Mopa is Goa’s new airport — here’s what’s different
Manohar International Airport at Mopa opened in 2023 and now handles most flights into North Goa. It sits in Pernem, right at the top of the state, which changes the maths for travellers: Arambol and Morjim are 20 minutes away, but Dabolim-side beaches like Colva are nearly two hours. Taxi counters here charge North Goa rates, and there are fewer rental desks inside the terminal than at Dabolim. That’s why Royal Car Rentals delivers your self drive car to Mopa arrivals — you book, we come to you.
Where we meet you at Mopa Airport
Our executive waits outside the arrivals exit with a name board, any hour of the day. Mopa gets a lot of late-night and early-morning flights, so 1 am or 5 am pickups are normal for us — no surcharge, no waiting. Show your licence and ID, pay the refundable deposit, and you’re on NH-66 within ten minutes of collecting your bags.
North Goa in under an hour
| From Mopa Airport | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Arambol | 20 km | 35 min |
| Morjim / Ashwem | 22 km | 35 min |
| Vagator | 30 km | 45 min |
| Anjuna | 32 km | 50 min |
| Panaji | 35 km | 50 min |
| Baga | 36 km | 55 min |
| Calangute | 38 km | 1 hr |
Cars that suit North Goa roads
North Goa’s coastal lanes are narrow and parking near Anjuna and Vagator is tight. A hatchback or compact SUV — Swift, i20, Creta, Nexon — is easier to handle than a large 7-seater. Thar is popular for the Arambol–Querim stretch. Automatic is a good choice if this is your first time driving in India. For families landing together, Ertiga, Innova Crysta and XUV700 are available on request.
Before you book: four things to confirm
- Documents — valid driving licence plus Aadhaar or passport; foreign visitors also need an International Driving Permit. Send photos on WhatsApp before landing.
- Minimum 2 days — we don’t do single-day rentals at any location.
- Deposit — refundable at drop, amount confirmed when you book.
- Drop location — drop back at Mopa by default; one-way drop at Dabolim is possible on request, subject to availability.
Flying into Dabolim instead?
South Goa arrivals are covered too — see car rental at Dabolim Airport.
Questions travellers ask about Mopa pickup
Which is better for Calangute — Mopa or Dabolim?
Mopa, by a few kilometres and far less city traffic. Calangute is about 38 km from Mopa and 45 km from Dabolim.
My flight lands at 2 am. Will someone be there?
Yes. Late-night delivery at Mopa is standard — share your flight number and we track the landing.
Is there petrol near Mopa Airport?
Yes, on NH-66 towards Pernem and again at Mapusa. Cars are handed over with fuel; return at the same level.
Can I drive the rental car to Maharashtra from Mopa?
Mopa is 15 minutes from the state border, but out-of-state driving depends on the car — confirm on WhatsApp first.
Landing at Mopa? WhatsApp +91 78418 60704 with your flight details and the car will be waiting at arrivals.
