Getting to Goa

Everything you need to know about reaching paradise and exploring it

🗺️ Reaching Goa

✈️

By Air

Goa has two airports serving domestic and international flights. This is the fastest way to reach Goa from most Indian cities.

Goa International Airport (Dabolim - GOI)

• Located in South Goa, near Vasco da Gama
• 25-30 km from Panaji
• All major airlines operate here
• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata

Manohar International Airport (Mopa - GOX)

• New airport in North Goa (opened 2023)
• 35 km from Panaji
• Modern facilities, less crowded
• Growing number of domestic routes

Pro Tips

• Book early for peak season (Oct-Jan) for better prices
• Compare both airports - Mopa may have better deals to North Goa destinations
• Airport taxi counters have fixed rates - use prepaid booth

🚂

By Train

A scenic and economical option. The Konkan Railway route along the coast is one of India's most beautiful train journeys.

Madgaon (Margao) Junction

• Main railway station, South Goa
• Well-connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore
• Best for staying in South Goa

Thivim Station

• North Goa station
• Closer to Anjuna, Vagator, Mapusa
• Fewer trains but convenient for North Goa

Popular Trains

• Konkan Kanya Express - Mumbai to Madgaon (12 hrs)
• Jan Shatabdi - Mumbai to Madgaon (8 hrs)
• Goa Express - Delhi to Madgaon (26 hrs)
• Vasco da Gama Express - Bangalore to Vasco (14 hrs)

🚗

By Road

Perfect for road trip enthusiasts. The drive to Goa offers stunning views, especially on the Mumbai-Goa highway.

From Mumbai~580 km | 9-10 hours

From Pune~450 km | 8-9 hours

From Bangalore~560 km | 9-10 hours

From Hyderabad~660 km | 10-11 hours

Bus Options

• KSRTC, MSRTC - Government buses, budget-friendly
• Paulo Travels, VRL, Neeta - Private AC sleeper buses
• Overnight buses from Mumbai (8-10 hrs) and Bangalore (10-12 hrs)
• Book via RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or at bus station counters

🛵 Getting Around Goa

🏍️

Rent a Scooter/Bike

The most popular and fun way to explore Goa. Freedom to discover hidden beaches and scenic routes.

Typical Rates:

• Activa/Scooty: ₹300-400/day
• Royal Enfield: ₹800-1200/day
• Deposit: ₹2,000-5,000 or ID

* Always wear helmet, carry license, follow traffic rules

🚙

Rent a Car

Ideal for families or groups. AC comfort for exploring during hot afternoons.

Typical Rates:

• Hatchback: ₹1,500-2,000/day
• Sedan: ₹2,000-2,500/day
• SUV: ₹3,000-4,000/day

Book via Zoomcar, Drivezy, or local rentals

🚕

Taxis

Available everywhere but negotiate rates beforehand. Yellow-black taxis and white tourist taxis.

Goa Miles App

Official government taxi app with fixed rates. Recommended for airport transfers.

🛺

Auto Rickshaws

Good for short distances within towns. Always agree on fare before starting.

• Minimum fare: ~₹30-50
• Most useful in Panaji, Mapusa, Margao
• Not available in beach areas

🚌

Local Buses

Kadamba Transport Corporation runs buses across Goa. Very cheap but can be crowded and slow.

• Fares: ₹10-50 depending on distance
• Major hubs: Panaji, Mapusa, Margao
• Good for budget travelers

⛴️

River Ferries

Free ferry services across rivers. A fun local experience!

• Panaji to Betim (Reis Magos)
• Old Goa to Divar Island
• Free for pedestrians, small fee for vehicles

Quick Tips

💡 General Tips

• Book flights and trains 2-3 months in advance for peak season
• Download offline Google Maps - network can be patchy
• Keep cash handy - many places don't accept cards
• Petrol pumps close by 9 PM - fill up beforehand
• Avoid driving after dark on unfamiliar roads

⚠️ Safety Notes

• Always wear helmet on two-wheelers
• Don't drink and drive - police checks are common
• Carry your driving license at all times
• Be careful on narrow roads - locals drive fast
• Use authorized taxi services for late night travel

Ready to plan your trip?

