Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Iconic Victorian Gothic railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the vibrant heart of Mumbai's transport.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Victorian Gothic railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the vibrant heart of Mumbai's transport.
"A breathtaking blend of Indian and British design, CSMT is the heartbeat of Mumbai."
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture the stunning architecture! Best light in the early morning. :camerawithflash:
🚆 Local Train Adventure
Experience Mumbai's lifeline! Use local train apps for timings & safety. :iphone: :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Gothic Facade
Exterior
Breathtaking blend of Indian and British design, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel.

Grand Interior Hall
Main concourse
Step inside to witness the soaring arches, intricate carvings, and vibrant atmosphere.

Platform Experience
Various platforms
Feel the pulse of Mumbai's lifeline by experiencing the bustling local trains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Bustle
Architectural Marvel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
If I have to go to CSMT ,where to drop & take a bus/train from for it
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture the stunning architecture! Best light in the early morning. :camerawithflash:
🚆 Local Train Adventure
Experience Mumbai's lifeline! Use local train apps for timings & safety. :iphone: :athletic_shoe:
Mumbai Locals for Dummies
🚶♂️ Explore the Interior
Don't just admire from outside; the interior is equally magnificent. :world_map:
⏰ Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture the stunning architecture! Best light in the early morning. :camerawithflash:
🚆 Local Train Adventure
Experience Mumbai's lifeline! Use local train apps for timings & safety. :iphone: :athletic_shoe:
🚶♂️ Explore the Interior
Don't just admire from outside; the interior is equally magnificent. :world_map:
⏰ Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking Victorian Gothic architecture and its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are captivated by the blend of Indian and British design and the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling transport hub. While the station's beauty is undeniable, the sheer volume of crowds, especially during peak hours, can be a significant challenge for some.
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is a highly-rated, iconic railway station in Mumbai, praised for its breathtaking Victorian Gothic architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors enjoy its intricate details and blend of Indian and British styles, though managing the huge crowds, especially during peak hours, can be challenging. It serves as a crucial transportation hub and a landmark that offers a mesmerizing experience, especially at night, and is a photographer's delight. Architecture & Beauty: The station is renowned for its stunning High Victorian Gothic architecture, featuring elements like stained-glass windows, towering spires, domed arches, and intricate carvings of animals.
Historical Significance: Built in the late 19th century to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, it was originally named Victoria Terminus before being renamed in 1996.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: It is recognized globally for its outstanding architectural and cultural significance.
Transportation Hub: CSMT is one of India's busiest railway stations, connecting millions of people daily to local and national railway networks.
Vibrant Atmosphere: The station is a bustling center of activity, offering a unique blend of history and modern transit needs, with a great atmosphere."
Rinku Ansari
"Commonly known as CSMT is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a functioning transport hub and as well as a historical monument. This building is so beautiful and stunning. The bustling crowd, and the rhythm of trains arriving and leaving all feels like the heartbeat of Mumbai itself. Mumbai's local trains are often referred to as the city's "lifeline”. The fusion of Indian and British design turns the station into a visual delight. It’s also one of the busiest railway stations in India. It is the headquarters of Central Railway. It’s a really big station and 18 platforms are there including a museum dedicated to the history of Indian railways. A must visit place."
Neegar Afroz
"Very impressive Victorian architecture on the outside, and a great experience to walk around inside and on the platforms, well worth a visit if you are nearby - definitely try a local train if you've never experienced Indian railways!"
Jamie Palliser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
CSMT is a major hub, easily accessible by Mumbai's extensive local train network. You can also reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. If you're new to Mumbai, using a local train app can be very helpful for navigating the system and understanding timings.
Limited parking is available, but it's often congested. It's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to reach CSMT due to its central location and heavy traffic.
While CSMT is primarily served by the suburban railway, you can connect to the metro system from nearby stations. It's advisable to check a current Mumbai metro map for the most efficient routes.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Mumbai and can drop you directly at CSMT. Be prepared for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.
