Getting Around, Goa Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Goa, India)

The structure of Goa resembles a large, sprawling city in many ways and the state's main locations are easy to travel to, thanks to a fairly comprehensive network of public transportation. Look out for the red, white and blue striped buses, which are run by the government's Kadamba Transport Corporation.

Many people travelling to Goa will arrive at one of the main train stations, or alternatively fly into the international Dabolim Airport. For others, taxis and auto rickshaws provide the ultimate way to travel in terms of convenience, along with vehicle rental, with cars, motorbikes and jeeps all being popular in Goa.

Dabolim Airport (GOI) / Arriving by Air

Address: Zuari Road / National Highway 566, South Goa, Mormugao, Goa, India
Tel: +91 832 540 806
The only airport within the whole of Goa, the Dabolim Airport is mainly used by tourists arriving on international charter flights, serving upwards of around three million passengers each year. Goa's Dabolim Airport features a domestic terminal and also a slightly small international terminal. The airport's main airlines include Air Deccan, Air India, Condor Airlines, GoAir, Kingfisher Airlines and Thomsonfly, connecting Indian cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi, and also Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Manchester. Dabolim Airport is located around 29 km / 18 miles to the south of Panaji and stands next to the coastline, close to Vasco da Gama.

Car Rental

With the main attractions and beaches of Goa being spread around, renting a car makes a lot of sense and allows visitors to travel around with relative ease. Most cars can be hired with unlimited mileage and for periods of three days or more. It will be necessary to leave a refundable deposit for the insurance and also bring a valid International Driving Permit. Goa is connected to the nearby states of Karnataka and Maharashtra by two main highways, the National Highway 17, connecting Magalore (south) and Mumbai (north), and also the National Highway 4A, which travels through Panjim and links much of the Deccan Plateau.

Book your Goa Car Rental here.

Buses and Coaches

A selection of privately operated bus transport operates around Goa, providing an inexpensive way to travel the main tourist resorts and beaches. Prices vary depending upon the bus company, with bus fares usually being collected from your seat. Goa's main bus stands are often operated by the state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) and can be found at Anjuna, Calangute, Mapusa, Margao and Panaji.

Trains

Goa is well connected by regular train transport, operated by the Konkan Railway. Trains travel here from all around India, and the main destinations include Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Managlore and Mumbai. The two lines operating within Goa, are run by both the Konkan Railway, which travels along the Malabar Coast, and also the South Western Railway, connecting Vasco da Gama and Hubli.

Taxis and Auto Rickshaws

All around Goa you will find unmetered taxi transport, which is a particularly convenient way to travel between the main towns and resorts, although prepare to be hounded by touting taxi drivers around most of Goa's main beaches. In many urban parts of Goa, iconic three-wheeled auto rickshaws operate, which provide a nippy ride, although it is often a little bumpy at times. For something a little faster, Goa is known for its speedy motorcycle taxis, easily identified by the yellow front mudguard, where you travel pillion and are advised to agree a fare in advance.