Start Planning

🗺️ Reaching Goa

✈️

By Air

Goa has two airports serving domestic and international flights. This is the fastest way to reach Goa from most Indian cities.

Goa International Airport (Dabolim - GOI)

• Located in South Goa, near Vasco da Gama
• 25-30 km from Panaji
• All major airlines operate here
• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata

Manohar International Airport (Mopa - GOX)

• New airport in North Goa (opened 2023)
• 35 km from Panaji
• Modern facilities, less crowded
• Growing number of domestic routes

Pro Tips

• Book early for peak season (Oct-Jan) for better prices
• Compare both airports - Mopa may have better deals to North Goa destinations
• Airport taxi counters have fixed rates - use prepaid booth

🚂

By Train

A scenic and economical option. The Konkan Railway route along the coast is one of India's most beautiful train journeys.

Madgaon (Margao) Junction

• Main railway station, South Goa
• Well-connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore
• Best for staying in South Goa

Thivim Station

• North Goa station
• Closer to Anjuna, Vagator, Mapusa
• Fewer trains but convenient for North Goa

Popular Trains

• Konkan Kanya Express - Mumbai to Madgaon (12 hrs)
• Jan Shatabdi - Mumbai to Madgaon (8 hrs)
• Goa Express - Delhi to Madgaon (26 hrs)
• Vasco da Gama Express - Bangalore to Vasco (14 hrs)

🚗

By Road

Perfect for road trip enthusiasts. The drive to Goa offers stunning views, especially on the Mumbai-Goa highway.

From Mumbai~580 km | 9-10 hours

From Pune~450 km | 8-9 hours

From Bangalore~560 km | 9-10 hours

From Hyderabad~660 km | 10-11 hours

Bus Options

• KSRTC, MSRTC - Government buses, budget-friendly
• Paulo Travels, VRL, Neeta - Private AC sleeper buses
• Overnight buses from Mumbai (8-10 hrs) and Bangalore (10-12 hrs)
• Book via RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or at bus station counters

🛵 Getting Around Goa

🏍️

Rent a Scooter/Bike

The most popular and fun way to explore Goa. Freedom to discover hidden beaches and scenic routes.

Typical Rates:

• Activa/Scooty: ₹300-400/day
• Royal Enfield: ₹800-1200/day
• Deposit: ₹2,000-5,000 or ID

* Always wear helmet, carry license, follow traffic rules

🚙

Rent a Car

Ideal for families or groups. AC comfort for exploring during hot afternoons.

Typical Rates:

• Hatchback: ₹1,500-2,000/day
• Sedan: ₹2,000-2,500/day
• SUV: ₹3,000-4,000/day

Book via Zoomcar, Drivezy, or local rentals

🚕

Taxis

Available everywhere but negotiate rates beforehand. Yellow-black taxis and white tourist taxis.

Goa Miles App

Official government taxi app with fixed rates. Recommended for airport transfers.

🛺

Auto Rickshaws

Good for short distances within towns. Always agree on fare before starting.

• Minimum fare: ~₹30-50
• Most useful in Panaji, Mapusa, Margao
• Not available in beach areas

🚌

Local Buses

Kadamba Transport Corporation runs buses across Goa. Very cheap but can be crowded and slow.

• Fares: ₹10-50 depending on distance
• Major hubs: Panaji, Mapusa, Margao
• Good for budget travelers

⛴️

River Ferries

Free ferry services across rivers. A fun local experience!

• Panaji to Betim (Reis Magos)
• Old Goa to Divar Island
• Free for pedestrians, small fee for vehicles

Quick Tips

💡 General Tips

• Book flights and trains 2-3 months in advance for peak season
• Download offline Google Maps - network can be patchy
• Keep cash handy - many places don't accept cards
• Petrol pumps close by 9 PM - fill up beforehand
• Avoid driving after dark on unfamiliar roads

⚠️ Safety Notes

• Always wear helmet on two-wheelers
• Don't drink and drive - police checks are common
• Carry your driving license at all times
• Be careful on narrow roads - locals drive fast
• Use authorized taxi services for late night travel