NMIA Shuttle Bus Timings & Routes: Complete Public Transport Guide
Overview of NMIA Shuttle Bus Service
Getting to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) by public transport is finally possible without feeling lost or ripped off. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) runs dedicated air-conditioned shuttle buses on five routes from key suburban rail stations, operating every 17 to 22 minutes from early morning till late night with affordable tickets that cost just a few rupees compared with expensive cab rides.
Most locals still grab a taxi because they aren’t sure where to catch the bus or when the next one comes, but once you know the timing and stops it’s a completely different experience cheaper, cooler in the heat, and surprisingly reliable.
NMIA Shuttle Routes List
Let’s walk through each shuttle link, what you’ll see along the way, and what you can do around the stations before or after your ride.
Panvel to NMIA Shuttle Route
If you’re coming from Panvel or living in Khanda Colony or Pushpak Nagar, Route A-5 is your best friend. It connects Khandeshwar Railway Station to the airport, skirts through residential pockets, and offers a budget ride with big air-conditioning a comfort you don’t expect for the fare it charges.
The bus starts at Khandeshwar, loops left at the old JNPT Highway Bridge, weaves past Pushpak Nagar and Karanjade corner, and arrives at the NMIA Bus Station. This whole stretch is about a 15–20 minute ride, depending on traffic.
Before you board, if time permits, you can grab a quick bite at Shreya Wada Pav, right near the station perfect for a plate of wada pav or chai while you wait. In Kamothe near Khandeshwar there are several cozy stops like Cake and Cafe for sit-down coffees, CafeConfused for light snacks, or Cafe Creme if you want something quick and cheap before heading to the airport.
| Stop | Approx Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Khandeshwar Stn | 0 min | Main bus bay near station entrance |
| Pushpak Nagar | 10 min | Local commuter stop, market nearby |
| NMIA Terminal | 18 min | Drop-off at NMIA C.T.C Bus Station, Departure level bus bay |
This route doesn’t just save money, it gives a sense of pace the subtle change from city hustle to airport bustle.
Vashi to NMIA Shuttle Route
The Vashi side of Navi Mumbai is buzzing with commuters, shoppers, mall crowds, office goers, families with kids, and students running between college, cafés, and bus stands. While there isn’t a direct NMMT shuttle from Vashi yet, commuters can rely on BEST “Chalo” S-560 and S-561 premium buses, which connect Vashi Plaza directly to NMIA. This is particularly convenient for passengers with luggage who don’t want to switch at Nerul or Belapur.
If you choose the A-series route via Nerul or Belapur, it’s about a 30–45 minute journey along Palm Beach Road and the Belapur-Ulwe link. Vashi offers plenty of food and refreshment options while you wait. Grab a relaxed brunch at B Bhagat Tarachand for around ₹200–₹600 per couple, or head to Navaratna Veg Restaurant for an early dose of masala dosa and filter coffee that won’t hurt your pocket. For seafood lovers, Malvan Tadka is near the station and has a stellar Malvani fish thali for ₹250–₹350.
| Stop | Approx Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vashi Bus Stn | 0 min | Major pickup with eateries nearby |
| Nerul / Belapur | 20 min | Transfer point for NMMT shuttles |
| NMIA Terminal | 40 min | Airport via the Ulwe link, NMIA C.T.C Bus Station |
Whether it’s a quick gulab jamun grab or a coffee with a friend before your flight, Vashi’s options are plentiful and friendly on your pocket.
Belapur to NMIA Shuttle Route
Belapur is one of the city’s transit hubs. From the station bus bay, Route A-3 heads straight to the airport without too many stops. It’s a smoother ride because it’s less crowded than other feeder buses and gives you enough time to check boarding passes or tickets on your phone before you land.
After your shift or errands around Belapur, you might want to grab a quick bite before hopping on. Sailors’ Cafe does good coffee and snacks, while Brew House Cafe is great for a more filling breakfast or sandwich. If you’re feeling like a lighter meal, there are snack stalls and juice corners just outside the station serving everything from vada pav to jalebi for ₹30–₹80.
| Stop | Approx Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Belapur Stn | 0 min | Shuttle bay near station entrance |
| Targhar Link | 12 min | Passes near the Uran rail corridor, 1.5 km from airport terminal |
| NMIA Terminal | 20 min | Final stop at NMIA C.T.C Bus Station |
Even though the shuttle feels short, it’s one of locals’ favourites for reliable morning or evening commutes inexpensive and predictable.
NMIA Shuttle Bus Timings, Frequency & Fare
The NMMT AC shuttle buses were introduced on all five routes to link airport access with the suburban rail system. They operate every 17–22 minutes throughout the day, and the ticket fares remain one of the lowest ways to get to NMIA compared with taxis or app-based car services.
| Route | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency | Fare (Approx ₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 (Kharkopar) | 06:15 AM | 11:30 PM | 20 mins | 15 |
| A-2 (Targhar) | 06:00 AM | 11:50 PM | 17 mins | 15 |
| A-3 (Belapur) | 06:10 AM | 11:45 PM | 20 mins | 20 |
| A-4 (Nerul) | 06:00 AM | 10:30 PM | 20 mins | 20 |
| A-5 (Khandeshwar) | 06:32 AM | 12:16 AM | 22 mins | 15 |
These buses are AC and electric, so they’re cool even when the sun is on full blast. Note that these are standard NMMT AC buses passengers with 3+ large suitcases may find space tight during peak hours (8 AM – 10 AM).
First & Last Bus Details (Early Morning & Late Night)
Early morning flights, night shifts, late dinner catch-ups all of them need transport. Most routes begin service around 6:00 AM, aligning nicely with the first wave of domestic departures from NMIA. For the late-night crowd, especially airport employees or passengers arriving after dinner hours, Route A-5 from Khandeshwar runs the latest, with the last departure at 12:16 AM and return from NMIA at 11:50 PM.
This scheduling ensures commuters aren’t stranded, and airport ground staff can reliably finish shifts without paying high taxi fares.
Who Should Use NMIA Shuttle Bus?
Budget travelers will appreciate the low fares, while students in Pushpak Nagar, Ulwe, or Karanjade can rely on daily trips to classes or part-time jobs. Daily flyers with only cabin bags swear by these AC buses for comfort and predictability. Airport employees and security personnel depend on these buses for early or late shifts without worrying about cab availability.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
