Diu to Dwarka Distance: Routes, Time and Travel Guide

Diu and Dwarka lie at opposite ends of the Saurashtra coast, so the journey between the former Portuguese island and Krishna's city is a scenic half-day drive, most often broken at Somnath. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, covers the Diu to Dwarka distance and the reverse, the route options, the travel time and how to make the journey.

Diu to Dwarka distance and travel time

The Diu to Dwarka distance is approximately 316 km by the fastest road and the drive takes around 5 hours 20 minutes by car under normal conditions. The quickest route runs via NH 51, the coastal highway that connects the two along the shore, passing near Somnath and Porbandar. Actual times vary with traffic, road works and the number of breaks you take, so allow a comfortable half to full day for the journey, ideally with a sightseeing stop along the way to break the drive. Because Diu sits near the southern tip of Saurashtra and Dwarka at its far western end, the two are a fair distance apart, but the coastal road keeps the drive scenic and mostly easy going.

Diu to Dwarka route options

There are three main ways to drive from Diu to Dwarka:

The NH 51 coastal route is the shortest and fastest and the one most drivers use, running near Somnath and Porbandar. The other routes are longer and slower, useful mainly if there are diversions. For most journeys the first route is the best choice.

Dwarka to Diu distance

The return journey, the Dwarka to Diu distance, is about 317 km in roughly 5 hours 15 minutes via NH 51. The route options for the reverse direction are:

The NH 51 route is again the quickest at around 5 hours 15 minutes, passing near Somnath and Porbandar. The route via NH 27 and NH 51 is a little longer and slower, so for speed and comfort the main coastal corridor is the best option in both directions.

How to travel from Diu to Dwarka

There are a few ways to cover the Diu to Dwarka route, so you can choose what suits you:

Diu to Dwarka by road

Driving is by far the best way to travel between Diu and Dwarka, as the NH 51 coastal highway is good and the route is scenic. The road runs along the Saurashtra shore, near Somnath, Porbandar and the sea for much of the way, making it a pleasant drive rather than just a transfer. A private car with a driver is the most comfortable and flexible choice, letting you break the journey at Somnath or Porbandar; a Somnath Dwarka taxi service can arrange this. Fuel stations, dhabas and rest stops are available along the coast.

Diu to Dwarka by bus

State-run and private buses connect Diu with Dwarka via the coastal route, usually taking around 7 to 8 hours with stops, longer than the direct drive and sometimes requiring a change at Veraval or Porbandar. Options range from ordinary to more comfortable services on the private side. Buses are budget-friendly and workable, but for this long coastal journey a car is faster, more comfortable and lets you sightsee along the way, so most visitors prefer a cab or a package.

Diu to Dwarka by train and air

There is no simple direct train between Diu and Dwarka, as the coast is best covered by road. Rail travellers usually go via Veraval, near Somnath and Okha, near Dwarka, with changes, which takes longer than driving. Diu has its own airport with limited flights and Dwarka is reached by road from the nearby airports at Jamnagar and Porbandar. For all the ways to reach Krishna's city, see our guide on how to reach Dwarka.

Break the journey at Somnath and Porbandar

The great advantage of the Diu to Dwarka drive is what lies in between. Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga, is right on the route and the natural place to break the journey, so many travellers spend a night there for the darshan and the evening aarti. Further along, Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is another worthwhile stop. Rather than rushing the drive in one go, most visitors turn it into a coastal pilgrimage, taking in Somnath and Porbandar between the island and Dwarka.

Things to see in Dwarka

At the Dwarka end, the highlights come thick and fast. Take darshan at the Dwarkadhish temple, the Jagat Mandir, take a holy dip at Gomti Ghat and cross to Bet Dwarka, Krishna's island. Nearby lie the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, the Rukmini Devi temple and the Blue Flag beach at Shivrajpur. Our Dwarka city guide covers the whole town.

Things to see in Diu

Coming the other way, Diu is a relaxed island getaway with plenty to enjoy:

• Diu Fort: the grand seventeenth-century Portuguese sea fort, with cannons and lighthouse views.

• St Paul's Church: a beautiful old Portuguese church, one of the finest in the region.

• Naida Caves: a maze of atmospheric rock caves and passages, great for photography.

• Nagoa and Ghoghla beaches: clean, palm-fringed beaches for a swim, water sports or a relaxed evening.

• Gangeshwar Mahadev: a Shiva temple with lingams washed by the sea waves, a serene stop.

Why combine Diu and Dwarka?

Diu and Dwarka bookend the Saurashtra coast and with Somnath in between, the three make one of India's most rewarding coastal circuits. Dwarka and Somnath bring the spiritual heart, Krishna's city and the first Jyotirlinga, while Diu adds beaches, a Portuguese fort and a laid-back island vibe. Travelling the coast from one to the other, you experience the full range of the region, from deep devotion to seaside relaxation, in a few unhurried days.

Best time to make the trip

The best time to travel between Diu and Dwarka is the cooler season, October to March, when the coastal weather is pleasant for the long drive and the beaches, in line with the best time to visit Gujarat. The monsoon, June to September, brings a green coast but rough seas and slower roads, while summer can be hot and humid. For the beaches of Diu and the temples of Dwarka and Somnath, the winter months are ideal and are also the peak pilgrimage season, so book ahead.

Suggested plan for Diu, Somnath and Dwarka

A common and comfortable way to cover the coast:

• Day 1: explore Diu, the fort, church, caves and a beach and stay overnight.

• Day 2: drive to Somnath, break for darshan and the evening aarti and stay the night.

• Day 3: continue to Dwarka via Porbandar and see the Dwarkadhish temple.

• Day 4: Bet Dwarka, Nageshwar and the nearby sights around Dwarka.

You can compress or extend this to suit your time. See our Somnath itinerary for ready plans.

Tips for the Diu to Dwarka journey

A few pointers make the long coastal trip smoother:

• Travel by car or taxi for the easiest, most scenic drive along the coast.

• Stick to the NH 51 coastal route for the fastest, most direct and scenic journey.

• Break the drive at Somnath and ideally stay a night there for the darshan and the evening aarti.

• Carry a photo ID, as Diu is a separate union territory with occasional checks at the border.

• Start early to reach Dwarka in good time for the evening aarti and carry water for the drive.

• Book stays ahead in the winter peak and around festivals and long weekends.

Diu to Dwarka at a glance

Plan your Dwarka and Diu trip

Experience My India can build Diu, Somnath and Dwarka into one smooth coastal trip, with darshan, the drive, stays and sightseeing handled. Book Somnath Dwarka hotels near the temples, explore the Somnath Dwarka tour packages and add a Gir lion safari for a fuller Saurashtra journey. A Somnath Dwarka tour by car makes the whole coastal route effortless.

Related guides

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

Plan your journey

Experience My India can arrange your Diu to Dwarka trip and the coastal transfer with a Somnath stop. Browse more travel guides, message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73006 20809.