Delhi to Gir Distance: Flight, Train and Road Guide

Gir National Park, the last home of the Asiatic lion, lies deep in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, a long way from Delhi, so reaching it takes planning. The driving distance from Delhi to Gir is approximately 1,373 km along the fastest route via the Ahmedabad to Udaipur Highway. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, breaks down every way to make the trip, by air, by train and by road, with distances, times and practical advice, so you can choose the best way to reach Gir from Delhi for your lion safari.

Delhi to Gir distance at a glance

By air: the fastest way

Because driving takes the best part of a full day, flying is the fastest and most popular approach for travellers from Delhi. There is no airport at Gir itself, so you fly from Delhi, airport code DEL, to one of the nearest operational hubs, Rajkot Airport, code HSR or Diu Airport, code DIU and then drive the remaining stretch. From Rajkot, Gir is about 160 km away, roughly a three and a half to four hour drive, while from Diu it is only about 75 km, around a two-hour drive, making Diu the closer fly-in point when flights are available. Flying turns a journey that would otherwise take a day or more by road into a trip of a couple of hours in the air plus a short onward drive, so it is the recommended option for anyone who wants to reach the park quickly and begin their safari fresh.

By train: direct to Rajkot or Junagadh

Gir is well served by rail and you can take a direct train from Delhi to Rajkot Junction or to Junagadh Junction, such as the Uttaranchal Express. Junagadh is the more convenient railhead for the park, as from there Gir National Park is only about 60 km away and easily reached by taxi or local bus. This makes the train a comfortable and economical option for the long journey from Delhi, especially for those who prefer rail to a long drive or a flight-plus-transfer. The onward leg from Junagadh is short and straightforward and our Junagadh to Gir distance guide covers it. As the direct trains are popular, it is wise to book well in advance.

By road: the drive

Driving from Delhi to Gir is a long haul of around 1,373 km and roughly 23 hours, so it is best split over two days with an overnight stop, commonly around Udaipur or Ahmedabad. The main route options are:

The Ahmedabad to Udaipur Highway route is the fastest at around 23 hours, closely matched by the NE 4 route, while the slightly shorter NH 754A takes longer at about 27 hours. Because of the distance and driving time, a road trip really suits those who want to see places along the way, such as Udaipur in Rajasthan or are travelling as a group with a hired vehicle and driver. For most travellers heading straight to a Gir safari, flying or taking a direct train is more practical than the long two-day drive.

Which option should you choose?

For most travellers from Delhi, flying is the quickest choice: a flight to Rajkot or Diu plus a short drive saves a day or more over the road and leaves you fresh for an early safari. The direct train to Junagadh is an excellent and economical alternative for those who enjoy rail travel, with only a 60 km onward hop to the park. Driving the whole way suits road-trip enthusiasts or groups who want to break the journey in Rajasthan and have the days to spare. A common plan is to fly or train into Gujarat and then use a hire car or local transport for the park and the wider Saurashtra coast, combining the speed of the long-distance leg with the flexibility of a car once you are in the region.

Planning your Gir safari

However you arrive, a Gir visit needs a little planning, above all for the safari, which must be booked in advance. Our Gir safari booking online guide explains the permit process, our Gir National Park timings guide covers the safari slots and seasons and our how to plan a Gir tour guide helps structure the trip. To understand the star attraction, see our guide to the Asiatic lion and for an easier wildlife experience the Devalia Safari Park is a good option. For somewhere to stay, see our where to stay in Sasan Gir and resorts near Sasan Gir guides.

Combining Gir with the Saurashtra coast

Gir sits within easy reach of the rest of Saurashtra, so travellers making the long trip from Delhi usually combine it with the region's temple towns. The great temple of Somnath is a short drive from the park, as covered in our Somnath to Gir distance guide, Krishna's city of Dwarka is up the coast and the heritage city of Junagadh and Girnar is right beside the park. The island of Diu, a likely fly-in point, is close by too, per our Diu to Gir distance guide. Folding these in makes the long journey from Delhi far more rewarding.

Tips for the Delhi to Gir journey

A few pointers help you plan the trip:

• For speed, fly from Delhi to Rajkot or Diu, then drive to Gir, about 160 km or 75 km respectively.

• Diu is the closer fly-in point when flights are available, at only about 75 km and a two-hour drive from Gir.

• By train, take a direct service to Junagadh Junction, from where Gir is only about 60 km by taxi or bus.

• If driving, favour the Ahmedabad to Udaipur Highway or NE 4, budget for tolls and split the trip over two days.

• Book your Gir safari permit well in advance, as slots are limited and sell out, especially in peak season.

• Note that Gir is closed in the monsoon, roughly mid-June to mid-October, so plan your travel dates around the season.

• Combine Gir with Somnath, Junagadh, Dwarka and Diu to make the long trip from Delhi more worthwhile.

Plan your Gir trip

Experience My India can plan your trip to Gir from Delhi, advising on the best flight, train and road combination, arranging transfers from Rajkot, Diu or Junagadh, the safari booking and a well-paced itinerary of the Saurashtra coast. Our Somnath Dwarka tour packages and wider Gujarat tour packages can take in Gir, Somnath and Dwarka together, with a stay at well-placed hotels and comfortable local transport.

Related guides

To plan your journey to Gir and the region, these related guides help:

Plan your visit

Experience My India can arrange your Gir trip and wider Saurashtra journey. Browse more travel guides, message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73006 20809.