Diu to Jamnagar Taxi & Car Rental Guide: Fares, Routes & Travel Tips
Stretching 290 km across the Saurashtra heartland, the drive from Diu to Jamnagar is one of the longest outstation routes in Gujarat—a 5.5 to 6.5-hour journey through coastal plains, Junagadh hills, and the industrial corridor of Rajkot. A sedan taxi costs ₹6,600 one way. An SUV runs ₹7,800 to ₹12,000. A 14–26 seater Tempo Traveller costs ₹17,400 to ₹22,200. Jamnagar—known as “Chhoti Kashi” for its many temples—is also Gujarat’s petrochemical capital, home to Reliance Refinery and the iconic Lakhota Lake. Whether you are stopping for Somnath Jyotirlinga darshan, visiting Uparkot Fort in Junagadh en route, or heading straight to Jamnagar’s Lakhota Palace, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Jamnagar.
Route Overview – Diu to Jamnagar by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 290 km via Junagadh Bypass; 305 km entering Junagadh city |
| Travel Time | 5.5 to 6.5 hours depending on route and stops |
| Route | Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Junagadh (NH151) → Jetpur → Gondal → Rajkot → Jamnagar (NH27) |
| Highway Notes | NH151 from Veraval to Rajkot is two-lane; NH27 from Rajkot to Jamnagar is four-lane divided. Take the Rajkot 150-ft Ring Road / Gondal Chokdi bypass to skip city traffic. |
| Toll Estimate | ₹200–₹350 depending on route and vehicle |
The route follows the coastal highway from Diu through Una and Kodinar, reaches Somnath and Veraval, then heads north on NH151 through the Junagadh–Jetpur–Gondal corridor to Rajkot, before joining the four-lane NH27 to Jamnagar. Junagadh sits directly on this highway—it is not a detour. Route 1 uses the Junagadh bypass to skip city traffic; Route 2 enters central Junagadh for a heritage stop at Uparkot Fort and Girnar Hills. The landscape shifts from coastal scrubland near Diu to open farmland and the petrochemical industrial corridor closer to Jamnagar.
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Below are verified one-way fares from the Somnath Yatra booking page for Diu to Jamnagar:
| Vehicle Type | Models | Capacity | Luggage | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire | 4 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹6,600 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹7,800 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹12,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹17,400 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹18,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹22,200 |
Why does the Ertiga only hold 2 bags? Most commercial taxis in Gujarat run on CNG. The cylinder is mounted in the boot, which eliminates virtually all luggage space. A Swift Dezire or Ertiga will comfortably hold only 2–3 medium bags. If you have heavy luggage, explicitly request an Innova Crysta or ask the operator to fit a roof carrier before the car arrives.
What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Toll charges (typically ₹200–₹350 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax. Because Diu is a Union Territory and Jamnagar is in Gujarat, commercial yellow-plate taxis cross a strict geopolitical border. They are required to pay a border tax (typically ₹300–₹500) at the Tad or Una police checkposts. The Booking Rule: Always ask the cab operator explicitly: “Is the Diu-Gujarat border tax included in this quote, or will the driver demand it in cash at the checkpost?” Never assume it is included in the base fare.
Round trip tip: If you plan to return to Diu after your Jamnagar visit, book a round-trip cab. Most operators charge ₹12–₹14 per km for round trips, which works out cheaper than two one-way bookings. A round trip (580 km total) typically costs ₹7,500–₹9,500 for a sedan. Why is a round trip sometimes cheaper than a one-way? Indian outstation taxi operators typically charge one-way travellers for the empty return journey anyway—so a ₹6,600 one-way fare already includes the driver’s dead-heading cost. A round-trip booking eliminates that dead-head charge, making the per-km rate significantly lower.
Car Rental Options – How to Book
You have several options for booking a car rental from Diu to Jamnagar:
Online Aggregators
- MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹6,600. Book online, pay online or cash to driver.
- CabBazar: Sedan from ₹6,400. Offers one-way, round trip, and multi-stop options.
- GozoCabs: One-way from ₹6,800. Round trip from ₹13/km.
- Savaari: Sedan from ₹6,900. Known for well-maintained cars and professional drivers.
Local Taxi Agents in Diu
Local taxi stands are located near Diu Airport, Diu Fort, and Nagoa Beach. Negotiate directly—fares are often ₹200–₹400 lower than online platforms. However, verify the car condition and driver credentials before booking. Ask for a written receipt with the driver’s mobile number.
