Ahmedabad to Somnath Distance: Routes, Time and Travel Guide

Ahmedabad is Gujarat's largest city and main gateway, so it is where most journeys to the first Jyotirlinga begin. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, covers the Ahmedabad to Somnath distance and the reverse, the route options, the travel time and every way to make the journey, by car, train, bus and air.

Ahmedabad to Somnath distance and travel time

The Ahmedabad to Somnath distance is approximately 425 km by the main road and the drive takes around 7 hours by car under normal conditions. The fastest route runs via the new Ahmedabad to Dholera Expressway and NH 51, heading south and then west across Saurashtra towards the coast. Actual times vary with traffic, road works and the number of breaks you take, so on this longer route it is best to allow a full day or to break the journey overnight if you prefer a relaxed pace. Ahmedabad sits in the north of Gujarat and Somnath on the far southern coast of Saurashtra, which is why the two are a substantial drive apart, though the new expressway has cut the time noticeably compared with a few years ago.

Ahmedabad to Somnath route options

There are three main ways to drive from Ahmedabad to Somnath, differing in the roads used and the time taken:

The Dholera Expressway with NH 51 is the quickest route and the one most drivers now use. The NH 47 route is slightly shorter in distance but a little slower and is a useful alternative if there are diversions. For most journeys the first route is the best choice.

Somnath to Ahmedabad distance

The return journey, the Somnath to Ahmedabad distance, is about 425 km in roughly 7 hours via NH 51 and the Dholera Expressway. The route options for the reverse direction are:

The NH 51 with the Dholera Expressway is the fastest way back, at around 7 hours. The NH151 route is a little shorter in distance, about 405 km, but takes longer on slower roads. For speed and comfort, the expressway corridor is the best option in both directions.

How to travel from Ahmedabad to Somnath

There are several ways to cover the Ahmedabad to Somnath route, so you can choose what suits your budget and comfort:

Ahmedabad to Somnath by road

Driving is a popular way to reach Somnath from Ahmedabad and the new Dholera Expressway has made the route faster and smoother than before. The road heads south from Ahmedabad, then west across Saurashtra, passing towns like Bagodara, Rajkot or Junagadh depending on the route, before reaching Veraval and Somnath on the coast. A private car with a driver is the most comfortable choice on this long drive; a Somnath Dwarka taxi service can arrange this. Self-drive is also fine on these well-marked highways, with plentiful fuel stations, dhabas and rest stops along the way.

Ahmedabad to Somnath by train

Ahmedabad is a major railway hub and direct trains run to Somnath and the nearby Veraval station, about 7 km from the temple. The rail journey typically takes around 8 to 10 hours depending on the service, with convenient overnight options that let you sleep on the way and arrive fresh. Trains are an economical and comfortable choice, especially for the long distance, so they are popular with pilgrims; check the timetable and book ahead in the peak season. Somnath's own station sits close to the temple, so you can be at your hotel within minutes of arriving.

Ahmedabad to Somnath by bus

State-run GSRTC buses and private operators run frequently between Ahmedabad and Somnath, taking around 8 to 10 hours by road. Options range from ordinary and express buses to more comfortable air-conditioned Volvo and sleeper services on the private side, including overnight buses. Buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel and run through the day and night, making them convenient, though a car or train is more comfortable for the long journey.

Ahmedabad to Somnath by air

Somnath does not have its own airport, so most air travellers fly from Ahmedabad to a nearer airport and then drive. The options are the small airport at Keshod, about 45 km from Somnath, Diu, about 90 km away and Rajkot, from where it is about a 3 hour 40 minute road transfer. Since Ahmedabad itself is a major airport, some travellers fly in there and then continue by road, train or a connecting flight. For all the arrival options, see our guide on how to reach Somnath.

Places to see on the way from Ahmedabad to Somnath

The long drive passes several worthwhile stops if you have time:

• Rajkot: the largest city in Saurashtra, a good place to break the journey for a meal or an overnight halt.

• Junagadh: the fort city at the foot of Girnar, with the Uparkot fort and the Junagadh Girnar temples and the gateway to Gir.

• Virpur and Gondal: the Jalaram temple at Virpur and the palaces of Gondal make pleasant detours on the Rajkot route.

Ahmedabad to Somnath via Rajkot, Junagadh and Gir

Because the route crosses Saurashtra, many travellers turn the Ahmedabad to Somnath drive into a richer journey. You can break at Rajkot, climb Girnar from Junagadh or detour to Gir for a lion safari before continuing to the coast. Done this way, the long transfer becomes part of a wider Saurashtra tour rather than a single tiring drive. If you plan to add these, allow an extra day or two and consider an overnight stop.

Why start your Somnath trip from Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad is Gujarat's largest city and its main gateway, with the state's busiest airport, a major railway hub and excellent road links, which is why so many Somnath trips begin here. From Ahmedabad you can reach Somnath in about 7 hours by road or overnight by train and the city also connects easily to Dwarka, Gir and the Rann of Kutch, making it the natural start of a wider Gujarat tour. The city itself is worth a day for its old town, Sabarmati Ashram and food before you head to the coast.

Best time to make the trip

The best time to travel from Ahmedabad to Somnath is the cooler season, October to March, when the long drive is pleasant and Somnath is at its best, in line with the best time to visit Gujarat. Avoid the peak summer, when the heat makes the long journey tiring and take extra care during the monsoon, when rain can slow the roads. For a road trip, an early start or an overnight train is ideal, letting you reach Somnath with time to settle in before the evening aarti, timed as in our Somnath temple timings.

Tips for the Ahmedabad to Somnath journey

A few pointers make the long trip smoother:

• For the road trip, start early or consider an overnight halt at Rajkot to split the long drive comfortably.

• Use the Dholera Expressway and NH 51 route for the fastest, smoothest overall journey.

• Consider an overnight train, which covers the long distance while you sleep and arrives fresh in the morning.

• Carry water and snacks for the long drive, though fuel stops and dhabas are plentiful on the highways.

• Break the drive at Rajkot or Junagadh and add Girnar or a Gir safari if you have the time.

• Book trains and buses well ahead in the peak winter and festival season.

Ahmedabad to Somnath at a glance

Plan your Somnath trip from Ahmedabad

Once in Somnath, the Jyotirlinga darshan, the evening aarti, Bhalka Tirth and the Triveni Sangam await. Follow our Somnath itinerary for a ready plan, book Somnath Dwarka hotels near the temple and let the Experience My India Somnath Dwarka tour packages or a Somnath Dwarka tour by car handle the Ahmedabad pickup, the drive and the whole itinerary, so you can relax and focus on the darshan.

Related guides

To plan the rest of your trip, these Experience My India guides help:

Plan your journey

Experience My India can arrange your Ahmedabad to Somnath transfer and the whole trip. Browse more travel guides, message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73006 20809.