Diu to Sasan Gir Taxi Service – Cab Fare, Route & Booking Guide
Diu to Sasan Gir by car is one of the most scenic drives in Saurashtra—99 kilometres of coastal highway, dry deciduous forest, and the occasional flash of a peacock crossing the road. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and route. A sedan taxi costs ₹2,100 to ₹2,800 one way. An SUV runs ₹2,800 to ₹3,800. The route connects the beach town of Diu to the gateway of Gir National Park—home of the Asiatic lion. Whether you are heading for a jungle safari, a temple visit, or a combination of beach and wildlife, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Sasan Gir.
Route Overview – Diu to Sasan Gir by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shortest Route | 99 km — Diu → Una → Girgadhada → Talala → Sasan Gir |
| Alternative Route 1 | 104 km — Diu → Dolasa → Kodinar → Prachi → Talala → Sasan Gir |
| Alternative Route 2 | 131 km — Diu → Dolasa → Kodinar → Somnath → Talala → Sasan Gir |
| Travel Time | 2–2.5 hours (shortest route, depending on traffic) |
| Road Condition | Coastal highways smooth; single-lane forest stretches via Girgadhada have speed breakers, unpaved shoulders, and wandering cattle |
| Best Time to Drive | Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) or late afternoon |
| Taxi Fare (Sedan) | ₹2,100–₹2,800 one way |
| Taxi Fare (SUV) | ₹2,800–₹3,800 one way |
| Per Km Rate | ₹9–₹13.50 (depending on vehicle type) |
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Taxi fares from Diu to Sasan Gir depend on vehicle type, trip type (one-way or round trip), and the booking platform. Here is what you can expect in 2026:
| Vehicle Type | Models | Capacity | Per Km Rate | One-Way Fare (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | Wagon-R, Indica | 4 seater | ₹9/km | ₹1,800–₹2,100 |
| Sedan | Dzire, Etios | 4 seater | ₹9/km | ₹2,100–₹2,800 |
| SUV | Ertiga, Marazzo | 6 seater | ₹12.50/km | ₹2,800–₹3,500 |
| Innova / Crysta | Innova, Innova Crysta | 6–7 seater | ₹13.50/km | ₹3,200–₹3,800 |
What’s included: Driver allowance, fuel, state taxes. What’s extra: Toll charges (if any), parking fees, and potentially the UT/State Border Tax. Because Diu is a Union Territory, commercial yellow-plate taxis crossing into Gujarat (or vice versa) may be charged ₹300–₹500 at the Tad or Una checkposts. Ask the cab operator explicitly: “Is the UT/State Border Tax included in the quoted fare, or will the driver demand it in cash at the checkpost?” Get the answer in writing before booking.
Round trip tip: If you plan to return to Diu after your Gir safari, 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 (198 km total) typically costs ₹2,400–₹3,200 for a sedan.
Car Rental Options – How to Book
You have several options for booking a car rental from Diu to Sasan Gir:
Online Aggregators
- MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹2,156. Book online, pay online or cash to driver.
- CabBazar: Sedan from ₹2,100. Offers one-way, round trip, and multi-stop options.
- GozoCabs: One-way from ₹3,181. Round trip from ₹12.25/km.
- Savaari: Sedan from ₹2,200. 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.
Self-Drive Rental
Self-drive cars are available from Zoomcar and Revv in Diu. However, driving yourself means you need to handle the route, parking, and return logistics. For tourists unfamiliar with Saurashtra roads, a chauffeur-driven car is strongly recommended—the driver knows the route, the road conditions, and the best stops along the way.
Route Options – Which Road to Take
Route 1: Via Una – Girgadhada (Fastest – 99 km)
Diu → Una → Girgadhada → Talala → Sasan Gir. This is the shortest and fastest route—99 km, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The road is mostly single-lane state highway, well-maintained, with light traffic. The landscape transitions from coastal scrub near Diu to dry deciduous forest as you approach Gir. This route passes through small villages and offers glimpses of rural Saurashtra life.
Route 2: Via Kodinar – Prachi (Scenic – 104 km)
Diu → Dolasa → Kodinar → Prachi → Talala → Sasan Gir. At 104 km, this route adds just 5 km but passes through Kodinar—a town with local temples and a weekly bazaar. Prachi is an ancient town with Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains. This route is slightly longer but less crowded than Route 1, and the road through Prachi is well-maintained.
