How to Travel From Mumbai to Goa : Best Routes & Tips

The distance from Mumbai to Goa is around 600 km, and this journey is an amazing journey in itself. You can also go from Mumbai to Goa by train, plane, personal car, and cruise. And every way, the journey has different fun. This is a scenic journey from Mumbai to Goa, with its beautiful natural scenery. I have done this journey many times in my life, first by train, and I recommend you also do this journey by train first. And the second time I went to Goa from Mumbai with a friend in his car, both times I enjoyed the scenery here with lots of fun.

After that, I travelled from Mumbai to Goa through various modes of transport, like  flight,  bus, and cruise. So in this article, I will discuss all the modes of transport from Mumbai to Goa very well. The trip was very good for us, and I will also share my Mumbai-Goa trip experience with you through this article.

In this trip from Mumbai to Goa, you get a total of four options, so it is up to you to decide how you want to reach Goa. Do you want to reach Goa very early? If you want to reach Goa quickly, then a Mumbai-Goa flight will be a good option for you. Or you can take a train or car to reach Goa, slowly enjoying the beauty of nature. The easiest and cheapest way is by train, and if you have your own car, then you can reach it very easily by car. And some tourists prefer to do this journey by cruise; it totally depends on your travel budget.

Overview of Mumbai to Goa Travel

This beautiful journey of 600 km from Mumbai to Goa can be done in different ways, and each way gives you a unique experience. Basically, if you travel by train, you will reach Goa in about 6 to 12 hours, or if you travel by flight, you will reach Goa in just 1.5 hours, and by bus, it takes around 12 hours to reach Goa.

And this journey from Mumbai to Goa is one of the best scenic travel journeys in India. A large number of tourists make this journey here to enjoy the beautiful train journey and the very beautiful mountain roads. I am one of them, and if you want to enjoy this beautiful journey, then you must do the Mumbai-Goa journey at least once.

Mumbai to Goa by Flight

A Mumbai-Goa flight is the best option if you want to reach very early or for any emergency and short-term travel. Many tourists prefer to go to Goa by flight. And everything you need to know about flying, I have tried to provide here.

Overview of Flights from Mumbai to Goa:

There are daily flights from Mumbai to Goa that cover a distance of about 600 km. This flight takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours to reach Goa from Mumbai. You will reach Goa in just 1.5 hours to enjoy the beautiful blue sea view by flying. Both Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and Dabolim’s Goa International Airport (GOI) are well-equipped to cater to a large number of passengers, ensuring a great travel experience.

Major Airlines and Their Schedules:

Many airlines operate daily flights from Mumbai to Goa. You can book the flight as per your wishes, with those flights offering comfort according to different budgets and preferences.

Indigo: As we all know, Indigo is a very old Indian airline that operates flights from Mumbai to Goa. Indigo operates many flights, with around three to four Indigo flights on this route every day.

Air India: Air India is also an Indian airline. There are many Air India flights from Mumbai to Goa that provide great flight experiences to travellers. Air India flight food is my favourite, and this flight is relatively cheap.

SpiceJet is another very popular and budget airline. SpiceJet offers competitive and cheap flights, with around two to three SpiceJet flights per day on this route.

Vistara: This airline is very good for those who want luxury air travel. This airline will provide you with a comfortable and great experience, along with complimentary meals. Compared to other airlines, they are a bit more expensive.

GoAir: The flights of this airline come from Mumbai to Goa almost every day. These airlines offer a relatively cheap and comfortable flight experience.

Mumbai to Goa Flight Booking Tips and Finding the Best Deals:

Finding cheap and good flight deals is also a strategy. I will tell you some strategies here with which you can book flights very cheaply and comfortably.

Book in advance: The price of your flight will increase as you get closer to the departure date. So try to book the flight as early as possible. Whenever I travel somewhere, I try to book my flight at least a month in advance. That way, I can book the flight for around 30 to 40% less.

Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can use some flight booking and fare comparison apps like Skyscanner or WeGo to book flights on the cheapest day of all. Note that midweek flights are usually cheaper than comparable weekend flights.

Use discount coupons: We often get flight booking discount coupons when we pay on various payment apps. I use Google Pay almost exclusively and get many discount coupons on flight bookings from there. Moreover, other apps also provide flight booking discounts; keep these things in mind, collect these coupons, and use them at the right time.

Advantage and Disadvantages of Flying:

If you are going to travel from Mumbai to Goa by flight, then there are some advantages and some disadvantages to this type of travel. In the below section, I have mentioned the advantages and disadvantages of this type of travel one by one.

Advantages:

Speed: The most convenient point in travelling from Mumbai to Goa is the speed here. You can reach Goa in just one hour by flight. It can get you to Goa much faster than any other mode of transport, and this is why travelling by flight is preferred.

Convenience: With so many flights from Mumbai to Goa or from Goa to Mumbai, you will have complete freedom as to when and how you want to fly. You can travel very easily in case of an emergency.

Comfort: Compared to long bus and train journeys, air travel is much more comfortable, and you will reach Goa in just 1 hour to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Disadvantages:

Cost: Flights can be more expensive than other modes of transport, such as trains or buses. Especially if the advance is not booked, then the flight itself will cost a lot. So flights can be a bad option for those who want to travel cheaply.

Airport Formalities: When you travel from a flight, you may have to wait for a long time while going through various security checks and check-in at the airport. In this case you can feel very boring.

Limited Scenic Experience: It takes you just an hour to reach Goa from Mumbai by flight and you can enjoy the natural beauty here for a very short time. So if you do this journey by train or bus then you can enjoy this journey for a long time while enjoying a lot of beautiful scenery. This is the downside of traveling by flight.

Mumbai to Goa by train:

I have also travelled twice from Mumbai to Goa by train and I think you can enjoy the most scenery if you do this journey by train. The train departs from the middle of the beautiful hills of the Western Ghats straight to Goa and this journey is best if you do it during the monsoons.

The Western Ghats hills look very beautiful during monsoons, and you can do this trek scenically and during monsoons as well. My recommendation would be to try this trek at least once during the monsoons. There are many more advantages to travelling by train. You can easily reach Goa at a low cost, and the trains are usually less crowded as there are fewer passengers on this route.

Popular Train Routes from Mumbai to Goa:

Several trains depart from Mumbai to Goa almost daily. I have listed some of them below so that you can book your trains and travel easily.

Konkan Kanya Express (20111): This is one of the trains on this route; it departs from Mumbai’s CSMT railway station to Madgaon railway station at around 11 p.m. This train reaches you at Madgaon station in Goa around 11:40 a.m. Travelling by this train has some advantages and some disadvantages.

By travelling by train, you can enjoy the beautiful and scenic scenery for a short time, and the advantage is that you will sleep at night and reach Goa in the morning, so you can spend the whole day in Goa. The fare of this train for a normal sleeper is around 350 rupees, and the fare of the third AC is around 955 rupees.

Mandovi Express (10103): This train departs from Mumbai’s CSMT railway station at 7:10 am for Madgaon station in Goa, reaching at 09:55 pm. If you travel by train, you can fully enjoy the Mumbai-Goa scenic view. The sleeper coach cost of this train is Rs 330, and the third AC coach cost is around Rs 910.

Netravati Express (16345): If you want to do this journey for the views, then it might be better for you, as this train departs from Lokmanya Tilak Terminal (LLT) Railway Station in Mumbai around 11:40 AM and reaches Madgaon Station (MAO) in Goa around 11:30 PM. If you travel on this train in sleeper class, it will cost you around 330 rupees, and if you travel in 3rd AC class, it will cost you around 900 rupees.

Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (22229): We all know about Vande Bharat trains and how good and comfortable this train journey is. This train can be a great option for everyone. It departs from Mumbai’s CSMT railway station at 5:25 AM and reaches Goa at 3:30 PM.

