How do you most commonly travel to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), AKA the Mumbai Airport T2? Most people’s response to this question would be ‘by booking a cab’. And while that remains the most convenient way to reach the airport, there is a more cost-effective way to make your way to the Mumbai airport, and that is via the Mumbai Metro. Not only is it fast and cost-effective, but it is also very reliable and not very hard to navigate. It is, by far, the best way to skip the notorious traffic jams of the city. Here’s how you navigate to this aerial hub.
Metro Luggage Rules And Baggage Size Limits
If you do decide to take the metro, make sure that the luggage you have complies with the rules and regulations of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL). The following are the rules that need to be complied with:
Official Allowance Limits
Standard Free Allowance
You can carry one piece of luggage up to 25 kg with the maximum dimensions of 80 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm per passenger for free, without any extra charges.
Paid Excess Allowance
In case you are carrying a larger bag of up to 32 kg and the dimensions up to 90 cm x 75 cm x 45 cm, you will have to purchase an additional single-passenger ticket for the luggage.
Strict Prohibition
It is important to keep in mind that any single bag that goes beyond the stipulated dimensions and weight of 32 kg is strictly prohibited on metro trains. In addition to this, the bundled packages, unsealed liquids, and hazardous items are also barred.
How To Access Mumbai Airport T2 Via Metro Routes
There are two major metro routes available if you’re looking to travel to the Mumbai Airport. The first is via the Aqua Line, and the second is via Line 1. Between the two, the Aqua Line is the more convenient route.
Route A: Direct Underground Access Via Aqua Line (Line 3)
Traveling to the Mumbai Airport via the Aqua Line is ideal for travelers coming from South Mumbai, especially from areas such as Cuffe Parade, Churchgate, and CSMT. It is also a great option for areas such as BKC, Dadar, or Aarey/JVLR.
Depending on the station you board from, you have to take the Aqua Line till the CSMIA Terminal 2 Metro Station. When you deboard at the platform, follow the posted airport signage from Exit 1A, Skywalk corridor, which takes you on a fully covered, air-conditioned footbridge. This bridge connects directly into the T2 departure and arrival levels. You also have an elevator access available from the subway platform up to the departures concourse.
Route B: Western Suburbs To Eastern Suburbs (Interchange Via Line 1)
This particular route is ideal for people staying along the corridor of Line 1 in areas such as Ghatkopar, Saki Naka, Andheri, and Versova. No matter which station you board at on Line 1, you have to deboard at Marol Naka metro station, as that is the closest one on this line. You then have to either book a rickshaw from Marol or switch to the Aqua Line and then deboard at the Terminal 2 station.
Step-By-Step Navigation With Heavy Luggage
Station Entrance And Ticketing
While entering the metro station, make sure you use the wide-access automatic flap gates designed specifically for commuters with suitcases and wheelchairs. After that, you should tap your QR-code ticket or smart card and proceed to the platform.
X-Ray Security Screening
During your security check at the station, you must place all of your luggage, trolley bags, and heavy backpacks on the heavy-duty X-ray conveyor belts.
Navigating The Elevators
If you’re carrying multiple bags or even a multi-wheel luggage cart, avoid using the escalators. Instead, make sure you use the dedicated passenger lifts connecting the concourse, platform, and skywalk levels.
How To Board
While boarding along with your luggage, make sure you mind the platform gap when wheeling heavy bags into the train carriage. To make travel more convenient, you can also use the dedicated passenger lifts connecting the concourse, platform, and skywalk levels.
Summing Up
For many Mumbaikars, traveling by air is quite an expensive affair. Up until very recently, the fact that the most convenient way to and from the airport travel was via cabs, added to the expense. Line 3 of Mumbai Metro, also known as the Aqua Line, connects directly to Terminal 2 of the Mumbai airport, thus eliminating the need for expensive cab rides. Just remember to make sure that the weight of the luggage you carry is within the stipulated limits. When you do reach the airport, make sure you take the elevator instead of the escalator, especially if you’re carrying more than one bag.
