Complete travel information for your December journey
In December, you can reach Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from Manhattan by NJ Transit trains to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, Amtrak, ride-share services, or airport shuttles. Winter weather can cause delays, so allow extra travel time and consider an earlier train or pre-booked car service to avoid missing your flight. For lowest fares and predictable timing, book rail+airport transfers in advance during the holiday season.
For international flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in December, arrive at least 3 hours before departure to account for holiday crowds, security lines, and potential snow-related disruptions. If you need passport control, special assistance, or carry extra luggage, add another 30–60 minutes. Check real-time airport security wait times on the EWR official site the morning of travel.
As of December, most routine COVID-19 entry requirements have been lifted for travelers from the U.S. to India, but rules can change; verify current visa, vaccination, and health advisories before departure from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Check the Government of India travel advisory and your airline’s traveler notifications for any last-minute testing or documentation requirements. Carry digital and printed copies of vaccination records and travel insurance that covers health emergencies.
Direct flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) are limited and can be seasonal; in December you may find occasional nonstop services offered by major carriers but most options are one-stop via Middle Eastern or European hubs. For the most reliable results, search and book early, and consider both nonstop and single-stop flights when comparing prices and total travel time.
December is peak holiday season, so fares from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Mumbai (BOM) typically rise, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Book at least 6–10 weeks ahead for the best economy prices, set price alerts for 'EWR to BOM flights December', and be flexible with mid-week departures to find cheaper seats. Use fare comparison tools and consider red-eye flights to lower cost.
After arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in late December, you can use AirTrain to NJ Transit/Amtrak at Newark Liberty International Airport Station, taxis, app-based ride services, and hotel shuttles. Expect busy ground transport due to holidays and allow extra time for customs and baggage claim. Pre-booked airport transfer services can save time during peak holiday days.
Arrivals at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in December usually experience comfortable, dry weather with pleasant temperatures, but airport queues can be longer due to holiday travel. Allow extra time for immigration and baggage reclaim, and have your India visa and passenger locator information ready. For faster processing, enroll in any available expedited immigration programs or use e-visa facilities where eligible.
From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), you can take prepaid taxis, app-based ride-hailing services, hotel transfers, and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Rail Link (where applicable) or suburban trains via nearby stations for onward travel. During December holidays, pre-booked airport transfers or hotel shuttles are recommended to avoid waits and surge pricing. If traveling to nearby destinations like Navi Mumbai, Thane, or Pune, consider private transfers or intercity buses.
Common connection cities for EWR to BOM itineraries include Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Istanbul (IST), Frankfurt (FRA), London Heathrow (LHR), and New Delhi (DEL). In December, these hubs run frequent services, though schedules can shift with seasonal demand. When booking, compare total journey time, layover length, and baggage policies if airlines have separate tickets.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) offers left-luggage services and luggage trolleys; availability is generally consistent in December but may experience higher demand during holiday weeks. For multi-day stays in Mumbai or nearby destinations like Goa or Pune, consider airport luggage storage for day trips. Always check counter hours and security rules for valuables before storing.
December in Mumbai is typically dry with mild to warm temperatures (around 20–30°C), making ground transport and sightseeing straightforward after arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Weather-related delays are uncommon, but heavy fog is rare; transport networks run smoothly. Pack light layers and sunscreen for daytime activities and expect lively holiday markets and New Year’s event planning in the city.
From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), you can easily access Mumbai city center, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and further afield Pune and Goa by domestic flight or road. December is ideal for combining Mumbai with Goa or Pune as part of a winter trip due to pleasant weather and vibrant seasonal events. Book domestic legs early — December demand spikes for holiday travel to coastal and hill destinations.
Departure-side events: Newark and New York City host major holiday attractions in December — Rockefeller Center tree lighting, Bryant Park Winter Village, seasonal Broadway shows, and airport-area hotel surge. These events increase airport traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and nearby transit demand. Arrival-side events: Mumbai celebrates Christmas, New Year’s Eve at Marine Drive and Bandra, festive food and cultural pop-ups, and end-of-year Bollywood premieres; nearby Goa often hosts music festivals and beach parties in December and can be combined with a short domestic flight from BOM. Expect higher accommodation prices during festival weeks and limited availability; book in advance.
For December trips, the best time to fly EWR to BOM is during the first two weeks of December and mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday). Avoid peak travel windows December 20–27 and December 30–January 2 when fares and demand spike. Red-eye departures from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) can reduce layover exposure and sometimes cost less; meanwhile early bookings for December yield better pricing and seat availability.
Direct (nonstop) flights offer the shortest total travel time and reduced risk of missed connections — ideal when time is a priority during December holiday travel. However, nonstop options between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) can be limited and more expensive. Connecting flights via Middle Eastern (DOH/DXB) or European hubs (FRA/LHR/IST) often save money and provide flexible schedules, but increase total travel time and the risk of disruptions during winter travel. If booking separate tickets for connecting legs, allow ample layover time to protect against delays.
Air India: May offer seasonal nonstop or one-stop connections; strong in-market connectivity and competitive pricing in premium cabins. United: Offers codeshare and partnership options, reliable ground services at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR); look for joint itineraries with Star Alliance partners. Emirates & Qatar: Frequently provide one-stop connections via Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH) respectively, known for superior transit lounge amenities and consistent schedules in December. European carriers (Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines): Good for travelers interested in European stopovers and multi-city itineraries, with varying total travel times and baggage rules.
Pack layers — warm outerwear for Newark departures and light, breathable clothing for Mumbai arrivals. Carry travel documents (passport, visa/e-visa, vaccination records) in both digital and paper form. Anticipate winter weather delays departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and check airport and airline notifications the day before travel. Purchase travel insurance covering weather disruptions and baggage delays. For December, book airport transfers and domestic connections early to secure preferred times and prices.
Typical nonstop flight time (when available) between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is approximately 14–16 hours. More commonly, one-stop itineraries have total travel times of 17–26+ hours depending on the layover city. Popular connection points include Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Istanbul (IST), Frankfurt (FRA), and London (LHR). Time difference: Mumbai is +9.5 to +10.5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time depending on daylight saving (which is not observed in India).
December is peak holiday season for EWR–BOM, but you can still find deals by being flexible and proactive. Aim to book 6–10 weeks before travel and search for mid-week departures (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) to lower fares. Use fare-compare engines, set multi-alerts (price-drop and schedule-change alerts), and consider one-stop itineraries via hubs like Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), or London (LHR) which often offer savings. Sign up for airline newsletters and check flash sales from major carriers (Air India, United, Emirates, Qatar) and regional consolidators. Consider flying into nearby Indian airports and taking a domestic connection if total travel time and cost improve.