Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your January journey
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically experiences moderate to busy check-in and security queues in January, especially around New Year travel and weekend peaks. Early morning and late-evening flights tend to have shorter lines; plan to arrive 2–3 hours before international departures. Use online check-in and TSA PreCheck or CLEAR where available to reduce wait times and speed through security.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you can choose BART, airport shuttles, ride-hail services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and rental cars; BART provides a fast and cost-effective 30–40 minute ride to downtown San Francisco. In January, weather is mild but occasional rain may increase travel times, so allow extra time for transfers. Consider booking airport shuttles or a rental car in advance for better rates during peak travel weekends.
Direct nonstop flights SFO → BOM are infrequent; most options in January are one-stop or two-stop services via Middle Eastern or European hubs such as Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Istanbul (IST), or London (LHR). Total travel time for one-stop itineraries usually ranges from 20–26 hours including layovers. For faster travel, search for the shortest one-stop schedules and filter by total duration on booking engines.
As of January travel guidance, most international travelers must meet India's entry requirements, which may include a valid passport, visa (or e-Visa where applicable), and any health documentation required at the time. Check both the U.S. Department of State and Indian consulate pages for current rules, and verify airline-specific requirements before departure. It’s recommended to carry printed and digital copies of your travel documents and check for last-minute updates.
To find cheap SFO → BOM flights in January, search flexible dates around mid-week departures, sign up for fare alerts, compare aggregators (Skyscanner, Google Flights), and consider one-stop itineraries via the Middle East for lower fares. Book 6–10 weeks in advance for the best January deals and set price trackers to capture sudden sales from carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Use location-based keywords when searching—e.g., 'cheap flights San Francisco to Mumbai January'—to surface targeted offers.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a wide range of lounges — airline lounges (United Club, American Admirals Club), partner lounges, and independent lounges like The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3. In January, lounge access policies remain the same, but occupancy may rise during holiday weekends; consider booking paid lounge access or card benefits in advance. Additional amenities include numerous dining options, duty-free shops, charging stations, and quiet zones for long-haul travelers.
On arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in January, international passengers go through immigration, baggage claim, and customs; wait times can vary but are typically efficient during mid-week arrivals. Have your passport, Indian visa/e-Visa, and completed arrival forms ready; consider using e-visa entry lanes where available to speed processing. January can be slightly busier around Republic Day, so allow extra time for clearance on peak days.
From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) you can use prepaid taxis, app-based ride-hail services, private transfers, or local trains (via the nearby suburban network) to reach central Mumbai. Travel time to South Mumbai is usually 30–60 minutes depending on traffic; plan for longer rides during morning/evening peak hours. For Pune, Goa, or Ahmedabad, consider domestic connecting flights, long-distance trains, or private transfers booked in advance.
Mumbai in January offers pleasant, dry weather with daytime temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F) and cool evenings; it’s one of the best months to visit with low humidity and minimal rain. Pack lightweight breathable clothing, a light sweater for mornings or air-conditioned interiors, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. January is ideal for outdoor activities and city tours, so bring a hat and sunglasses.
U.S. citizens typically need an e-Visa or regular visa before arriving in India; India offers an e-Visa program for tourism or business that must be applied for online prior to travel. There is no general visa-on-arrival for U.S. passport holders at BOM—apply for an e-Visa at least 4–7 days before departure and print your e-Visa grant letter. Always verify the latest visa policies via the Indian government eVisa portal before booking.
Common nearby destinations accessed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in January include Pune (2–3 hours by road), Goa (short domestic flight), Lonavala/Khandala hill stations (2–3 hours), Aurangabad for the Ajanta and Ellora caves, and Gujarat cities like Surat and Ahmedabad via short flights or trains. January’s pleasant weather makes it ideal for short coastal or hill escapes after landing in Mumbai.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) provides several airline lounges, pay-per-use lounges, and multiple telecom kiosks where travelers can buy local SIM cards and data plans. In January these services operate normally, but counters may be busier during peak arrival times—arrange eSIM or prepaid plans in advance if you need instant connectivity. Currency exchange desks and ATMs are also available in the arrival area.
