Getting Around Mumbai
Mumbai is a city shaped by its transport infrastructure more than any other force. The entire metropolis -- 22 million people spread across a narrow, traffic-choked peninsula -- runs on a suburban railway network built by the British in the 1850s that was never designed for this volume of humanity. Every day, 7.5 million commuters pack into local trains that were built to carry 1,750 passengers but routinely haul 4,500. The roads are gridlocked. The highways are perpetually under construction. And yet, somehow, everything moves.
For visitors, this can be overwhelming. Mumbai does not have the orderly metro systems of Delhi or Singapore, or the cheap and cheerful tuk-tuk culture of Bangkok. It has its own chaotic logic: auto-rickshaws exist only in the suburbs, taxis refuse to go to certain areas, trains are a survival sport during peak hours but perfectly civilized at 11 AM, and the bus system is genuinely useful if you know the three route numbers that matter. Understanding this system does not require bravery -- it requires information. This guide gives you that information.
The single most important thing to understand about Mumbai transport is the north-south divide. The city is shaped like a long finger pointing south into the Arabian Sea. Almost all movement is north-south along this finger, and the local train network is the spine that makes it possible. Everything else -- buses, taxis, autos, ride-hailing -- feeds into and out of the train stations. Once you understand this, Mumbai's transport system stops being confusing and starts being logical.
Local Trains — The Lifeline
Mumbai's suburban railway is the single most important piece of infrastructure in India. Not hyperbole -- without these trains, the city would physically stop functioning within hours. The network carries 7.5 million passengers daily across three main lines, and understanding how they work is the key to unlocking Mumbai as a traveler.
The Western Line runs from Churchgate in South Mumbai all the way north to Dahanu Road (120 km), with key tourist-relevant stops at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, and Borivali (for Sanjay Gandhi National Park). This is the line you will use most often. Churchgate is the southern terminus and your gateway to Marine Drive, Nariman Point, and the business district.
The Central Line runs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT, formerly Victoria Terminus) northward through Dadar, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Thane, and onwards to Kasara and Khopoli. CSMT is the iconic Gothic-Victorian terminus and your entry point to the Fort district, Colaba (a short taxi ride away), and the heritage corridor. The Central Line is critical if you are heading to Elephanta Caves -- the ferry departs from the Gateway of India, which is a 10-minute walk from CSMT.
The Harbour Line runs from CSMT through Wadala, Chembur, Vashi, and into Navi Mumbai. Tourists rarely need this line unless heading to Navi Mumbai or connecting to the Trans-Harbour corridor.
Buying tickets. You have three options. First, the physical ticket window at any station -- tell the clerk your destination, class (first or second), and whether you want a single or return. A second-class single from Churchgate to Bandra costs INR 10. A first-class single for the same journey is INR 140. Second, the Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) at most stations accept coins, small notes, and UPI payments -- they are faster than the queue but sometimes out of service. Third, the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app lets you buy tickets on your phone using a linked Indian bank account or UPI -- extremely convenient if you have Indian payment methods set up.
First class vs. second class. First class compartments have padded seats, less crowding, and a noticeably calmer atmosphere. During off-peak hours, first class is comfortable, almost pleasant. Second class is where the real Mumbai experience happens -- the camaraderie, the snack vendors walking through the train, the organized chaos of people entering and exiting at every stop. For tourists, first class is recommended for your first few rides until you develop confidence with the system. The price difference is significant in percentage terms but tiny in absolute terms: INR 10 vs INR 140 for the same ride means first class costs about USD 1.70, which buys you genuine comfort.
Women's compartment. Every train has designated women-only compartments, clearly marked with yellow indicators on the exterior and signage on the platform. These compartments are mandatory during all hours for women traveling alone -- they are safer, less crowded, and have their own entry/exit sections on the platform. Women can also travel in general compartments, but the ladies' compartment is strongly recommended, especially during peak hours.
Peak hours to avoid. The absolute worst time to board a Mumbai local train is 8:30-10:30 AM and 5:30-8 PM on weekdays. During these windows, trains are packed beyond any reasonable human capacity. People hang from doors. Getting on and off requires physical assertiveness that borders on aggression. This is not a tourist experience -- it is a survival exercise. Travel between 11 AM and 4 PM for a manageable, even enjoyable, ride. Sundays are blissfully uncrowded at all hours.