Route Options – Which Road to Take
Route 1: Junagadh Bypass via NH151–NH27 (Fastest – 290 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Junagadh Bypass → Jetpur → Gondal → Rajkot Ring Road → Jamnagar. This is the fastest route—290 km, approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours. The road follows NH51 through Una and Kodinar, reaches Somnath first, then bypasses Veraval and joins NH151 north through the Junagadh–Jetpur–Gondal corridor. At Rajkot, take the 150-ft Ring Road / Gondal Chokdi bypass to avoid central Rajkot city traffic, then join the four-lane NH27 to Jamnagar. This route is ideal for Somnath darshan combined with a Jamnagar journey.
Route 2: Junagadh City Detour (Heritage – 305 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Junagadh City → Jetpur → Gondal → Rajkot Ring Road → Jamnagar. At 305 km, this route adds 15 km but enters central Junagadh, where you can visit Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, and the Girnar Hills ropeway. You rejoin NH151 at Jetpur before continuing north. This route is ideal if you want to explore Junagadh’s heritage—plan an extra 1–2 hours in the city.
Recommendation: Take Route 1 if your priority is reaching Jamnagar quickly. Take Route 2 if you want to explore Junagadh’s heritage. Both routes converge at Jetpur and pass through Somnath, making it easy to stop for darshan. Drivers heading to the Reliance Greens / Nayara Energy industrial belt west of Jamnagar should inform the operator—cabs can drop directly at the refinery gates on the Dwarka highway.
En Route Stops – What to See Along the Way
| Stop | Distance from Diu | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach | 10 km | Scenic beach across the creek from Diu, calm waters |
| Una | 20 km | Coastal town, local temples, tea break |
| Kodinar | 50 km | Town with weekly bazaar, gateway to Somnath region |
| Sutrapada | 68 km | Ancient sun temple ruins, coastal scrub landscape |
| Somnath | 100 km | Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth |
| Veraval Bypass | 108 km | Fishing harbour—you pass the bypass, enter town only if visiting |
| Junagadh | 145 km | Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, Girnar Hills (bypass or enter city) |
| Jetpur | 180 km | Textile dyeing hub, highway junction |
| Gondal | 210 km | Historic town, Naulakha Palace, Bhavnath Mahadev Temple |
| Rajkot | 235 km | Watson Museum, Rotary Dolls Museum—take Ring Road bypass |
| Jamnagar | 290 km | Lakhota Palace, Bala Hanuman Temple, Narara Marine Park, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary |
Best Time to Drive
Early morning (5:30–7:30 AM): The best window. Light traffic, cool temperatures, and the Saurashtra countryside in morning light. You reach Jamnagar by noon—perfect for visiting Lakhota Palace before the midday heat.
Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Good for reaching Jamnagar before sunset. The setting sun over the Gulf of Kutch creates dramatic light at Lakhota Lake. Traffic is moderate.
Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 42°C. Night driving is not recommended—single-lane roads, no streetlights, and occasional wildlife crossings near the Gir corridor.
Things to Do in Jamnagar
Jamnagar is a city of temples, lakes, and industrial heritage—known locally as “Chhoti Kashi” for its many temples and the Gulf of Kutch coastline:
- Lakhota Palace & Lake: A stunning lakeside palace in the heart of Jamnagar, surrounded by a scenic lake. The palace houses a museum with medieval weaponry, sculptures, and a collection of Indian royal artifacts. Best visited in the early morning or evening.
- Bala Hanuman Temple: Famous for its continuous chanting of “Ram Dhun” since 1964—recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest uninterrupted chant. A must-visit for anyone interested in Gujarat’s living temple traditions.
- Narara Marine National Park: India’s first marine sanctuary, located on the Gulf of Kutch. The primary tourist experience is the Narara Reef coral walk—visitors walk in 1–2 feet of water during low tide to see exposed coral formations, starfish, and marine invertebrates. Approximately 55 km from Jamnagar towards Vadinar. Check tide timings before visiting; the coral walk depends entirely on low tide. Forest Department permission may be required.
- Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary: A Ramsar-designated wetland site just 12–15 km northeast of Jamnagar on the Rajkot highway. Features unique freshwater and saltwater wetlands side by side, home to 250+ bird species including migratory flamingos, painted storks, and pelicans. Best visited November–March.
- Pratap Vilas Palace: A European-style palace built by the Jam Sahib in the early 20th century. Features Portuguese, Dutch, and British architectural influences. Currently houses government offices—exterior viewing only.
- Willingdon Crescent: A heritage arcaded shopping marketplace built by Jam Ranjitsinhji. Features European-style architecture with bandhani, tie-dye, and traditional Gujarati textile shops. A landmark in Jamnagar’s old city.
Somnath Stopover – The Perfect Halfway Break
Somnath Temple is roughly 100 km from Diu—about 2 hours by car. Since the Diu–Jamnagar route passes directly through Somnath, stopping for darshan adds minimal time to your journey. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 9:00 AM, spend 1–2 hours at the temple, and continue to Jamnagar by early afternoon. The Somnath bypass is also the best place for a clean restroom break—several highway dhabas and the temple’s cloakroom facilities are available.
