How to Go to Goa from Kolkata – A Complete Travel Guide with Budget & Tips
Goa – the land of sun, sand, and endless beaches – is a dream destination for travelers from all over India, including those living in the cultural capital, Kolkata. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, a party-filled vacation, or a mix of history, food, and natural beauty, Goa has something for everyone.
If you’re in Kolkata and wondering “How do I go to Goa from Kolkata?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will give you all the travel options, cost details, time estimates, and budget tips to plan your perfect trip.
Overview – Distance Between Kolkata and Goa
Kolkata is in the eastern part of India, while Goa lies on the western coast.
- Distance by road: Around 2,000 km (varies depending on route)
- Distance by air: Around 1,700 km
- Travel time: By air – 3 to 4 hours (direct flight), by train – 35 to 40 hours, by bus/car – 2 to 3 days.
Because of the long distance, most travelers prefer flights or trains.
Best Time to Visit Goa
While Goa is beautiful year-round, the experience changes with the seasons:
- November to February (Peak Season) – Pleasant weather, ideal for beach activities and parties.
- March to May (Summer) – Hot and humid, but less crowded and cheaper.
- June to September (Monsoon) – Green landscapes and quiet surroundings, great for nature lovers.
If you want a mix of good weather and reasonable prices, October or February-March are perfect.
How to Go to Goa from Kolkata – Travel Options
Option 1: By Flight (Fastest & Most Comfortable)
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from Kolkata to Goa.
Airlines Operating Kolkata–Goa Route
- IndiGo
- SpiceJet
- Air India
- Vistara
Direct Flights
- Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Cost: ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 (one-way, depending on season and booking time)
- Airport in Goa: Dabolim Airport (GOI) or Manohar International Airport (Mopa, North Goa).
Connecting Flights
If direct flights are expensive, you can choose a connecting flight via Mumbai, Bangalore, or Hyderabad.
- Duration: 5 to 8 hours (including layover)
- Cost: ₹3,500 to ₹6,000
Tip for Cheap Flights:
- Book at least 2 months in advance.
- Use fare comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
- Avoid peak Christmas and New Year weeks if you’re on a budget.
Option 2: By Train (Budget-Friendly & Scenic)
Train travel from Kolkata to Goa is a long journey but offers a unique experience of India’s landscapes.
Popular Trains from Kolkata to Goa
- Amaravati Express (18047) – From Howrah Junction to Vasco-da-Gama.
- Time: ~40 hours
- Runs: Twice a week
- Fare:
- Sleeper Class – ₹900 to ₹1,100
- 3AC – ₹2,300 to ₹2,800
- 2AC – ₹3,400 to ₹4,000
- Howrah–Vasco-da-Gama Superfast Express
- Time: ~38 hours
- Fare: Similar to Amaravati Express
Booking Tips for Train Travel
- Book tickets early on IRCTC (especially during tourist season).
- Choose 3AC or 2AC for comfort during such a long journey.
- Carry snacks, water, and light entertainment (books, movies).
Option 3: By Road (Bus or Car)
Traveling from Kolkata to Goa by road is for adventurous souls who love long drives.
By Car
- Distance: ~2,000 km
- Time: 2–3 days (with breaks)
- Route: Kolkata → Bhubaneswar → Visakhapatnam → Vijayawada → Hyderabad → Goa.
- Cost:
- Fuel – ₹14,000 to ₹18,000 (for petrol car, round trip)
- Toll – ₹3,000 to ₹4,500
By Bus
There’s no direct bus from Kolkata to Goa. You’ll need to travel in stages:
- Kolkata to Hyderabad/Vijayawada (by bus or train)
- Hyderabad/Vijayawada to Goa (by bus)
This option is tiring and not recommended unless you’re planning stops in between.
Option 4: Combination Travel
You can mix transport modes for better comfort and cost:
- Kolkata → Mumbai (by train or flight) → Mumbai → Goa (by bus, train, or flight).
- Kolkata → Bangalore (by flight) → Bangalore → Goa (by train or bus).
This is often cheaper during peak season.
Detailed Budget for a Kolkata–Goa Trip
Here’s a sample 5-day budget breakdown for a mid-range traveler:
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Travel (Round Trip) | Flights: ₹8,000–₹12,000 OR Trains: ₹2,000–₹5,500 |
| Accommodation | Budget hotels: ₹800–₹1,200/night, Mid-range: ₹2,000–₹3,500/night |
| Food & Drinks | ₹500–₹1,200/day |
| Local Transport | Scooty rental: ₹350–₹500/day OR Taxi: ₹1,000–₹1,500/day |
| Sightseeing & Activities | ₹1,000–₹3,000 (beach sports, cruises, entry fees) |
| Shopping & Extras | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
Estimated Total Budget for 5 Days:
- Budget trip: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 per person
- Mid-range trip: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 per person
5. Accommodation in Goa
Goa has everything from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts.
Popular Areas to Stay:
- North Goa (Party vibe) – Baga, Calangute, Anjuna
- South Goa (Peaceful vibe) – Palolem, Colva, Agonda
Budget Stay Options:
- Hostels like Zostel, The Hosteller
- Guesthouses starting at ₹800/night
Mid-range & Luxury Options:
- Beach resorts from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000/night
6. Things to Do in Goa
Once you reach Goa, here are must-do activities:
- Beaches – Baga, Calangute, Anjuna (North Goa) and Palolem, Colva (South Goa)
- Water Sports – Parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides
- Cruise on Mandovi River – Evening cruises with music and dance
- Nightlife – Beach shacks, clubs like Tito’s, Mambo’s
- Churches & Forts – Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort
- Markets – Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market
7. Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Carry sunscreen, light cotton clothes, and beach footwear.
- Rent a scooty for flexible travel around Goa.
- Keep cash for small purchases, as some shops don’t take cards/UPI.
- Avoid overpacking – Goa’s laid-back vibe means casual outfits are fine.
8. Conclusion
Traveling from Kolkata to Goa is easy once you know your options. If you value time, take a direct flight. If you want to save money and enjoy the journey, train travel is your best bet. Either way, once you step onto Goa’s sandy shores, you’ll know the journey was worth it.
So, pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to swap Kolkata’s hustle and bustle for Goa’s sunshine and sea breeze.