Essential tools. Download the m-Indicator app before you board your first train. It shows live train schedules, platform numbers, running status, and route maps for every line. It is the app that 7.5 million daily commuters rely on, and it is accurate to the minute. The Mumbai-1 smart card (a rechargeable transit card similar to London's Oyster or Tokyo's Suica) can be purchased at major stations for INR 100 (INR 50 card cost + INR 50 initial balance) and saves you from queuing at ticket windows for every journey. Top it up at any station or via UPI.
Transport Etiquette
- On local trains: let passengers exit before you board. This is not just polite -- it is physically necessary. The doors are narrow, the stops are brief (15-30 seconds at smaller stations), and trying to push in while people are pushing out creates a dangerous logjam. Stand to the side of the door, let the stream of exiting passengers pass, then step in.
- On local trains: do not sit in seats reserved for differently abled passengers, senior citizens, or cancer patients. These reserved seats are clearly marked with signage. Commuters take this seriously and will ask you to move if you occupy one. The ladies' compartment is similarly strict -- men found in the women's compartment face fines and public embarrassment.
- In auto-rickshaws: do not slam the door. The rear panel of an auto-rickshaw is a lightweight metal flap, not a car door. Pull it firmly closed, do not slam it. Slamming the door annoys drivers and can damage the mechanism. Also, do not lean out during transit -- autos weave through traffic at close quarters.
- In taxis: sit in the back seat. Unlike some countries, sitting in the front passenger seat of a Mumbai taxi is unusual and makes drivers uncomfortable. The back seat is standard, even for solo passengers.
- When using Uber or Ola, always verify the license plate and driver name before getting in. Mumbai is generally safe, but this is a global best practice for ride-hailing. If the driver asks you to cancel and rebook because a different car has arrived -- do not do it. Cancel and rebook with the correct vehicle only.
Mumbai Metro
Mumbai's Metro network has been under construction for over a decade, and it is finally becoming useful for visitors. The system is modern, air-conditioned, clean, and runs on time -- a stark contrast to the local trains.
Line 1 (Blue Line): Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar. The original Metro line, operational since 2014, connects the western suburbs to the Central Line. It runs 11.4 km with 12 stations. The most useful function for tourists: if you are in Andheri (near the domestic airport) and need to reach the Central Line (for CSMT and Colaba), take Metro Line 1 to Ghatkopar and transfer to the Central Line local train. This east-west connection saves 45-60 minutes compared to road transport during peak hours. Fare: INR 10-40 depending on distance. Trains run every 4-8 minutes. Air-conditioned, clean, and civilized.
Line 2A (Yellow Line): Dahisar East to DN Nagar. Operational along the western corridor, this elevated line connects the northern suburbs to Andheri. Useful for travelers staying in or around Andheri, Goregaon, or Malad. Fares range from INR 10 to INR 50.
Line 3 (Aqua Line): Aarey to Cuffe Parade. This is the game-changer. Line 3 is Mumbai's first underground metro and directly connects the airport to South Mumbai via key stations including BKC, Worli, Haji Ali, and Marine Drive. As of early 2026, sections of this line are progressively opening. When fully operational, it will cut the airport-to-Colaba journey from 90 minutes by road to approximately 45 minutes. Check the MMRC (Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation) website or app for the latest operational stations.
Line 7 (Red Line): Dahisar East to Andheri East. Another suburban connector running along the eastern corridor. Primarily useful for airport-area travel.
Metro tickets can be purchased at station counters or via QR codes on the official Mumbai Metro app. The system uses tokens for single journeys and rechargeable cards for frequent riders. All stations have platform screen doors, CCTV coverage, and air-conditioning throughout.
