Arriving by Air

Goa International Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, handles domestic as well as international flights. Domestic flight carriers include Air India, AirAsia India, IndiGo, GoAir, SpiceJet and Vistara. There are also direct international flights to Goa from major hubs in the Middle East – Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Dubai – and from London. Gulf Air, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Oman Air and Lufthansa are the international flight carriers.

Goa’s airport is located 4 km (3 miles) from Vasco da Gama, 27 km (17 miles) from Panaji and 38 km (24 miles) from Calangute. The best option to travel into town from the airport is to take a taxi. There are many pre-paid taxi kiosks outside the terminal, but prices may vary based on distance.

There are local buses outside the airport, which head to Vasco da Gama, but they are often uncomfortable, especially if you’re carrying luggage. In case you are staying at a good hotel check if they provide an airport pickup or have a shuttle service from the airport.

Arriving by Train

There are two main railway stations in the southern part of Goa – in Margao and Vasco da Gama. The Madgaon (Margao) station is the largest railway junction in Goa. It’s the terminal for the Konkan Railway which runs high-speed trains between Mumbai and Goa. A journey from Mumbai usually takes about 10 to 13 hours.

The South Central Railway operates all its trains from the Vasco da Gama terminal. The Nizamuddin Goa Express (Delhi–Goa) also runs from this station, as do trains linking Karnataka. It is advisable to keep an eye on your baggage at the station.

You can book your train at the railway station or at the Konkan Railway Reservation Office, which is located at Kadamba Bus Stand. Tickets can also be booked online through the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Check the Indian Railways website for train schedules, or call Railway Enquiries if you have any questions.

It is easy to travel to the city from the station as rail terminals have kiosks for pre-paid taxis, as well as auto-rickshaw services.

Arriving by Road

There are two National Highways that lead into the state, NH 66 links Goa to the north and the south, while NH 748 leads to the east. These highways also connect Goa to Mumbai, which is around 587 km (365 miles) away.

It is advisable to travel by bus if you wish to save on expenses. The state’s main bus station is the Kadamba Bus Stand, which is 10 km (6 miles) from the Madgaon railway station. The Mapusa Bus Stand is a major transport hub for those visiting the beaches of north Goa. Fares vary depending on the route, distance and the type of bus that you are travelling in. A bus journey from Mumbai would take about 12 to 16 hours.

Travelling by Motorbike or Moped

Bike rides in Goa are a highlight for bikers. Bike rentals are available in every corner and Panaji has numerous bike rental shops. However, you could also ask your hotel or a local where to rent a bike from. To rent a bike, you will need to submit your driving license or any valid photo ID as collateral. Make sure to collect all bike documents from the dealer. It is also important to test that the bike is in working order. It is wise to take pictures of your bike before renting it so that you aren’t charged for any damage that you aren’t responsible for.

Travelling by Taxi

You should know how much you need to pay before you hail a taxi as you may have to haggle for the fare. Check with your hotel as they should be able to book you a cab. There are also many private car rental companies that offer cars for hire to make your travel easier. Visitors can book a taxi from either Goa Cabs, GoanTaxi, Savaari, TaxiGo and TraveloCar online, by phone, or via their apps.

Travelling by Auto-Rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws or “autos” are the standard way of getting around Goa. They are fitted with meters, but most drivers won’t use them and you will probably have to haggle. Know what price you should pay before stopping an auto, and agree to a fare before setting off. Fares should be ₹19 for the first kilometre then roughly ₹6.50 per kilometre. You can avoid having to haggle (and ensure you don’t get overcharged) by hiring pre-paid autos at official set rates from kiosks at major transport terminals.

Travelling by Motorcycle Rickshaw

Motorcycle rickshaws are the cheapest way to get around the city, with fares that can be negotiated. These vehicles are driven by drivers who are locally called “pilots”. They can carry a single rider.

Travelling by Bus

The city has an extensive bus network. There are two kinds of buses – the locals, that halt at every stop, and the shuttles that travel to all the important sights. Fares range from ₹10–40 and the buses run from 7am to 7pm.

Travelling by Train

It is better to use a local train in order to travel to far off places. For example, it is a good idea to take a train from Mapusa to Palolem, otherwise you will have to change between many buses.

Travelling by Ferry

Boats and ferries are an age-old transport in Goa and are still an important means of commuting. Travelling by ferry is the fastest way to commute from the mainland to the islands. It is also the best way to experience Goa’s culture in the rural areas.