Goa to Mumbai

Goa to Mumbai

Complete transport guide covering flights, the scenic Konkan Railway, and the stunning coastal drive with prices, journey times, and booking tips

Goa to Mumbai is one of India's most popular travel routes, connecting the country's beach paradise with its financial capital. Whether you want the speed of a 1-hour flight, the breathtaking scenery of the Konkan Railway through the Western Ghats, or the adventure of a coastal road trip along NH66, here is everything you need to know to choose the right option and book your journey.

Quick Comparison

TransportTimeCostComfortBest For
Flight1 hour₹2,000-5,000HighMost travelers
Konkan Railway12 hours₹500-2,000Medium-HighScenic travelers
By Road/Bus10-12 hours₹800-8,000VariableRoad trippers

3 Ways to Get from Goa to Mumbai

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Flight

1 hour₹2,000-5,000

IndiGo, SpiceJet, AirAsia India, Vistara, Air India, Akasa Air

Flying is the fastest way to get from Goa to Mumbai. Multiple airlines operate 8-12 daily flights from Goa's Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa and Dabolim Airport (GOI) to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet offer the cheapest fares, especially when booked 2-3 weeks ahead.

Pros

  • +Fastest option at just 1 hour flight time
  • +Multiple daily departures from both Goa airports
  • +Budget fares as low as ₹2,000 when booked early
  • +Convenient if continuing onward from Mumbai to other Indian cities

Cons

  • -Door-to-door time is 3-5 hours including airport transit
  • -Prices surge during peak season (December-January) and long weekends
  • -Both Goa airports are some distance from popular beach areas
  • -Budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage
Booking Tip: Book on IndiGo.in or Google Flights for the best fares. Mopa Airport (GOX) is closer to North Goa beaches; Dabolim (GOI) is closer to South Goa. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices. Peak season fares can be 2-3x higher.
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Konkan Railway

12 hours₹500-2,000

Indian Railways (IRCTC) — Jan Shatabdi, Konkan Kanya, Mandovi Express, Tejas Express

The Konkan Railway from Madgaon (Goa) to Mumbai CST is one of India's most spectacular rail journeys. The route passes through the Western Ghats, crossing over 2,000 bridges and through 92 tunnels, with stunning views of rivers, waterfalls, and lush green valleys. The Jan Shatabdi is a popular daytime train; overnight trains like the Konkan Kanya and Mandovi Express save a night of accommodation.

Pros

  • +One of India's most scenic train journeys through the Western Ghats
  • +Extremely affordable — sleeper class from just ₹500
  • +Overnight trains save a night of accommodation costs
  • +Arrive at Mumbai CST in South Mumbai, close to major attractions

Cons

  • -Takes 12 hours compared to 1 hour by flight
  • -Tickets on popular trains sell out weeks in advance
  • -Delays of 1-3 hours are common, especially during monsoon season
  • -Sleeper class can be crowded; AC classes offer more comfort
Booking Tip: Book on IRCTC.co.in as early as possible (120 days ahead). The Jan Shatabdi (daytime, chair car) is great for scenery. For overnight, the Konkan Kanya in 2AC or 3AC is comfortable. The Tejas Express offers premium service with meals and entertainment.
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By Road

10-12 hours₹3,000-8,000

Self-drive (Zoomcar), Ola Outstation, Savaari, Paulo Travels (bus)

The Goa to Mumbai coastal drive via NH66 covers approximately 590 km and takes 10-12 hours. While long, this route is one of India's most scenic coastal drives, passing through the Konkan coast with views of beaches, forts, and fishing villages. Several comfortable Volvo bus services also operate overnight between Goa and Mumbai.

Pros

  • +Stunning coastal scenery along the Konkan coast via NH66
  • +Freedom to stop at beaches, forts, and towns along the way
  • +Comfortable Volvo buses are affordable (₹800-1,500)
  • +A memorable road trip experience through coastal Maharashtra

Cons

  • -Long 10-12 hour drive, tiring if done in one stretch
  • -NH66 has winding sections through the Ghats that can cause car sickness
  • -Road quality varies — some stretches are under construction
  • -Monsoon season makes the drive slower and riskier
Booking Tip: For buses, book Paulo Travels or Neeta Travels on RedBus.in (₹800-1,500 for Volvo AC). For self-drive, rent from Zoomcar in Goa (₹2,000-4,000/day). For a chauffeur-driven car, use Savaari (₹5,000-8,000 one-way). The drive is best as a 2-day trip with stops.

