Goa has no metro and patchy local buses, so most visitors end up choosing between two ways of getting around: renting a self drive car, or booking taxis. Both work. The better choice depends on how many of you there are, how many places you want to see in a day, and whether anyone in the group wants to drive at all. We offer both, so here is a straight comparison.
Quick answer
Several stops a day, a few days in Goa and someone happy to drive: self drive. Airport runs, big nights out, elderly parents or nobody keen on driving: a cab with a driver. Many trips use both.
Side by Side
| Self drive car | Taxi with driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom | Leave when you want, stop where you want, change the plan midway | Plan the route with the driver; changes are possible but agreed in advance |
| Several stops a day | Easy, no waiting or negotiating at each stop | Works best as a full day booking rather than separate rides |
| Parking | Your job, and tight near busy beaches in season | The driver drops you at the door and handles it |
| Nights out | Someone has to stay sober or you leave the car behind | Everyone can enjoy the evening |
| Documents | Driving licence, photo ID and a refundable deposit | None for the passengers |
| Best for | Couples, friends and families planning lots of sightseeing | Airport transfers, groups, older travellers, first time visitors who do not want to drive |
When a Self Drive Car Makes More Sense
- You want to see a lot. Beach in the morning, Old Goa after lunch, a fort at sunset. With a car, that is one easy day. With taxis, it is three bookings and three waits.
- You are staying a few days or more. The longer the trip, the more a car you keep with you pays off against cabs booked ride by ride.
- You are staying somewhere quiet. In South Goa, and in the villages behind the beaches, taxis can be hard to find at short notice.
- You like to change plans. Rain in the afternoon, a beach that is too crowded, a cafe someone recommends: with your own car you just go.
Every Drive Easy self drive car comes with unlimited kilometres inside Goa and free delivery to your hotel, airport or station. See the full fleet.
When a Taxi Is the Better Call
- Airport runs after a long flight. If nobody wants to drive straight off the plane, a cab is simpler. You can always have the self drive car delivered to the hotel the next morning.
- Big nights out. Drink driving is illegal, and Baga and Anjuna nights run late. Leave the car at the hotel and book a cab both ways.
- Large groups. If you are more than seven, a couple of cabs with drivers can be easier than finding two drivers in your group.
- Older parents or young children. Being dropped at the entrance of a church or a beach, instead of walking from a parking area, makes a real difference.
Our taxi service covers airport transfers, North and South Goa sightseeing and custom day plans in cabs such as the Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, Baleno, Swift and Dzire.
Mixing the Two
A common plan that works well: take a cab from the airport, have a self drive car delivered to the hotel the next morning for the sightseeing days, and book a cab for the big night out and the ride back to the airport. You get the freedom of a car on the days it matters, and nobody has to drive tired or after a drink.
Landing soon? Read our guide to picking up a car at Mopa or Dabolim.
