Madgaon Express: Route, Timings, and Everything You Need to Know

If you are planning to travel from Mumbai to Goa, Madgaon Express is one of the best trains to take. No, we are not talking about the movie Madgaon Express, but the actual train on which this popular movie was named. This train also runs parallely on the Goa to Mumbai train route as well. The train number for LTT (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) to Madgaon is 11099 while the train number for Madgaon to LTT stands at 11100.

Whether you are travelling from Mumbai to Goa or vice versa, Madgaon Express can handle both seamlessly. There is a Vande Bharat that runs on this route as well, but for the passengers who want the comfort and cosiness of the sleeper berths prefer Madgaon express over the chair cars of Vande Bharat trains.

Madgaon Express runs 4 days a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It covers a distance of 750 kilometres in about 11 hours. For the Mumbai folks who want to enjoy the beaches of South Goa, this is one of the most exciting travel options.

Passengers often enquire about the train timings, seat availability, ticket confirmation chances and live train status of this train. In this blog we will discuss in detail the train timings and other services related to this train.

Quick Overview: Madgaon Express (11099/11100)

Madgaon Express Route and Stops

This train passes through the Konkan coast before completing their journey. In total, there are 12 stations out of which the journey between Roha and Ratnagiri is the most scenic one. You would get to see stunning tunnels, bridges and sea views. In this train route the metaphor that “the journey is more important than the destination” comes out 100% true.

As we had explained before, the Madgaon Express has a return train as well. Therefore we have discussed the train timings of both the routes of this train. Have a look:

Route Table: Train No. 11099 (Mumbai LTT to Madgaon)

Note: Timings can shift slightly during the monsoon season. Always cross-check live train status before travel.

Route Table: Train No. 11100 (Madgaon to Mumbai LTT)

Key Stations on the Route

Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai: LTT is the first station of the Madgaon Express in the Up route. This is one of the busiest stations of Mumbai with many long distances starting from here. If you have booked the train on weekends then there is an extra rush and passengers are advised to reach the stations half-an-hour early. If you are carrying lots of luggages with you, then please check the Platform Number on which the train will halt. Sometimes the train changes the platform number at the last minute. Use live train running status to track the platform number of the train.

Ratnagiri: Ratnagiri is the station with the longest halt making it the best station to receive you r train food order. This station is famous for its mangoes. During the mango season from February to May, you can see vendors selling Alphonso mangoes, kokum sherbet, and some local Konkan snacks. Have some cash at your disposal as some vendors may not have the option of UPI payment.

Thivim: Thivim is an interesting station for the route, especially if you are travelling to North Goa.Technically it is in Goa, but passengers think Madgaon is the final station. Thivim is actually a better stop than Madgaon if you are planning to travel in North Goa. Places like Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, or Mapusa are much closer from here than from Madgaon. If you book a can from Thivim it will take you less money than if you do the same from Madgaon station.

Madgaon Junction (MAO) : Madgaon Junction is the final stop in this train in the Up route. For the down route this is your Origin station. There are services such as Escalators and  Battery operated cars. End of the line for this train. Platform 1 has escalators and golf carts for elderly passengers. They can also avail the services of a waiting area made especially for women and an AC lounge. Autos and cabs are easily available and you have to hustle over them.

Train Timings and Schedule

Outbound: Mumbai LTT to Madgaon (Train 11099)

• Departs LTT: 00:45 AM
• Arrives Madgaon: 11:55 AM
• Days: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

The midnight departure is actually one of this train’s best features. You sleep through most of the journey and wake up somewhere around Ratnagiri with the coastal scenery kicking in. By the time you reach Madgaon, it is just five minutes away from noon.

Return: Madgaon to Mumbai LTT (Train 11100)

• Departs Madgaon: 12:30 PM
• Arrives LTT: 11:45 PM
• Days: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

The return journey is a daytime run, which means you actually get to see the Konkan coast in full light. The stretch around Khed and Chiplun is particularly good for views if you have a window seat on the left side heading back to Mumbai.

Seat Classes and Fare Details

The Madgaon Express runs a standard Mail/Express rake. The interiors are not fancy, but the coaches are functional and well-used. Here is what is available and roughly what it costs for the full LTT–MAO stretch:

Sleeper is the most popular berth here, as it is for any train in the country. Just 450 bucks and you can reach Goa from Mumbai. Due to this rush these tickets fill up first. Weekend trains on Fridays and Sundays are under extra demand. Don’t wait for the last minute and book tickets early. The ARP opens 60 days before departure. Keep Tatkal as the last minute option.

Passengers can check the train seat availability live with RailMitra. Those who don’t want to start booking tickets yet, this service provides a quick way to see if the seats are available for the booking or not. 

Food Options on Madgaon Express

One thing worth knowing upfront about this train is that although there is a pantry car in this train, nobody wants to have the same Veg Thali, which was prepared 2 days ago. Especially when you are going from Mumbai to Goal. You cannot trust their quality. So, pantry food and station vendors are out of the scope.

