Trains to Goa — Complete Guide from Every Major City

Goa is India's most popular holiday destination, and trains remain the best value way to get there from most cities. Whether you're headed to North Goa's party beaches or South Goa's quiet coves, this guide covers train options from every major starting point.

Goa's Railway Stations

Madgaon (MAO): South Goa's main station. 8 km from Colva beach, 35 km from Palolem. Most long-distance trains stop here. Thivim (THVM): North Goa's station. 20 km from Calangute/Baga, 18 km from Anjuna. Fewer trains but more convenient for North Goa. Karmali (KRMI): Near Old Goa. Some trains stop here. Useful for Basilica of Bom Jesus visitors. Vasco da Gama (VSG): The original Goa station, near the port. A few trains terminate here.

From Mumbai (550 km, 8-12 hours)

Train	Number	Departs	Arrives MAO	Duration	Fare
Tejas Express	22119/20	06:00 CSMT	14:20	~8h 20m	₹1,200–₹2,800
Mandovi Express	10103/04	07:10 CSMT	19:00	~11h 50m	₹350–₹1,500
Konkan Kanya	10111/12	23:00 CSMT	11:25+1	~12h 25m	₹350–₹1,500
Jan Shatabdi	12051/52	05:25 CSMT	16:30	~11h	₹250–₹900

Mumbai is the best-connected city to Goa by rail. The Konkan Railway route is one of India's most scenic. Take the Mandovi Express for daytime scenery, Konkan Kanya for overnight. See our detailed Mumbai-Goa guide.

From Delhi (1,850 km, 24-28 hours)

Train	Number	Departs	Arrives MAO	Duration	Fare
Goa Express	12779/80	15:00 HZM	12:00+2	~45h	₹600–₹3,500
Nizamuddin Rajdhani	12431/32	Via LTT	MAO	~24h from LTT	₹1,500–₹4,500

Direct Delhi-Goa trains take a long time. The practical approach: fly Delhi to Mumbai (2h, ₹3,000-5,000), then Konkan Railway to Goa. Or fly direct to Goa (Dabolim/Mopa airport).

From Bangalore (560 km, 11-15 hours)

Overnight trains via Hubli and Londa Junction. The Vasco Express and Rani Chennamma are the main options. See our detailed Bangalore-Goa guide.

From Pune (450 km, 9-12 hours)

The Goa Express passes through Pune. Buses compete heavily on this route. See our detailed Pune-Goa guide.

From Hyderabad (660 km, 12-14 hours)

Train	Number	Departs	Arrives MAO	Duration	Fare
Goa Express	17311/12	SC	MAO	~13h	₹300–₹1,800
Hyderabad-Vasco Express	17015/16	SC	VSG	~14h	₹300–₹1,800

Overnight from Hyderabad, arrive morning. The Hyderabad-Vasco train terminates at Vasco da Gama station.

From Kolkata (2,000+ km)

No convenient direct train. Best route: fly to Mumbai/Bangalore and train onward. Or fly direct to Goa.

North Goa vs South Goa — Which Station?

Destination	Nearest Station	Distance
Calangute/Baga	Thivim	20 km
Anjuna/Vagator	Thivim	18 km
Panaji (capital)	Karmali	12 km
Old Goa churches	Karmali	3 km
Colva/Benaulim	Madgaon	8 km
Palolem/Agonda	Madgaon	35 km
Arambol	Thivim	40 km

From Station to Beach

From Madgaon: Prepaid taxi counter inside station. Auto-rickshaws outside. Ola/Uber works in Goa but availability varies. Local buses from the adjacent bus stand to Margao city and beaches. From Thivim: Fewer transport options than Madgaon. Pre-book a taxi through your hotel. Auto-rickshaws are available but scarce after dark. Renting a scooter: The Goa way to get around. Available at ₹300-500/day near any tourist area. Essential for beach-hopping.

Booking Tips

• Christmas/New Year (Dec 20-Jan 5): Trains to Goa sell out months ahead. Book at 120 days.
• Long weekends: Any extended weekend floods Goa with Mumbai/Pune travelers.
• Monsoon (June-September): Easiest to book. Goa in monsoon is beautiful, uncrowded, and hotels are cheap. The Konkan Railway scenery is at its best.
• Return trains are equally contested. Book outward and return simultaneously.

Check all routes and book on indianrail.app.