Goa Airport: Navigating Your Travel Options

how to reach airport in goa

Goa is a small Indian state in western India, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and colonial architecture. With two major airports, travelling to Goa is easy and fun. The Goa International Airport (GOI), also known as Dabolim Airport, is located 26 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is run by the Airports Authority of India and is situated on the INS Hansa naval airbase of the Indian Navy. The second airport is the newly inaugurated North Goa Airport (GOX), also known as Manohar International Airport or Mopa Airport, located in the village of Mopa in North Goa.

Characteristics Values
Number of airports 2
Names of airports Dabolim Airport, Manohar International Airport (Mopa Airport)
Location of Dabolim Airport 26 km from the city centre, Goa
Location of Manohar International Airport 35 km from Panjim, North Goa
Facilities at Goa Airport Free Wi-Fi, lounges, shopping, spas, restaurants, cafes, kiosks, nearby attractions
Transport to/from airport Buses, shuttle bus, car rental, taxi services, trains
Train stations in Goa Madgaon, Margao, Vasco-da-Gama

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Reaching Dabolim Airport by bus

Dabolim Airport, also known as Goa International Airport, is located in central Goa and is accessible by bus from various locations.

From Panaji

To reach Dabolim Airport from Panaji, you can take the EV A/C Bus Service. According to the Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd, this service departs from Panaji to Dabolim at 10:30, 14:15, 16:00, and 19:00. The return journey from Dabolim to Panaji is at 7:30, 8:00, 13:45, and 16:00.

From Calangute

The EV A/C Bus Service also operates between Calangute and Dabolim Airport. Departures from Calangute are at 10:00, 13:45, 15:30, and 18:30, while the return journey from Dabolim to Calangute is at 7:30, 8:00, 13:45, and 16:00.

From North Goa/Anjuna

For those travelling to North Goa or Anjuna, there are buses available from Panaji. Your flight arrival time may determine the most suitable option for you, as bus services may not align with your flight schedule.

Other Options

In addition to bus services, other transport options include renting a bike or car, using a cab service, or booking a taxi or car rental.

It is recommended to consider the distance and travel time when planning your journey to the airport. Dabolim Airport is located approximately 26 kilometres from the city centre, and the distance to popular beaches in North Goa, such as Calangute and Baga, is around 40-45 kilometres, taking about an hour by road.

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Reaching Dabolim Airport by train

Dabolim Airport, also known as Goa International Airport, is located in central Goa, 26 kilometres away from the city centre. It is a small railway station in the South Goa district of the state. The station code is DBM.

There are plenty of trains running on the Bangalore to Dabolim route daily, and you can board one from any of the popular railway stations in your city. The journey is comfortable and secure, and you will face no problems in boarding. The train seat availability is sufficient, and the large number of trains on this route provides direct and easy connectivity. The fastest train from Bangalore to Dabolim is 17309 - YPR VSG EXP, which takes 14 hours. It departs from Bangalore Yesvantpur Junction (YPR) at 3:00 PM and arrives at Vasco Da Gama Railway Station (VSG) at 5:00 AM. If you are looking for an early morning train, you can choose the VASCO EXPRESS, which takes 15 hours and 25 minutes. It starts from Banaswadi Railway Station (BAND) at 11:15 AM and reaches Dabolim at 2:40 AM.

To book your train, follow these steps:

  • Visit Goibibo.com.
  • Enter your journey date, departure station, and arrival station.
  • Click on the seat class, and you will be redirected to a page with available coupons and cash rewards.
  • Enter your personal details and click 'Continue' to reach the payment section.
  • Choose your payment option, and the ticket confirmation will be sent to your email and mobile number.

You can also check the PNR status and live train running status through the Goibibo app and website.

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Reaching Manohar International Airport by car

Goa's newest airport, Manohar International Airport, is located in Mopa, a village in North Goa. It was inaugurated in December 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is named after Goa's late Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar.

The airport is easily accessible by car from various parts of Goa and beyond. If you are coming from the south, you can take the National Highway 66 (NH66), which connects Goa to cities like Mangalore, Udupi, and Mumbai. This highway passes through Margao, Goa's biggest and busiest railway junction, which is located about 35 kilometres from the airport.

