How to get to Goa on your own – a few proven ways

Goa is the smallest state of India and is very different in terms of infrastructure and hygiene from other places in this multifaceted country. It is one of the best resorts on the planet, where tourists are offered both high-class elite service and a budget vacation option. It all depends on the location of the resort, and there are more than forty of them in Goa.

south goa

These resorts are preferred by wealthy tourists, for whom comfort and luxury during their holidays play an important role. Comfortable hotels, high level of service, comfortable beaches, spas, Ayurvedic schools, luxurious green parks and so on. The hotels are located at a considerable distance from each other, so vacationers can fully enjoy the silence and find a secluded corner where you can meditate or just contemplate the splendor created by nature.

north goa

For those who prefer a budget holiday, North Goa is suitable. This place attracts young people who come here to actively relax, make new friends and have fun in full. This tradition has been going on since the late seventies, when the first hippie companies arrived here, and since then its character has changed little.

The level of hotels here is represented by one or two stars, the prices are low, the food is of good quality. It is worth noting that tap water is not recommended to drink in either cheap or expensive hotels. Tourists are offered only bottled water, which also needs to wash fruits. The beaches are located at a short distance from each other. They have numerous bars, nightclubs and noisy discos.

Hotels in Goa 4 stars – an overview of the best options.

How to get to Goa

As a vacation in Goa can vary significantly in its cost, the way to India can be fast and expensive, or it can be less expensive, but not so comfortable. Let's consider both options. Let's make a reservation right away that the reduction in travel costs is presented within reasonable limits, so rail, road transport and hitchhiking are not considered.

Convenient option

Dabolim is the only airport in Goa that accepts international airliners and charter flights. The flight time from Moscow to Dabolim is from seven to ten hours. Given this factor and the carrier company, the price ranges from 15 to 23 thousand rubles one way. It is best to purchase tickets one and a half to two months before departure. This makes it possible to find a cheaper option and save a lot. Also, various tour operators periodically offer their customers discounts, and whoever is lucky – “last minute” trips. About a month before departure, tickets may rise in price.

A significant advantage of this method of movement is the absence of transfers. For those traveling with small children, this is of great importance.

A budget option

It is very logical to assume that tourists choosing a vacation in North Goa choose a cheaper and more affordable flight option. It implies a flight from Moscow to Mumbai. This is an Indian airport, located about five hundred kilometers from the resort. There is also a transfer to the planes of local airlines to Dabolim. You can also use New Delhi Airport for this. In time, such flights can take from eleven to twenty-six hours, but the price will be about ten to eleven thousand rubles one way.

It is worth knowing in advance one nuance, which is that there are two airports in Mumbai. The international airport receives and sends aircraft from international companies, but the domestic airport serves only domestic flights. A bus runs between them, which is easy to find, focusing on the signs with the inscription “shuttle”. If you need to get there quickly, you can use the services of local taxis by ordering them directly at the airport at the Prepaid taxi counter.

For fans of photography there is a special warning. The fact is that Dabolim Airport, in addition to civilian airliners, also accepts military aircraft. Tourists should not be photographed against their background, as this can lead to serious and rather unpleasant consequences.

Rail connection

From Mumbai to the beaches of Goa can be reached by train. This is a very economical option that also allows you to get to know the local sights and customs.

It all starts with the purchase of a ticket, during which you must indicate your age and gender. These criteria are taken into account when choosing a seat, and it is possible that the husband and wife will end up in different cars. Before departure, it is worth checking the presence of your last name in the lists posted in the station building, as well as on the train cars.

There are such classes of wagons as: 1. 1 AC can be compared to a Russian compartment car.2. 2 AC is a kind of reserved seat, which has air conditioning.3. 3 AC is similar to the previous version, but the sleeping shelves are arranged in three rows, which is a total of six places instead of four.4. Sleepper is a shared car with bars instead of glass on the windows. It is mainly used by locals, so you should not buy tickets for this class.

Bus transportation

From Mumbai or Delhi to the beaches of Goa can be reached by bus. Tickets for them can be purchased at Indian Travel Bureaus located near the bus stations.

There are two types of buses – night and day.

With daytime buses, everything is clear, since they do not differ from the usual buses. But the night option implies the ability to sleep lying on a kind of shelf. Here it must be borne in mind that the shelf is double and you will have to sleep next to a fellow traveler. To avoid this, it is worth buying two tickets at once, especially since their price is not high.

What to choose – North or South Goa? – our article will help dispel doubts.