Diu to Rajkot Taxi & Car Rental Guide: Fares, Route & Airport Info
Connecting the serene beach island of Diu to Saurashtra’s bustling commercial capital, the drive to Rajkot is a major 250 km arterial journey. Taking approximately 5 to 5.5 hours, the route sweeps through the coastal plains of Somnath, skirts the historic foothills of Junagadh, and cuts through Gujarat’s engineering and foundry heartland. A sedan taxi typically costs ₹4,800–₹5,200 one way, while an SUV runs ₹5,800–₹7,500. Rajkot is Gujarat’s fourth-largest city—famous for its colonial architecture, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum, and its crucial transit role via the new Rajkot International Airport at Hirasar. Whether you are transferring for a domestic flight, planning a temple stopover at Somnath, or heading straight to Rajkot for business, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking an outstation cab from Diu to Rajkot.
Route Overview – Diu to Rajkot by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~250 km via NH151 (highway route); ~225 km via interior rural route |
| Travel Time | 5 to 5.5 hours depending on route, traffic, and stops |
| Route | Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath/Veraval Bypass → Junagadh → Jetpur → Gondal → Rajkot |
| Highway Notes | NH51 coastal highway to Junagadh; NH151/NH27 from Junagadh to Rajkot. Four-lane divided highway from Jetpur/Gondal to Rajkot. Take the Rajkot 150-ft Ring Road / Gondal Chokdi bypass to skip city traffic. |
| Toll Estimate | ₹150–₹250 depending on route and vehicle |
The standard highway route follows the coast from Diu through Una and Kodinar, passes the Veraval/Somnath bypass, and heads north on NH151 through Junagadh and Jetpur to Gondal. From Gondal, it joins the high-speed, four-lane NH27 into Rajkot. The landscape transitions dramatically from coastal scrubland near Diu to open farmland, eventually giving way to Rajkot’s dense auto-ancillary, machine tool, and diesel engine industrial zones.
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Below are standard one-way fares for the 250 km Diu to Rajkot drop in 2026:
| Vehicle Type | Models | Capacity | Luggage | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire, Etios | 4 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹4,800–₹5,200 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹5,800–₹6,500 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹7,500–₹8,500 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹12,000–₹14,000 |
The CNG Luggage Warning
Most commercial taxis in Gujarat run on CNG. The gas 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 are travelling with heavy luggage, explicitly request an Innova Crysta or ask the operator to fit a roof carrier before the car arrives.
What’s Included vs. What’s Extra
What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Toll charges (typically ₹150–₹250 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax.
Because Diu is a Union Territory and Rajkot is in Gujarat, commercial yellow-plate taxis cross a strict geopolitical border. They are required to pay a state entry 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.
Why Are Round Trips Sometimes Cheaper?
If you plan to return to Diu, book a round-trip cab. Round trips (500 km total) typically cost ₹5,500–₹6,800 for a sedan. Indian outstation taxi operators charge one-way travellers for the empty return journey anyway—so a ₹5,000 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
Online Aggregators: Platforms like MakeMyTrip, CabBazar, GozoCabs, and Savaari offer sedans starting around ₹4,800–₹5,200. You can book online and secure driver details in advance.
Local Taxi Agents in Diu: Local stands are located near Diu Airport, Diu Fort, and Nagoa Beach. Negotiate directly—fares are often ₹200–₹400 lower than online platforms. Always verify the car’s condition and ask for a written receipt.
Route Options: NH151 via Junagadh vs. Interior Highway
Route 1: Via Junagadh & Gondal (Fastest Highway – ~250 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath/Veraval Bypass → Junagadh → Jetpur → Gondal → Rajkot. This is the standard and most comfortable route, taking 5 to 5.5 hours. It utilizes the broader NH151 and NH27 highways. At Gondal, you join a four-lane divided highway. Take the Rajkot 150-ft Ring Road / Gondal Chokdi bypass to skip city traffic. This route is ideal for combining Somnath darshan or Junagadh sightseeing with your Rajkot journey.
Route 2: Via Dhari & Babra (Interior Rural Route – ~225 km)
Diu → Una → Dhari → Chalala → Babra → Rajkot. This interior route is geographically shorter but passes through deeper rural Saurashtra. It is mostly two-lane state roads. It is a great option if you want to completely avoid the heavy pilgrim traffic around Somnath and Junagadh, but it lacks the highway amenities (clean dhabas, large petrol pumps) found on Route 1.
En Route Stops & Waypoints
| Stop | Distance from Diu | What to See / Do |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedpur Mandvi | 10 km | Scenic beach across the creek from Diu |
| Una | 20 km | Coastal town, local temples, tea break |
| Kodinar | 50 km | Town with weekly bazaar, gateway to Somnath region |
| Somnath | 100 km | Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam |
| Junagadh | 150 km | Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, Girnar Hills |
| Jetpur | 185 km | Gujarat’s block-printing and cotton saree dyeing hub |
| Gondal | 210 km | Naulakha Palace, Royal Vintage Car Collection |
| Rajkot | 250 km | Watson Museum, Gandhi Museum, Aji Dam |
Somnath Temple Darshan & Restroom Break
Since the highway route passes right through the Somnath corridor, stopping for darshan adds minimal driving time. The Somnath bypass is also the best place for a clean restroom break, with several modern highway dhabas and the temple’s cloakroom facilities available.
