Sasan Gir to Diu by Cab: Taxi Fares, Shortest Route & Travel Time
The drive from the lion territories of Sasan Gir to the beaches of Diu takes just over two hours on the shortest route. A sedan taxi costs ₹3,200 one way, while an SUV runs ₹3,700–₹5,200. The route heads southeast from Sasan through the Gir buffer zone, past Somnath, and along the coast to Diu. But before you book a cab, you need to understand Gujarat’s CNG luggage limits, the UT border tax, and whether to choose the 130 km coastal highway or the 97 km interior shortcut.
Route Overview – Sasan Gir to Diu by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~97 km via Jamwala (interior shortcut); ~130 km via Veraval–Somnath (coastal) |
| Travel Time | 2 to 3 hours depending on route, traffic, and stops |
| Route 1 (Coastal) | Sasan Gir → Talala → Veraval → Somnath → Kodinar → Una → Diu |
| Route 2 (Interior) | Sasan Gir → Jamwala → Kodinar → Una → Diu |
| Highway Notes | State Highway (SH 98 / SH 26) south from Sasan to Veraval; NH51 coastal highway from Veraval through Kodinar and Una to Diu. Interior route uses state highways through the Gir buffer zone. |
| Toll Estimate | ₹100–₹200 depending on route and vehicle |
The standard coastal route heads southeast from Sasan Gir through Talala to Veraval, passes the Somnath corridor, and continues west along the coastal NH51 through Kodinar and Una to Diu. The shorter interior route cuts through the Gir buffer zone via Jamwala, joining the coastal highway at Kodinar. Both routes are well-maintained, but the interior route is narrower and passes through dense forest—best driven in daylight.
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Below are standard one-way fares for the Sasan Gir to Diu drop in 2026:
| Vehicle Type | Models | Capacity | Luggage | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire, Etios | 4 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹3,200 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹3,700 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹5,200 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹7,700 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹8,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹9,500 |
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.
Diu Border Tax: What’s Included vs. Extra
What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Toll charges (typically ₹100–₹200 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax.
Because Diu is a Union Territory and Sasan Gir 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 Una police checkpost. Private self-drive cars are exempt from this tax—only commercial vehicles pay.
The Booking Rule: Always ask the cab operator explicitly: “Is the Gujarat-Diu 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 Sasan Gir, book a round-trip cab. Round trips (194–260 km total depending on route) typically cost ₹4,200–₹5,500 for a sedan. Indian outstation taxi operators charge one-way travellers for the empty return journey anyway—so a ₹3,200 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 ₹3,200. You can book online and secure driver details in advance.
Local Taxi Agents in Sasan Gir: Taxi stands are located near the Sasan Gir safari gate, Sasan town market, and Veraval. Negotiate directly—fares are often ₹200–₹400 lower than online platforms. Always verify the car’s condition and ask for a written receipt.
The Two Main Routes to Diu
Route 1: The Coastal Highway (via Veraval & Somnath – ~130 km)
Sasan Gir → Talala → Veraval → Somnath → Kodinar → Una → Diu. This is the most comfortable route, taking approximately 3 hours. It follows the state highway south to Veraval, then NH51 east along the coast through Kodinar and Una to Diu. The road is well-maintained throughout—four-lane divided highway for most of the stretch. This route is ideal for combining Somnath darshan with your Diu journey.
Plan the Somnath stopover as a lunch break—1–2 hours for darshan and a meal in Veraval. The Somnath bypass is the best place for a clean restroom break, with several modern highway dhabas and the temple’s cloakroom facilities available.
Route 2: The Forest Interior (via Jamwala – ~97 km)
Sasan Gir → Jamwala → Kodinar → Una → Diu. This is the shortest and fastest route, taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. It cuts directly through the Gir buffer zone via state highways. The road is narrower and two-lane, but the scenery is spectacular—teak forests, river crossings, and higher chances of wildlife sightings. Best driven in the early morning when wildlife is most active.
Note: fewer food and restroom options compared to the coastal highway. Road conditions can be patchy after the monsoon (July–September). Forest checkposts may close civilian traffic after dusk (6:00–7:00 PM).
En Route Stops & Waypoints
Coastal Route Stops (~130 km)
| Stop | Distance from Sasan | What to See / Do |
|---|---|---|
| Talala | 25 km | Gateway town to Gir, local temples |
| Veraval | 45 km | Fishing harbour, Veraval beach |
| Somnath | 50 km | Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth |
| Kodinar | 75 km | Town with weekly bazaar, gateway to coastal region |
| Una | 85 km | Coastal town, local temples, last tea break before Diu |
| Diu | 130 km | Diu Fort, Nagoa Beach, Gangeshwar Mahadev, St. Paul’s Church |
Interior Route Stops (~97 km)
| Stop | Distance from Sasan | What to See / Do |
|---|---|---|
| Jamwala | 30 km | Forest buffer zone, wildlife sightings possible |
| Kodinar | 60 km | Town with weekly bazaar, gateway to coastal region |
| Una | 70 km | Coastal town, local temples, last tea break before Diu |
| Diu | 97 km | Diu Fort, Nagoa Beach, Gangeshwar Mahadev, St. Paul’s Church |
Planning a Somnath Stopover En Route
Somnath is roughly 50 km from Sasan Gir—about 1 to 1.5 hours by car via the coastal route. Since the route passes through Veraval (7 km from Somnath), stopping for darshan adds minimal driving time. Here’s a realistic itinerary:
- 9:30 AM: Depart Sasan Gir after breakfast
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Somnath Temple (50 km). Complete darshan in 45–60 minutes
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a Veraval restaurant or highway dhaba
- 1:00 PM: Depart for Diu (80 km from Somnath via Kodinar and Una)
- 2:30–3:00 PM: Arrive in Diu—perfect for afternoon beach time
Best Time to Drive & Highway Traffic Tips
Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM): The best window. Light traffic, cool temperatures, and the Gir corridor is most active at dawn. You reach Diu by late morning—perfect for beach time in the afternoon.
Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Good for reaching Diu before sunset. Traffic is moderate. The setting sun over the Diu creek creates dramatic light.
Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 42°C. Night driving is not recommended—the Jamwala forest checkposts close at dusk (6:00–7:00 PM), which means anyone travelling at night is forced to take the longer 130 km coastal highway instead of the 97 km interior shortcut. The coastal route has unlit stretches and wandering cattle as well.
Things to Do in Diu
Diu is a Union Territory with a laid-back beach-town atmosphere, Portuguese colonial heritage, and a unique blend of Hindu, Christian, and Islamic architecture:
- Diu Fort: A 16th-century Portuguese fortress overlooking the Arabian Sea. The cannons, lighthouse, and sea-facing walls make it one of Gujarat’s most photogenic heritage sites.
- Nagoa Beach: A crescent-shaped beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and water sports. Less crowded than most Indian beaches.
- Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple: A cave temple with five shivalingas washed by the sea waves. One of Diu’s most atmospheric sacred sites.
- St. Paul’s Church: A 17th-century Portuguese church with intricate woodcarvings and a serene courtyard. One of the finest examples of colonial religious architecture in India.
Return Options – Diu to Sasan Gir
- Pre-booked round-trip cab: The most convenient option. Your driver waits during your Diu visit and returns you to Sasan Gir.
- GSRTC bus: Direct buses from Diu into the Sasan Gir forest are rare. Most travellers take a bus from Diu to Veraval or Junagadh, then switch to a local bus or taxi for the final stretch to Sasan Gir. Frequency: 5+ buses daily on the Diu–Veraval leg. Journey: 3–4 hours total with the transfer. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
- Local taxi: Available at Diu Airport and Diu Fort. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
- Train: Diu does not have a functional railway station. The nearest station is Delvada (~5 km from Diu), but service is unreliable. Travel to Veraval or Junagadh by bus/cab, then connect by train.
Highway Safety & Prohibition Warnings
- Wildlife caution: The Gir corridor is active with lions, leopards, and other wildlife. Drive slowly through forest stretches, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep windows up.
- 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 Una. Carrying alcohol into Gujarat carries severe legal penalties. Only commercial yellow-plate taxis are subject to these searches—private self-drive cars are checked less frequently, but penalties still apply.
- Fuel & Cash: Fill fuel in Sasan Gir, Veraval, Kodinar, or Una. Diu has limited petrol pumps. ATMs are available in Diu town but limited at the airport.
- 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.
- Road conditions: NH51 (coastal) is a good 4-lane highway throughout. The interior state highways via Jamwala are 2-lane and can be patchy after the monsoon (July–September). Drive cautiously on interior routes during or immediately after the rainy season.
- Forest checkposts: Roads entering the Gir protected buffer zone may close to civilian traffic at dusk (6:00–7:00 PM). Plan your departure accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Sasan Gir to Diu?
The shortest route via Jamwala through the Gir buffer zone is approximately 97 km, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours. The coastal route via Veraval and Somnath is about 130 km, taking approximately 3 hours. Both routes are well-maintained.
How much does a taxi from Sasan Gir to Diu cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹3,200 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹3,700. An Innova Crysta costs ₹5,200. Round-trip fares covering the ~194–260 km total are generally ₹4,200–₹5,500 for a sedan.
How long does it take to reach Diu from Sasan Gir?
The 97 km interior route takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The 130 km coastal route takes about 3 hours. Early morning departures are fastest due to minimal traffic. If you stop at Somnath, factor in additional sightseeing time.
Can I stop at Somnath on the way to Diu?
Yes. Somnath is about 50 km from Sasan Gir on the coastal route. Most travellers leave Sasan after a morning safari, reach Somnath by 11:00 AM for darshan, have lunch in Veraval, and arrive in Diu by mid-afternoon. Inform your driver about the stop when booking so the waiting charges are clarified upfront.
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 Diu border tax work?
Sasan Gir is in Gujarat; Diu is a Union Territory. Commercial yellow-plate cabs crossing this border are stopped at the Una checkpost and charged a state entry tax of ₹300–₹500. Private self-drive cars are exempt. Confirm with your operator if this tax is included in your quote.
Can I do a morning safari and still reach Diu the same day?
Yes. The core Gir jungle safari runs from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM (morning slot). Finish your safari, have breakfast at your lodge, and depart by 10:00 AM. You reach Diu by 12:30–1:00 PM via the interior route, or 1:00–1:30 PM via the coastal route with a Somnath stopover. The Devalia Safari Park (fenced zone with guaranteed lion sightings) opens at 8:00 AM and takes about 1.5 hours.
Is it safe to drive at night from Sasan Gir to Diu?
No. The Gir corridor includes unlit forest stretches with wildlife crossings. The Jamwala forest checkposts close at dusk (6:00–7:00 PM), which means anyone travelling at night is forced to take the longer 130 km coastal highway. Plan your departure so you clear the forest zone before sunset.
