How to Travel From Goa to Mumbai by Plane, Car, Train, and Bus

Vasco da Gama—the largest city in the state of Goa—is named after a Portuguese explorer who ventured to India in 1524. Also on India’s west coast, Mumbai is home to Art Deco and Victorian architecture and is 360 miles (579 kilometers) away.

The quickest method of transportation from Vasco da Gama to Mumbai is by plane. An inexpensive way of getting between the two cities is by train, but it will take a lot longer, as would going by car or bus.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Goa to Mumbai?

The train is the least expensive way to get from Goa to Mumbai. For about $3, you can take an Indian Railways train from the Vasco da Gama railway station to Mumbai. Check in with the train company in advance as the train typically only leaves once a week. The journey, which takes about 13 hours, 10 minutes, includes a short transfer at Kalyan Junction railway station, where you will board a second train leaving every 15 minutes for Dadar railway station. If you plan to use local trains while in Mumbai, the network has three lines running from north to south. 

During the monsoon season from mid-June until October, the train schedule may be altered and delays may take place.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Goa to Mumbai?

Flying is the quickest way to get from Vasco da Gama's Goa Dabolim Airport (GOI) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. The flight takes about one hour, 20 minutes. Several carriers fly this route throughout the week, including IndiGo Airlines, Air India Limited, GoAir, AirAsia India, Spicejet, and Vistara. Tickets start at $30 one way and purchasing in advance is always a good idea.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

Driving from Vasco da Gama to Mumbai typically takes about eight hours, 30 minutes but can span up to 12 hours, depending on the route, the number of stops, and how fast you drive. The trip is 360 miles (579 kilometers). There are a few possible routes, like taking National Highway 66 to National Highway 48, or taking National Highway 66 the whole way as you head north. Both of these routes have tolls.

Mumbai has many public parking lots, which can be found using an app. Avoid parking illegally on the streets close to these lots, as you may receive a high fine. Travelers may prefer to use a rideshare service such as Uber or Ola or grab a taxi.

Is There a Bus That Goes From Goa to Mumbai?

The bus from Goa to Mumbai takes about 13 hours. Prices with RedBus begin at $8 one way. Travelers will first need to take transport such as a taxi, which takes approximately 30 minutes, to Panaji, the capital of Goa. From there, buses depart hourly to various locations in Mumbai.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Mumbai?

Between November and April is the best time for a trip to Mumbai, as the weather is dry, though in April it begins to be hotter and more humid. Sea breezes usually keep the temperatures down. However, airplane tickets and accommodations may be higher during these times, especially when events and festivals occur. The Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) Film Festival takes place around late October or early November (note it has been canceled for 2020). At the end of January or early February, the Elephanta Festival features music and dance on Elephanta Island, a ferry ride away from Mumbai.

What's the Most Scenic Route to Mumbai?

Driving is the most scenic route from Vasco da Gama. The cultural capital of Maharashtra, the city of Pune off National Highway 48 features the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Ghats mountains. Visitors can also check out ancient temples at Parvati Hill and choose from an array of museums. Satara to the southeast of Pune along National Highway 48 is a nice stop to see the 16th-century Ajinkyatara fort or Shri Koteshwar Mandir, a Hindu temple, among other historic sites.

Further toward Mumbai, adventurers heading on National Highway 66 can take a ferry from the town of Ribandar to Chorão, an island featuring Portuguese homes, village churches, and the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. 

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

You have a few options for getting from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport(BOM) to Mumbai. The airport and Colaba, the principal tourist district in South Mumbai, are up to two hours apart. Going early in the morning or late at night when there is less traffic will get you there a lot quicker. Taxis and rideshares are the easiest ways to get to the city. Companies such as TravelGujju, One Side Taxi, and Meera Cabs will cost about $9 one way. Rideshares like Uber and Ola are usually available (prices vary), or you may reserve a Jayride towncar, starting at $25 one way.

Note: Though they use the same runway, the international and domestic terminals are in different suburbs. The international terminal is at Sahar in Andheri East 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the city center. Santa Cruz, home to the domestic terminal, is 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the heart of Mumbai.

What Is There to Do in Mumbai?

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is on the west coast of India. Travelers may want to check out one of the largest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world—many located on Marine Drive. It is also fun to look around local neighborhoods such as the Fort district in South Mumbai, which is home to some noteworthy Victorian Gothic buildings. Tourists enjoy learning about the city through educational tours—from urban safaris to street food samplings to learning all about the Bollywood film industry, which is based here. It is also fun to explore early-morning markets.