Somnath dress code: Both men and women must wear conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees. No electronic devices—phones, smartwatches, cameras, power banks, or car key fobs—are permitted inside the security perimeter. Leave devices in your taxi with the driver or use the external cloakroom (adds 20–30 minutes).
Return Options – Jamnagar to Diu
If you are not booking a round-trip cab, here are your options for returning to Diu:
- Pre-booked round-trip cab: The most convenient option. Your driver waits during your visit and returns you to Diu.
- GSRTC bus: Buses run from Jamnagar to Diu via Rajkot, Junagadh, Somnath, and Una. Frequency: 8+ buses daily. Last bus: around 7:00 PM. Journey: 7–8 hours with stops. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
- Local taxi: Available at the Jamnagar bus stand and railway station. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
- Train: Jamnagar Railway Station is on the broad-gauge line connecting to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Delhi. However, there is no direct train to Diu. Travel to Veraval or Keshod and continue by bus or cab.
Safety Tips for the Drive
- Carry water bottles and snacks—limited shops between Una and Kodinar
- Fill fuel in Diu, Kodinar, Veraval, Somnath, or Rajkot—limited petrol pumps on the Somnath–Rajkot stretch
- Keep windows up during forest stretches—monkeys may attempt to grab food
- Drive slowly near villages—cattle and pedestrians cross without warning
- Carry cash—ATMs are limited in Jamnagar’s old city area
- Avoid self-driving at night—single-lane roads, no streetlights, wildlife on road
- Download offline maps—mobile signal is patchy in the Gir forest corridor
- Luggage capacity warning: Many hatchbacks and sedans in Gujarat are CNG-fitted, with cylinders occupying the boot. If you have heavy luggage, request an SUV with a roof carrier when booking.
- Alcohol warning: Diu is a Union Territory with relaxed liquor laws. Gujarat enforces strict prohibition. Taxis exiting Diu into Gujarat pass through police checkposts near Tad and Una. Carrying alcohol from Diu into Gujarat carries severe legal penalties. Do not carry any alcohol in the taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Diu to Jamnagar?
The route is 290 km via the Junagadh Bypass (NH151–NH27), and 305 km entering Junagadh city for sightseeing. The journey takes approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Take the Rajkot Ring Road / Gondal Chokdi bypass to skip city traffic.
How much does a taxi from Diu to Jamnagar cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹6,600 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹7,800. An Innova Crysta costs ₹12,000. Round-trip fares for a sedan covering 580 km total are generally ₹7,500–₹9,500.
How long does it take to reach Jamnagar from Diu?
Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours via NH151–NH27 (Una–Kodinar–Somnath–Veraval Bypass–Junagadh Bypass–Jetpur–Gondal–Rajkot Ring Road). Early morning departures are fastest due to minimal traffic. If you stop at Somnath for darshan, add 1–2 hours to the total journey time.
Do Gujarat cabs have CNG tanks that eat luggage space?
Yes. Almost every commercial sedan and Ertiga in Gujarat runs on CNG, with the cylinder in the boot. A Swift Dezire or Ertiga holds only 2–3 medium bags. For heavy luggage, book an Innova Crysta or request a roof carrier.
How does the UT border tax work?
Diu is a Union Territory; Jamnagar is in Gujarat. Commercial cabs crossing this border are stopped at the Tad or Una police checkposts and charged ₹300–₹500. Confirm with the operator before booking whether this charge is included in the fare or payable in cash.
Can I stop at Somnath on the way to Jamnagar?
Yes. Somnath is roughly on the route—100 km from Diu, 190 km from Jamnagar. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 9:00 AM for darshan, and continue to Jamnagar by early afternoon. Inform your driver about the stop when booking so the waiting charges are clarified upfront.
Can I stop at Junagadh on the way?
Yes. Junagadh sits directly on NH151 between Veraval and Rajkot—it is not a detour. Use the Junagadh bypass to skip city traffic, or enter the city centre for Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, and the Girnar Hills ropeway. Plan an extra 1–2 hours in Junagadh. Inform your driver when booking so the waiting charges are clarified upfront.
Can I visit Narara Marine National Park on the same day?
Yes, but timing is critical. The Narara Reef coral walk (55 km from Jamnagar towards Vadinar) depends entirely on low tide. Check tide timings before departing—visitors walk in 1–2 feet of water on the exposed reef. Forest Department permission may be required. Plan 2–3 hours for the visit including drive time. The coral walk is not a boat ride—you walk directly on the reef.
Is it safe to drive at night from Diu to Jamnagar?
No. The corridor includes unlit single-lane roads, wandering cattle, and occasional wildlife near the forest fringe. Plan your departure so you arrive at Jamnagar well before dusk.
