Dabolim Airport to Panjim is roughly 30 km / 35–45 minutes via the Zuari / Atal Setu corridor, depending on traffic.

Collect your self drive car at GOI (fastest) or request Panjim hotel delivery. Panaji is the same city — both spellings are used in search.

Driving notes

A hatchback is easier in Fontainhas and around Market Circle
Use paid lots at Patto Plaza or Market Circle; do not block Latin Quarter lanes
Old Goa churches are about 10 km from the capital — easy the same afternoon

If your trip is Panjim-heavy but you fly GOI, you still want car rental in Dabolim as the pickup, then drive north. That is cheaper than hoping for a dedicated “Panjim only” counter at the airport.

Book the drive with your hotel name if you want delivery instead of GOI meet-and-greet.