On this morning-to-afternoon journey, you can enjoy all the scenic views of the Mumbai-Goa train travel route, and you will be served lunch and breakfast on this train. Moreover, this train has only AC chair cars available. To travel in this train, you will have to spend around Rs 1145 in an AC chair, and if you travel in a slightly higher-class EC chair car, then you will have to spend around Rs 2340.

Janshatabdi Express (12051): Janshatabdi is one of the oldest and most famous trains on this route. Just like the Vande Bharat Express, this train departs from Mumbai’s CSMT railway station at 5:10 AM and reaches Goa around 4:30 PM. If you want to travel by train in general, then its fare is 210 rupees, and the AC chair car fare is around 820 rupees.

How to book train tickets:

You can book train tickets for the Mumbai-Goa route in several ways. Here,  I will tell you some simple and cheap ways so that you can book your train tickets very easily.

Online Booking: When I travel by train, I usually book my tickets online. I have various online train ticket booking apps on my phone, like the IRCTC official website and the IRCTC app. There you will create your account, and from there you can book train tickets very easily. And also, there are various apps like Paytm, Cleartrip, and Railyatri. All these apps will help you book tickets.

Travel Agent: Travel agents authorised by IRCTC can help you a lot in booking train tickets. When you find that there are no tickets available online and you need to book tickets immediately, you can take advantage of the help of these travel agencies. Many times, when we want to book tatkal tickets, we are not able to book the tickets at the right time, so you can easily book your tickets with the help of these travel agents.

Railway Station: Railways have their own reservation counters at major stations, from which you can easily book any of your reservation tickets. If you are not using the online website and app, then it is convenient for you to visit the railway station and book from the reservation counter. And I suggest you book your tickets in peak seasons about one to two months before travel; otherwise, it becomes difficult to get a reservation.

 

Mumbai to Goa by Bus:

I travelled by bus from Jammu to Srinagar and also by bus from Shimla to Manali. But I will never forget this Mumbai-Goa bus journey, and only because of the beautiful scenery I could see from the bus window. And the roads here are so beautiful that I want to do this journey at least one more time in my life. If you don’t have any physical problems travelling by bus, then according to my words, you should definitely try this trip by bus.

Usually, Mumbai to Goa bus travel will be much better for your pocket as you will get various AC and non-AC buses between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000. Buses take you around 10 to 15 hours to reach Goa, with two stops in between where you can do your daily activities like toileting and tiffin. Here, I have tried to provide all the information about Mumbai to Goa bus travel so that you can easily book the bus yourself and make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Overview of Bus Services from Mumbai to Goa:

There are many buses from Mumbai to Goa every day. In my opinion, travelling by bus is better if you want to do a road trip. If you do not have your own car or the money to hire one, then an AC luxury bus to Goa can be a good option. The distance from Mumbai to Goa is about 600 km, and when you travel here in the luxury buses, this 600 km will end with beautiful views from the window. Then you will think that my journey is over so soon. Why would it be nice if I could stay here and enjoy the view a little longer?

When I went to Goa, I went from Borivali in Mumbai. The bus dropped me at the Panjim bus stop in Goa after a long journey of around 12 hours. Buses to Goa depart from various places in Mumbai, such as Borivali, Andheri, Sion, and Dadar. They also have some bus stands from where buses to Goa depart and reach various places in Goa, such as Panjim, Mapusa, and Madgaon.

Also Read : Cola Beach Goa: Your Perfect Beach Getaway Around GOA

Major Bus Operators and Booking Tips:

A number of bus operators offer Mumbai-Goa bus services, giving you many options to book the bus of your choice. You can choose the bus according to your comfort and budget, but according to me, you should travel on AC luxury buses. Let’s take a look at some of the bus operators who provide this service.

RedBus: RedBus is a very popular online bus ticket booking company, from which you can book a Mumbai to Goa bus very easily. I usually book tickets from the Red Bus app when I travel.