What actually works well here is ordering through RailMitra’s e-catering service. RailMitra works with over 2,500 FSSAI-certified restaurants and delivers food directly to your seat at your designated station stop. The system tracks the train’s live position, so the vendor times the delivery to meet you when the train pulls in and the food usually arrives hot.

On the Konkan route, the options are worth ordering in advance rather than just picking up random platform food:

• Ratnagiri stop: Maharashtrian thali, Puran Poli, local Konkan snacks
• Madgaon segment: Goan-style vegetable thali
• Dietary options: Pure veg, Jain meals (no onion/garlic), and non-veg are all available

To order: use the RailMitra app or the website at RailMitra.com. Enter your PNR, pick your station, and choose your meal. If you place a group booking above the price value of ₹2000, there is a 20% discount right now. Just use the code GROUP20 at checkout. 

How to Check PNR Status and Live Train Running Status

Although there are a lot of information that makes a train journey more suitable for the travellers, checking the live train status and whether your booking has been confirmed or not, takes the top spot in terms of importance. Let’s discuss them one by one:

Live Running Status:Passengers can use RailMitra’s live train running status to track the actual location of the train. With this service, passengers can track the actual arrival time of the train, expected duration of the journey and even the platform number on which the train will halt. This is useful specifically on this route because the Konkan section has patches of low mobile network,  knowing the ETA in advance helps you coordinate pickup or connection.

PNR Status: Passengers can also check their PNR Status or booking status with the help of RailMitra. PNR Number is a unique 10-digit number that provides the live status of your booking. If you have received a waiting list ticket, this service tells you whether you should wait for the confirmation or should cancel it for a ticket on another train. RailMitra also provides you with PNR Prediction feature that will help you in decision making.

Travel Tips Worth Actually Knowing

Window seat, right side (LTT to MAO): The Konkan coast scenery, sea glimpses, river crossings, the 91 tunnels, all of these are better experienced if you travel on the right side of the train. When travelling from Mumbai to Goa. Reverse the side, i.e., try to get a seat on the left side if you are travelling from Goa to Mumbai.

Power banks over sockets: The power outlets in the coaches work, but the current fluctuates. Charging a laptop or expensive device directly carries some risk. A good power bank is just safer on this route.

The wake-up alarm trick: For the return journey (11100 arrives LTT at 11:45 PM), SMS your PNR to 139, select the option for destination alert/wake-up and the system calls you 30 minutes before your destination.This is especially helpful if your train reaches the outboarding station at night time.

Thivim vs Madgaon:Passengers who want to head on to North Goa should deboard at Thivim (THVM) instead of the famous Madgaon station (MAO). You can reach Panaji, Calangute, and Candolim from Thivim with the help of many taxis, autos or cabs. Many people miss this small fact and regret after deboarding at the Madgaon railway station.

Monsoon schedule changes: Between June and September the schedule can shift by 10–20 minutes at certain stations due to track speed restrictions on the Konkan route. Check the current time table on RailMitra before travelling during the monsoon months.

Conclusion

The Madgaon Express is not the fastest train that runs from Mumbai to Goa and the reverse route. However, it is certainly one of the most popular trains running in this route. You can board this train at midnight and you are in Goa before noon. With ticket fair for Sleeper class being below ₹500, there can’t be a better way to reach Goa than this

Passengers who want to keep track of the train and booking status can use RailMitra’s live train status and PNR status look up services. These services will make you better prepared and will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Konkan Coast with a peaceful heart and a calm mind.

FAQs for Madgaon Express

Q: Is the Madgaon Express a daily train?
A: No, Madgaon Express is not a daily train. It runs four days a week: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Q: Which platform does the Madgaon Express depart from at LTT?
A: Platform numbers at LTT are announced closer to departure. Arrive at least 30 minutes early and check the display boards. You can also check the RailMitra live status tool for the expected platform closer to the departure time.

Q: What is the best class to book on this train for a comfortable overnight trip?
A: If you want, budget with comfort, go for 3AC. If you want a price stealer, go for Sleeper coaches. If you want the best services, go for 1AC.

Q: How early should I book tickets for a weekend trip to Goa?
A: Train bookings start 60 days before the departure. If you have to travel on some special occasions or are booking at a high stress time like Weekends and festivals,

Q: Is there any alternative if the Madgaon Express is fully waitlisted?
A: Yes, there are many other alternatives to Madgaon Express, These include trains like Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (22229), Amritsar – Kochuveli Superfast Express (12484), Mandovi Express (10103), Netravati Express (16345), Matsyagandha Express (12619), etc.

Q: Can I track the Madgaon Express live?
A: Yes, you can easily track Madgaon express live running status with RailMitra website as well as application. Just select the service and enter your train number or name.