How to Reach Goa

Goa is a popular tourist destination especially for the foreign travelers; its lifestyle makes the state a comfortable option. Goa is accessible through all modes of transportation; most importantly by air, by train and by road. Traveling within the state too is convenient. You can read further for a detailed view.

Best way to reach Goa

• Goa by Air, Road, Bus
• Goa from Mumbai By Road
• Goa from Pune By Road
• Goa from Bangalore By Road

How to reach Goa by Flight, By Train, by Road

By Air (Flight)

Nearest airport from Goa (Panjim) is Dabolim Airport (Goa International Airport), at a distance of 29 Km. Dabolim Airport serves regular flight from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and other major cities of India and also the cities of U.K and Germany. You can hire a taxi to reach to your destination further.

Nearest airport: Dabolim Airport

By Train

Goa’s main railway stations are in Mudgaon, and Thivim. Other railway stations are Vasco Da Gama, Karmali, Sanverdam Church, Cancona, Pernem and Karmali. Most of these railway stations are well connected with the major cities and towns of the country. You can easily get taxis and traveler bus from these stations.

Goa Nearest Railway Staition: Madgaon

Popular trains to Goa

• 22119 Mumbai CST – Karmali Tejas Express is a popular option and in fcat the fastest train to get to Goa.
• 12051 Jan Shatabdi Express
• 10111 Konkan Kanya Express
• 12133 Mumbai CSMT – Mangaluru Jn. SF Express
• 10103 Mandovi Express
• 22414 Hazrat Nizamuddin Madgaon Rajdhani Express

By Road

There are numerous State and privately owned buses which run in and around the state. You can easily get buses to commute to nearby cities and towns from Goa. Intrastate commuting too is a fuss free business; thanks to the cheap and easy availability of buses and other transportation modes like bike/scooter/car rentals, auto rickshaws and taxis.

Travel by Own Car

When you think of Goa you think of relaxing and for the ultimate stress-busting trip, plan a trip to Goa by your own car.

How to reach Goa from Mumbai by Road

On a trip to Goa from Mumbai by road, there is a pick between two routes — one passing through NH 4 and the other through NH 66. Both these routes offer comfortable roads and picturesque views. The best thing about a Mumbai-Goa road trip is that you can easily reach in 12 hours or less. This makes it perfect for a weekend escapade or a quick getaway when the city life gets to you.

Route from Mumbai to Goa by Road:

Route 1: Mumbai – Satara – Kolhapur – Belgaum – Goa

Mumbai to Goa drive via this route is a smooth ride. The straight four-lane road is dotted with toll booths and excellent stopovers. It is the ideal route for a family trip. Even the ones with motion sickness will have a smooth ride. While on your way to Goa via this route you will come across a number of attractions, including forts, lakes, temples, and even a wildlife sanctuary. For a family trip to Goa this is an ideal route.

• Distance: 590 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 10 hours 20 minutes (approx.) without detours

Places to see along the Mumbai to Goa route

• Pune – Shivneri Fort, Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad, Shaniwar Wada Palace, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park.
• Satara – Kaas Plateau or the Valley of Flowers, Natraj Mandir, Juna Rajwada, and Nava Rajwada
• Kolhapur – Mahalakshmi Temple, Rankala Lake, Panhala Fort and Chhatrapati Shahu Museum
• Belgaum – Belgaum Fort, Gokak Falls, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kittur Fort and Palace.

Food Outlets on the way

• Vaishali at FC Road Pune has amazing vegetarian options
• Satara has few dhabas
• Kolhapur

Route 2: Mumbai – Panvel – Pen – Kolad – Khed – Chiplun – Pali – Sawantwadi

The Mumbai to Goa route via NH 66 is full of excitement. The narrow winding road enjoys the backdrop of the lush Western Ghats. This route is for the seasoned drivers who enjoy road trips, high attitudes and the thrill. This Mumbai to Goa route is very interesting and adventurous. The route is dotted with historic sites, heritage structures, and even religious destinations.

• Distance: 577 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 11 hours 50 minutes (approx.) without any detours

• Places to see along the route: Ganpatipule – Ganpatipule Beach, Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Karnala Fort, Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls,  Chiplun Sawantwadi

• Food Outlets on the way: Kolad – Shreekar – The Dhaba, Chiplun

• Road Conditions from Mumbai to Goa : Mumbai to Goa road routes are smooth and convenient. Both of the routes

How to reach Goa from Pune by road

A Pune to Goa road trip is an unforgettable experience. Pune and Goa are approximately at a distance of 500 km. The road trip takes 8 – 10 hours at a stretch. It is easy to cover in a day, including stops and detours. The road trip is the best weekend escape from the city.

Routes from Pune to Goa by Road:

Route 1: Pune — Khandala — Kashil — Satara — Kolhapur — Nipani — Sankeshwar — Belgaum — Khanapur — Mollem — Kulem — Goa

• Distance: 444 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 8 hours 50 minutes (approx.) without detours

• Places to see along the route: Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Rajmachi Fort, Chalkewadi Windmill Farm, Kopeshwar Temple, Gokak Falls, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Wax Museum.

