Goa: Local Travel Info

To and From – Goa International Airport (Dabolim)

Charter flights operate directly to Goa from numerous places throughout Europe. Charter flights are usually the cheapest and easiest mode of reaching Goa. No scheduled airlines fly into Goa, so you will have to fly into Mumbai or Delhi and travel down from there either by domestic flight, rail or bus. Mumbai is the closest to Goa. Goa airport is linked to all major Indian city airports and many flights are available each day. Both the International and domestic terminals are in the same building. From Goa International Airport to Panaji, the capital of Goa, is 29km.

Taxis from the airports – Taxi’s in India are cheap and the best way to reach your destination is a pre-paid taxi. Pre-paid taxis are available at the airport. This service counter is located outside the terminal building. Expect to pay around 6 euro.

Goa By Bus

Goa is connected to all the major towns in Indian through the national highways. Most buses arrive in Panaji, the capital, in the early hours of the morning and depart in the afternoon and early evening. Bus travel in Goa is an unforgettable experience in itself. The main bus service providers are KTC, MSRTC, Paulo Travels and Raj National Express. They all provide luxury air conditioned deluxe coaches. If you’re a fussy eater make sure you stock up with snacks before you depart as the local road side cafe stops are not appealing to all. It is always advisable to book tickets in advance, through most travel agents you will see scattered around Goa. Bus travel in Goa is very cheap and an accessible way of travelling.

Goa By Car

Car hire in Goa, usually comes complete with a personal chauffeur. The roads and driving in Goa is notoriously dangerous so for your own safety, if you are planning a long journey, it is recommend to take advantage of the driver included package. For half day AC car hire with driver from North Goa the cost is approximately Euros 17 and from South Goa, approx 35 euro. If you are planning a shorter journey, rickshaw taxis or motorbike taxis are recommended, again driven by the locals, who have a far better knowledge of the driving rules and roads than you probably do. Auto rickshaws can also be hired for the day/half day with a driver at much cheaper cost. Allow longer to reach your destination as they are obviously not as fast as cars.

To book car rental in Goa online, view our Car Hire section for Goa. We offer Ok Alpha users the latest special offers and best rates available for car hire in Goa. We advise you book your Goa hire car in advance so you can pick it up and drop it off directly at the airport.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Goa is still popular and relatively common. It can lead to an interesting adventure, however make sure you have some idea on the route and have your wits about you at all times. It is expected you pay for a journey in the form of a tip, however short the journey may be. Even a small tip will be welcomed as the cost of living for the Indian’s is still extremely cheap. If you are hitching a lift from a truck, you will usually find they will want to take care of you, they’ll usually offer food and even a bed made of rope at the truck stops. Don’t expect their English to be up to scratch though. For a true Indian experience, feel free to climb on top of the truck for part of the journey – at your own risk of course!