Key takeaways
- Daily trains: the Mangala Lakshadweep Express (12617) and the Netravati Express (16346) run every day from Kozhikode to Madgaon.
- Journey time: about 10 to 11 hours to Madgaon.
- Booking: Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before travel.
- Timetable: Konkan Railway runs a slower monsoon timetable from mid-June to 20 October; timings change after that, so check the day’s schedule.
The easiest way from Kozhikode to Goa by train is the daily Mangala Lakshadweep Express (12617) or Netravati Express (16346), which reach Madgaon in about 10 to 11 hours; several weekly trains also run. Book up to 60 days ahead on IRCTC, and choose your Goa station by where you are staying. Train details below are from Konkan Railway’s schedule system and the Railway Board.
Trains from Kozhikode to Goa
| Train | Runs | To Goa stations |
|---|---|---|
| 12617 Mangala Lakshadweep Express | Daily | Madgaon, Thivim |
| 16346 Netravati Express | Daily | Madgaon, Karmali, Thivim |
| 12217 Kerala Sampark Kranti | Twice weekly | Madgaon |
| 12431 Rajdhani Express | Three days a week | Madgaon |
| 12202 Garib Rath | Twice weekly | Madgaon |
| 22149 Ernakulam–Pune Express | Twice weekly | Madgaon |
| 22114 Kochuveli–LTT Express | Twice weekly | Madgaon |
| 10216 Ernakulam–Madgaon Express | Weekly | Madgaon |
Running days are counted from each train’s starting station, and departure times from Kozhikode differ between the monsoon and regular timetables. Check the exact time on IRCTC or Konkan Railway for your travel date.
Which Goa station should you choose?
- Thivim is the usual choice for North Goa beaches such as Calangute, Baga and Anjuna.
- Karmali is closest to Old Goa and Panaji.
- Madgaon (Margao) is the main station, about 38 km from Panaji, and the choice for South Goa beaches such as Colva, Palolem and Agonda.
Booking tips
- Advance reservation: since 1 November 2024, Indian Railways opens bookings 60 days before the journey date (excluding the day of travel).
- Overnight trains such as the Netravati leave Kozhikode in the evening and reach Goa early the next morning — you save a hotel night.
- For December and New Year, book the day reservations open; Goa trains fill quickly.
- Groups of friends or colleges should share the final head count early so we can book together.
The Konkan monsoon timetable
Every year Konkan Railway runs a monsoon timetable with slower speeds on the Konkan line. In 2026 it ran from 15 June to 20 October, with regular timings from 21 October. Trains take longer in the monsoon, and timings change when the regular timetable returns.
Planning a Goa trip by train
A popular plan from Kozhikode is an overnight train, two nights in North Goa, and the overnight train home — see our Goa group trip by train. Families can combine the train with a North Goa beach hotel: see the Goa family holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Which train goes daily from Kozhikode to Goa?
The Mangala Lakshadweep Express (12617) and the Netravati Express (16346) both run daily from Kozhikode to Madgaon.
How long is the train from Kozhikode to Goa?
About 10 to 11 hours to Madgaon on the daily trains; it varies between the monsoon and regular timetables.
Which station is best for North Goa?
Thivim is the usual station for North Goa beaches; Karmali suits Old Goa and Panaji; Madgaon suits South Goa.
How early can we book train tickets to Goa?
60 days before the journey date, excluding the day of travel, under the rule in force since 1 November 2024.
Train timings change with the Konkan Railway timetable. This article reflects official sources checked in September 2026 — confirm timings on IRCTC for your date.