Transport Modes Compared
| Mode | Cost Range | Best For | Avoid When | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Train | INR 5-15 (2nd) / 65-205 (1st) | Long north-south travel, avoiding traffic entirely | Peak hours (8:30-10:30 AM, 5:30-8 PM weekdays) | Full city spine — Churchgate/CSMT to far suburbs |
| Metro | INR 10-50 | East-west connections, airport corridor, AC comfort | Your destination is not near a Metro station | Lines 1, 2A, 3 (partial), 7 — expanding rapidly |
| BEST Bus | INR 6-25 (non-AC) / 20-60 (AC) | Short hops, areas between train stations | Rush hour traffic, monsoon flooding | Comprehensive — 400+ routes across the city |
| Auto-Rickshaw | INR 23 (first 1.5 km) + INR 16/km | Quick suburban rides, station-to-destination | Heading to South Mumbai (banned below Bandra) | Suburbs only — north of Bandra-Sion link |
| Kaali-Peeli Taxi | INR 28 (first 1.5 km) + INR 20/km | South Mumbai travel, when Uber surges | Driver refuses meter (walk away) | Citywide — most common in South Mumbai |
| Uber / Ola | INR 80-600+ depending on distance and surge | Door-to-door convenience, airport transfers, late night | Peak surge pricing (use auto or taxi instead) | Citywide — including South Mumbai |
| Ferry | INR 150-280 per trip | Elephanta Caves, Alibaug, beating road traffic | Monsoon season (July-September — services suspended) | Gateway of India to Elephanta, Mandwa, Rewas |
BEST Buses
BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) operates Mumbai's public bus network -- over 400 routes and 3,400 buses covering virtually every corner of the city. Most tourists ignore the bus system entirely, which is a mistake. For certain routes, particularly within South Mumbai where train stations are spaced far apart, BEST buses are the fastest and cheapest option.
Routes worth knowing. Bus 138 runs from Bandra Station to NCPA (Nariman Point) via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link -- this is the only public transport that crosses the Sea Link, and the views from the upper deck of a double-decker bus are spectacular. Bus 1 runs from Colaba Depot to BEST Bhavan via the entire Marine Drive stretch. Bus 3 runs from Colaba to Electric House (Colaba Causeway to Regal Cinema). Bus 83 connects CSMT to Dharavi and Bandra via Dadar. These four routes cover most tourist-relevant corridors.
AC vs. non-AC. BEST operates both air-conditioned and non-AC buses on the same routes. AC buses are significantly more comfortable, especially from March to October when temperatures cross 35 degrees Celsius with crushing humidity. AC bus fares range from INR 20 to INR 60 depending on distance. Non-AC buses cost INR 6 to INR 25. The AC buses are clean, have functioning air conditioning, and run on a slightly less frequent schedule. The non-AC buses are more frequent, often double-decker, and perfectly adequate in cooler months.
How to use them. Board from the front door, pay the conductor (they walk through the bus collecting fares and issuing tickets), tell them your destination, and they will alert you when your stop approaches. You do not need exact change -- conductors carry change for up to INR 100 notes. There is no tap-on/tap-off system. You can also use the BEST MITRA app, which shows real-time bus locations, estimated arrival times, and route maps. The app is genuinely useful and more reliable than Google Maps for Mumbai bus schedules.
A practical bus strategy. Use BEST buses for east-west travel (where trains do not go) and for short hops within South Mumbai. The train handles north-south bulk travel. The bus fills the gaps. If you are at Marine Drive and need to reach Colaba -- that is a bus ride, not a train ride. If you are at CSMT and need to reach Girgaon -- bus, not train. The train stations in South Mumbai are spaced 2-3 km apart, and buses cover the streets between them.
Auto-Rickshaws
The three-wheeled auto-rickshaw is Mumbai's most convenient suburban transport -- cheap, nimble in traffic, available everywhere, and metered by law. But there is a critical geographic restriction that trips up every first-time visitor: auto-rickshaws are banned south of the Bandra-Sion link road. This means zero rickshaws in Colaba, Fort, Churchgate, Marine Drive, Lower Parel, Worli, or Dadar. They exist only in the suburbs -- Bandra and northward on the western side, Sion and northward on the eastern side.
Fares. Auto-rickshaw meters in Mumbai are regulated by the government. The minimum fare is INR 23 for the first 1.5 km, then approximately INR 16 per km after that. The meters display a reading that you then convert using a tariff card -- the driver is legally required to carry one. In practice, most drivers will tell you the actual fare when you arrive. A typical 3 km ride costs INR 40-50. A 5 km ride runs INR 65-80. These are among the cheapest auto fares in India.
"Meter se chalao" -- this phrase ("run the meter") is the only Hindi you need for auto-rickshaws. By law, every auto-rickshaw must have a functioning meter and must use it for every ride. If a driver quotes a fixed price or refuses to turn on the meter, walk away and hail the next one. There are thousands of autos on every major road, and you will never wait more than 30 seconds for one. Do not negotiate -- meters are non-negotiable. If you suspect the meter is rigged (it jumps too quickly), note the auto number and call the RTO complaint line. But frankly, rigged meters are rare in Mumbai compared to other Indian cities.
