepaid Taxi” counters inside the arrivals lobby (near the baggage exit).
  2. State Your Destination: Give the cashier your destination or hotel name. They will calculate the fare based on the zone system.
  3. Pay Upfront: You pay the total amount at the counter (cash or UPI is preferred; card facilities can sometimes be unreliable).
  4. Get Your Receipt: You will receive two slips. Keep them safe!
  5. Boarding: Follow the signs to the Prepaid Taxi Stand outside. Hand one slip to the driver and keep the passenger copy for yourself.
  6. Hand Over the Slip: Never hand over the final slip to the driver until you have safely reached your destination.
5. Fare System Explained (2025 Update)

The Mumbai airport taxi fare is based on distance and vehicle type.

Approximate Prepaid Rates (First 10-15 km):

  • Standard Kaali-Peeli (Non-AC): Starting from approx. ₹450 – ₹600 for nearby suburbs (e.g., Andheri/Juhu).
  • Cool Cab (AC): Approx. ₹750 – ₹900 for the same distance.
  • South Mumbai (Colaba/CST): Expect to pay between ₹800 and ₹1,200 depending on the vehicle and time of day.

Important Surcharges:

  • Night Charge: A 25% surcharge applies for trips between 12:00 Midnight and 5:00 AM.
  • Luggage: Small bags are free, but large suitcases may cost ₹10–₹25 per piece (check the receipt for exact luggage charges).
  • Tolls: Tolls for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link or the Eastern Freeway are usually not included in the prepaid receipt and must be paid in cash to the driver.
mumbairoute.com
6. Uber and Ola (App-Based Cabs)

If you have a local SIM card and the app, you can use Uber/Ola.

  • Pickup Points: At T2, follow the signs to P4 East/West parking levels. At T1, follow signs to the designated app-cab area.
  • Verification: Always check the car’s registration number and the driver’s OTP before boarding.
  • Surge Pricing: Be aware that prices can double during heavy rain or peak flight arrival hours.
7. Travel Timings & Peak Hours
  • Airport Rush: 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM (International arrivals) and 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (Domestic arrivals).
  • Traffic Factor: If heading to South Mumbai (Colaba) during morning peak hours (8 AM – 11 AM), a taxi can take over 90 minutes. Plan accordingly!
8. Major Routes & Coverage
  • Suburban Areas: Most taxis easily cover Andheri, Powai, Bandra, and Juhu within 20–40 minutes.
  • South Mumbai: Using the Sea Link is the fastest way to Worli/Colaba, though it involves an extra toll fee.
  • Outstation: You can book intercity cabs (e.g., Mumbai to Pune) from counters like KK Travels or Akbar Cab located at the terminal exits.
mumbairoute.com
9. Tourist Experience & Local Tips
  • Ignore the “Touts”: Men standing at the exit gates will offer you “cheap” or “instant” rides. Ignore them. Always use the official prepaid counter or a known app.
  • Google Maps: Even if you used a prepaid slip, keep Google Maps open on your phone to ensure the driver is following the correct route.
  • Exact Change: If you didn’t pay the toll at the counter, carry ₹50 and ₹100 notes for the driver.
10. Safety Risks & Precautions
  • Vehicle Condition: Some prepaid Kaali-Peelis are old. If you see a car in very poor condition (e.g., no seatbelts), you have the right to ask the queue manager for the next vehicle.
  • No AC Scam: Some drivers of AC cabs may claim the AC is broken to save fuel. Insist on it if you have paid for a “Cool Cab”.
  • Solo Travelers: For solo female travelers, it is advisable to use App-based cabs or prepaid Cool Cabs as they have better tracking and feedback systems.
11. Safety Rules
  • Note the Number: Take a photo of the taxi number plate (e.g., MH-01-XX-XXXX) and the driver’s ID card on the dashboard.
  • Stay in the Back: For safety and comfort, it is standard practice to sit in the rear seat.
12. Things to Carry
  • Local Currency (INR): Essential for tolls and luggage tips.
  • Print-out of Hotel Address: Helps if the driver doesn’t understand your accent or if your phone battery dies.
  • Water Bottle: Especially useful if you are stuck in the infamous Mumbai Western Express Highway traffic.

Forget the hassle and choose CABTAN—Mumbai’s most punctual and affordable cab service. Our trained drivers ensure a safe, reliable, and completely worry-free journey. Fill out the form below to book your ride now..