Is Mumbai Safe In 2024? Best Safety Tips for Travel

Are you planning a trip to India and wondering if Mumbai is safe for tourists? Like most big cities, questions about safety are bound to arise for travelers planning their adventures.

From the public transportation to what you should avoid to what types of food to look out for, this is your guide to help you navigate Mumbai confidently so you have an enjoyable trip!

Is Mumbai Safe: FAQs

Let me answer some frequently asked questions about safety in Mumbai.

Are tourists safe in Mumbai?

Generally yes, tourists are safe in Mumbai. The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory lists most of India (including Mumbai) as a level 2 for their travel advisory, meaning the city is relatively safe for expats and tourists. This is on a scale of one to four, with 1 being exercise normal precautions, 2 means exercise increased precautions, 3 means reconsider travel, and 4 advises “do not travel.”

Is Mumbai safe for solo travel?

As a solo traveler there is a lot to enjoy in Mumbai as well as all over India. You should take the same precautions in Mumbai that you take as a solo traveler any where in the world.

Is it safe to walk in Mumbai at night?

I would avoid walking alone at night in Mumbai, like in any big city. Depending on the area, you will generally be safe to walk in groups at night in places like Bandra West and South Mumbai (like the neighborhoods of Fort and Colaba).

You should stick to well-lit and busy areas when exploring the city at night. Travel in groups or use ride-hailing services (like Uber or Ola) for late night travel.

Is Mumbai a safe city?

The Safe City Index (SCI) has ranked Mumbai 50th out of 60 cities. The Safe Cities Index ranks 60 cities across 76 indicators covering digital, health, infrastructure, personal and environmental security. The latest index, published in 2021, ranks Mumbai 2 spots below Delhi at 48th, which is the only other Indian city on the list.

While Mumbai is a major metropolitan it still has a ways to go towards building urban security and safety for its citizens. As a tourist, all the factors ranked by SCI aren’t necessarily top of mind, but the index offers a useful reference for understanding the effectiveness of urban structures in serving the changing needs of cities and their people.

Are there slums in Mumbai?

Mumbai is a city of contrasts, and its impossible to ignore the presence of poverty. Along with the skyscrapers and wealthy neighborhoods, it also has sprawling slums and marginalized communities. The stark disparity between wealth and poverty is a reality that shapes the city.

As travelers, it’s essential to be respectful, sensitive, and compassionate towards the less fortunate. You can offer bottles of water or packaged snacks to beggars if you’re not comfortable giving a little cash.

The slums are an unfortunate reality for many of Mumbai’s residents. About 20% of the city’s population lives below the poverty line.

Dharavi is considered to be one of the world’s largest slums, with an estimated 1,000,000 people living in an area of just over 2.39 square kilometres (0.92 sq mi; 590 acres).

Is Mumbai Safe: Transportation Info

Is it safe to drive in Mumbai?

I’d advise against hiring your own car to drive in Mumbai. There are road safety challenges to consider:

Traffic congestion: Mumbai’s densely populated areas can lead to heavy traffic jams, requiring drivers to exercise caution.
Road conditions: Some roads in Mumbai may have potholes or uneven surfaces, necessitating careful navigation, especially during the monsoon season.
Pedestrians and street vendors: The heavy presence of pedestrians and street vendors on the roads requires drivers to be vigilant and exercise caution.
Rules of the road: While Mumbai is considered to be city where road rules are more adhered to than the rest of the country, you will still see some drivers choosing to ignore road rules in favor of getting where they need to go quicker.

If you do decide to drive your own car, keep in mind that traffic can be chaotic, especially during rush hours, making it essential to be patient and alert.

Is it safe to take the train in Mumbai?

There are a few things to know about public transportation in Mumbai.

Rush hour flows in Mumbai are:

North to south in the morning (about 7:30am to 11:00am)
South to North in the evening (about 5:00pm to 9:30pm)

During rush hour times on these routes, I recommend avoiding public transport.

