Bhavnagar to Somnath Distance: Routes, Time and Travel Guide

Bhavnagar, a major city on the eastern coast of Saurashtra, connects to the first Jyotirlinga by a pleasant coastal drive. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, covers the Bhavnagar 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.

Bhavnagar to Somnath distance and travel time

The Bhavnagar to Somnath distance is about 265 km by the fastest road and the drive takes around 4 hours 12 minutes by car under normal conditions. The quickest route runs via NH 51, the coastal highway that follows the Saurashtra shore south and west towards Veraval and Somnath. Actual times vary with traffic, road works and the number of breaks you take, so allow around half a day for the journey, with a stop or two along the coast. It is a comfortable medium-length drive that traces the eastern and southern edges of the Saurashtra peninsula, from the Gulf of Khambhat coast near Bhavnagar round to the Arabian Sea shore at Somnath.

Bhavnagar to Somnath route options

There are two main ways to drive from Bhavnagar to Somnath, both hugging the coast for most of the way:

The NH 51 route is the fastest and most direct at about 265 km, taking around 4 hours 12 minutes along the coastal highway. The route via GJ SH 101 and NH 51 is only slightly longer and a useful alternative if there are diversions. For most journeys the main NH 51 route is the best choice, following the coast for a scenic drive past fishing towns, salt flats and open sea views on the way to the temple.

Somnath to Bhavnagar distance

The return journey, the Somnath to Bhavnagar distance, is the same by the main road, about 265 km in around 4 hours 9 minutes via NH 51. The route options for the reverse direction are:

As on the outward journey, the NH 51 route is the quickest at around 4 hours 9 minutes, while the route via GJ SH 101 is a little longer. For a smooth, direct drive, the coastal NH 51 highway is the best option in both directions between Bhavnagar and Somnath and a driver will normally take it each way unless road conditions on the day suggest otherwise.

How to travel from Bhavnagar to Somnath

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

Bhavnagar to Somnath by road

Driving is the most popular way to reach Somnath from Bhavnagar, thanks to the good NH 51 coastal highway. The road follows the Saurashtra shore south and west, passing coastal towns and beaches, before reaching Veraval and Somnath. A private car with a driver is the most comfortable choice, letting you set your own pace and stops; a Somnath Dwarka taxi service can arrange this. Self-drive is also fine on this well-marked route, with plentiful fuel stations, dhabas and rest stops and the coastal scenery makes for a pleasant drive across the peninsula. Experience My India can handle the Bhavnagar pickup and the whole drive, so you arrive at the coast rested and ready for darshan.

Bhavnagar to Somnath by train

Bhavnagar is a railway junction and trains run towards Veraval, the railhead about 7 km from Somnath, though often via Junagadh with a change or as a longer service. The rail journey typically takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on the route and connections. Somnath also has its own small station near the temple. Trains are an economical and comfortable option for those who prefer not to drive, though the road is faster and more direct, so check the timetable and connections and book ahead in the peak season. For many pilgrims, the car is the simpler choice given the direct coastal road, but an overnight or early train can suit those travelling light.

Bhavnagar to Somnath by bus

State-run GSRTC buses and private operators connect Bhavnagar with Somnath, taking around 5 to 6 hours by road along the coast. Options range from ordinary and express buses to more comfortable air-conditioned services on the private side. Buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel and run through the day, making them convenient, though a car is faster and more flexible if you are visiting several sites along the coast on the way to the temple, such as the Nishkalank Mahadev sea temple or Diu.

Bhavnagar to Somnath by air

Somnath does not have its own airport. The nearest is the small airport at Keshod, about 45 km away, with Diu, about 90 km away and Rajkot as wider options. Bhavnagar has its own airport too, though for a journey within Saurashtra most travellers simply drive or take a train rather than fly. If you are flying in from farther away, a flight to Diu followed by a short road transfer is a good way to reach Somnath. See our guide on how to reach Somnath for all the arrival options.

Places to see on the way from Bhavnagar to Somnath

The coastal drive passes some worthwhile stops if you have time:

• Nishkalank Mahadev: the famous sea temple at Koliyak beach near Bhavnagar, submerged at high tide, worth seeing before you set off.

• Diu: the former Portuguese island with beaches and a fort, near Somnath, an easy add-on to the coastal route.

• Somnath's own sights: Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Sangam at the end of the drive, as in our sightseeing places in Somnath.

Why travel from Bhavnagar to Somnath?

Bhavnagar is one of the major cities of Saurashtra, with an airport, a railway junction and good roads, so it is a convenient base for exploring the region and reaching the coast. From Bhavnagar you can drive to Somnath in around four hours, taking in the eastern coast, the famous Nishkalank Mahadev sea temple and the island of Diu along the way. It also connects onward to Gir and Dwarka, making it a useful starting point for a wider Saurashtra pilgrimage and wildlife tour. Bhavnagar itself, with its old town, Takhteshwar temple and the nearby Velavadar blackbuck sanctuary, is worth a little time before you head to the coast.

Best time to make the trip

The best time to travel from Bhavnagar to Somnath is the cooler season, October to March, when the coastal drive is pleasant and Somnath is at its best, in line with the best time to visit Gujarat. Avoid the peak summer, when the daytime heat can make the drive tiring and take extra care during the monsoon, when rain and rough seas can slow the coastal road. Early morning starts are ideal, letting you reach Somnath by afternoon and settle in before the evening aarti, timed as in our Somnath temple timings.

Tips for the Bhavnagar to Somnath journey

A few pointers make the trip smoother:

• Use the coastal NH 51 route for the fastest, most scenic and most direct drive to Somnath.

• See the Nishkalank Mahadev sea temple near Bhavnagar before setting off, checking the tide times, as it is only accessible at low tide.

• Consider adding Diu, near Somnath, for beaches and a Portuguese fort as a rewarding coastal add-on.

• Start early to reach Somnath in good time to rest before the evening aarti at the temple.

• Carry water and snacks for the drive, though fuel stops and dhabas are plentiful all along the route.

• Book trains and buses ahead in the peak winter and festival season, when they fill quickly.

Bhavnagar to Somnath at a glance

Plan your Somnath trip from Bhavnagar

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 Bhavnagar 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 related guides help:

Plan your journey

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