VRL Travels: This bus operator is famous for their comfortable buses and highly reliable services. VRL Travels offers both AC and non-AC buses, and you can book tickets here either online or offline.

Paulo Travels, a well-known bus operator for the Mumbai-Goa route, provides various bus services, including luxury and semi-sleepers. You can book these buses online from their official website or offline as well.

Neeta Travels: They provide different types of bus services, like AC sleeper, non-AC sleeper, and semi-sleeper. You can book these buses according to your budget and comfort. Neeta Travels buses run from Mumbai to Goa almost daily.

SRS Travels: Another reliable bus operator is SRS Travel. They have many buses from Mumbai to Goa daily, and they provide various bus services.

Bus Booking Tips:

Book in Advance: You must book the bus in advance to get your preferred seat. Because there are many of us who get sick while travelling by bus, especially when sitting at the back. If you book the bus late, then your preferred seats will already be booked, so try to book the bus as early as possible. Try to book the bus early, especially during the peak travel season, because during this time all the buses are already booked, and if you are late, then you will not be able to travel.

Check Reviews: I have a habit that whenever I stay in a hotel or travel by any transport, I check its reviews on Google before traveling. So I am telling you, before you book the bus, check Google reviews once. And take this journey with those bus operators whose reviews on Google are good.

Choose the Right Boarding Point: Choose the right boarding point for your journey, as there are many boarding points in Mumbai from which buses depart. Take the bus from the boarding point near your home or hotel so that there is no delay in your arrival.

Pack Essentials: Pre-pack all the items you need for overnight travel in the bus, like blankets, some snacks to eat, and a bottle of water.

Mumbai to Goa by Cruise:

Travelling on a Mumbai-Goa cruise was one of the most luxurious experiences of my life. Cruise past the beautiful Western coastline of India as you head towards your sea-viewing destination. I cannot tell you how luxurious this journey can be. To experience this journey, you must go at least once via Mumbai to Goa by cruise.

Overview of Cruise Options from Mumbai to Goa:

A Mumbai-Goa cruise was a dream come true for me, as it is very expensive but gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Arabian Sea. Various types of cruises travel on this route. From normal cruises to luxury and super luxury cruises.

The journey was mainly three days when I visited. Our cruise left Mumbai around 7 p.m., and three days later we reached Goa early in the morning. To me, this journey gave me a sense of heaven. And I travelled on the most famous and luxurious Costa Sarina cruise on this route.

All facilities were stocked, such as theatres on three levels, casinos, discos, pool decks with retractable glass roofs and giant screens, water slides, internet points, libraries, video game arcades, children’s pools, squawk clubs, restaurants, and bars. In addition to these, there were 1,500 cabins in total, including 592 inside cabins, 333 oceanview cabins, 505 with private balconies, 12 mini suites, and 58 suites.

I booked a balcony-attached room here, and it cost me around Rs 65,000. And I was able to enjoy all the facilities in this clue, as lunch, dinner, and breakfast are all included in your travel package. You will feel like you are travelling in a super-luxury hotel and enjoying the beautiful blue sea view.

Major Cruise Lines and Their Amenities:

Like Costa Serena, there are several other cruise lines and ferry services operating Mumbai-Goa cruises; I will mention some of them here. You can book those cruises according to your budget.

Costa Serena: I have travelled on this Costa Serena cruise line once, and it is a super luxury cruise line that operates from Mumbai to Goa. You can enjoy all kinds of facilities on this cruise, such as a theatre, casino, disco, internet point, library, video games, swimming pool, restaurant bar, gym, and many other services. Costa Serena has an official website where you can book their cruises. Their tickets start at Rs 39,000, and it depends on the cabin you are booking.

Angriya Cruise: It is known as India’s first domestic cruise line. The cruises here have many cabin options, like balconies, sea view cabins, etc. Moreover, on this cruise, you will get a restaurant, a swimming pool, and other luxury options. You can visit the official website to book the cruise.