Outside these times, you can enjoy a local train ride. I recommend getting first class tickets, which can be purchased at any railway station either at machines or manned ticket windows. The first class coach will help avoid crowds and can be identified by red stripes on the top of the car.

Any local train in Mumbai will be under $3 USD for a ride, charged by distance.

platform at Mumbai Central Train Station with empty train car, a couple benches, and a sign.

Girl's hand holding a local train ticket in an empty train car on a Mumbai Local Train.

Are taxis safe in Mumbai?

Black and yellow taxi cabs, lovingly called Kali Peelee (in Hindi, kali = black, peelee = yellow) by locals, are reliable and will always run by meter. Mumbai is one of the only cities in India where both cabs and auto rickshaws are always supposed to be metered. If not, ask the driver to turn on the meter, if they refuse then you can think about taking another cab or approach a nearby traffic cop to assist you.

You can use ride hailing apps like Uber and Ola for more convenience, since the rate is monitored and the driver is provided the destination. Both apps allow you to call either cabs or auto rickshaws.

Are rickshaws safe in Mumbai?

Yes riding in a rickshaw in Mumbai is safe. Most importantly you should ensure the meter is running in the rickshaw so you don’t get over charged.

You can even use Uber to hail rickshaws.

Auto rickshaw driving by on the streets of Bandra West in Mumbai with trees and sunset in the background.

Is Mumbai Safe: Food & Drink

Is street food in Mumbai safe to eat?

As a visitor your stomach will not be adjusted to the local bacteria so you need to ensure any street food you try is thoroughly heated to kill bacteria. For this reason I’d avoid cold foods like pani puri from street vendors. Vada pav is usually a safe bet!

If you are a foodie, read more about must try street food in Mumbai here.

An overhead view of two plates of vadas with curry sauce on the street in Mumbai

Is the water safe to drink in Mumbai?

No, the tap water in Mumbai is not safe for drinking. You should drink bottled water or filtered water from reputable restaurants.

Apartments and homes usually have water purifiers installed in the kitchen for safe drinking water.

10 Tips for Staying Safe in Mumbai

Following some essential safety tips can go a long way in ensuring a safe and memorable trip to Mumbai.

✅ Pay attention to your surroundings. Trust your gut! If something feels off, leave the situation.

✅ Keep belongings and valuable items in a zipped bag or purse on your person. Especially in crowded trains or busy tourist spots.

✅ Stay in tourist friendly areas like South Mumbai or Bandra West, where you can enjoy a walk to see the sights.

✅ At night keep to well-lit and busy areas. Avoid more rural and isolated areas, like Aarey Milk Colony, where it becomes deserted at night.

✅ Avoid traveling on trains during peak rush hours. The overcrowding in the station and on the cars can be quite chaotic.

✅ As always, exercise caution when socializing with strangers and be aware of your alcohol intake. Do not accept drinks from strangers.

✅ It can get very hot, so make sure to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged heat/sun exposure.

✅ Avoid tap water and street food vendors that are using tap water or serving foods that are not thoroughly heated when cooked.

✅ Avoid getting scammed by using reputable travel agents if you need help booking travel on trains or other activities. Do a little research to ensure you’re working with a legitimate service or guide.

✅ If driving yourself, stay patient and alert in traffic to avoid a car accident or road rage incident.

People sitting along a sea wall with a sandy beach and seaside views, enjoying a sunset at the picturesque Marine Drive in Mumbai, India. You can see some iconic buildings in Mumbai and the South Mumbai skyline in the background.

TLDR: Is Mumbai Safe For Travelers/Tourists?

Mumbai is generally considered safe for travelers, but like any major urban center, it has its unique challenges. With a population exceeding 20 million, the city buzzes with activity, and visitors are advised to exercise common sense and caution while exploring.

Having visited Mumbai many times and having lived there for a year I can happily confirm I felt safe during all my time in the city. Here are my recommendations for the top things to do when visiting Mumbai.