Goa Transportation Tips by Donna_in_India Top 5 Page for this destination

Renting a Car... ROADS Review

Vailankanni Car Rentals in North Goa (Candolim) offers several choices of cars for rent (self-drive or with driver). I would not recommend that you rent a car if you are not accustom to driving in India.

Vailankanni has been in business for over 20 years and we have rented from them a few times. The cars are clean and reliable. Rates are fixed (starting at about USD $30 per day), dependant upon type of car. Be sure to know where petrol stations are before you venture off.

Located next to Candolim football ground.

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Other Contact: E-mail : info@goacabs.com

Phone: +91 9822101598 /+91 0832 2489568

Type: Car/Motor Home

Website: http://www.goacabs.com/about-us.php

"Private" Bike/Scooter/Car Rental ROADS Review

If you're interested in renting a bike (motorcycle), scooter, or car/jeep, you'll have plenty of opporuntity in Goa. You will see signs posted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops advertising rentals. Rates start at a few hundred rupees a day. Obviously you'll get a better deal if you're there for 2+ weeks. These are private rentals by locals - so no insurance, etc.

You'll get an idea of how people drive on the ride in from the airport. You may not be comfortable driving (there is little in regards to road/traffic rules), but plenty of visitors/foreigners drive. You may or may not get a helmet with a bike rental, but it's not a bad idea to wear one if you do.

There are only a few gas stations so it's a good idea to know where they are. However, gas is sold by the liter out front of stalls, shops, etc. so don't panic if you can't get to a gas station!

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Type: Motorcycle

Pre-paid Taxis From The Airport ROADS Review

Hiring a pre-paid taxi from the airport to your hotel is the most convenient way to get there. The pre-paid counter is just to your left as you exit the airport.

Once you pay, you walk a very short distance to where the taxis are all waiting. The number on your receipt will correspond to the taxi number. No need to worry about finding the taxi - plenty of drivers there anxious to help you.

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Type: Car/Motor Home

Arriving By Plane

Goa's Dabolim Airport is serves both domestic and international (including charter) flights. It is a fairly small airport but during the season there is a pretty constant flow of air traffic.

Most cities within India are connected to Goa by excellent "budget" domestic airlines including: Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air, Kingfisher Red, and Jetlite. Fares between Mumbai and Goa, for instance, can be as cheap as Rs 1300 (about US $30). Check with www.makemytrip.com or www.cleartrip.com to see the fares and times of the various flights, but I'd recommend booking directly on the airline's site.

The airport has an ATM and a few tourist information desks that may or may not be open. Once you pick up your luggage from one of the two belts, head out the doors and you'll find the pre-paid taxi counter to the left. Although you can walk to the street and possibly find a "cheaper" taxi, I'd recommend sticking with the pre-paid. The trip to Panaji takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around Rs 500. For the beaches north of Panaji rates will run about Rs 700-800 and the ride will take about 45-60 minutes. There is a sign posted at the taxi counter with all the costs by destination.

For departures, there are a couple of small shops (don't shop here), a cigarette break room, and a small restaurant.

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Type: Airplane

Overpriced Rickshaws ROADS Review

Rickshaws are normally a cheap and easy way to get around most places in India. I think the exception is Goa. There are no meters and no fixed rates. Rates for short journeys cost more than an hour's ride - and many times the distance than - in Mumbai. If you insist on taking a rickshaw be sure to agree on a price before you get in. I would not recommend taking a rickshaw for a long ride. Buses are very cheap and convenient and taxis are best for day/longer trips.

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Type: Other