Diu to Dwarka Taxi & Car Rental Guide: Fares, Route & Sudarshan Setu

Connecting the beach island of Diu to Lord Krishna’s ancient coastal kingdom, the 315 km drive to Dwarka completes Gujarat’s most sacred pilgrimage corridor—a 6.5 to 7.5-hour journey through Somnath, Porbandar, and the Okhamandal coast. A sedan taxi costs ₹7,150 one way. An SUV runs ₹8,450 to ₹13,000. A 14–26 seater Tempo Traveller costs ₹18,850 to ₹24,050. Dwarka is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, home to the towering Dwarkadhish Temple where Lord Krishna is believed to have ruled his kingdom, and the newly opened Sudarshan Setu—India’s longest cable-stayed bridge—connecting the mainland to Bet Dwarka island. Whether you are stopping for Somnath Jyotirlinga darshan, paying respects at Sudama Temple in Porbandar, or heading straight to Dwarka’s sacred ghats, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Dwarka.

Route Overview – Diu to Dwarka by Car

Detail	Information
Distance	315 km via Somnath–Porbandar coastal route
Travel Time	6.5 to 7.5 hours depending on route and stops
Route	Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Madhavpur → Porbandar → Okhamandal → Dwarka
Highway Notes	NH51 coastal highway from Diu to Porbandar; two-lane roads through Okhamandal. Madhavpur beach stretch is scenic but slow.
Toll Estimate	₹200–₹350 depending on route and vehicle

The route follows the coastal highway from Diu through Una and Kodinar, reaches Somnath and Veraval, continues north through the scenic Madhavpur beach stretch to Porbandar, and then heads northwest through Okhamandal to Dwarka. This is the most commonly used route—315 km along the coast. The landscape shifts from coastal scrubland near Diu to open salt pans and wind farms closer to Dwarka. Somnath (100 km from Diu) and Porbandar (215 km from Diu) serve as natural midway stopovers—Somnath for Jyotirlinga darshan, Porbandar for lunch and Gandhi’s birthplace.

Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay

Below are verified one-way fares from the Somnath Yatra booking page for Diu to Dwarka:

Vehicle Type	Models	Capacity	Luggage	One-Way Fare
Sedan	Swift Dezire	4 seater AC	2 bags	₹7,150
SUV	Ertiga	6 seater AC	2 bags	₹8,450
SUV (Premium)	Innova Crysta	6 seater AC	4 bags	₹13,000
Tempo Traveller	14 Seater	14 seater AC	10 bags	₹18,850
Tempo Traveller	17 Seater	17 seater AC	10 bags	₹19,500
Tempo Traveller	26 Seater	26 seater AC	10 bags	₹24,050

Why does the Ertiga only hold 2 bags? Most commercial taxis in Gujarat run on CNG. The 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 have heavy luggage, explicitly request an Innova Crysta or ask the operator to fit a roof carrier before the car arrives.

What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Toll charges (typically ₹200–₹350 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax. Because Diu is a Union Territory and Dwarka is in Gujarat, commercial yellow-plate taxis cross a strict geopolitical border. They are required to pay a border 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.

Round trip tip: If you plan to return to Diu after your Dwarka visit, 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 (630 km total) typically costs ₹8,000–₹10,500 for a sedan. Why is a round trip sometimes cheaper than a one-way? Indian outstation taxi operators typically charge one-way travellers for the empty return journey anyway—so a ₹7,150 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

You have several options for booking a car rental from Diu to Dwarka:

Online Aggregators

MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹7,150. Book online, pay online or cash to driver.
CabBazar: Sedan from ₹6,900. Offers one-way, round trip, and multi-stop options.
GozoCabs: One-way from ₹7,300. Round trip from ₹13/km.
Savaari: Sedan from ₹7,500. 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.

Route Options – Which Road to Take

Route 1: Via Somnath – Porbandar (Fastest – 315 km)

Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Madhavpur → Porbandar → Okhamandal → Dwarka. This is the fastest route—315 km, approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours. The road follows NH51 through Una and Kodinar, reaches Somnath first, then bypasses Veraval and continues north through the scenic Madhavpur beach stretch to Porbandar. From Porbandar, head northwest on the Okhamandal coast road to Dwarka. This route is ideal for combining Somnath darshan and Porbandar sightseeing with your Dwarka pilgrimage.

Route 2: Via Somnath – Porbandar (Scenic Coastal – 325 km)

Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Madhavpur → Porbandar → Okhamandal → Dwarka. At 325 km, this route adds 10 km but passes through Prachi—an ancient town with Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains. You join the main coastal road at Somnath before heading north. This route is ideal if you want to combine a heritage stop with your pilgrimage journey.

Recommendation: Take Route 1 if your priority is reaching Dwarka quickly. Take Route 2 if you want to explore Prachi on the way. Both routes pass through Somnath, making it easy to stop for darshan. Many pilgrims leave Diu early, visit Somnath by 9:00 AM, reach Porbandar by noon, and continue to Dwarka by late afternoon.

