How to Reach Gujarat: Flights, Trains and Road Routes

Most travellers reach Gujarat through Ahmedabad, which has the state's busiest airport and fast trains from Mumbai in about six hours. From there, fly or drive to Bhuj for the Rann of Kutch, to Rajkot or Keshod for Gir, Somnath and Dwarka, and to Vadodara for the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar.

Gujarat is large, and its highlights are far apart: the white salt desert of Kutch, the lions of Gir, the temple towns on the Saurashtra coast and the heritage of Ahmedabad. Choosing the right gateway for each region saves long drives. This guide explains the options by air, rail and road, and the drive times between the main places.

The short answer

By air

Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has flights from every major Indian city and some international ones. Vadodara and Surat serve central and south Gujarat. Rajkot serves Saurashtra, Bhuj serves Kutch, and Jamnagar, Porbandar, Keshod and Diu have limited flights. Flying into one region and out of another avoids long return drives.

By train

Gujarat is well connected by rail. Vande Bharat and Shatabdi trains link Mumbai with Surat, Vadodara and Ahmedabad in about five and a half to six and a half hours. Overnight trains reach Ahmedabad from Delhi, and Bhuj, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Veraval and Somnath from Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Ekta Nagar station serves the Statue of Unity.

By road

Roads in Gujarat are generally good. Ahmedabad to Bhuj takes about six to seven hours, Ahmedabad to Rajkot about four hours, and Ahmedabad to Vadodara about two hours on the expressway. From Udaipur in Rajasthan, Ahmedabad is about four and a half to five hours. Gujarat State Road Transport and private buses link all major towns.

Drive times between key places

From other cities

Ahmedabad has non-stop flights from Delhi in about an hour and a half, from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata in two to two and a half hours, and from many smaller cities. From Delhi, Rajdhani and other overnight trains reach Ahmedabad by morning. From Mumbai, frequent trains and flights make Gujarat an easy long weekend. Travellers heading straight to Kutch or Saurashtra can often fly to Bhuj or Rajkot via Mumbai or Delhi.

Reaching Kutch and the craft villages

Bhuj is the base for Kutch. From there, the craft villages of Bhujodi, Nirona and Hodka are within an hour or two, and Dhordo and the White Rann about one and a half to two hours north. Mandvi, on the coast, is about an hour south of Bhuj. Distances are long and public transport is limited, so a car and driver is the practical choice.

Pilgrim routes

Somnath and Dwarka, two of Gujarat's most important temples, lie on the Saurashtra coast about five hours apart. Somnath is reached via Veraval station or Keshod airport, and Dwarka via its own station or Jamnagar airport. The Ambaji and Pavagadh temples are closer to Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

Matching the route to the trip

Reaching Gir

Sasan Gir, the base for the Gir National Park, is the only place in the wild where Asiatic lions live. Safari permits are limited and booked through the official Gir booking site, often weeks ahead in winter. Stay in or near Sasan so that you can reach the gate for early morning safaris. The Devalia interpretation zone offers a shorter, more assured way to see lions if core permits are sold out.

Getting around

A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to cover Gujarat's long distances, especially in Kutch and Saurashtra. In Ahmedabad, the metro, BRTS buses, autorickshaws and app cabs work well, and the old city is best explored on a guided heritage walk. Our Ahmedabad: Heritage, Handcraft and History includes guided walks, and Timeless Textile Traditions of Gujarat visits craft villages in Kutch.

Your first day

In Ahmedabad, start with the Sabarmati Ashram and an evening at Manek Chowk's food stalls, and keep the old city heritage walk for an early morning. In Bhuj, rest and visit the Aina Mahal before driving to the White Rann for sunset or a full-moon night.

Season and booking

November to February is the most comfortable time for Kutch, Gir and the coast. Navratri in autumn brings garba nights across the state and very full hotels. Gir's core safari zone usually closes during the monsoon, from mid-June to mid-October. Summers are very hot. Read our month-by-month guide before booking.

Travelling with parents

Gujarat suits older travellers well, with good roads and vegetarian food everywhere. Break the long Kutch drive with a stop, or fly to Bhuj. Temple towns such as Somnath and Dwarka can be crowded at festival times, so visit early.

For couples

Couples often combine a night in the Rann tent city with Bhuj's crafts, or a coastal drive from Somnath to Diu. Our Gujarat's Regal Heritage Expedition adds palace stays.

Budget options

Trains and state buses are inexpensive, and overnight trains to Bhuj and Somnath save a hotel night. Gujarat is a vegetarian-friendly state where thalis are good value.

Practical tips

Gujarat has prohibition, so alcohol is restricted. Carry ID for permits and safaris. Read our 7-day Gujarat itinerary and Gujarat planning guide to plan the rest of your trip.

A BagPackerMe planner can arrange the whole journey privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the best way to reach the Rann of Kutch?

Fly or take a train to Bhuj, then drive about one and a half to two hours to Dhordo and the White Rann. From Ahmedabad, the drive to Bhuj takes about six to seven hours.

How do I reach Gir National Park?

Sasan Gir is about two to three hours by road from Rajkot or Junagadh, and closer to Keshod's small airport. Book lion safari permits through the official Gir booking site well ahead.

How long does it take from Mumbai to Ahmedabad by train?

Fast trains such as the Vande Bharat and Shatabdi take roughly five and a half to six and a half hours. Flights take about an hour and a quarter.

How do I reach the Statue of Unity?

The Statue of Unity is at Ekta Nagar, near Kevadia, about two hours by road from Vadodara. Ekta Nagar also has a railway station with trains from Ahmedabad, Vadodara and other cities.