How to get from Mumbai to Goa
Mumbai, the capital city of the state of Maharashtra, is also the most populous city in India. It is a huge transport hub and thus offers plenty of options for travelling to Goa. Hop on a plane or go overland by bus or train. While both Mumbai and Goa have harbours and there used to be steamers and catamaran service between the two destinations, there is no sea link any more, alas.
When travelling to Goa, it is important to understand, which part of the state you need to arrive – northern or southern Goa.
What is the distance between Mumbai and Goa?
Goa sits some 600 km south of Mumbai on the Arabian Sea coast. The shortest route is via national highway 66 but is by no means the quickest due to many winding sections. Overland traffic often chooses national highway 48 which is some 15 km longer but allows to win about three hours of travel time.
Which is the quickest way to get from Mumbai to Goa?
Flying is naturally the fastest way to travel. Whichever airline you take, flying time will be within 70-80-minute range. While time spent for getting to and from the airports, check-in and then waiting for you luggage can make your travel some four hours longer, taking a plane still remains the fastest option.
How long does an overland journey to Goa take?
While riding a car takes from 12 (well, in theory) to 16 hours, bussing does not take less than 13 hours at best, more likely 15 or 16 hours and up to 18 hours.
Travelling by rail, expect to spend between nine and 12 hours depending on the type of the train you choose.
How to get from Mumbai to Goa by train
Direct trains link Mumbai with Goa and other South Indian states via the South Western Railway. The Konkan Railway which is a separately administered railway line provides the most picturesque way to get to Goa as it travels along the scenic Konkan coast. In Mumbai, the terminus of Konkan line is Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT).
How many trains are there between Mumbai and Goa?
There is up to a dozen trains between Mumbai Central and Goa on certain days of the week and no less than 7 daily trains.The first train of the day leaves Mumbai Central at 3.15 am and the last one – at 11.05 pm. Note that there is a gap in train departures between noon and 3 pm and then between 5 pm and 9 pm.
How long does it take to Goa by train?
The fastest trains are supposed to reach Goa from Mumbai in about nine hours. If you are after the shortest travel time, check TRIVNDRM RJDHNI 12432 and JAN SHATABDI Express 12051 both of which leave Mumbai before dawn or KCVL GARIB RATH 12201 scheduled for 5 pm and which travels the picturesque Konkan line.The slowest trains are normally MANDOVI Express10103 and KONKAN KANYA Express 10111 but they feature 1st class carriages to make your long journey less tiresome.
How much are railway tickets for Mumbai–Goa journey?
The most popular ticket classes are the cheapest and non air-conditioned Sleeper Class and three air-conditioned classes with berths: 1st, 2nd and 3rd.Expect Sleeper Class to cost in the region of INR800, 3rd air-con – INR1,500, 2nd air-con 1,900 and private compartments for two which is 1st air-con – INR2,700.
There are cheaper non air-con seats only which are not recommended for such a long journey (about INR600).
Where from do trains to Goa depart in Mumbai?
Trains to Goa depart from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the former Victoria Terminus in Mumbai. It is a beautiful historic railway station built in the end of the 19th century and is an attraction in itself – it is worth visiting the station even if you do not plan to travel by train.Where do trains from Mumbai arrive in Goa?
The main railway station for Goa is Madgaon (MAO) located in Central Goa. If travelling to Northern Goa, you may consider aligning at Karmali Railway (KRMI) station which is relatively close to Panaji, Thivim Railway Station, or Kudal (KUDL) but the latter is actually in Maharashtra state.How to get from Mumbai to Goa by bus
There are dozens of buses heading from Mumbai to Goa every day. Though there are morning buses to Goa, the overwhelming majority of all the buses are night buses leaving between 5 pm and 1 am and conveniently arriving to Goa the next day before noon.
Are there sleeper buses between Mumbai and Goa?
Yes, there are. There are both Sleepers and Seaters serving this route.While choosing your bus note that not all buses are air-conditioned. It is highly recommended to opt for air-conditioned buses as the travel time is long.
How long does it take to get to Goa by bus?
It can take between 13 and 18 hours, but in media expect to spend 15–16 hours.How much do bus tickets cost?
Bus ticket prices vary greatly. In general a bus ride to Goa on an air-conditioned sleeper should set you back about INR1,000 – for instance, check Neeta Tours and Travels for a good choice of departures.Non air-conditioned buses are insignificantly cheaper – INR700-INR800 but significantly less comfortable and thus not recommended.
There are also VIP sleepers serving the route – Atmaram Saish Travels run some of these coaches which sell at INR2,500.
How to get from Mumbai to Goa by plane
There are direct daily flights between Mumbai and Goa.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport formerly known as Sahar International Airport in Mumbai is the busiest airport in India and can look somewhat chaotic at the first sight.
In Goa, planes land at Dabolim Airport, or simply Goa International Airport in central Goa near Vasco da Gamma town. For the time being it is the only airport in Goa.