Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT): A Complete Travel Guide

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Location, FAQs & Nearby Accommodation

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, commonly known as CSMT, is a historic railway station located in Mumbai’s Fort area. Originally built in 1887 as Victoria Terminus. It showcases stunning Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004

The station handles over 3 million passengers daily across 18 platforms, serving both suburban local trains and long-distance express routes. Platforms 1–7 are mainly for local trains, while 8–18 cater to outstation services. It also serves as the headquarters of Central Railway, making it a crucial hub in India’s railway network.

CSMT provides various modern facilities such as ticket counters, waiting areas, food plazas, lifts, escalators. It offers paid rest spaces for short stays. It is also connected to Mumbai Metro Line 3 through an underground passage, improving connectivity.

History of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

CSMT was Opened on 3 October 1888, designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens in Victorian Gothic Revival style. It was blended with Indian motifs like chhatris and stone elephants. Notably, the 30-million-brick structure features a 60m ribbed dome and star-shaped platform layout serving 3M+ daily passengers.

• 1996: Renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus honoring Maratha warrior king Shivaji

• 2017: Became Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT code)

• 2004: UNESCO World Heritage Site status for architectural excellence

Architecture of UNESCO World Heritage Site: CSMT

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) sits at the heart of Mumbai’s Fort area, precisely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001—coordinates 18°56′23″N 72°50′08″E in the bustling Bori Bunder neighborhood.

How to Reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus ?

One can reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus via csmt local train widely known as CSMT to Churchgate/Masjid platforms (₹5-20), BEST buses 1/6/88+ to CSMT stops (₹10-30), Metro Line 1 (Line 3 under construction) to nearby Vidhan Bhavan, taxis/autos (₹20-100 from South Mumbai), or walk from Marine Lines (1km)—Central Railway terminus for 1800+ daily trains connecting Konkan to Kashmir amid your weekend heritage and train-watching adventures.

Things to Do near CSMT Railway Station

Join heritage walking tours inside the station. View the main concourse and museum exhibits. Photograph the dome and clock tower from the plaza. Watch train arrivals from platform 18. Use the footbridge for full building views. Visit ticket counters and booking halls. Explore NAMAH pods for rest. Walk to Azad Maidan for cricket views. Check the railway museum for old photos. Observe commuter patterns during rush hour. Attend sound-light shows if scheduled. Platforms offer csmt local train spotting for enthusiasts. Lifts reach upper levels for panoramas.

CSMT Mumbai offers engaging visitor experiences beyond transit. Weekends, join guided heritage walks at 4 PM exploring Victorian Gothic details and Maratha motifs. Watch long-distance trains arrive on platforms 8-18—prime spotting for Rajdhani and Duronto expresses. Visit the free railway museum showcasing vintage locomotives plus Frederick Stevens’ blueprints. Finally, hop on observation pods for ₹499 aerial views of the UNESCO heritage masterpiece. Mumbai is home to a wide range of malls, offering everything from luxury brands to everyday shopping and entertainment. Shopping malls in Mumbai are spread across the city, making them easily accessible from different neighborhoods.

Nearby Attractions by CSMT Mumbai

Gateway of India:

Gateway of India, Mumbai’s iconic waterfront monument built in 1924 to welcome King George V and Queen Mary, showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture with 26m-high yellow basalt arches, intricate latticework, and Hindu-Islamic motifs overlooking the Arabian Sea at Apollo Bunder, Colaba. Just 2.5-3 km (15-20 min walk) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, reach it via BEST bus A-116 or Line 1 (₹5-10, 6 mins) to Holi Name Vidyalaya stop followed by a 5-min walk, taxi/auto (₹50-80, 5-7 mins), or stroll past Flora Fountain and Horniman Circle—perfect connection from CSMT Mumbai station heritage walk to Elephanta Caves ferry jetty.

Marine Drive:

Marine Drive, Mumbai’s iconic 3.6 km C-shaped promenade along Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road—known as the Queen’s Necklace for its pearl-like nighttime lights—stretches from Nariman Point to Girgaon Chowpatty, offering Arabian Sea views amid Art Deco buildings and palm trees, built in 1940 by Pallonji Mistry. Just 2.7-3 km (30-35 min walk) from CSMT railway station, reach it via BEST bus 108 (₹5-15, 15 mins) to N.C.P.A. stop, taxi (₹45-60, 3-5 mins), or stroll north past Marine Lines station—ideal extension of your CSMT heritage walk trail with sea breezes and sunset vibes.

