Mumbai is in the form of a long narrow island, almost a
peninsula, thrusting south wards into the Arabian Sea.
It can be broadly divided into four zones:
- South Bombay (Colaba, CST,Fort, Chruchgate, Nariman Point etc.)
- Central Bombay (Dadar, Bombay Central, Worli etc)
- The Western suburbs (Bandra, Juhu, Andheri, Borivali etc)
- The Eastern Suburbs(Kurla, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Mulund, Kanjur Marg, Vikhroli etc.)
- There is also New Bombay (Vashi, Turbhe etc.) across Thane Creek on the mainland.
IIT Bombay is located at Powai, which is an eastern suburb in the North-Eastern part of Mumbai.
Public Transport
Mumbai has one of the most efficient and reliable public transport network. One can travel by Autorickshaws / Taxis to reach IIT from the nearest stations(Autorickshaws, however do not go further south than Sion and Bandra). For longer distance, you can use either the BEST Bus Network or the Mumbai Local train System.
Suburban Railway Transport
- Central Railway: CST, Dadar, Kurla, Thane
- Western Railway: Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri,Borivali, Kurla
Those coming by Central Railway suburban train will have to get down at Kanjur Marg, Vikhroli or Ghatkopar which are the nearest stations from IITB. If you are coming by the Western Railway suburban train you will have to get down at Andheri, Bandra, Goregoan or Malad.
There is a terminus at Kurla where some Central Railway as well as Western Railway trains terminate. There is no convenient bus route from Kurla terminus. An autorickshaw is the best option. However it would be more economical to take a suburban train from kurla to Kanjur Marg and then take an Auto.
From Central Railway
If traveling by the central railway line [with tickets to Kalyan/Thane/Kurla/Dadar/VT(now known as CST)], get down at Kalyan/Thane/Dadar and take a local train to Kanjur Marg/Vikhroli, which are the nearest stations to IIT Bombay. Come out through the western-side gate and take a bus or, auto rickshaw to IIT main gate.
From Western Railway
If you are coming by the western railway line, get down preferably at Borivali/Bandra/Andheri. From Bandra (local railway station) West, you can take the 422 bus to IIT Bombay main gate. From Borivali East and Andheri East, there are a number of buses which come to IIT main gate. Alternatively, you can take a three-wheeler or taxi from these stations. If you get down at Mumbai Central, then travel in reverse direction to Dadar (Western Railway). From Dadar Western Railway, you will have to change to Dadar Central Railway. To reach IIT Bombay from Dadar Central Railway, follow the instructions given under Central Railway.
From the Airport
International flights land at Sahar Airport which is about 7 kms from IIT. The Domestic Airport- SantaCruz is about 10 kms. Pre paid taxis are available at the Airports. Autorickshaws are also available for IIT.
Those traveling by air, can take taxis/auto rickshaws from the domestic (40-60 min travel time)/international (20-40 min travel time) airport to reach IIT Bombay.
Reaching IITB Guest House (Van Vihar/Jal Vihar) or Hostels
There are three gates to IIT Bombay. It is advised to enter through the main gate. If you are coming by an auto rickshaw/taxi, enquire form the security at the main gate for the directions.