Route 3: Via Somnath (Temple Circuit – 131 km)
Diu → Dolasa → Kodinar → Somnath → Talala → Sasan Gir. The longest route at 131 km—approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. The reward: a stop at Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This route makes sense if you want to combine your Diu–Gir trip with a Somnath darshan. Allow 1–2 hours at Somnath. The road from Somnath to Talala runs through the Gir forest corridor—watch for wildlife.
Somnath dress code warning: If you are driving from Diu’s beaches directly to Somnath, pack a change of conservative clothes in your day-bag. Somnath Temple enforces a strict dress code—security will deny entry to anyone in shorts, half-pants, or sleeveless tops, regardless of how far you have driven. Men must remove shirts before entering the inner sanctum. Carry a cotton stole or gamcha to cover up.
Recommendation: Take Route 1 if your priority is reaching Sasan Gir quickly for a safari. Take Route 3 if you want to visit Somnath on the way—the 32 km extra is worth it for a Jyotirlinga darshan. All three routes converge near Talala before reaching Sasan Gir. If you are continuing beyond Sasan Gir, the drive to Dwarkadhish Temple is another 150 km north.
Road Conditions – What to Expect
The coastal highways near Diu and the stretch near Talala are smooth. The intermediate single-lane state highway through the scrub and forest corridors (via Girgadhada and Jamwala) has frequent speed breakers, unpaved shoulders, and wandering cattle. Do not rush this stretch—overtaking heavy agricultural trolleys on narrow roads can easily add 20–30 minutes to the journey. The road from Somnath to Talala (Route 3) runs through the Gir forest corridor and requires extra caution for wildlife crossings.
En Route Stops – What to See Along the Way
| Stop | Distance from Diu | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| Una | 20 km | Coastal town, local temples, tea break |
| Girgadhada | 45 km | Gateway to Gir, local bazaar, fuel stop |
| Kodinar (via Route 2/3) | 55 km | Town with weekly bazaar, Prachi Buddhist remains |
| Somnath (via Route 3) | 75 km | Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam |
| Talala | 85 km | Mango orchards, last town before Sasan Gir. Stop for GI-tagged Gir Kesar mangoes at roadside stalls (mid-April to early June). |
| Jamjir Waterfall | 90 km (near Jamwala) | All-season natural cascade, freely accessible by car. Scenic 20-minute break. |
Best Time to Drive
Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM): The best window. Light traffic, cool temperatures, and the Saurashtra countryside in morning light. You reach Sasan Gir by 8:30 AM—perfect for a morning safari slot.
Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM): Good for reaching Sasan Gir before evening. The setting sun over the dry forest creates dramatic light. Traffic is moderate.
Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 40°C. Night driving is not recommended—single-lane roads, no streetlights, and occasional wildlife crossings. Forest checkposts close to civilian traffic at dusk (6:00–7:00 PM), so plan to reach Sasan Gir before 5:30 PM.
Seasonal highlight – Kesar mangoes (mid-April to early June): If you make this drive during mango season, the Talala stretch transforms. Roadside stalls and the Talala APMC market sell orchard-fresh crates of GI-tagged Gir Kesar mangoes at wholesale rates. A 5 kg crate costs ₹300–₹500 depending on quality. Buy at Talala—prices double in city markets.
Connecting to Your Gir Safari
If you are heading to Sasan Gir for a lion safari, timing your car rental arrival is critical:
| Safari Slot | Time | When to Leave Diu |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Safari | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Stay in Sasan Gir the night before |
| Late Morning Safari | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Leave Diu by 6:30 AM |
| Afternoon Safari | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Leave Diu by 12:00 PM |
Tip: Safari bookings fill up fast during peak season (October–March). Book your safari online at girlion.gujarat.gov.in 60–90 days in advance for core Gir jungle permits. Devalia bus seats can be booked 2–3 days ahead. Your car rental driver can help navigate to the safari gate, but the booking must be made separately.
Monsoon Closure (June 16 – October 15)
The core Gir Jungle Safari is closed every year from June 16 to October 15 for monsoon rejuvenation and animal breeding. If you drive from Diu to Sasan Gir between mid-June and mid-October, only Devalia Safari Park (the enclosed interpretation zone) is available for jeep safaris. Devalia is closed on Wednesdays. Bus rides at Devalia can be booked 2–3 days in advance on girlion.gujarat.gov.in. The core jungle trail reopens in mid-October—book permits immediately when slots open for the best chance.
Luggage Storage During Safari
If you book a one-way transfer from Diu directly to a morning or afternoon safari, you will arrive with all your luggage. Two options: your cab driver can wait with the luggage at the Sinh Sadan reception parking area, or you can use the cloakroom facilities at the Sinh Sadan reception center before boarding the open forest Gypsies. You cannot carry bags into the safari Gypsys—only a water bottle and camera are permitted. Confirm luggage storage arrangements with your driver before departure from Diu.
