Ferry to Goa
Mar 24, 2006 | 4:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,530
Ferry to Goa
I am planning to visit Goa as part of my trip to India next January. If possible I would like to go/return by the fast ferry and return/go by the train/
I would welcome thoughts/suggestions regarding the ferry and train as compared to flying. Also what are the relative costs. How can I make reservations before I leave home?
I would welcome thoughts/suggestions regarding the ferry and train as compared to flying. Also what are the relative costs. How can I make reservations before I leave home?
Mar 25, 2006 | 1:17 am
#2
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 52,634
I assume you are starting from Bombay/Mumbai and want to compare flying/ferry/train service.
Go and fly. It saves time and you miss nothing much.
Ferry: takes ages and seating is not so good for 6+ hours. Avoid it.
Train: Konkan rail is very nice and scenic, but the stations in Goa are off the tracks and you have to transfer to get to Goa. Rail travel in India is also a nice experience where you get to meet in close contact with the locals. So if you have the time, you could try it.
Go and fly. It saves time and you miss nothing much.
Ferry: takes ages and seating is not so good for 6+ hours. Avoid it.
Train: Konkan rail is very nice and scenic, but the stations in Goa are off the tracks and you have to transfer to get to Goa. Rail travel in India is also a nice experience where you get to meet in close contact with the locals. So if you have the time, you could try it.
Mar 29, 2006 | 12:51 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 18,288
As far as I know, the the BOM GOA ferry hasn't re-started since it went out of business quite some years' ago. And with the opening of the Konkan railway, it became an obsolete travel option.
Rail takes all day, or all night. If you can park your bags after check-out time at your BOM hotel, the overnight train saves a night's hotel bill. Day time you get rather too long to appreciate the scenery. Goa station options are basically three: in the north for Pernem and Mapusa, serves the northern beach resorts; one in the middle near Panaji (quite the nicest state capital) and the other at Margao - great for beaches like Colva.
Air clearly saves time, and with advent of competition AND low-cost carriers, it's not a high-cost option. On Jet and others you'll be trapped into relatively high non-resident fares, but Air Deccan will sell you INR fares through their website - I paid aound INR2000 one way GOI BOM last time I used them. Air Deccan also do Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Rail takes all day, or all night. If you can park your bags after check-out time at your BOM hotel, the overnight train saves a night's hotel bill. Day time you get rather too long to appreciate the scenery. Goa station options are basically three: in the north for Pernem and Mapusa, serves the northern beach resorts; one in the middle near Panaji (quite the nicest state capital) and the other at Margao - great for beaches like Colva.
Air clearly saves time, and with advent of competition AND low-cost carriers, it's not a high-cost option. On Jet and others you'll be trapped into relatively high non-resident fares, but Air Deccan will sell you INR fares through their website - I paid aound INR2000 one way GOI BOM last time I used them. Air Deccan also do Hyderabad and Bangalore.