Gondal: Naulakha Palace & Royal Vintage Car Museum
Located just 40 km before Rajkot, Gondal is a fantastic heritage stopover. The Naulakha Palace features exquisite stone carvings, and the Maharaja’s Vintage Car Museum boasts an incredible collection of classic pre-WWII automobiles.
Best Time to Drive & Highway Traffic Tips
Early morning (5:30–7:30 AM): The best window. Light traffic and cool temperatures allow you to reach Rajkot by noon.
Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Good for reaching Rajkot before sunset, avoiding the intense midday heat.
Avoid: Night driving is not recommended due to unlit single-lane stretches on the coastal segment, wandering cattle, and occasional wildlife crossings near the Gir fringe.
Things to Do in Rajkot
Rajkot blends colonial heritage, Gandhi history, and a vibrant modern economy:
- Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum: Located in the historic Alfred High School where Gandhi studied. The museum houses photographs, letters, and personal items from Gandhi’s early life.
- Watson Museum & Jubilee Garden: One of Gujarat’s oldest museums, housing colonial-era artifacts, sculptures, and a rare collection of Indus Valley replicas. The Victorian architecture is worth the visit alone.
- Rotary Dolls Museum: A unique museum featuring over 1,000 dolls from 60+ countries, dressed in traditional attire. Popular with families.
- Aji Dam & Pradhyuman Zoological Park: A scenic reservoir on the outskirts of Rajkot, popular for evening walks and boating.
Rajkot International Airport (Hirasar) – Flight Transfers
CRITICAL TRANSFER INFO: Commercial flights no longer operate from the old downtown Rajkot Airport (RAJ). All flights (IndiGo, Air India) now operate from the greenfield Rajkot International Airport at Hirasar (IATA: HSR).
Hirasar Airport is located 30 km east of Rajkot city on the Ahmedabad National Highway (NH47).
Time & Cost: If you are booking a cab from Diu directly to the airport to catch a flight, you must factor in an extra 45–60 minutes of driving time past Rajkot city. Taxi operators typically charge a ₹500–₹800 surcharge on top of the standard Rajkot drop fare to cover the extra 30 km highway run to Hirasar. Inform your cab operator explicitly that your drop is at Hirasar Airport, not Rajkot city.
Return Options – Rajkot to Diu
- Pre-booked round-trip cab: The most convenient option. Your driver waits during your visit and returns you to Diu.
- GSRTC bus: State buses run from Rajkot to Diu via Junagadh and Somnath. Frequency: 10+ buses daily. Journey: 6–7 hours.
- Local taxi: Available at the Rajkot bus stand and Hirasar Airport. Fares booked from Rajkot back to Diu are usually slightly higher due to high local demand.
Highway Safety & Prohibition Warnings
- Alcohol Warning: Diu is a Union Territory with relaxed liquor laws, but Gujarat enforces strict prohibition. Taxis exiting Diu into Gujarat are frequently searched at police checkposts near Tad and Una. Carrying alcohol into Gujarat carries severe legal penalties.
- Fuel & Cash: Fill fuel in Diu, Kodinar, Veraval, or Junagadh. ATMs are plentiful in Rajkot, but carry cash for highway tolls and rural dhabas.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Diu to Rajkot?
The standard highway route via Una, Somnath, Junagadh, and Gondal is approximately 250 km. An alternative interior rural route via Dhari and Babra is shorter at roughly 225 km.
How much does a taxi from Diu to Rajkot cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) drop to Rajkot city costs roughly ₹4,800–₹5,200 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹5,800–₹6,500. Round-trip fares covering the ~500 km total are generally ₹5,500–₹6,800 for a sedan.
How long does it take to reach Rajkot from Diu?
The 250 km highway journey takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours. Early morning departures are fastest. If you stop at Somnath or Gondal, factor in the additional sightseeing time.
How far is the new Rajkot Airport (Hirasar) from Diu?
Rajkot International Airport at Hirasar (HSR) is located 30 km past Rajkot city. The total drive from Diu to the airport is roughly 280 km and takes about 6 to 6.5 hours. Ensure you leave Diu well in advance of your check-in 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 mounted in the boot. A Swift Dezire 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; Rajkot is in Gujarat. Commercial cabs crossing this border are stopped at the Tad or Una checkposts and charged a state entry tax of ₹300–₹500. Confirm with your operator if this is included in your quote.
Can I stop at Somnath on the way to Rajkot?
Yes. Somnath is on the standard route—about 100 km from Diu, and roughly 195 km from Rajkot. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 9:00 AM for darshan, and arrive in Rajkot by late afternoon.
Can I stop at Gondal’s vintage car museum on the way?
Yes. The four-lane NH27 highway passes directly through Gondal, about 40 km before you reach Rajkot. It is an easy and highly recommended 1-hour detour to see the Naulakha Palace and the Royal Vintage Car Collection.
