Surat to Somnath Distance: Routes, Time and Travel Guide

Surat, the diamond and textile city of south Gujarat, is a long way from the first Jyotirlinga, so the journey to Somnath takes some planning. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, covers the Surat to Somnath distance and the reverse, the route options and travel time and every way to make the journey, by car, train, bus and air.

Surat to Somnath distance and travel time

The Surat to Somnath distance depends a lot on the route you take. The shorter option, via the coastal NH 51 through Bhavnagar and down the Saurashtra coast, is about 397 km but takes around 10 hours, as the coastal road passes through many towns. The longer option, via the expressway and NH 51 through Ahmedabad and Rajkot, is around 607 km but takes a similar time, as the faster highway makes up for the extra distance. Either way, expect a long drive of roughly 10 hours, so it is best to allow a full day, break the journey overnight or consider the train or a flight. Surat sits in the far south of Gujarat and Somnath on the southwestern tip of the Saurashtra peninsula, so there is no short, fast route between the two, which is why the journey is a long one however you travel.

Surat to Somnath route options

There are three main ways to drive from Surat to Somnath:

The choice comes down to shorter distance versus faster roads. The NH 51 coastal route is the shortest in kilometres but slower, winding through the Saurashtra coastal towns, while the expressway route via Ahmedabad and Rajkot is much longer but flows faster on better highways. Both take about 10 hours, so pick the one that suits your comfort and the road conditions on the day.

Somnath to Surat distance

The return journey, the Somnath to Surat distance, is similar, about 398 km in around 10 hours via the coastal NH 51. The route options for the reverse direction are:

As on the outward journey, the shorter coastal route and the longer expressway route take a similar time of around 10 hours. For a comfortable drive, the expressway route via Rajkot is smoother, while the coastal route is shorter but slower. Many travellers prefer to break this long journey or to travel by train or air instead.

How to travel from Surat to Somnath

Given the long distance, it is worth weighing all the options:

Surat to Somnath by air

For such a long journey, flying can be the easiest option. Surat has an airport with flights to Diu, the nearest airport to Somnath at about 90 km and to other Gujarat cities. A flight to Diu followed by a road transfer of about 1 hour 30 minutes is a quick and comfortable way to reach Somnath, saving many hours over the drive. You can also connect via Rajkot. From whichever airport you land at, a car completes the journey; see our guide on how to reach Somnath for all the arrival options.

Surat to Somnath by train

Surat is a major station on the Western Railway and trains run towards Veraval, the railhead about 7 km from Somnath, though usually with a change or a long single service. The rail journey typically takes around 12 to 15 hours depending on the route and connections, with overnight options that let you sleep on the way. Trains are an economical and comfortable choice for the long distance, so they are popular with pilgrims; check the timetable and connections and book ahead in the peak season.

Surat to Somnath by road

If you prefer to drive, a private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to cover the long distance, letting you set your own pace and break the journey where you like; a Somnath Dwarka taxi service can arrange this. The expressway route via Ahmedabad and Rajkot is the smoother drive, while the coastal NH 51 route is shorter but slower. Fuel stations, dhabas and rest stops are plentiful on both and it is wise to split such a long drive with an overnight halt. Experience My India can handle the Surat pickup and the whole journey so you arrive rested.

Surat to Somnath by bus

State-run GSRTC buses and private operators connect Surat with Somnath, taking around 11 to 14 hours by road, often via Ahmedabad and Rajkot or the coastal route. Options range from ordinary and express buses to more comfortable air-conditioned and sleeper services on the private side, including overnight buses. Buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel, though for such a long journey a flight or a comfortable train is easier and a car gives the most flexibility.

Break the journey along the way

Because the drive is so long, breaking it makes good sense. On the expressway route, Rajkot, the largest city in Saurashtra and Junagadh, with the Uparkot fort and Girnar, make natural halts and you can even detour to Gir for a lion safari. On the coastal route, the towns along NH 51 and the beaches of the Saurashtra coast offer places to rest. Turning the long transfer into a two-day journey with a stop lets you see more of Gujarat and arrive at Somnath refreshed.

Why start your Somnath trip from Surat?

Surat is one of Gujarat's largest and fastest-growing cities, with an airport, good rail links and highways, so many travellers from south Gujarat and beyond begin their Somnath pilgrimage here. While it is a long way from the coast, Surat connects onward to Dwarka, Gir and the rest of Saurashtra, so it can be the start of a wider Gujarat tour. With the Mumbai to Ahmedabad bullet train planned to stop at Surat, reaching the gateway to Saurashtra from here will only get easier in the years ahead.

Best time to make the trip

The best time to travel from Surat to Somnath is the cooler season, October to March, when the long drive is pleasant and Somnath is at its best, in line with the best time to visit Gujarat. Avoid the peak summer, when the heat makes the long journey tiring and take extra care during the monsoon, when rain can slow the roads and the coastal route. For a road trip, an early start or an overnight halt is ideal and for many the train or a flight is the more comfortable choice, letting you reach Somnath in time for the evening aarti, timed as in our Somnath temple timings.

Tips for the Surat to Somnath journey

A few pointers make the long trip smoother:

• Consider flying to Diu and driving the short leg to Somnath, the quickest option for such a long distance.

• If driving, choose the expressway route via Rajkot for a smoother, faster-flowing journey.

• Split the long drive with an overnight halt at Rajkot or along the coast.

• Consider an overnight train, which covers the distance while you sleep, though a change may be needed.

• Carry water and snacks for the long journey, though fuel stops and dhabas are plentiful.

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

Surat to Somnath at a glance

Plan your Somnath trip from Surat

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 transfers, 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 Surat to Somnath trip, by road or with flights and transfers. Browse more travel guides, message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73006 20809.