The long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin commercial operations on December 25, but in its initial phase, passengers will be able to reach the airport only by road. Dedicated metro, suburban rail and other mass transit links connecting directly to the airport are still under construction and will be introduced in later stages.
For now, travellers will have to depend on private vehicles, taxis, buses, or a combination of train and last-mile road transport. The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) offers the fastest route from South and Central Mumbai, cutting travel time significantly, though it involves toll charges. An alternative is the Vashi Bridge, which is toll-free but may take longer during peak traffic hours.
Those using Mumbai’s suburban rail network can travel up to Targhar station on the Nerul–Uran or Belapur–Uran line. However, the station is located about 3.5 km from the airport, making taxis or auto-rickshaws necessary for the final stretch. Bus services operated by local transport agencies also connect nearby nodes such as Panvel, Belapur and Nerul, from where road transport is required to reach the terminal.
Travel time to NMIA is expected to vary widely depending on traffic and the chosen route, ranging from 45 minutes to over 90 minutes from different parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Authorities have advised passengers to plan their journeys carefully and allow additional buffer time, especially during peak hours.
In the long term, NMIA is expected to benefit from metro rail connectivity, airport express services and other transport infrastructure, which will significantly improve access and reduce dependence on road travel. Until then, road-based connectivity will remain the primary option as the new airport begins operations.
