Best Airports Near Beaches in India for Your Next Vacation

If you’re dreaming of sand between your toes and salt in the air, you don’t need to fly halfway across the world. India has dozens of beaches where you can land at an airport and be on the shore in under an hour. But not all beach destinations are created equal when it comes to airport access. Some airports are a 30-minute drive from the water. Others? You’ll need a three-hour taxi ride and a change of clothes before you even see the ocean.

Goa: The Classic Choice

Goa is still the most popular beach destination in India, and for good reason. Dabolim Airport (GOI) in Vasco da Gama is just 25 kilometers from Calangute and Baga beaches-the heart of Goa’s beach scene. The drive takes about 35 minutes on a good day. If you land at the newer Mopa Airport (GOX), you’re even closer. It’s only 15 kilometers from North Goa’s top beaches, cutting travel time to under 20 minutes.

Both airports handle domestic flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, plus seasonal international flights from the UAE, Russia, and Europe. If you’re flying in from abroad, Mopa is your best bet for speed and convenience. Dabolim still has more flight options, especially during peak season (November to February).

Kerala: Backwaters and Beaches Combined

Kerala’s beaches aren’t just about sunbathing-they’re part of a lush, water-filled landscape. The closest major airport to the coast is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located just 12 kilometers from Kovalam Beach. That’s a 20-minute ride, and you’ll pass coconut palms and fishing boats on the way.

If you’re heading to Varkala or Alappuzha, you’ll still be under an hour from TRV. For Alappuzha’s backwater houseboats, you can even take a direct boat from the airport’s nearby canal. Kochi Airport (COK) is another option, but it’s about 80 kilometers from the nearest beach (Fort Kochi Beach), so it’s better for travelers combining culture with beach time.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Remote, But Worth It

For true island escape, the Andamans are unbeatable. Havelock Island and Neil Island have white sand, turquoise water, and zero crowds. The only way in? Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair. From there, you’ll need a 2.5-hour ferry ride to Havelock, but the airport itself is only 30 kilometers from Port Blair’s own beach-Wandoor Beach.

Wandoor isn’t the postcard-perfect beach you imagine, but it’s a great place to stretch your legs after a long flight. Most travelers use Port Blair as a transit point. Flights to the Andamans are limited-only a few daily from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi-and tickets sell out months in advance. Book early, and pack light: you’ll be taking a boat next.

Tamil Nadu: Quiet Beaches with Easy Access

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the gateway to several underrated beaches. Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, is just 8 kilometers from the airport. You can be on the sand in 15 minutes. If you’re looking for something quieter, Puducherry (Pondicherry) is 140 kilometers south, about a 3-hour drive. The nearest airport there is Pondicherry Airport (PNY), but it only handles small domestic flights from Chennai and Bangalore.

Most travelers fly into Chennai and rent a car or hire a driver for the day. The drive to Puducherry is scenic, with French colonial architecture and vegetarian cafes lining the route. You can easily do a beach day in Chennai and a sunset in Puducherry in one trip.

Odisha: Hidden Gem with a New Airport

Odisha’s Gopalpur-on-Sea is one of India’s quietest beach towns, with golden sands and no crowds. The closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, about 170 kilometers away. The drive takes 3.5 hours, which isn’t ideal-but it’s getting better.

In 2024, a new regional airport opened in Jajpur, just 40 kilometers from Gopalpur. It’s still small, with only a few flights from Kolkata and Delhi, but it’s a game-changer for beach lovers. If you’re planning a trip in 2026, this airport will likely be your best bet. For now, Bhubaneswar remains the practical choice, especially if you’re combining your beach trip with a visit to the Konark Sun Temple.

Andhra Pradesh: Beaches You Didn’t Know About

Vizag (Visakhapatnam) has some of India’s cleanest beaches and the best infrastructure for tourists. Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ) sits just 12 kilometers from Rama Krishna Beach and Kailasagiri Hill. The drive is 20 minutes, and you’ll find food stalls, lifeguards, and even beachside yoga classes.

It’s also one of the few Indian beach destinations with direct international flights-Bangkok and Singapore have weekly connections. If you’re flying in from Southeast Asia, Vizag is the easiest way to reach a quiet, well-maintained beach without the Goa crowds.

What to Watch Out For

Not all beaches near airports are easy to reach. For example, Mumbai’s Juhu Beach is only 15 kilometers from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). But traffic jams can turn a 20-minute ride into two hours. Same goes for Surat’s beaches near Surat Airport (STV)-the airport is close, but the roads aren’t.

Always check the time of day you’re arriving. If you land at 10 PM, you might find no taxis waiting. If you land at 6 AM, you might be the only one on the road. Plan your transfer ahead: book a pre-paid taxi or ask your hotel to pick you up. Avoid unmarked cabs at the airport.

When to Go

Beach weather in India runs from October to March. That’s when the humidity drops, the skies are clear, and the sea is calm. April to June? Too hot. July to September? Monsoon. Even in peak season, book your flights early. Airlines raise prices 30-50% during holidays like Diwali and Christmas.

For the quietest beaches, aim for November or February. You’ll get better rates, fewer crowds, and clearer water. If you’re going to the Andamans, avoid January-it’s the busiest month, and ferries fill up fast.

Final Tip: Pack Smart

You don’t need much for a beach trip in India. Sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and a quick-dry towel are essentials. Most beaches don’t have shops, so bring snacks and water. Don’t rely on ATMs near the beach-they’re often out of cash. Carry enough rupees for taxis, food, and small purchases.

And if you’re flying into a small airport like Jajpur or Pondicherry, check baggage limits. Some regional flights allow only 15 kg. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not lugging a heavy suitcase to the shore.