Shared autos. On fixed routes between major suburban stations and residential areas, you will see shared auto-rickshaws that operate like mini-buses. These run fixed routes (announced by the driver shouting the destination), charge INR 10-15 per person, and are the cheapest last-mile option in the suburbs. They depart when full (3-4 passengers in a standard auto). You will see them lined up outside stations like Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, and Borivali. Perfectly safe, extremely cheap, and a genuine local experience.
Taxis
Kaali-peeli taxis. Mumbai's iconic black-and-yellow (kaali-peeli) taxis are the workhorses of South Mumbai transport. These are Premier Padmini sedans -- a car model that has been extinct everywhere else in India for decades but survives in Mumbai through sheer stubbornness and nostalgia. They are gradually being replaced by modern cool-cab sedans (blue-and-silver air-conditioned taxis), but you will still see the original kaali-peelis on every South Mumbai road. The minimum fare is INR 28 for the first 1.5 km, then approximately INR 20 per km. From Colaba to CSMT, expect INR 60-80. From Colaba to Bandra, expect INR 250-350 depending on traffic. Like autos, meters are mandatory. If a driver refuses meter -- walk away, hail the next cab.
Uber and Ola. Both ride-hailing apps work well across Mumbai and are the most convenient transport option for tourists. Fares are generally comparable to or slightly cheaper than metered taxis during normal hours, but surge pricing during peak hours (8-10 AM, 6-9 PM) and rain can push prices to 1.5-3x the base rate. The advantage over street taxis: you get AC, GPS navigation (crucial in a city where many taxi drivers struggle with South Mumbai's one-way systems), digital payment, and a trip record. An Uber from Colaba to Bandra costs INR 200-350 in normal conditions and INR 400-700 during peak surge. An Uber from the airport to South Mumbai runs INR 500-800 normally, INR 1,000-1,500 during surge.
Surge pricing strategy. When Uber or Ola shows a surge multiplier above 1.5x, walk to the nearest kaali-peeli taxi or hail a cool-cab. Mumbai's metered taxis do not surge price. They charge the same rate at 2 AM on New Year's Eve as they do at 2 PM on a Tuesday. This is one of the few cities in the world where traditional taxis can be cheaper than app-based rides during high-demand periods.
Airport taxis. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIA), use the official prepaid taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. You tell the counter operator your destination, pay the fixed fare, receive a receipt, and are assigned a taxi. This eliminates negotiation, scams, and uncertainty. Prepaid fares: approximately INR 450-550 to Bandra, INR 600-750 to Worli/Lower Parel, INR 700-900 to South Mumbai. Keep the receipt until you reach your destination -- it is your proof of the agreed fare.
Ferries
Mumbai's ferry services are limited but genuinely useful for specific routes where road travel is impractical.
Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. The most popular tourist ferry in Mumbai. Government-operated boats (run by MTDC) depart from the jetty next to Gateway of India every 30 minutes between 9 AM and 2 PM (Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays). The journey takes approximately 1 hour each way. Return ticket: INR 200 for economy class, INR 280 for deluxe (slightly better seating, same boat). Elephanta Caves entry fee is an additional INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreign nationals. The sea is usually calm October through May. During monsoon months (June to September), ferry services are suspended due to rough seas.
Gateway of India to Mandwa. This ferry crosses Mumbai Harbour to Mandwa, the gateway to Alibaug beach town. It is operated by private companies including M2M Ferries and Ajanta. Travel time: approximately 45 minutes. One-way fare: INR 200-280 depending on the operator and class. This ferry saves you a 3-4 hour drive around the harbour to reach Alibaug, compressing it into a 45-minute sea crossing. Ferries run from around 6 AM to 6:30 PM with departures every 30-60 minutes. Book tickets online through M2M Ferries or at the Gateway jetty counter.
Ro-Ro ferry (Domestic Cruise Terminal to Mandwa). The roll-on/roll-off vehicle ferry lets you take your car across the harbour. One-way fare: approximately INR 1,100-1,400 for a car with passengers. Useful if you are renting a car and heading south to the Konkan coast. The Ro-Ro terminal is near the Domestic Cruise Terminal in South Mumbai, not at the Gateway of India.
Transport Insider Intel
- Buy a Mumbai-1 smart card at Churchgate or CSMT station (INR 100) and load INR 200-300. It works on local trains and saves you from queueing at the ticket window every time. The time you save across a 3-day trip is worth the small initial investment.