For those travelling from central Goa, the airport is about a 40-45 kilometre drive from popular beaches like Calangute and Baga, and it takes approximately an hour by road. There are two major railway stations in Goa, Margao and Vasco-da-Gama, both located in the southern part of the state. So, if you are coming from these stations, you can follow the NH66 towards Mopa.

Additionally, if you are already in North Goa, you can easily access the airport via the nearby highway networks. The airport is located in an extreme north location, providing easy accessibility for those travelling to and from the northern parts of Goa and beyond.

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Reaching Goa from the UK

Goa is well-connected to the UK, with several options for travellers to reach the Indian state by air, road, or rail.

Air

The most convenient airport to fly into Goa is Dabolim International Airport (GOI), which is located 29 kilometres from Panaji, the state's capital. There are seven airlines that fly to Goa, with IndiGo Airlines operating most flights. Air India Express and Azur Air also operate flights to Goa. There are 28 airports around the world that offer direct flights to Goa, including from London, Manchester, Moscow, and Doha. Air India offers flights from London to Goa from GBP 319.

Rail

Goa is also accessible by rail, with two major railway stations in the state: Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama, located in Margao in South Goa. Madgaon is the biggest and busiest railway station in Goa, as it is a junction for the Konkan Railway and the South Western Railway. Vasco-da-Gama is the other major station in Goa, with trains connecting to Mumbai and other northern areas of India, as well as to Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Road

For those who prefer a road trip, Goa is well-connected by road to several cities in India. National Highway 4 connects Bangalore to Goa, covering a distance of approximately 560 kilometres. Another option is to take National Highway 17 from Mangalore, a coastal highway that offers excellent scenic beauty and covers a distance of 360 kilometres.

Bus

There are also numerous private bus operators that provide services to and from Goa, with options ranging from special to deluxe AC to sleeper coaches. The main bus station in Goa is the Kadamba bus stand in Panaji.

Hotels

When it comes to accommodation, Goa caters to a broad spectrum of travellers, offering a range of options from luxury resorts to business hotels close to the airport.

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Things to do near Goa International Airport

Goa International Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport (GOI), is located in the city of Dabolim, Goa. The airport is a convenient gateway to the beaches, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks that the state of Goa has to offer. Here are some things to do near Goa International Airport:

Beaches

Goa is famous for its beaches, and there are several located near the airport. Bogmalo Beach, just 2.8 km from the airport, is a convenient option. Other nearby beaches include Hollant Beach, Sinquerim Beach, and Candolim Beach. If you're looking for a quieter and more serene beach experience, Ashwem Beach, located 30.5 km from Manohar International Airport (GOX), is a hidden gem yet to be discovered by the mainstream tourist crowd. Here, you can enjoy water sports activities such as surfing. Arambol Beach, located 23-30 km from Manohar International Airport, is another tranquil destination known for its natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Goa offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, a heritage construction dating back to 1661, features impressive architecture and houses amazing paintings and sculptures. The Chapora Fort, though in ruins, is another historic site worth visiting. For a cultural experience, explore the Latin Quarter of Panjim, where you can enjoy a fusion of Portuguese and Goan flavours in the local cafés and restaurants.

Natural Attractions

In addition to its beaches, Goa boasts several natural attractions. The DudhSagar waterfall is a notable natural wonder. The beautiful hill resort of Amboli, known for its immense natural beauty, is home to attractions like Hiranyakeshi Temple, Nagatta Falls, and MahadevGad Fort relics. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Cotigao, Bondla, and Madei wildlife sanctuaries, as well as the Salim Ali bird sanctuary for rare bird-watching opportunities.

Museums and Galleries

Goa also offers a variety of museums and galleries. The Ulta Pulta museum, located along the airport road, is a unique attraction. The Indian Naval Aviation Museum, on Bogmalo Road in Vasco, is another option.

Frequently asked questions

You can reach the airport in Goa by bus, train, or car. There are a myriad of buses serving Dabolim Airport, and a shuttle bus between Goa Airport, Calangute, and Panaji. The closest railway station to the airport is Dabolim Railway Station, which is 1km away. If you are travelling by car, the airport is 26km from the city centre.

Goa has two operational airports: Dabolim Airport (also known as Goa International Airport) and the new Manohar International Airport (also known as Mopa Airport or North Goa Airport).

This depends on the airline you are flying with and your origin and destination. However, as a general rule, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours before your international flight.

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