Goa's capital area of Panaji (Panjim), a charming Portuguese-influenced city on the Mandovi River.

About Goa City Center

Panaji (also spelled Panjim) is Goa's state capital, a small, walkable city that retains strong Portuguese colonial character in its Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, where narrow cobblestone lanes are lined with colorful houses, tile-roofed churches, and balconied buildings. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, with its brilliant white baroque facade, overlooks the main square.

The Mandovi River waterfront offers evening cruises, casino boats, and the Kala Academy cultural center. Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 10 km east, contains magnificent 16th-century churches including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Goa is primarily known for its beaches, which stretch along 100 km of coastline. North Goa beaches (Calangute, Baga, Anjuna) are lively and tourist-oriented, while South Goa beaches (Palolem, Agonda) are quieter and more scenic. Panaji sits centrally, providing good access to both.

Nearby Landmarks

Church of Immaculate Conception Fontainhas Latin Quarter Mandovi Waterfront Old Goa

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit arrivals and go to the pre-paid taxi counter. Purchase a ticket to Panaji/Panjim. The taxi takes the NH66 highway through Vasco da Gama to Panaji (30-50 min depending on traffic).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Pre-paid taxis from Goa Airport operate around the clock. A night taxi to Panaji costs ₹800-1,200 ($10-15). There are no public buses from the airport after 9 PM. Ride-hailing apps (Goa Miles is the local option) work but availability drops late at night. Auto-rickshaws are available outside the airport during daytime only.

Luggage Tips

Pre-paid taxis are sedans or SUVs with adequate boot space. Avoid auto-rickshaws with heavy luggage. Panaji's narrow Fontainhas streets may require walking the last stretch to some heritage hotels. Most beach resort shuttles can be arranged in advance.

Accessibility

Goa Airport has basic wheelchair facilities. Pre-paid taxis can accommodate folded wheelchairs. Panaji's main streets are reasonably flat, but Fontainhas has steep, narrow lanes. Beach resorts vary widely in accessibility—check with your hotel in advance. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles must be specifically requested.