- For the airport-to-South Mumbai run, check Uber and Ola simultaneously. The same route often shows dramatically different prices between the two apps depending on driver availability. Sometimes Ola is 40% cheaper than Uber, sometimes vice versa. Always compare before booking.
- BEST bus 138 from Bandra Station to NCPA crosses the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Sit on the upper deck of a double-decker for the best views. The bus fare is INR 25-40 -- roughly 1/10th of what a taxi charges for the same route. The views are better from the bus because you sit higher.
- At local train stations, stand at the correct spot on the platform for your destination. Regular commuters know the exact door that aligns with the exit staircase at their destination station. Ask a fellow commuter where to stand for your stop -- they will happily tell you. This saves you from fighting through a packed compartment to reach the door.
- Unlicensed taxi touts at the airport who approach you before the official prepaid counter. They charge 2-3x the going rate and sometimes take circuitous routes. Walk past them to the clearly marked 'Prepaid Taxi' counter inside arrivals.
- Taxi drivers near tourist spots (Gateway of India, Taj Hotel, CSMT) who claim 'meter is broken.' The meter is almost never broken -- they just want to quote a flat rate that is 2-3x the metered fare. Insist on meter or walk away. There are always more taxis.
- Auto-rickshaw drivers at Bandra Station during rush hour who refuse short rides or demand fixed fares. During peak hours, walk 100 metres away from the station to hail an auto on the main road -- they are more likely to use the meter because there is less demand concentration.
- Private 'tour taxis' offered at hotel desks that charge INR 3,000-5,000 for a day of sightseeing. You can achieve the same itinerary using trains, Uber, and autos for under INR 500. Hotel desks take a 30-50% commission on these bookings.
Pro Tip: The golden rule of Mumbai transport: use local trains for any journey longer than 5 km, Uber/Ola or kaali-peeli taxis for door-to-door convenience under 5 km, and your own two feet within any single neighborhood. This three-mode strategy covers 95% of tourist needs and keeps daily transport spending under INR 300.
Walking Mumbai
Despite its reputation as a gridlocked megacity, Mumbai has several neighborhoods that are not only walkable but are best experienced on foot. The key is knowing which areas reward walking and which areas punish it.
Colaba. The most walkable neighborhood in Mumbai. The entire Colaba Causeway from Gateway of India to Afghan Church is 1.5 km of flat, continuous pavement. All the major attractions -- Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Leopold Cafe, Sassoon Dock -- are within this corridor. You do not need any transport once you are in Colaba. Sidewalks are narrow and crowded, but flat. Wear comfortable shoes.
Fort and Kala Ghoda. The heritage district surrounding CSMT is dense with Gothic and Art Deco architecture, galleries, museums, and Parsi cafes -- all within a 1 km radius. Walk from CSMT to Flora Fountain (5 minutes), through Kala Ghoda to the Jehangir Art Gallery (10 minutes), and down to Oval Maidan (5 more minutes). This is one of the richest per-square-metre walking experiences in India. Mornings are best -- the streets are quieter and the light falls beautifully on the stone facades.
Bandra West. The stretch from Bandstand Promenade (with views of Shah Rukh Khan's house, Mannat) through Bandra Fort and down to Carter Road offers about 3 km of scenic waterfront walking. Continue inland to Pali Village for a completely different vibe -- narrow lanes, street art, craft coffee shops, and boutiques. Bandra West is compact enough to explore entirely on foot in a half day.
Marine Drive. The 3.6 km Queen's Necklace promenade from Nariman Point to Chowpatty Beach is Mumbai's most famous walk. Flat, wide, well-paved, and dramatically beautiful at sunset. You can extend it with a walk up Chowpatty Beach to Girgaon for street food. The full stretch takes about 45-60 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Where walking does not work. Do not attempt to walk between major neighborhoods. Colaba to Bandra is 15 km through heavy traffic with inconsistent sidewalks. South Mumbai to the airport is 25 km along highways with no pedestrian infrastructure. Mumbai's inter-neighborhood distances are enormous compared to European cities. Walk within neighborhoods, use trains or taxis between them.
Airport Transfers
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIA, airport code BOM) is located in Andheri, roughly in the geographic center of Mumbai. Getting to and from the airport is one of the most important logistics decisions you will make, because road traffic between the airport and South Mumbai can be brutal -- especially during evening rush hours when the journey can stretch to 2 hours or more.
