Pre-paid taxis - Mumbai airport

There is not a "Ritual" to pay a tip to a taxi driver, at least not here in mumbai. Neither will be the taxi-driver expecting a tip, coz he has never thought of getting a tip for "driving!"
If you hire a private vehicle, then the driver might expect it.

Hi,

I have been fortunate enough to be picked up by friends on previous trips to Mumbai but I might need to get a prepaid taxi on my upcoming trip.

I have read all of the helpful information in this thread and most of it is very clear. However, what is not clear to me is how difficult it is to locate the specific taxi that has been assigned to you on your receipt.

I have seen images with rows and rows of taxis lined up very close to each other. Does someone (in uniform?) help you find your taxi or are you on your own looking for it once you reach the taxi stand? Do you generally hand this person your slip so that he or she could go look for it and is that OK to do?

Sorry if the question is naive, when I was in Mumbai last year waiting for my friend to pull his car up to the loading zone, I was besieged by touts with taxi offers and I want to make sure I do the right and safe thing. Grateful if you can summarize your recent experiences about how this works.

Thanks,

Prashant

All you have to do is go to the government run Prepaid Taxi counter (the last counter on the right hand side before the exit) inside the airport once you exit from the customs gate, tell the staff the destination and the number of bags and pay the fare according to the slab wise distance to your destination. There are two options - one is the blue and silver (cool cab) air conditioned taxi and the other is the regular black and yellow taxi. Once you go out from the exit gate towards the right hand side, you will notice the sign "Taxis" on your right which you just follow and don't give your receipt to anyone except the driver of the taxi once you locate it among the row of taxis parked with their trunk facing you. There will be a lot of touts who will ask you if you want a taxi or if you wish to find the taxi but it is not necessary since it is just a few yards away from there so just tell them "No, Thank You" very sternly. There are a few security men in black uniforms near the gate who may show you directions to the taxi stand. The taxi number written on your receipt will be easy to find since they keep coming in as soon as the earlier passengers have boarded them and only a few taxis are allowed to park in that slot. The driver will then load your luggage in the trunk and then proceed towards the police check post where he will take your receipt to be stamped and bring it back to you. Do not let the driver keep the receipt after he brings it back since you are supposed to keep it in case of any complaints to be made against the driver. Even if the taxi breaks down the driver is supposed to arrange another taxi and pay the next driver the remainder of the fare so that you don't have to pay anything extra. This is clearly mentioned on the receipt too. No need to tip the driver but you may pay him about Rs10-20 if you wish. Hope this helps. Have a safe and pleasant journey when you come next into Mumbai.

Cheers,
Aadil.

Thanks Aadil, that was really helpful. I think your answer will help other people who had the same question too!

Regards,

Prashant

You are most welcome, I mostly try to be of some help out here!!!

Cheers,
Aadil.

We are having just one day in Mumbai before we fly home.
It would be good if we were clearer about getting to the airport before we arrive.

1. How much should we pay for a taxi from the YWCA (south Mumbai) to the airport?

2. Do we pay extra because there will be four of us, including two children?

3. What is the best way to get a taxi? Do we just stop one in the street?

4. Is there a price difference fpr different types of taxis?

5. Is there a metre?

Finally, how long might it take on a Sunday morning?
Our flight is at 13.30pm. When should we aim to leave Mumbai?

Sorry so many questions!
Many thanks, Catwin

just call 4422 4422 for Meru Cab, a radio taxi service. Best no-hassle service with a print out receipt. About Rs 15 per KM.

But, Meru will take only 2 large suitcases per taxi, hand carry bags not counted.

If you have more bags, people at YMCA will help you call a taxi from the nearest taxi stand.

Hi,

We will need to get from the International to Domestic terminal between 10PM and 3AM to catch our domestic 4:55AM to Goa.

We are 3 adults, 3 kids (under 5).... Is there any prepaid van option since it's going to be almost 6 people and probably 4 large bags, stroller etc etc.

This is basically to get from the International to the Domestic terminal.

Thanks,

Kevin

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Hi
I will be in Mumbai airport on 25feb 5am
how much is the fare of taxi from airport to train station ?
and another question that I don't know the answer :
is there any place in train station to keep my Luggage? bcz I have 4:30 ticket to delhi and I want to go around a little

Hi,
I'll be traveling alone for the first time to India and i will arrive in mumbai international airport 2C at 9:55pm, staying at YWCA. Can anyone pls advise if a pre-paid taxi is safe for single lady like me to travel in at such late night, or arranging YWCA airport pick up at a charge of Rs1200 is better and safer.

Thank you lots

Hi girlielf, I've taken prepaid taxis many times from the airport by myself (solo female style) at much later times than 9.55pm to different locations across Mumbai, and although you occasionally get the odd dodgy-ish driver, if you are (or at least appear) confident, there are not too many hassles. But on the other hand, being your first trip to India, you may feel a bit nervous about the whole thing and Rs1200 is really not such a hit to the back pocket - depending on your budget - but certainly a WAY more expensive option, and in my opinion not really necessary. If you do take a prepaid, just a quick warning about one relatively regular scam I had tried on was drivers trying to tell me that the prepaid counter made a mistake about the cost and I had to shell out extra to make up for it . Hahahaha. Good luck!

Hi Kristebell,
Wao!! Thank you so much for the info, it's really helpful.So may i ask what do you usually do if you come across such scams? Do you insist that the amount is correct or do you always shell out the extras without retaliating?

Thank you lots!!

regards

I read this in another forum. Basically, I'll be traveling from Mumbai airport to Nariman point at 8.35 AM. Considering I'll be in a hurry for reaching to the destination, how much time can I expect to be spent to reach Nariman point? My flight reaches there at 8.35 AM and I have an appointment at 9.30 AM in Nariman. Experts and frequent travelers please advise ...

I need to get from Mumbai airport to old highway Pune, any ideas. How much would a taxi cost as it's11pm 29/9 and cant wait till next day.