Somnath to Porbandar Car Rental — Cab Fare, Route & Booking Guide

130 km. Two and a half, maybe three hours depending on how many chai stops you make. Somnath and Porbandar—two cities on Gujarat’s western coast, connected by a coastal highway that hugs the Arabian Sea for most of the stretch. This isn’t just a transfer. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Saurashtra. And the best way to cover it? Car rental. Buses exist (slow, infrequent). Trains exist (one service, indirect). Most pilgrims who’ve done this drive? They book a cab. Here’s everything—fare, route, stops, and a few opinions I couldn’t resist throwing in.

Why Book a Car Rental from Somnath to Porbandar

Here’s what most guides gloss over: Porbandar is Gandhi’s birthplace. Kirti Mandir. Sudama Temple. Porbandar Beach. The kind of city that deserves a full day, not a rushed afternoon arrival after waiting for a bus. GSRTC buses run—but the frequency is terrible, especially early morning when everyone wants to leave. Trains? One indirect route. Takes longer. Costs more hassle than money. A car rental fixes everything. Door-to-door. AC. Freedom to stop wherever—Madhavpur Beach for the sea breeze, Bhalka Tirth for a quick darshan, any random temple that catches your eye. Your driver handles the highway. You handle the schedule. And the cost? Starts at ₹3,600 for a sedan. For 130 km, that’s competitive—especially when you factor in the time you save and the headaches you avoid. Plus—and this is what makes the Somnath-Porbandar drive genuinely enjoyable—this route passes through towns worth stopping at. Veraval Port (fishing harbor, noisy, authentic). Madhavpur Beach (quiet, clean, almost empty on weekdays). Bhalka Tirth (where Lord Krishna was struck by a hunter’s arrow). The car rental turns the transfer itself into a mini-trip. The full Somnath itinerary covers both cities—but getting between them? That’s this guide. Different moods. Both valid.

Somnath to Porbandar Car Rental Fare — All Cab Options

Six vehicles. Three price tiers. The cheapest (Swift Dezire) runs ₹3,600. The priciest (26-seater Tempo) hits ₹12,500. All fares include fuel, toll charges, and driver allowance. No hidden costs. Here’s the honest breakdown—not the polished version, the real one.

Vehicle	Type	Capacity	Luggage	Fare (₹)	Best For
Swift Dezire	Sedan	4 Seats	2 bags	3,600	Couples, solo travelers
Ertiga	SUV	6 Seats	2 bags	4,400	Small families
Innova Crysta	SUV	6 Seats	4 bags	6,000	Comfort-focused families
Tempo Traveller 14	Tempo	14 Seats	10 bags	8,500	Groups of 8-12
Tempo Traveller 17	Tempo	17 Seats	10 bags	9,000	Larger family groups
Tempo Traveller 26	Tempo	26 Seats	10 bags	12,500	Pilgrimage groups, tours

Swift Dezire — The Budget Pick

₹3,600. Flat out, the cheapest option on this route. AC sedan, four seats, two bags in the boot. Is it luxurious? Not remotely. But the highway is mostly four-lane and well-maintained—the Dezire handles 130 km without complaint. For couples or solo pilgrims, it’s the obvious choice. Not fancy. Just works.

Ertiga & Innova Crysta — Family Choices

Ertiga at ₹4,400 seats six with two bags. Decent for a family of four who packed reasonably. Then there’s the Innova Crysta at ₹6,000—noticeably more spacious, four bags fit without playing luggage Tetris, and the highway ride quality takes a noticeable step up. If you’re traveling with elderly parents or small kids? The extra ₹1,600 pays for itself over a 2.5-3 hour drive. Both are AC. Both are clean. But the Innova—it just handles the long stretch better. Different class of vehicle entirely.