Juhu beach:

Juhu Beach, Mumbai’s 6 km sandy Arabian Sea stretch in the upscale Juhu suburb—home to Bollywood stars and street food stalls serving bhel puri, pav bhaji, and coconut water—draws crowds for horse rides, kite flying, and sunset views near ISKCON Temple and celebrity bungalows. About 19-21 km (45-60 min) from CSMT Mumbai railway station, reach it via BEST bus 28 (₹20-40, 1h 12m direct), train to Santacruz/Vile Parle (₹8-30) + bus 231 to Juhu Beach (total 48 min, ₹12-30), or taxi (₹340-410, 19 min)—perfect day trip combining CSMT heritage walk vibes with beach relaxation and local chaat.

Crawford Market:

Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai), Mumbai’s bustling 1869 Victorian Gothic wholesale hub near CSMT railway station—featuring a landmark clock tower, arched facade, and stained glass—overflows with fresh fruits, spices from Mirchi Galli, imported cheese, pet supplies, poultry, and bargain home decor plus clothing. Just 0.8-1 km (10-12 min walk) from CSMT, reach it via a straight stroll east on DN Road past Flora Fountain, BEST bus A-18 (₹5, 5 mins), or auto (₹20-30, 3 mins)—ideal quick shopping detour during your CSMT heritage walk exploration with authentic Mumbai market chaos and street eats.
>There are many places to visit in Mumbai, ranging from historic landmarks to scenic coastal spots.Each location offers a unique glimpse into the city’s culture, heritage, and everyday life.

Shopping & Street Experience near CSMT Railway Station

Right at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, hawkers swarm platforms and exits slinging vada pav (₹15-25, Aram Vada Pav fame), sandwiches with cheese-chutney layers (₹30-50), cutting chai in tiny glasses (₹5-10), bhel puri scooped fresh from steel plates (₹20-40, Sharma Snacks style), pav bhaji steaming opposite station (Canon Pav Bhaji, ₹40-60), plus roasted corn and kulfi falooda amid commuter chaos—perfect fuel between CSMT heritage walk and train watching.

Business streets radiating out pack more: ragda pattice bubbling near Flora Fountain (₹30), sev puri carts on DN Road to Crawford Market (₹20-30), Irani bun maska from hole-in-wall bakeries (₹40), pani puri wagons by Fashion Street stalls (₹25/set), and kala khatta golas (₹15) cooling sweaty shoppers—raw Mumbai hawker hustle blending CSMT Mumbai heritage vibes with addictive ₹20-60 bites everywhere you turn.

Famous Food & Cafes near CSMT Station

CSMT’s top food gems within 1km pack legendary flavors: Aram Vada Pav (opposite main entrance, <100m) delivers crispy potato fritters in pav with fiery chutneys (₹20-30)—the ultimate commuter fuel. Cannon Pav Bhaji (Mahapalika Marg, 200m) serves smoky mashed veggies with buttery pav and lassi (₹50-80), drawing crowds for its addictive spice. Café Excelsior (Kitab Mahal, 500m) offers heritage kheema pav, bun maska, and berry pulao (₹200-400) in 1920s Art Deco charm—perfect Parsi-Mughlai pause after your CSMT heritage walk.

Best Service Apartments near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Looking for the best service apartments near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)? PAJASA offers premium, fully furnished corporate stays near Mumbai’s most well-connected locations, making it easy to access CSMT and nearby Top Business Parks in Mumbai. The closest and most convenient areas to CSMT include Dadar, Lower Parel, Worli, and Bandra, all within smooth commuting distance via road and local train networks. Whether you’re traveling for business or a long stay, you can choose from our wide network of service apartments in Mumbai including Powai, BKC, Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Juhu, Worli, Airoli, Versova, Vikhroli, Santacruz, Goregaon, and Lower Parel. Each apartment is designed to offer more space, privacy, and comfort than hotels, with modern amenities and prime locations.Discover our presence and choose the ideal stay near CSMT that perfectly suits your needs.

• Room options: 1-3 BHK, Studio.
• Distance from CSMT: 2-4 km from CSMT.
• Features: Luxury apartments,Kitchen, WiFi, maid service. King/Queen size beds,Living room, Washing Machine & more.

FAQs

How can I reach CSMT from Mumbai Airport?

You can reach CSMT from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Airport by taxi, app-based cabs, or local trains. The journey typically takes around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

What are the nearest places to visit from CSMT?

Some popular places near CSMT include Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Crawford Market, and Colaba Causeway.

Are there good accommodation options near CSMT?

Yes, there are several accommodation options near CSMT, Service apartments in Mumbai offering comfortable stays for both short and long durations.