Jalesh Cruises: Among the Mumbai-Goa cruise lines, it is famous for its luxurious cruises. Jalesh offers occasional sailings from Mumbai to Goa with fine dining, entertainment shows, spa services, and recreational activities you won’t find on any other cruise line. These cruises can be a little more expensive than others.

Ferry Services: Sometimes small ferries and small cruise services ply the Mumbai-Goa journey; you can enjoy the same view even if you travel on these ferries or cruises. But all these cruises do not have services like luxurious cruises like restaurants, bars, swimming pools, etc. But if you have a low budget, then you can take this ferry service. You can book all these ferries or cruises by going to Mumbai port directly, and you can also book tickets by visiting their official website.

Mumbai to Goa Cruise booking tips:

Plan Ahead: Cruise schedules are usually limited and do not depart daily like trains or buses, so always book tickets in advance to secure your preferred cabin and exact departure date. Mumbai-Goa cruises are very difficult to get during special peak seasons. Because during this time all the cruises are booked in advance, you book the tickets here about two to three months before the start of your journey.

Check the amenities: Double-check the ship’s amenities, such as dining, entertainment, cabins of your choice, and restaurants, to make sure these are provided correctly. Many times we choose one and get the other, so be careful about these things.

Pack accordingly: Pack your essentials in advance before embarking on a cruise. Such as sunscreen, comfortable clothing, swimwear (if applicable), and any medications you may need. All you have to do is keep these items with you; everything else is provided by the cruise.

Best Time to Travel From Mumbai to Goa:

Travelling from Mumbai to Goa can be a rewarding experience for you, but only if you time it right. I have fixed the right timing here to make your travel experience the best. You can do this travel like me if you want. I think it’s important to consider the ideal season, peak travel times, and special events and festivals for this trip. So let’s see what the right time is for you to travel from Mumbai to Goa.

Best Seasons and Weather Conditions for the Journey:

November to March: The best time to travel from Mumbai to Goa is during the winter,  when the heat is less. Generally, the temperature during November to March is around 25°C to 30°C, and the weather is quite pleasant. This time is perfect for all the sea activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures in Goa. Moreover, many tourists also like to go to Goa during monsoons, because this Mumbai-Goa journey during monsoons will give you an amazing view.

March to May: Goa is usually warm during these months, with temperatures exceeding around 35 °C. If you prefer less crowded and off-season travel, then you can travel this season. All kinds of beach activities are available, but be prepared to endure the heat here.

June to September: Goa receives a lot of rain during the monsoon season, making travel to Goa less predictable. Fewer tourists visit during this time, and all bridge activities are closed. Backwater activities are on during this time, and many beaches in Goa are closed during monsoons. Many tourists prefer to travel during this time because Goa is lush green during this time. And to be less touristy, you can explore Goa very well during this time.

October: This month is one of the best months to travel. It’s the end of the monsoon season and the start of the tourist season, so if you’re looking for good weather without the peak season crowds, this is the month for you. Usually, the number of tourists in this month is relatively low. And you can enjoy Goa this month.

Tips for Avoiding Peak Travel Times:

If you want to take this trip more comfortably and relaxed even a less crowded experience, here are some tips. So that you can avoid peak season travel.

Avoid Major Holidays: Try not to travel on festive days like Diwali Christmas New Year, these are the times when many tourists visit Goa so this time may not be suitable for you.

Midweek Travel:  Reasons to travel mid-week are less touristy than weekends. Like you can make your travel plan between Tuesday to Friday.

Off-Peak Months: It is considered that you travel in off-peak months. Like March, April and October, the number of tourists is slightly less than other months, so it is a good idea to travel during these months to avoid the hustle and bustle of Goa.

Early Bookings: If you must travel at peak times then make your bookings in advance. For example, book trains, hotels, flights, cruises in advance. Then you will have many advantages.