The Konkan Railway Experience

Booking & Classes

  • Sleeper Class (SL): ₹500-700. Open berths, no AC. Budget option but can be crowded. Acceptable for experienced Indian rail travelers.
  • 3AC (₹900-1,200): Air-conditioned, 6 berths per bay with curtains. Good balance of comfort and cost. The most popular class.
  • 2AC (₹1,500-2,000): 4 berths per bay, more spacious, better service. Recommended for comfort-seekers.
  • Chair Car (CC): Available on Jan Shatabdi and Tejas. Best for daytime scenic travel. Reserved seating with large windows.

Scenic Highlights

  • Dudhsagar Waterfalls: The train passes right next to India's fifth tallest waterfall. Best viewed during monsoon (June-September) when water flow is at its peak. Sit on the left side of the train (going towards Mumbai).
  • Panval Nadi Bridge: One of the tallest rail bridges in India, offering vertigo-inducing views of the valley below.
  • Ratnagiri Coast: As the train descends from the Ghats, watch for stunning glimpses of the Arabian Sea through the valleys.
  • Tunnel Sequences: The 92 tunnels create a dramatic light-and-dark experience, especially through the Sahyadri mountains.
Best Seats for Views: On the Jan Shatabdi or Tejas Express, book a window seat on the left side (going towards Mumbai) for the best views of the Western Ghats, valleys, and Dudhsagar Falls. The most scenic stretch is between Madgaon and Ratnagiri.

Coastal Drive Stops

If you are driving the NH66 from Goa to Mumbai, these are the best places to stop, stretch your legs, and soak in the Konkan coast

Ganpatipule

330 km from Goa

A serene beach town with a beautiful Ganpati temple right on the shore. The beach is clean, the town is peaceful, and the Jaigad Fort nearby offers stunning sea views. Perfect for an overnight stop. Stay at the MTDC resort for a beachfront room.

Ratnagiri

290 km from Goa

The Alphonso mango capital of India. Visit Thibaw Palace (exiled Burmese king's residence), Ratnadurg Fort with panoramic sea views, and the Bhagwati Temple. The local seafood, especially Ratnagiri fish curry, is outstanding. Mango season is April-June.

Harihareshwar

200 km from Mumbai

Known as the "Kashi of the South," this temple town has a stunning beach flanked by hills on three sides. The Harihareshwar Temple is an important Shiva shrine. The MTDC resort here is an excellent stopover with beautiful sea-view rooms.

Alibaug

100 km from Mumbai

The weekend getaway of Mumbaikars. Alibaug has clean beaches, the historic Kolaba Fort (accessible at low tide), and a charming small-town vibe. From here, you can take a ferry directly to Mumbai's Gateway of India (1 hour, ₹150-200).

Our Recommendation

Best Overall

Flight

For most travelers, flying is the most practical choice. Just 1 hour in the air for as little as ₹2,000. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for budget fares. Ideal if you are short on time or connecting to other destinations.

Best Experience

Konkan Railway

If you have time and love scenic train journeys, the Konkan Railway is unmissable. Take the daytime Jan Shatabdi for Western Ghat views, or the overnight Konkan Kanya to save a hotel night. One of India's greatest rail experiences.

Best for Explorers

Coastal Road Trip

The NH66 coastal drive is a hidden gem. Break it into 2 days with stops at Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, or Harihareshwar. The Konkan coast is one of India's most beautiful and underrated stretches. Best October to March.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cheapest option is the Konkan Railway in sleeper class at ₹500-700. AC chair car on the Jan Shatabdi costs ₹700-900. Volvo buses cost ₹800-1,500. Budget flights can be as low as ₹2,000 when booked 3-4 weeks ahead, which is often worth the time savings.
The Konkan Railway is by far the most scenic option. The route passes through 92 tunnels and over 2,000 bridges in the Western Ghats, with views of lush valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. Take the daytime Jan Shatabdi for the best views. The coastal road via NH66 is also beautiful if you have time to stop and explore.
Book as early as possible — ideally 60-120 days before your travel date. The Konkan Kanya, Mandovi Express, and Jan Shatabdi are popular and fill up fast, especially in AC classes. If you miss the general booking window, try Tatkal booking (opens at 10 AM, one day before departure) for a premium.
The drive is scenic during monsoon but riskier. NH66 has winding sections through the Ghats with reduced visibility, slippery roads, and occasional landslides. Waterlogging can occur in low-lying areas. If you must drive during monsoon, start early, drive slowly, and avoid night driving. The train is a safer monsoon option.
Goa has two airports. Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa is closer to North Goa beaches (Calangute, Baga, Anjuna). Dabolim Airport (GOI) is closer to South Goa beaches (Palolem, Colva) and Panaji. Check which airport your airline uses and factor in transfer time to your beach area.

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