Tempo Travellers — Groups & Pilgrimage

The 14-seater at ₹8,500. The 17-seater at ₹9,000. Same price difference as other routes—bit odd, but that’s the rate. The 26-seater jumps to ₹12,500. All AC. All carry 10 bags. For 10-12 people, the 14-seater works. Larger pilgrimage groups? The 26-seater at ₹12,500 breaks down to ₹481 per person. Add the return and it’s still under ₹1,000 for the complete Somnath-Porbandar transfer. That’s cheaper than most bus tickets. Most Somnath Yatra taxi packages include this option. Good instinct.

Booking link: somnathyatra.com/booking — pick your vehicle, choose a date, book instantly. Or call 099789 02166 / WhatsApp 919228317067.

Somnath to Porbandar Route — Distance, Time & Road Conditions

One route. No ambiguity. NH 51 from Somnath to Porbandar is the only sensible option—shorter, faster, and better maintained than any alternative. Here’s the detail.

Detail	Information
Distance	~130 km
Travel Time	2.5–3 hours (without stops)
Route	Somnath → Veraval → Madhavpur → Porbandar (NH 51)
Road Type	National Highway, mostly 4-lane
Road Condition	Good — smooth coastal highway, well-maintained
Toll	Multiple plazas on NH 51 (included in cab fare)
Best Time to Start	6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (arrive Porbandar by afternoon)

The route is straightforward. Exit Somnath, pass through Veraval, then follow NH 51 north along the coast. The road hugs the Saurashtra coastline for most of the stretch—intermittent views of the Arabian Sea to your left. Four-lane highway, smooth surface. In light traffic, you can cover 130 km in under three hours. Most people take longer because the stops along the way earn the time. And they will. Madhavpur Beach alone is worth a 15-minute pull-over. Road quality? Solid. The stretch through Madhavpur and approaching Porbandar is particularly well-maintained. Overtaking spots exist but be cautious near villages—cattle, tractors, and the kind of speed bumps that appear without warning. The drive feels shorter than 130 km suggests, partly because the coastal scenery keeps your eyes engaged. Flat, green during monsoon, and open the rest of the year. Toll plazas exist on NH 51 but fares include toll charges. Confirm when booking. Just to be safe.

How to Book Your Car Rental

Three ways. Honestly, just pick whichever feels easiest.

1. Online (fastest). Go to somnathyatra.com/booking. Select vehicle. Pick date and time. Click “Book Now.” Confirmation arrives with driver details. Two minutes. Done.
2. WhatsApp. Message 919228317067. Mention pickup location, drop, date, time, vehicle. You’ll get a fare quote and booking link back. Reply to confirm.
3. Phone call. Dial 099789 02166. Talk to the team directly. Best if you have specific needs—early morning pickup, multiple stops, extra luggage space.

All three give you the same rates. No hidden charges. What you see on the website is what you pay. My suggestion? Confirm fuel inclusion when booking. It’s usually included for outstation routes—but worth a quick check.

Pro tip: Book at least one day in advance during peak season (October–March, especially around Janmashtami and Shivaratri). Vehicles sell out fast, especially Innova Crysta and Tempo Travellers. Off-season? Same-day booking usually works.

One-Way vs Round Trip — Which Makes More Sense

Depends on where you’re headed next. Here’s the practical math.

Option	Fare (Swift Dezire)	Fare (Innova)	Best For
One-Way	₹3,600	₹6,000	Continuing to Dwarka/Rajkot after Porbandar
Round Trip (same day)	₹6,500–₹7,000	₹10,500–₹11,500	Same-day return to Somnath
Round Trip (next day)	₹7,000–₹8,000	₹11,500–₹13,000	Overnight in Porbandar, return next morning

One-way makes sense if you’re continuing the Gujarat circuit—Dwarka, Rajkot, Ahmedabad after Porbandar. No point backtracking. Round trip works if Somnath is your base. But here’s the honest take: most pilgrims doing the coastal circuit go one-way. Somnath → Porbandar → Dwarka. Circular. No dead kilometers. Smart. And if your Porbandar darshan ends by evening and you want to return for the night temple aarti at Somnath—a round trip saves you the hassle. Your driver waits. You’re back by nightfall. Temple. Dinner. Sleep. Clean loop.