Return Options – Sasan Gir 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 the safari and returns you to Diu.
- GSRTC bus: The most reliable public transit option. Buses run from Sasan Gir to Diu via Junagadh. Frequency: 4–5 buses daily. Last bus: around 5:00 PM. Journey: 3–4 hours with stops.
- Local taxi: Available at the Sasan Gir bus stand. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
- Train (not recommended for transit): The old meter-gauge railway line through the Gir forest is highly irregular, excruciatingly slow, and frequently suspended for broad-gauge conversion work or wildlife protection protocols. The Sasan Gir–Veraval–Junagadh train should only be treated as a novelty joyride for railway enthusiasts—never rely on it for time-sensitive connections. A GSRTC bus or pre-booked taxi is always the safer bet.
Safety Tips for the Drive
- Carry water bottles and snacks—limited shops between Una and Girgadhada
- Fill fuel in Diu or Girgadhada—no petrol pumps between Girgadhada and Talala
- 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 Sasan Gir village
- 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
- Forest checkpost curfew: Forest checkposts on roads entering the Gir protected buffer zone close to civilian traffic at dusk (typically 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM depending on season). Leaving Diu late afternoon risks being turned back at the forest gate. Plan to reach Sasan Gir before 5:30 PM.
- 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—fines, vehicle seizure, and potential arrest. Do not carry any alcohol in the taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Diu to Sasan Gir?
The shortest route is 99 km via Una and Girgadhada. Alternative routes: 104 km via Kodinar and Prachi, or 131 km via Somnath. The journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours via the shortest route, or 3 to 3.5 hours via Somnath.
How much is the taxi fare from Diu to Sasan Gir?
A sedan (Dzire, Etios) costs ₹2,100 to ₹2,800 one way. An SUV (Ertiga, Marazzo) costs ₹2,800 to ₹3,500. An Innova Crysta costs ₹3,200 to ₹3,800. Round-trip fares are generally cheaper—₹2,400 to ₹3,200 for a sedan covering 198 km total.
How long does it take to reach Sasan Gir from Diu?
2 to 2.5 hours via the shortest route (Una–Girgadhada). Via Somnath, it takes 3 to 3.5 hours including the temple stop. Early morning departures are fastest due to minimal traffic.
How do I book a car rental from Diu?
Book online through MakeMyTrip, CabBazar, GozoCabs, or Savaari. You can also hire a taxi from local stands near Diu Airport or Diu Fort. Online bookings offer fixed pricing and driver details in advance. Local agents may offer lower fares but verify car condition before booking.
What is the best time to drive from Diu to Sasan Gir?
Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) is best—cool temperatures, light traffic, and you reach Sasan Gir in time for a morning safari. Avoid midday in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 40°C. Do not drive at night—single-lane roads and wildlife crossings.
Can I rent a self-drive car from Diu?
Yes. Zoomcar and Revv offer self-drive rentals in Diu. However, a chauffeur-driven car is recommended for tourists unfamiliar with Saurashtra roads. The driver handles navigation, parking, and route conditions while you enjoy the scenery.
Can the taxi driver help with safari bookings?
The driver can navigate you to the safari gate and help with logistics, but safari bookings must be made separately through the official Gujarat Forest Department website (girlion.gujarat.gov.in). For core Gir jungle safari permits during peak season (November–February), book 60–90 days in advance—permits sell out within hours of opening online. Devalia bus seats can be booked 2–3 days ahead.
Are there stops along the way for food or fuel?
Tea stalls and small restaurants are available in Una (20 km) and Girgadhada (45 km). Fill fuel in Diu or Girgadhada—no petrol pumps between Girgadhada and Talala. Carry water and snacks for the journey.
How do I return to Diu from Sasan Gir?
Pre-book a round-trip cab for the most hassle-free option. GSRTC buses run 4–5 times daily (last bus around 5:00 PM) and are the most reliable public transit. Local taxis are available at the bus stand but may cost more than pre-booked cabs. The Sasan Gir–Veraval–Junagadh train is highly irregular and frequently suspended—do not rely on it for time-sensitive connections.
Is it safe to drive at night?
No. The route passes through forested areas with single-lane roads, no streetlights, and occasional wildlife crossings (deer, monkeys, and rarely lions). Always plan to reach Sasan Gir before sunset. If you must travel after dark, drive slowly with headlights on full beam.