Terminal 2 (T2 -- international flights). The newer, architecturally striking terminal handles all international and some domestic flights. From T2, the prepaid taxi counter is inside the arrivals hall on the ground level, to the left after you exit customs. Tell the operator your destination, pay the fixed fare, collect your receipt, and proceed to the taxi stand outside. Uber and Ola pickups are from the designated area outside T2 arrivals -- follow signs to the ride-hailing zone. Prepaid taxi fares from T2: INR 450-550 to Bandra (30-60 min), INR 600-750 to Worli/Lower Parel (45-75 min), INR 700-900 to Colaba/Fort (60-100 min). Times depend entirely on traffic.
Terminal 1 (T1 -- domestic flights). The older terminal handles most domestic flights. The prepaid taxi counter and Uber/Ola pickup process are similar to T2 but on a smaller scale. T1 and T2 are about 3 km apart -- if you have a connection between terminals, a free shuttle bus runs every 20-30 minutes, or a taxi between terminals costs INR 100-150.
Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line). The underground metro connecting the airport to South Mumbai is progressively opening sections as of 2026. When complete, it will be the fastest and cheapest airport transfer option -- approximately 45 minutes to Marine Drive at a fraction of taxi costs. Check the MMRC website for the latest operational status. The airport metro station connects to T1 and T2 via walkways and shuttle services.
Timing your transfer. If your flight arrives between 3-8 PM and you are heading to South Mumbai, steel yourself for a 90-120 minute taxi ride. The Western Express Highway is a parking lot during these hours. The two ways to beat this: (1) use Metro Line 1 from the airport area to Ghatkopar, then take a Central Line local train to CSMT -- total travel time approximately 60 minutes, total cost under INR 100, but requires navigating the train system with luggage; or (2) wait at the airport until 9 PM when traffic eases and the drive drops to 45-60 minutes. If your flight arrives before noon or after 10 PM, road travel is smooth.
What not to do. Do not accept transport from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal. The men in civilian clothes who offer "taxi, sir?" while you are still collecting luggage are unlicensed operators who will charge 2-3x the official rate. Walk past them without engaging. Do not pay anyone a "luggage fee" or "night surcharge" -- these do not exist for prepaid taxis. And do not book airport transfers through your hotel unless you want to pay a 30-50% markup over the same ride booked directly through Uber.
Apps You Need
Five apps cover virtually every transport scenario in Mumbai. Download them before you land.
m-Indicator. The essential Mumbai transit app, used by millions of daily commuters. It shows real-time local train schedules, platform numbers, first/last train times, running status, and route maps for all three suburban lines. It also covers BEST bus routes and Mumbai Metro schedules. The interface is functional rather than pretty, but the data is accurate to the minute. This is the single most important app for Mumbai transport -- it replaces Google Maps for any train-related query and is significantly more accurate.
Uber. Works well across Mumbai with reliable driver availability, GPS navigation, and cashless payment. Uber Go (sedan, AC) is the standard option. Uber Auto (auto-rickshaw via app) is available in the suburbs and is sometimes cheaper than hailing one off the street because the fare is locked in before you ride. Uber Moto (motorbike taxi) exists but is not recommended for tourists with luggage.
Ola. India's homegrown ride-hailing app. Functionally identical to Uber with one advantage: Ola sometimes has better driver availability in the suburbs and slightly lower base fares for short rides. Always check both apps before booking -- the price difference between Uber and Ola for the same route at the same time can be 20-40%.
BEST MITRA. The official BEST bus app shows real-time bus tracking, route planning, estimated arrival times, and fare calculations. If you plan to use buses for even a few trips, this app saves you from standing at a bus stop wondering if and when your bus will appear. The live tracking is reasonably accurate, showing you the bus's GPS position on a map.
Google Maps. Useful for walking directions, general orientation, and finding landmarks by name. However, Google Maps is less reliable than m-Indicator for Mumbai local train schedules -- it sometimes shows outdated train timings and occasionally routes you to the wrong line. Use Google Maps for walking and driving directions, m-Indicator for anything involving trains. For bus routes, BEST MITRA is more accurate than Google Maps.
A note on Google Maps limitations. Google Maps' transit directions in Mumbai often suggest routes that look efficient on paper but are impractical in reality. It does not account for the physical difficulty of transferring between local train lines at stations like Dadar (a 10-minute uphill walk through crowds, not the 2-minute transfer it implies), nor does it factor in the real-time crowding that makes certain trains unusable during peak hours. Trust m-Indicator for train logistics and Google Maps for everything else.