The most efficient way is often by local train, as CSMT is a major terminus. Alternatively, a taxi or auto-rickshaw can be used, but traffic can be a factor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
To access the platforms and train services, you will need a valid train ticket. However, you can walk around the main concourse and admire the architecture without a ticket.
CSMT is a functioning railway station and operates 24/7 for train services. The architectural beauty can be appreciated at any time, though it's most vibrant during the day.
There is no specific entry fee to enter the main concourse of CSMT. However, you will need a valid train ticket to access the platforms and board trains.
Ticket counters are available within the station. You can also purchase tickets through the Indian Rail website or mobile apps for convenience.
While there aren't specific tourist passes for entry, purchasing a day pass for local trains can be cost-effective if you plan to travel extensively within Mumbai on the same day.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior facade, especially the main entrance and clock tower, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, the grand hall with its arches and the bustling platforms provide dynamic shots. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permissions. It's always best to be discreet and respectful of the ongoing train operations and passengers.
Early mornings (sunrise to mid-morning) provide beautiful natural light and fewer people. Evenings, when the station is illuminated, also offer a magical photographic experience.
Yes, you can photograph the local trains. It's a great way to capture the essence of Mumbai's lifeline. Be mindful of safety and avoid obstructing passengers or train movements.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the grandeur of the architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the facade or for capturing distant train activity. A tripod can be helpful for low-light photography in the evenings, but be mindful of space and crowds.
🚇 🚆 Transportation Hub
CSMT is renowned for its magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture, its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as one of India's busiest railway stations, serving as the headquarters of Central Railway. It's often called the 'heartbeat of Mumbai'.
CSMT is a major terminus for both Mumbai's suburban local trains and long-distance Indian Railways trains connecting to various parts of the country.
CSMT has a significant number of platforms, with 18 platforms in use, catering to both suburban and long-distance services.
CSMT is a vital transportation hub, often referred to as Mumbai's lifeline due to the immense volume of daily commuters using its local trains. It's also a major historical and architectural landmark.
Yes, there are 'Namah Sleeping Pods' available at CSMT for travelers looking for a comfortable place to rest between journeys.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique experience, consider a short ride on a local train (if comfortable with the crowds) to show kids how Mumbaikars commute. There are also sleeping pods available for a short rest if needed. Ensure you keep a close eye on children due to the busy environment.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the architecture, the station's role as a major transport hub offers dynamic street photography opportunities. Capture the rush of commuters, the iconic local trains, and the general buzz of activity. Remember to be respectful of passengers and train operations while you shoot.
🚆 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive taxis, opt for local trains to explore the city. Utilize apps for train timings and routes to navigate efficiently. You can also find affordable food options in and around the station, making it a great starting point for a budget-friendly exploration of Mumbai.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Grandeur
Visitors are often awestruck by the sheer scale and the meticulous details, from the stained-glass windows to the imposing clock tower. The interior concourse is equally impressive, with its high ceilings and bustling activity creating a vibrant atmosphere. It's a place where history and modern transit seamlessly coexist, offering a unique visual experience for anyone passing through or visiting specifically to admire its beauty.
Mumbai's Lifeline: The Local Trains
Navigating the local trains can seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation, it's manageable. Using a local train app can provide real-time train timings, platform information, and route maps, which is invaluable for first-time users. The sheer volume of people and the constant movement create a unique, energetic atmosphere that is quintessentially Mumbai. Be prepared for crowded carriages, especially during peak commuting hours, and always be aware of your belongings.
Photography at CSMT
Inside, the grand hall provides a dramatic backdrop with its high ceilings and arches. Capturing the movement of commuters and trains on the platforms adds a dynamic element to your photos. Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the station and a telephoto lens for capturing details from a distance. Be mindful of the crowds and train schedules to ensure safe and respectful photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit