Goa has two commercial airports, and picking the wrong one can add an hour or more to your taxi ride. Before you book a flight, check which airport it uses and where your hotel is.
The two airports at a glance
Dabolim Airport (GOI) is the older airport, near Vasco da Gama in the south-central part of the state. It shares its runway with an Indian Navy base.
Manohar International Airport, Mopa (GOX) opened in January 2023. It's in Pernem taluka in the far north of Goa, near the border with Maharashtra.
Both airports have domestic flights to most big Indian cities, and some international flights. Airlines change routes between the two quite often, so always check the airport code on your ticket.
Which airport is closer to your hotel?
As a rule of thumb:
- North Goa beaches (Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Ashwem, Vagator, Anjuna): Mopa is usually closer.
- Calangute, Baga, Candolim and Panjim: the two airports are at similar distances, so pick whichever has the better flight.
- South Goa (Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Palolem, Agonda): Dabolim is much closer. From Mopa, South Goa can be a drive of two hours or more.
Getting from the airport to your hotel
Both airports have prepaid and app-based taxi counters inside the arrivals hall. Book from the official counter rather than accepting offers outside the terminal. Many hotels also arrange pickups if you send them your flight details in advance.
Rental scooters and cars are popular in Goa, but most rental companies deliver to your hotel rather than to the airport.
Tips before you book
- Search both airports. On mynxtrip you can search "Goa" and compare fares into GOI and GOX side by side.
- Look at arrival times. A late-night arrival at the airport further from your hotel can mean a long, expensive taxi.
- Check your return flight too. Your outbound and return flights don't have to use the same airport.
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