• Food Outlets on the way: Hotel Rohit Garden Pure Veg Restaurant, Kelawade, SSubhan Mangal Family Restaurant, Shirwal, Kailash Bhel Centre, Satara, McDonald’s, Kolhapur

Route 2: Pune — Kurkumbh — Bhigwan — Nimgaon — Belgaum — Khanapur — Mollem — Goa

• Distance: 544 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 12 hours 10 minutes (approx.) without detours

• Places to see along route: Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple, Yawat, Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, Rajhansgad Yellur Fort, Belgaum, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

• Food Outlets on the way: Shivneri Missal Center, Loni Kalbhor, Shivaji Bhojanalay, Kurkumbh, Jai Bhavani Special Fish Hotel, Madanwadi, Hotel Shree, Bhadalwadi

• Road conditions: Pune to Goa routes’ road conditions are smooth as these trails are frequented by travelers seeking weekend escapades. Route 1 saves time and yet has enough stops to enjoy some sightseeing and food stops. The road conditions are excellent but may get slowed down on the weekend. Route 2 is longer but again some interesting stops.

How to reach Goa from Bangalore by Road

Bangalore to Goa is a road trip to remember forever. There are four different routes to get to Goa from Bangalore, all of which can be easily covered in a day. Each of the routes have their own charms. All of these routes are dotted with natural and man-made attractions. To make the most of the routes, travel to Goa via one route and return by another. This road trip too is a popular weekend getaway. Take a look at the outline of these popular routes.

4 Routes from Bangalore to Goa by Road:

Route 1: Bangalore – Tumkur – Chitradurga – Hubli – Dharwad – Ramnagar – Anmod – Panaji

This Bangalore to Goa by road route is the shortest way among the other routes. On this route enjoy picturesque views of the Western Ghats. The excellent road conditions make it a favorite among travelers. For the ones weary of the city and planning an escape to Goa, this one is a fun option. There are many places en route that make interesting stops. There are interesting historical sites, a waterfall and a deer sanctuary.

• Distance: 610 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 9 hours 10 minutes (approx.) without any detours

• Places to see along route: Chitradurga Fort, Ranebennur Blackbuck Deer Sanctuary, Sira and Haveri, Anmod Ghats, Dudhsagar Falls

• Food Outlets on the way: Kottureshwara in Davanagere, Kamat Upachar, Café Coffee Day at Sira, Mollem Karibu Garden Restaurant

Route 2: Bangalore – Nelamangala – Tumkur – Chitradurga – Sirsi – Ankola – Karwar – Goa

This route from Bangalore to Goa too is blessed with stunning views of the Western Ghats. Nature lovers will totally enjoy the route as will the curious souls. There is the Karwar Warship Museum on the way that calls for a visit.

• Distance: 627 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 12 hours 10 minutes (approx.) without any detours

• Places to see along the route: Jog Falls, Gokarna, Karwar Warship Museum

• Food Outlets on the way: Upadhya Veg Restaurant just before reaching Chitradurga, Hotel Amrut (famous for seafood delicacies), Swetha Lunch Home, Udupi Café

Route 3: Bangalore – Nelamangala -Tumkur – Chitradurga – Belgaum – Chorla Ghat – Panaji

This Bangalore to Goa road trip is one of the best road journeys in India. Passing through lush green landscapes, this route has a lot to attract visitors, especially nature lovers. There are sparkling waterfalls, forts, and caves. This journey is as fascinating an experience as Goa.

• Distance: 633 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 10 hours 50 minutes (approx.) without any detours

• Places to see along the route: Surla Waterfalls, Belgaum Fort, Anjunem Keri Dam, Chorla Ghat, Arvalem Caves

• Food Outlets on the way: Tumkur Pavitra Idli Hotel on NH 4, Paratha Cornet at Belgaum, Delta Eco Huts close to the Surla Falls 

Route 4: Bangalore – Hubli – Yellapur – Ankola – Karwar – Canacona – Margao – Panjim.

Last not the least, this is the longest way to reach Goa from Bangalore and perhaps the most beautiful one too. This is a popular Bangalore Goa bus route. Passing through NH 4, NH 63, and NH 17, the road conditions are also excellent. The best part about this route is the stopover at two enchanting waterfalls en route, namely Magod Falls and Vibhuti Falls, which is why the route is also known as Twin Falls Route.

• Distance: 684 km (approx.)

• Travel Time: 11 hours 15 minutes (approx.) without any detours

• Places to see along the route: Magod Falls, Kavadi Kere Lake, Vibhuti Falls

• Suggested Stops for Food: Sai Palace Restaurant between Sira and Hiriyur, Kamat Upachar near Ankola

• Road Conditions: Bangalore to Goa is a long stretch of road and four of the routes offer smooth connectivity. Route 1 is the most-frequented trail and preferred by travelers seeking a weekend escape. Route 2and Route 3 is a smooth route with interesting stops. There are some patches of route 4 that are rough but otherwise an excellent option.

Road Trips to Goa

Before hitting the road, there are some tips that make traveling comfortable and hassle-free.

• Prefer to carry some snacks and bottled water
• If you want to dine enroute stop only at a clean restaurant
• Carry essentials like torch, hand sanitizer, light food, protein bars, sleeping bag and water
• Carry comfortable shoes in your luggage
• Always keep a map handy or download offline maps when you are on your own and out exploring any unknown territory