Best Time to Travel

Timing isn’t optional here. It’s the whole game.

Ideal Departure Time

Leave between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. 130 km. Two and a half to three hours. You’re in Porbandar by 10:00 AM. Full day for Kirti Mandir, Sudama Temple, Porbandar Beach, lunch. Leave after 10:00 AM? You’re arriving at midday, burning the best sightseeing hours in a car. Early morning wins. Always. And the drive along the coast at sunrise? Worth waking up for.

Season Guide

• October–February (peak season): Best weather. 15–28°C. Dry roads. Clear skies. January and February see the highest pilgrim traffic—book early. Janmashtami brings massive crowds. And I mean massive.
• March–June (summer): Hot. 35–40°C. Coastal humidity makes it feel worse. Start before 6:00 AM to beat the heat. Roads stay good but the drive feels longer when the sun’s beating down.
• July–September (monsoon): Green. Lush. Beautiful. But waterlogging near coastal stretches after heavy rain. Check weather before heading out. The Saurashtra countryside looks stunning in monsoon—fewer tourists, emerald fields, the kind of landscape that makes you roll the windows down.

October to February. Sweet spot. Comfortable temperatures, dry roads, manageable darshan queues. Planning around Janmashtami? Book everything—cab, hotel—weeks in advance. Porbandar fills up fast. Very fast.

Popular Stops on the Somnath-Porbandar Route

130 km doesn’t demand pit stops. But this route has some genuinely worthwhile ones. And you’ll want to make at least a couple.

• Bhalka Tirth (15 km from Somnath): Where Lord Krishna was struck by a hunter’s arrow. Small temple. Quick visit. Most travelers stop here on the way out—before hitting the highway. Five minutes. Worth it.
• Madhavpur Beach (~80 km from Somnath): Quiet coastal stretch. Clean sand. Almost empty on weekdays. Perfect for a 15-minute break. Stretch your legs, breathe the sea air, grab chai from a roadside stall. The kind of stop that makes the drive feel less like a transfer and more like part of the trip.
• Veraval Port (5 km from Somnath): Fishing harbor. Busy, noisy, real. Not a tourist attraction—it’s a working port. But if you haven’t seen Somnath Temple yet, it’s right here. Quick stop for photos or a cutting chai.
• Harsiddhi Mata Mandir (en route): Small temple. Devotees stop for a quick darshan. Not essential. But if your driver suggests it, the detour is minimal. Ten minutes, max.

Here’s the thing about drivers—they won’t stop unless you ask. Tell them before departure if you want Madhavpur Beach or Bhalka Tirth. They’ll adjust. Communication, simple as it sounds, saves real time on this route. And makes the drive more enjoyable. Different moods. Both valid.

Somnath to Porbandar — Taxi vs Other Options

Let’s be real: taxi isn’t the only way. It’s just the one that makes the most sense for most people. Here’s how everything compares.

Option	Cost	Time	Comfort	Porbandar-Ready?
Taxi (Swift Dezire)	₹3,600	2.5–3 hours	AC, door-to-door	Yes — direct to Porbandar
Taxi (Innova Crysta)	₹6,000	2.5–3 hours	AC, spacious	Yes — direct to Porbandar
GSRTC Bus	₹150–₹250	4–5 hours	Basic, crowded	No — drops at bus stand, need auto to temple
Self-Drive Rental	₹2,000–₹3,000 + fuel	2.5–3 hours	Flexible	Yes — but need to return car

GSRTC buses run from Somnath/Veraval to Porbandar. ₹150–₹250. Sounds cheap. But the bus takes 4-5 hours on a route a taxi covers in under three. Frequency is poor, especially early morning. And the bus drops you at the bus stand—not at Kirti Mandir or Sudama Temple. You’ll need an auto. Time and hassle add up fast. Self-drive sounds appealing—freedom to stop wherever you want. But you need to return the car. And if you don’t know these roads, the drive back (especially after dark) gets tricky. Taxi drivers navigate this route daily. Let them.

