How to Reach Goa by Flight, Train, Car, Bus or Ship

Goa might be the smallest state in India but it is undoubtedly one of the most favourite destinations in the country for both domestic and foreign travellers. Known for its beautiful beaches, colonial-era churches, vibrant nightlife, and delectable seafood, Goa attracts lakhs of tourists every year. With the eclectic atmosphere in northern parts like Baga and Calangute to the nature’s beauty and tranquillity down south, the place has something to offer for one and all. The Portuguese heritage of Goa is also worth exploring with a visit to its old-style bungalows and hilltop forts offering scenic views. Here are some of the options for how to reach Goa via different transportation:

How to Get to Goa by Flight, Train, Bus or Ship

The coastal state of Goa, located in West India, enjoys easy accessibility from all major metropolitans including Delhi and Bangalore, among others, via air and rail. The roads running through Goa are also among the most preferred ways to enter the state from neighbouring cities like Mumbai and Pune.

Read further to know about how to reach Goa in detail:

How to Reach Goa by Air

Until 5th January 2023, Goa International Airport in Dabolim was the sole airhead serving the entire state. Dabolim Airport serves as the main gateway for both domestic and international flights. The new Manohar International Airport built at Mopa, North Goa started its commercial operations on January 5, 2023. Most flights plying to Goa from Indian cities are direct and operated by IndiGo, GoAir and SpiceJet. Flights connecting the state to international destinations mostly arrive via Mumbai and are operated by Air India, Qatar Airways, and other major airlines.  

You can avail of regular flights to this tropical paradise from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai. However, one of the fastest ways to reach Goa is to take a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai which takes approximately an hour to reach. To keep you busy as you await your flight, the airport also has food joints and shopping centres within its premises. The Dabolim Airport in Goa is located around 26 kilometres from its capital city; Panaji. The new Manohar International Airport built at Mopa, North Goa is located around 33.1 km from Panaji.

How to Reach Goa by Rail

Travelling to Goa by rail is perhaps the fastest, cheapest, and most comfortable option for those on a budget. The main railway stations in Goa are Vasco da Gama (VSG), Madgaon (MAO), and Thivim (THVM), all of which connect the state with direct train services from all important cities across the country. Regular trains run from Delhi to Madgaon, the important ones being Goa Sampark Kranti Express and Trivandrum Express. The Madgaon Railway Station is located approximately 38 kilometres from the capital city. Vasco da Gama is another railway station which is 29 kilometres away. While Madgaon is the apt gateway for South Goa visitors, Thivim serves the northern parts. From the railway stations, travellers can reach their destination via cabs, auto rickshaws, and buses.

Major train stations in Goa: Madgaon Junction (MAO), Thivim (THVM), Karmali (KRMI), Pernem (PERN), Kulem (QLM), Kudchade (SVM), Vasco-Da-Gama (VSG), Cancona (CNO), Balli (BLLI)

How to reach Goa by Road

People coming from neighbouring cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Mangalore prefer travelling to Goa by road owing to the well-maintained network of highways. Some of the major thoroughfares in Goa are NH 66 and NH 748, which connect the party capital to different parts of the country. Panjim, Canacona, Madgaon, Mapusa and Vasco da Gama are the main entry points for bus travellers.

Interstate bus terminals and major bus stations of Goa: Goa Interstate Bus Terminal

How to Reach Goa by Sea

If you are travelling from Mumbai and want to stay amidst the water for a while, you can travel via two famous cruises – Angriya Cruise and Cordelia Cruise. These are functioning between Mumbai and Goa and will be there at your beck and call. It includes facilities like a swimming pool, casinos, bars, and a luxurious spa that will relax your mind.

Accommodation Near Major Airports, Railway Stations, and Bus Stations in Goa

Distance Between Goa and Major Indian Cities:

How to Commute within Goa

Make your stay in Goa worthwhile and explore as much as possible with the following ways to commute in Goa:

• By Bus: Buses undoubtedly are the cheapest way to get around in Goa and connect all major points in the state. The standard fares start from Rs 10 for up to 3 km. But do remember that while commuting by bus, you might have to walk a little as well, since the buses cover only the major routes.
• By Taxi: These are the most easily available mode of transport in Goa, but also the most expensive. They also do not function on a metered basis and demand exorbitant prices. You must always try and negotiate the fare and come to a mutually agreeable price. It’s best to get around via a taxi when travelling with family and also during rain.
• By Auto Rickshaw: This is also a good way to travel around Goa. It is also cheaper than a taxi and suitable for short trips. It costs around INR 50 for a short trip and INR 150 for a longer one.
• By Renting a Vehicle: If you love getting around on your own, Goa offers you ample options for hiring a vehicle. Renting a vehicle is quite an easy job in Goa. Bicycles, scooters, and bikes range from INR 300- 600 a day and jeeps and cars from INR 1200- Rs 2000 a day. You can find them almost everywhere and especially around the tourist hubs, in front of hotels, marketplaces, etc.

Top Attractions to Explore While Travelling to Goa

FAQ

Q.How to reach Butterfly Beach Goa?

A. You can hire a cab or taxi from Panjim to reach Palolem Beach. From Palolem Beach, you can take a boat ride to Butterfly Beach. There is no direct connectivity via road, reaching here through land involves a challenging forest hike.

Q. How to reach Goa from Mumbai?

A. The cheapest way to reach Mumbai to Goa is a bus to Goa which takes around 12 hours. The recommended way to reach from Mumbai to Goa is a flight to Goa International Airport which takes around an hour. There are direct trains as well from Mumbai to Goa which take around 9 hours.

Q. How to reach Goa by train from Mumbai?

A. Trains to Goa depart Mumbai from the Chhatrapati Shivaji, Dadar Central, or Lokmanya Tilak Stations and arrive in South Goa at the main railway station of Madgaon and Thivim station in North Goa.

Q. How to reach Goa from Delhi?

A. Regular trains run from Delhi to Madgaon, the important ones being Goa Sampark Kranti Express and Trivandrum Express.