Diu to Ahmedabad Taxi & Car Rental Guide: Fares, Routes & Airport
Connecting the quiet beach island of Diu to Gujarat’s largest city and former capital, the 370 km drive to Ahmedabad is a full-day journey through Saurashtra’s heartland and across the wheat-and-cotton plains of central Gujarat. A sedan taxi typically costs ₹6,500–₹7,500 one way, while an SUV runs ₹7,500–₹11,000. Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s commercial and cultural powerhouse—home to the Somnath corridor’s eastern gateway, the UNESCO-listed Old City, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) with direct flights to every major Indian city and international destinations. Whether you are catching a flight, exploring Ahmedabad’s stepwells and pol houses, or combining a Somnath–Khodaldham–Ahmedabad circuit, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Ahmedabad.
Route Overview – Diu to Ahmedabad by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~370 km via NH51–NH47 (standard highway); ~350 km via interior rural route |
| Travel Time | 7 to 8 hours depending on route, traffic, and stops |
| Route | Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath/Veraval Bypass → Junagadh → Rajkot → Ahmedabad |
| Highway Notes | NH51 coastal highway to Junagadh; NH151/NH27 Junagadh to Rajkot; four-lane NH47 Rajkot to Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad Ring Road / SG Highway to avoid city traffic. |
| Toll Estimate | ₹350–₹500 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 Rajkot. From Rajkot, the four-lane NH47 cuts east across central Gujarat to Ahmedabad. The landscape shifts dramatically—coastal scrubland near Diu, farmland through Junagadh, industrial zones around Rajkot, and finally the sprawling urban density of Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad Ring Road / SG Highway approach from the west avoids the worst of city traffic.
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Below are standard one-way fares for the 370 km Diu to Ahmedabad drop in 2026:
| Vehicle Type | Models | Capacity | Luggage | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire, Etios | 4 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹6,500–₹7,500 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹7,500–₹9,000 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹11,000–₹13,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹16,000–₹20,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹17,000–₹21,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹21,000–₹26,000 |
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 ₹350–₹500 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax.
Because Diu is a Union Territory and Ahmedabad 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 (740 km total) typically cost ₹8,500–₹10,500 for a sedan. Indian outstation taxi operators charge one-way travellers for the empty return journey anyway—so a ₹7,000 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 ₹6,500–₹7,500. 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: NH47 via Rajkot vs. Interior Highway
Route 1: Via Rajkot (Fastest Highway – ~370 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath/Veraval Bypass → Junagadh → Jetpur → Gondal → Rajkot → Ahmedabad. This is the standard and most comfortable route, taking 7 to 8 hours. It utilizes the broader NH151, NH27, and NH47 highways. At Rajkot, join the four-lane NH47 for the final 300 km stretch to Ahmedabad. This route is ideal for combining Somnath darshan, Junagadh sightseeing, or Rajkot’s Gandhi Museum with your Ahmedabad journey.
Route 2: Via Dhari & Amreli (Interior Rural Route – ~350 km)
Diu → Una → Dhari → Amreli → Bhavnagar → Ahmedabad. This interior route is geographically shorter but passes through deeper rural Saurashtra. It is mostly two-lane state roads until Amreli, then joins the highway to Ahmedabad. A good option if you want to avoid Rajkot city traffic entirely, but it lacks the highway amenities 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 | Gandhi Museum, Watson Museum, Aji Dam |
| Viramgam | 320 km | Junction town, Salt Lake bird-watching |
| Ahmedabad | 370 km | Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj Stepwell, Old City pol houses |
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 (4:30–6:00 AM): The best window for a 370 km journey. You clear Junagadh before rush hour and reach Ahmedabad by lunch. This is the recommended departure time.
Late afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM): Viable only if you are comfortable arriving in Ahmedabad after dark. Plan the drive so Rajkot traffic is cleared before evening rush (5:00–7:00 PM).
Avoid: Starting after 10:00 AM—you will hit Rajkot evening traffic and arrive in Ahmedabad late at night. Night driving on the coastal stretch is not recommended due to unlit single-lane roads and wandering cattle.