Group Travel — Tempo Traveller & Packages

Traveling with a group? Tempo Travellers change the math entirely.

Vehicle	Capacity	Fare	Per Person (12 pax)	Best For
Tempo Traveller 14	14 Seats	₹8,500	₹708	Family groups, small tours
Tempo Traveller 17	17 Seats	₹9,000	₹529	Larger family groups
Tempo Traveller 26	26 Seats	₹12,500	₹481	Pilgrimage groups, school tours

₹708 per person. For twelve people. That’s cheaper than a bus ticket—and you get AC, door-to-door pickup, and a vehicle that’s exclusively yours. Pair it with Somnath sightseeing and the same Tempo handles both legs. One booking. Zero coordination headaches. Pilgrimage groups from outside Gujarat—the 26-seater at ₹12,500 seats 26 passengers. Per person: ₹481 one way. Add return and it’s still under ₹1,000 for the complete transfer. Most Somnath Yatra taxi packages include this option. Hard to beat.

Group booking tip: Call ahead for groups larger than 14. The 26-seater needs advance notice—vehicles aren’t always available same-day. Mention “pilgrimage group” when you call. They’ll suggest the best vehicle and route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Somnath from Porbandar?

130 km by road via NH 51 (the coastal route). Travel time: 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic and stops. Most people take closer to 3 because the stops earn it.

What is the car rental fare from Somnath to Porbandar?

Starts at ₹3,600 for a Swift Dezire (sedan, 4 seats). Ertiga: ₹4,400. Innova Crysta: ₹6,000. Tempo Travellers: ₹8,500–₹12,500. All fares include fuel, toll charges, and driver allowance. No hidden costs. Confirmed.

How long does the drive take from Somnath to Porbandar?

About 2.5–3 hours. Leave early (6:00–8:00 AM) and you reach Porbandar by 10:00 AM. The highway is mostly four-lane and well-maintained. Actual time depends on traffic, weather, and how many stops you make.

How do I book a car rental from Somnath to Porbandar?

Three options. Online at somnathyatra.com/booking, WhatsApp at 919228317067, or call 099789 02166. Vehicle, date, time—instant confirmation. Book a day ahead during peak season.

Can the cab stop at places along the route?

Yes. Tell the driver before departure. Bhalka Tirth (15 km), Madhavpur Beach (80 km), Veraval Port (5 km)—all common. Detours add 10–30 minutes. Brief halts: no extra charge. Long waits? Might incur a fee. Plan it before you leave.

Is it safe to travel at night?

Technically, yes. Drivers are police-verified. Vehicles GPS-tracked. Support team available 24/7. But recommended hours are 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Highway visibility is better during daylight. Night driving? Possible. Daylight? Better.

Can I book a round trip?

Yes. Both one-way and round-trip available. Round trip fares include return distance and driver allowance. Returning to Somnath same day? Round trip. Continuing to Dwarka or Rajkot? One-way. Simple logic.

Is fuel included in the fare?

For outstation routes like this one, fuel is usually included. Confirm when booking. Toll and parking (if any) are extra—but the 130 km route has multiple toll plazas. Included in most cab fares.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Contact the booking team via WhatsApp or phone. Usually free if cancelled 12+ hours before pickup. Last-minute cancellations may incur a small fee. Check the terms and conditions when you book.

What’s the best option for a group of 15?

Tempo Traveller 17-seater at ₹9,000. Seats 17, carries 10 bags. Per person: ₹529. AC, dedicated, door-to-door. Bigger groups (17+)? The 26-seater at ₹12,500 handles it. Call 099789 02166—advance notice helps.