Key hubs
Panaji airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Dabolim Airport (Goa International), about 30 km south, roughly 45–60 minutes by road, traffic dependent; Mopa Airport to the north is about 40 km away
- Railway station
- Karmali Junction, about 20 km east; some trains also serve Madgaon further south. Buses and taxis run from both stations to Panaji
- Getting around
- Autos (auto-rickshaws) are abundant and cheap for city trips; hiring a car and driver for day trips to Old Goa or Fort Aguada is practical and comfortable. City buses exist but are crowded in peak hours.
How to reach Panaji by air
Dabolim Airport (Goa International), about 30 km south, is roughly 45–60 minutes by road; Mopa Airport to the north is about 40 km away.
How to reach Panaji by train
Karmali Junction, about 20 km east, is the nearest station; Madgaon further south also serves the city, with buses and taxis onward to Panaji.
How to reach Panaji by road
Panaji is well connected by highway to Mumbai, Bengaluru and the rest of Goa's coastal towns.
Getting around Panaji
Auto-rickshaws are abundant and cheap for short city trips; hiring a car and driver is more comfortable for day trips to Old Goa or Fort Aguada, since city buses get crowded at peak hours.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Panaji
- Hire a car and driver for day trips to Old Goa and Fort Aguada. Buses exist but are crowded, and autos can be unreliable for long-distance comfort. A car gives you rest stops and flexibility.
- Pharmacies are easy to find in Panaji, and there are well-equipped private hospitals in and around the city, with Goa Medical College at Bambolim nearby. Carry your medications and copies of any prescriptions.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.