Things to Do in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a city of contrasts—UNESCO-listed heritage alongside modern skyscrapers, bustling bazaars next to designer boutiques:
- Sabarmati Ashram: Mahatma Gandhi’s riverside residence and the nerve centre of India’s independence movement. A must-visit for anyone interested in Indian history.
- Adalaj Stepwell: An intricately carved five-storey stepwell from 1499, one of Gujarat’s finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Old City Pol Houses: Wander the narrow lanes of the walled city, where carved wooden havelis, Jain temples, and bustling bazaars create an unforgettable sensory experience.
- Kankaria Lake: A circular lake built in 1451, surrounded by gardens, a zoo, and evening food stalls. Popular with families for evening walks.
Ahmedabad Airport (AMD) – Flight Transfers
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is located 15 km north of Ahmedabad city centre in Hansol. It handles domestic flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, plus international flights to Dubai, Singapore, and London.
Time & Cost: If you are booking a cab from Diu directly to AMD airport, the total drive is approximately 385 km and takes 7.5–8.5 hours. Taxi operators typically charge a ₹300–₹500 surcharge on top of the standard Ahmedabad drop fare to cover the extra 15 km to the airport. Inform your cab operator explicitly that your drop is at AMD airport, not Ahmedabad city.
Return Options – Ahmedabad 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 Ahmedabad to Diu via Rajkot, Junagadh, Somnath, and Una. Frequency: 10+ buses daily. Journey: 10–12 hours. Overnight sleeper buses available.
- Train: Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI) is on the main Western Railway line. Trains to Veraval (Somnath) run daily. From Veraval, continue by bus or cab to Diu (75 km).
- Flight: AMD has daily flights to Diu Airport (DIU). The flight takes approximately 1 hour. From Diu Airport, book a cab to your destination.
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, Junagadh, or Rajkot. Ahmedabad has plentiful petrol pumps and ATMs, 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.
- Ahmedabad traffic: The city’s traffic is notoriously congested. If arriving during evening rush (5:00–7:00 PM), use the Ahmedabad Ring Road / SG Highway to bypass the city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Diu to Ahmedabad?
The standard highway route via Una, Somnath, Junagadh, Rajkot, and NH47 is approximately 370 km. An alternative interior route via Dhari and Amreli is shorter at roughly 350 km but passes through rural roads with fewer amenities.
How much does a taxi from Diu to Ahmedabad cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹6,500–₹7,500 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹7,500–₹9,000. An Innova Crysta costs ₹11,000–₹13,000. Round-trip fares covering the ~740 km total are generally ₹8,500–₹10,500 for a sedan.
How long does it take to reach Ahmedabad from Diu?
The 370 km highway journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Early morning departures (4:30–6:00 AM) are strongly recommended to avoid Rajkot evening traffic and Ahmedabad rush hour. If you stop at Somnath or Rajkot, factor in additional sightseeing time.
How far is Ahmedabad Airport (AMD) from Diu?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is located 15 km north of Ahmedabad city centre. The total drive from Diu to AMD is approximately 385 km and takes about 7.5–8.5 hours. Taxi operators charge a ₹300–₹500 surcharge for the airport drop.
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; Ahmedabad 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 Ahmedabad?
Yes. Somnath is on the standard route—about 100 km from Diu, and roughly 270 km from Ahmedabad. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 8:00–9:00 AM for darshan, and arrive in Ahmedabad by evening.
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 Rajkot. It is an easy and highly recommended 1-hour detour to see the Naulakha Palace and the Royal Vintage Car Collection.
Is it safe to drive at night from Diu to Ahmedabad?
No. The coastal stretch includes unlit single-lane roads, wandering cattle, and occasional wildlife near the Gir fringe. Plan your departure so you reach Rajkot before dusk and Ahmedabad before dark. If you must travel late, the Rajkot–Ahmedabad highway (NH47) is well-lit and four-lane throughout.
