How to make the most out of your layover in Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (or Mumbai International Airport) is one of the busiest airports in the world as it is one of the primary gateways into India for international travelers. Mumbai Airport offers countless international connections for tourists looking to reach temples and market bazaars along with plenty of business travelers. 

While there are many perfectly fine ways to spend time at the airport during your layover, wasting the opportunity to see a world-class city by melting in front of your iPad at one of the airport lounges is not advisable. Instead, you can visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site or explore the bustling streets of the world's most unique cities. 

And while you're navigating the city, leave your bags with Bounce to keep things simple. Public transportation and busy attractions are much more pleasant when you've already dropped your suitcases off at one of our Mumbai luggage storage facilities.

Things to keep in mind before leaving Mumbai Airport

Visa requirements in India

Depending on the length of your stay, you may need a transit visa for trips ranging from 24–72 hours, so you’ll need to apply for that if your overnight layover lasts a full day. Otherwise, you can hang out at the airport without a visa. If you’re leaving the airport but are staying for less than 24 hours, you’ll need an e-tourist visa and boarding pass that proves the length of your visit. 

Minimum layover times in Mumbai

You’ll need a minimum of five hours before your next flight for it to make sense to head into the city. You’ll need to set aside an hour to clear customs at the international terminal and you'll need to plan for security on your way back in. Also, traffic will take an hour each way. So a long layover is really your best bet. 

But, if you don't have the luxury of so much time, the airport is a great place to eat, shop, and lounge. Airport lounges, restaurants, and shopping options abound.

What to do in Mumbai during a layover

The sightseeing in Mumbai is world-class, to say the least. The ornate Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is here. The Gateway to India is here! So even a few hours checking out these revered landmarks is worth the hassle of going through customs and traveling to the city. And if you need a place to store the bags, Bounce has dozens of luggage storage locations throughout Mumbai where you can quickly stash your belongings in a secure space for your layover. 

Morning layover in Mumbai

This is the best time to explore Mumbai as the temperatures will be more comfortable and the crowds at museums and markets will be more manageable. 

• If you have a longer layover and want an outdoor experience, you can take a tour or Borivali National Park for stunning jungle terrain and sweeping views of the drastic topography. 
• For the best snapshot of India’s fascinating (and complicated) history, head to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) Museum. 
• The iconic Taj Mahal Palace is worth visiting for the exterior alone. 
• Indian cuisine isn’t known for its breakfast, but there are plenty of upscale brunch spots in Mumbai. Olive Bar & Kitchen, Cecconi’s, SoHo House, and Café Madras in Matunga are the best places for breakfast classics with Indian twists.

Afternoon layover in Mumbai

As the temperatures start to heat up, you’ll want to either hang out near the waterfront or spend time indoors. You also want to leave extra time for your commute back to the airport to account for traffic. 

• Head to South Mumbai to visit the city’s best art galleries. Colaba is ideal for travelers and students. Between galleries, you can stop at one of the many chic cafés and bistros. Leopold Café and the Churchill are two of the best. 
• Check out the arched Gateway of India monument situated on the Mumbai waterfront. 
• For some street food, head to Khau Galli to sample spicy pav bhaji and crispy dosas, which are local specialties.

Evening layover in Mumbai

While your commute into the city may be longer due to rush hour, sunset is the best time to visit Mumbai as the heat will subside and the underrated nightlife scene comes alive. 

• Situated in South Mumbai along the gorgeous waterfront, Marine Drive (officially Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road) is called the “Queen’s Necklace” for its crescent shape and stunning backdrop of the Malabar foothills. 
• For the top night walks in Mumbai, head to Carter Road for a scenic sunset stroll. There are lovely little cafés and plenty of street food vendors. 
• For the best views of Mumbai’s vast skyline, head to the top of the Intercontinental Hotel on Marine Drive to the Dome rooftop bar. The food is delicious and the vibe is family-friendly early and romantic later on. The sea breeze will cool you off after a steamy day exploring the city. 

Overnight Layover in Mumbai

For an overnight layover, you’ll hopefully have time to head into the city for a meal or night out on the town. Otherwise, staying in a hotel near the airport, like the Niranta Transit Hotel, is your best bet for a quiet night in. 

• Mumbai’s central business district is known as the Bandra Kurla Complex. This is where you'll find top hotels like Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Trident Hotel Bandra Kurla, and Indie Stays. This is the best place to start if you’re looking for a place to stay on an overnight layover. 
• For something closer to the airport, you can stay at the dependable Hotel Sunshine Airport, ITC Maratha, the Sahara Star, and the Lalit, among others. 
• For nightlife, head to Bandra and Lower Parel for the best restaurants and bars. This former industrial district is filled with high-end eateries and rooftop bars. 
• For an elegant evening, head to the Royal Opera House for beautiful performances in a stately three-level auditorium that exemplifies the Indo-European baroque architectural grandeur of the British Raj. 

Tips to make the most out of your time in Mumbai

• The Indian rupee is the official currency, and you'll absolutely want to take out cash at the airport currency exchange or an ATM. Avoiding unlicensed money changers (which are common) is recommended. Credit cards are widely accepted at museums, upscale restaurants, and all hotels. 
• You can do Mumbai really well on a budget, with sightseeing and dining costing as little as $40 for a few hours. 
• In general, the weekend is Saturday to Sunday in India, so expect the crowds to be bigger at museums and landmarks on those days. 
• The city is quite safe outside of pickpockets. You have to worry about water and street food. Best to exclusively stick to bottled water and food that’s been cooked.
• English is widely spoken in larger Indian cities like Mumbai, but the official languages are Marathi and Hindi. 

After even a few hours in Mumbai, you're probably already planning a full trip to the city to experience this vibrant Indian city. And luckily, you’ll be able to rely on Bounce for all your luggage storage needs because we partner with shops like convenience stores, restaurants, and other businesses to have locations right where you want them!