Rajkot to Dwarka Distance: Routes, Time and Travel Guide

Rajkot is the gateway most travellers use to reach the western coast of Saurashtra, so the road to Dwarka is one of the busiest pilgrimage routes in Gujarat. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, covers the Rajkot to Dwarka distance and the reverse, the route options, the travel time and every way to make the journey, by car, train, bus and air.

Rajkot to Dwarka distance and travel time

The Rajkot to Dwarka distance is approximately 235 km by the fastest road and the drive takes around 3 hours 56 minutes to 4 hours by car under normal conditions. The quickest route runs via NH 151A, the main highway that connects Rajkot to Jamnagar and on to Dwarka. Actual times vary with traffic, road works and the number of breaks you take, so allow a comfortable half day for the journey with stops. Rajkot sits roughly in the centre of the Saurashtra peninsula and Dwarka at its far western tip, which is why the two are a few hours apart and the well-built national highway keeps the drive smooth and predictable for most of the way.

Rajkot to Dwarka route options

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

The NH 151A route is the fastest and the one most drivers use, passing through Jamnagar and Khambhalia on good highway. The other two are useful alternatives if there are diversions or heavy traffic on the main road, but for most journeys the first route is the best choice.

Dwarka to Rajkot distance

The return journey, the Dwarka to Rajkot distance, is naturally the same by the main road, about 235 km in roughly 4 hours via NH 151A. The route options for the reverse direction are:

Note that the GJ SH 6 route is slightly shorter in distance, about 223 km, but takes noticeably longer, over 5 hours, as it uses smaller state-highway roads. For speed and comfort, NH 151A remains the best option in both directions.

How to travel from Rajkot to Dwarka

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

Rajkot to Dwarka by road

Driving is the most popular way to reach Dwarka from Rajkot, thanks to the good NH 151A highway. The road runs west through Jamnagar, the brass city and Khambhalia before reaching Dwarka on the coast. 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 straightforward on this well-marked route. Fuel stations, dhabas and rest stops are plentiful along the way, so you will not be stuck for a break or a meal. The terrain is largely flat and open, typical of Saurashtra, so the drive is easy going and with an early start you can comfortably reach Dwarka by lunchtime with a stop or two.

Rajkot to Dwarka by train

Rajkot is a major junction on the Western Railway and several trains run towards Dwarka and Okha via Jamnagar and Khambhalia. The rail journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours depending on the service and Dwarka has its own railway station close to the temple. Trains are an economical and comfortable option, especially for solo travellers and those who prefer not to drive, though there are fewer of them than buses, so check the timetable and book ahead in the peak season.

Rajkot to Dwarka by bus

State-run GSRTC buses and private operators run frequently between Rajkot and Dwarka, taking around 5 to 6 hours by road via Jamnagar. Options range from ordinary and express buses to more comfortable air-conditioned and sleeper 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.

Rajkot to Dwarka by air

Dwarka does not have its own airport, so the nearest options are Jamnagar, about 130 km away and Porbandar, with Rajkot's own airport a common arrival point for those flying into Saurashtra. Many travellers fly into Rajkot, then continue to Dwarka by road, about a 4 hour transfer. From wherever you land, a car transfer completes the journey; see our guide on how to reach Dwarka for all the arrival options.

Places to see on the way from Rajkot to Dwarka

The drive passes some worthwhile stops if you have time:

• Jamnagar: about 90 km from Rajkot, known for its brass industry, the Lakhota lake and palace and old temples.

• Khambhalia: a small town on the highway, a handy point for a tea or meal break.

• Nageshwar and Bet Dwarka: near Dwarka at the end of the drive, easily added once you arrive, as in our Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Bet Dwarka guides.

Why start your Dwarka trip from Rajkot?

Rajkot is the largest city in Saurashtra and a natural gateway to the region, with an airport, a major railway junction and good road links, which is why so many Dwarka trips begin here. From Rajkot you are within about 4 hours of Dwarka and the city also connects easily to Somnath and Gir, so it makes a convenient base or starting point for a wider Saurashtra pilgrimage and wildlife tour. Arriving in Rajkot and driving out to the coast is one of the most common ways to plan the trip. The city itself has good hotels, restaurants and shopping, so it is a comfortable place to spend a night on arrival or before departure and its central position means no single leg of a Saurashtra tour is more than a few hours away.

Rajkot to Dwarka and Somnath together

Many pilgrims arriving in Rajkot want to cover both great temples of Saurashtra in one trip. A common plan is to drive from Rajkot to Dwarka first, about 235 km, spend a day or two on the Dwarka circuit, then head down the coast to Somnath, roughly 230 km further, before returning via Junagadh or back to Rajkot. Done this way, the Rajkot to Dwarka leg becomes the first stretch of a wider pilgrimage rather than a standalone journey. A car with a driver makes the multi-city route seamless and a ready package can fold the whole loop, with darshan, stays and transfers, into a few smooth days without the stress of planning each leg yourself.

Best time to make the trip

The best time to travel from Rajkot to Dwarka is the cooler season, October to March, when the drive is pleasant and Dwarka is at its best, in line with the best time to visit Dwarka. Avoid the peak summer, when the daytime heat can make the long drive tiring and take extra care during the monsoon, when rain can slow the roads. Early morning starts are ideal, letting you reach Dwarka by midday and catch the evening aarti at the Gomti Ghat and the temple.

Tips for the Rajkot to Dwarka journey

A few pointers make the trip smoother:

• Start early to beat the daytime heat and reach Dwarka in good time for the evening aarti.

• Stick to NH 151A for the fastest, smoothest drive via Jamnagar and Khambhalia.

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

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

• Break the drive at Jamnagar, roughly the halfway point, if you want to sightsee or stretch your legs.

• Keep your darshan and hotel plans ready so you can settle in quickly and rest on arrival in Dwarka.

Rajkot to Dwarka at a glance

Plan your Dwarka trip from Rajkot

Once in Dwarka, the Dwarkadhish darshan, Gomti Ghat and the nearby sights await. Read our Dwarka city guide for what to see, 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 Rajkot 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 Rajkot to Dwarka transfer and the whole trip. Browse more travel guides, message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73006 20809.