Getting Around Goa – Car, Train, Bus & Taxi

Goa Transportation

Getting around Goa, India isn’t difficult. You just need to know which options are the best for where you’re going. Here are some of the best tips for utilizing transportation while visiting.

Arriving by Plane

the Goa Dabolim Airport is not a large airport, despite the fact that it takes both domestic and international flights. Typically you’ll fly into Goa via a budget airline. Upon arrival there isn’t much to do in the airport. You’ll find a small banking section with a few ATMs. There is also a tourist desk with pamphlets and several helpful staff members. If you don’t have any local currency yet it is a good idea to use the ATM here. Using an ATM does not have the same kind of exchange fees you might pay when using someone who will convert your currency.

Taxi From the Airport

When you walk out the front doors of the airport you’ll be required to pay a flat fee with the taxis parked out front. This is an inflated price, but if you go with a taxi right here you’ll have to pay it. There is no negotiating with the flat rate. However, if you want a better rate you can walk out of the airport and down to the main road. Here you’ll likely find cabs driving past and you can wave one down. You may end up paying half of the required fee, but you may also have to wait a bit for a cab to pass (a few minutes at most usually). It is up to you, but just know it is an option to avoid the flat fee cabs.

Tourist Cabs

A tourist cab is basically a private driver. Many of the attractions you will want to visit are far apart, so waving down a cab in order to take you to each location is time consuming and difficult. Plus, when you find a cab driver you like you really won’t want to let them go. When you arrive at your hotel you can ask about hiring a tourist cab. the price isn’t bad and you’ll always have a driver for the day.

Public Bus

The public transportation is spotty at best. The buses, while serviceable, don’t really run on any kind of set schedule. The bus arrives when it arrives, so you won’t know when the next bus is coming at a particular stop. Buses also break down and the vehicles are not the cleanest. Cabs do not cost much, so if you have a destination you want to reach it is recommended to just take a cab.

Bike

Goa isn’t as populated as some areas in India, so getting around on bike is a fine option and a cheap one. Just make sure to take care and lock the bike up when not using it.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about transportation in Goa, India.