The Destination
You step out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus at 3 PM, and the air hits you โ a cocktail of diesel fumes, frying samosas, and the faint sweetness of marigolds. A cow ambles past a newsstand as if it owns the pavement. This is Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital, a city of 20 million souls that somehow keeps moving. For first-timers, it's an assault on every sense, but beneath the chaos lies a surprisingly organized transport network that's been evolving for over a century.
Mumbai isn't just a city; it's a case study in mass mobility. From the iconic local trains that carry more people than the entire population of Switzerland every day to the gleaming new Metro lines that rival anything in East Asia, this place moves. And it's about to get even more connected with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and a bullet train to Ahmedabad. For travel creators, it's a goldmine of contrasts: Victorian Gothic architecture next to modern steel, hand-pulled rickshaws alongside automated trains.
Getting There & Getting Around
Flying into Mumbai is surprisingly smooth. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, despite being India's second busiest with 40-50 million passengers a year, operates on a single runway โ a fact that boggles the mind. Yet immigration is quick, and the terminal feels modern and efficient. The catch? That single runway is at 100% capacity, so expect delays during peak hours. A brand new airport in Navi Mumbai is set to open in October 2025, eventually handling 90 million passengers, which will transform Mumbai into a multi-airport hub comparable to London or New York.
Visas are straightforward for most nationalities โ apply online for an e-Tourist Visa at least 72 hours before departure. It costs around $25-100 depending on duration and nationality. The best time to visit is November to February when temperatures hover around 25ยฐC (77ยฐF) and humidity is low. Avoid June to September unless you want to experience monsoon flooding firsthand.
Once you're in the city, getting around is an adventure in itself. The local trains are the lifeline โ 7-8 million passengers daily across 18 platforms at CST alone. But they're not for the faint-hearted. With 2,282 fatalities in 2024 (roughly 6-7 deaths per day), safety is a real concern. The Mumbai Metro, on the other hand, is modern, air-conditioned, and far safer. It's better than the London Underground in my opinion โ more spacious, cleaner, and with platform screen doors. As of mid-2025, it carries about 900,000 passengers daily, but that number is set to explode as eight new lines are under construction.
For short hops, use Uber for rickshaws โ it eliminates the need to haggle and shows the fare upfront. A 2.5 km ride costs about โน50-80 ($0.60-$1). Taxis are also available but more expensive. Walking is possible in some areas, but crossing roads requires nerves of steel โ though I found it easier than in Vietnam, where traffic feels like a video game.
The Experience
Start at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus. This UNESCO World Heritage site blends Victorian Gothic architecture with Indian motifs โ think pointed arches, stained glass, and carved stone animals. Construction began in 1878 and took 10 years, designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. It's not just a pretty face: it serves 3 million passengers daily across 18 platforms, with trains arriving or departing every minute during rush hour. Walk right up to the platforms โ there are no barriers โ and watch the organized chaos unfold. The unreserved ticket counters are a hive of activity, with shoe shiners, flower sellers, and families sleeping on the floor waiting for their trains.
The Mumbai Metro is a world apart. I took the Aqua Line 3, which connects to the station, and it felt like stepping into a different city. Clean, quiet, and spacious, with automated announcements and escalators that actually work. The best part? It's not crowded even at 4 PM. The contrast with the local trains is stark โ one is a chaotic, historic beast, the other a sleek, modern machine. For a true taste of Mumbai, ride the local train during off-peak hours (around 3 PM) to see the daily rhythm without the crush. Just stick to the ladies-only carriages if you're a woman โ they're a welcome safe space.
Don't miss the street food near CST. Grab a vada pav (spiced potato fritter in a bun) for โน20 ($0.25) or a cutting chai (small tea) for โน10. The area around the station is also great for people-watching โ you'll see everything from businessmen in suits to families with bundles.
Costs & Budget
Mumbai is expensive by Indian standards. A basic room near the airport costs around ยฃ45 ($57) per night โ that's a small room with a simple bathroom, no frills. Mid-range hotels in the city center run $80-150, while luxury options like the Taj Mahal Palace start at $300 and go up. Budget travelers can find hostels for $10-20 per night, but expect shared bathrooms and basic amenities.
Food is cheap: a thali (full meal) at a decent restaurant costs $3-5, street food is under $1, and a beer in a bar is $2-4. Transport is also affordable: a Metro ride is $0.30-0.80, a local train ticket is $0.15-0.50, and a rickshaw ride within a few kilometers is $0.60-1. Uber is slightly more but still cheap compared to Western cities.
For a week-long trip, budget travelers can manage on $30-50 per day, mid-range travelers on $80-120, and luxury seekers on $200+ per day. Biggest hidden cost: bottled water. Don't drink tap water โ buy sealed bottles for โน20 each.
For Travel Creators
Mumbai is a creator's paradise. The best footage comes from contrasting the old and new: the Gothic arches of CST against the sleek glass of the Metro. For the station, arrive early (around 7 AM) to catch the golden hour light streaming through the stained glass. The platforms are accessible without barriers, so you can get right up to the trains โ but be respectful of passengers. Filming inside the Metro is technically not allowed, so be discreet or ask permission at the station manager's office.
For street scenes, the area outside CST is pure gold: hand-pulled rickshaws, cows, vendors, and a constant flow of humanity. Use a gimbal for smooth shots and a wide-angle lens to capture the scale. The overhead pedestrian bridge near the station offers a great vantage point for train arrivals. For audio, consider a lavalier mic โ the ambient noise can be overwhelming, and you'll want to capture clear voiceovers.
Storytelling angle: frame your video around the contrast between chaos and order. Show the local train's frantic energy, then cut to the calm of the Metro. Interview a rickshaw driver or a chai wallah for authentic voices. And don't forget the human element โ the families sleeping on station floors, the shoe shiners, the children selling flowers. These are the moments that make Mumbai unforgettable.
Should You Go?
Absolutely โ but with caveats. Mumbai is not for the faint-hearted or the easily overwhelmed. It's loud, crowded, and at times, exhausting. But for solo travelers who thrive on energy, it's a dream. Families should stick to the Metro and taxis, and avoid rush-hour local trains. Luxury travelers will find world-class hotels and fine dining, but the real magic is in the streets. Digital nomads will appreciate the growing co-working spaces and reliable (if slow) internet, but expect power cuts and noise.
For travel creators specifically, Mumbai offers a visual feast that's hard to match. The transport system alone could fuel a week of content. Just come with an open mind, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the chaos. As one local told me, "Mumbai doesn't give you a choice โ it just happens." And that's exactly why you should go.
