Rajkot to Somnath Distance: Routes, Time and Travel Guide

Rajkot is the largest city in Saurashtra and a common starting point for the pilgrimage to the first Jyotirlinga, so the road to Somnath is a well-travelled one. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, covers the Rajkot 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.

Rajkot to Somnath distance and travel time

The Rajkot to Somnath distance is approximately 195 km by the fastest road and the drive takes around 3 hours 40 minutes by car under normal conditions. The quickest route runs via NH 27 and NH151, passing through Jetpur and Junagadh on the way to the coast. 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 in the centre of the Saurashtra peninsula and Somnath on its southern coast, which is why the two are under four hours apart on good highway.

Rajkot to Somnath route options

There are three main ways to drive from Rajkot to Somnath, differing mainly in the highways used and the time taken:

The NH 27 and NH151 route is the fastest and shortest and the one most drivers use, running through Jetpur and Junagadh on good roads. The other two are useful alternatives if there are diversions or heavy traffic, but for most journeys the first route is the best choice.

Somnath to Rajkot distance

The return journey, the Somnath to Rajkot distance, is about 191 km in roughly 3 hours 43 minutes via NH151. The route options for the reverse direction are:

Both the NH151 and the NH151 with NH 27 routes are quick, at around 3 hours 45 minutes, while the route via Mevasa Road is longer and slower. For speed and comfort, the main NH151 corridor through Junagadh is the best option in both directions.

How to travel from Rajkot to Somnath

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

Rajkot to Somnath by road

Driving is the most popular way to reach Somnath from Rajkot, thanks to the good NH 27 and NH151 highways. The road runs south through Jetpur and Junagadh, the fort city at the foot of Girnar, before reaching Veraval and Somnath 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 and the terrain is largely flat and easy, so with an early start you can reach Somnath by lunchtime with a break or two.

Rajkot to Somnath by train

Rajkot is a major junction on the Western Railway and trains run towards Veraval, the railhead about 7 km from Somnath, via Junagadh. The rail journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours depending on the service and Somnath also has its own small station near 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 Somnath by bus

State-run GSRTC buses and private operators run frequently between Rajkot and Somnath, taking around 4 to 5 hours by road via Junagadh. 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 along the way.

Rajkot 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 the main options for wider connections. Many travellers fly into Rajkot, then continue to Somnath by road, about a 3 hour 40 minute transfer. Rajkot's airport has more frequent flights from cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad than the smaller regional airports, which is why it is such a common arrival point for the Saurashtra pilgrimage. From wherever you land, a car transfer completes the journey; see our guide on how to reach Somnath for all the arrival options.

Places to see on the way from Rajkot to Somnath

The drive passes some worthwhile stops if you have time:

• Jetpur: about 65 km from Rajkot, a textile town known for its block-printed and dyed fabrics.

• Junagadh: about 100 km along, the fort city at the foot of Girnar, with the Uparkot fort and the Junagadh Girnar temples and the gateway to Gir.

• Keshod and Veraval: nearer the coast, handy for a break before reaching Somnath and its sightseeing places in Somnath.

Rajkot to Somnath via Junagadh, Gir and Girnar

Because the road passes through Junagadh, many travellers turn the Rajkot to Somnath drive into a richer route. From Junagadh you can climb Girnar by ropeway or steps or detour to Gir for a lion safari before continuing to the coast. This makes the journey more than a transfer, folding in a fort, a sacred mountain and the only home of the Asiatic lion. If you plan to add these, allow an extra day or two rather than trying to fit everything into the drive.

Why start your Somnath 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 Somnath trips begin here. From Rajkot you are under four hours from Somnath and the city also connects easily to Dwarka and Gir, so it makes a convenient base or starting point for a wider Saurashtra pilgrimage and wildlife tour. The city itself has good hotels, restaurants and shopping, so it is a comfortable place to spend a night on arrival or before departure.

Best time to make the trip

The best time to travel from Rajkot to Somnath is the cooler season, October to March, when the 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 long drive tiring and take extra care during the monsoon, when rain can slow the roads and the sea is rough. Early morning starts are ideal, letting you reach Somnath by midday and settle in before the evening aarti, timed as in our Somnath temple timings.

Tips for the Rajkot to Somnath journey

A few pointers make the trip smoother:

• Start early to beat the daytime heat and reach Somnath in good time to rest before the evening aarti.

• Stick to the NH 27 and NH151 route for the fastest, smoothest drive via Jetpur and Junagadh.

• 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, when they fill quickly.

• Break the drive at Junagadh, roughly the halfway point, to sightsee, eat or add Girnar and Gir.

• Keep your darshan and hotel plans ready so you can settle in quickly and rest before the aarti on arrival in Somnath.

Rajkot to Somnath at a glance

Plan your Somnath trip from Rajkot

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 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 Somnath transfer and the whole trip. Browse more travel guides, message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73006 20809.