En Route Stops – What to See Along the Way

Stop	Distance from Diu	What to See
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach	10 km	Scenic beach across the creek from Diu, calm waters
Una	20 km	Coastal town, local temples, tea break
Kodinar	50 km	Town with weekly bazaar, gateway to Somnath region
Sutrapada	68 km	Ancient sun temple ruins, coastal scrub landscape
Somnath	100 km	Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth
Veraval Bypass	108 km	Fishing harbour—you pass the bypass, enter town only if visiting
Madhavpur Ghed	175 km	Coastal beach drive with coconut groves, Madhavrai Temple
Porbandar	215 km	Kirti Mandir, Sudama Temple, Chowpatty Beach, Bharat Mandir
Okhamandal	280 km	Salt pans, wind farms, coastal scrubland
Dwarka	315 km	Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka, Rukmini Devi Temple

Best Time to Drive

Early morning (5:30–7:30 AM): The best window. Light traffic, cool temperatures, and the Saurashtra countryside in morning light. You reach Dwarka by noon—perfect for visiting Dwarkadhish Temple before the midday heat.

Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Good for reaching Dwarka before sunset. The setting sun over the Gulf of Kutch creates dramatic light at Dwarka’s ghats. Traffic is moderate.

Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 42°C. Night driving is not recommended—single-lane roads, no streetlights, and occasional wildlife near the Gir corridor.

Things to Do in Dwarka

Dwarka is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. The city sits on the western coast of Saurashtra at the edge of the Gulf of Kutch:

Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir): One of the most sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple’s 78-metre shikhara (spire) dominates the Dwarka skyline. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Morning aarti at 6:30 AM; evening aarti at 7:00 PM. Conservative dress required—no shorts or sleeveless tops. Electronic devices may be restricted inside the sanctum.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, located 17 km from Dwarka on the way to Bet Dwarka. The 82-foot-tall Shiva statue at the temple entrance is a striking landmark. The temple is on the coast—peaceful and less crowded than Dwarkadhish.
Bet Dwarka: An island across the creek from Dwarka, now connected by the Sudarshan Setu—India’s longest cable-stayed bridge (2.32 km), opened in February 2024. Your cab can drive directly across the bridge from Okha to the island in minutes with no toll charge. Believed to be the original residence of Lord Krishna. The bridge features solar panels along the roof and Bhagavad Gita inscriptions along the pedestrian walkway. Boats from Okha jetty still run as a heritage option, but driving via Sudarshan Setu is now the standard route.
Rukmini Devi Temple: Dedicated to Rukmini, Lord Krishna’s wife. Located 2 km from Dwarkadhish Temple. The temple’s intricate carvings and serene courtyard make it a peaceful stop.
Sudama Setu: A 166-meter pedestrian suspension bridge over the Gomti River, connecting the Dwarkadhish Temple area to Panchkui beach. A popular sunset spot with views of the river meeting the Arabian Sea. Not to be confused with the Sudarshan Setu road bridge at Okha.
Gomti Ghat: The sacred ghat where the Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea, located right behind Dwarkadhish Temple. Pilgrims take a holy dip here before visiting the temple.

Somnath Stopover – The Perfect Halfway Break

Somnath Temple is roughly 100 km from Diu—about 2 hours by car. Since the Diu–Dwarka route passes directly through Somnath, stopping for darshan adds minimal time to your journey. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 9:00 AM, spend 1–2 hours at the temple, and continue to Dwarka by early afternoon. The Somnath bypass is also the best place for a clean restroom break—several highway dhabas and the temple’s cloakroom facilities are available.

Somnath dress code: Both men and women must wear conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees. No electronic devices—phones, smartwatches, cameras, power banks, or car key fobs—are permitted inside the security perimeter. Leave devices in your taxi with the driver or use the external cloakroom (adds 20–30 minutes).

Porbandar Stopover – Gandhi’s Birthplace

Porbandar is roughly 215 km from Diu—about 4 hours by car. Since the Diu–Dwarka route passes through Porbandar, stopping for sightseeing adds 1–2 hours to your journey. Key stops include Kirti Mandir (Gandhi’s birthplace), Sudama Temple, and Chowpatty Beach. The Somnath bypass and Madhavpur beach stalls are the best refreshment stops along this corridor.

Next-Day Sightseeing – The Dwarka Local Circuit

If you book a 2-day round-trip cab (recommended), your driver can take you on the classic Dwarka local circuit the next morning before heading back to Diu:

Morning (6:00 AM): Dwarkadhish Temple aarti at 6:30 AM. Arrive early for darshan before crowds build.
8:00 AM: Drive to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (17 km, 30 minutes). Visit the 82-foot Shiva statue and the coastal temple.
10:00 AM: Drive to Okha and cross Sudarshan Setu to Bet Dwarka (2.32 km bridge). Visit the island temples and beach. Return across the bridge.
12:00 PM: Visit Rukmini Devi Temple (2 km from Dwarkadhish). Continue to Gomti Ghat for a holy dip.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Dwarka. Begin return journey to Diu.

Why 2 days? The Diu to Dwarka drive takes 6.5–7.5 hours. Doing the drive, Somnath darshan, Porbandar lunch, and Dwarka evening aarti in a single day is punishing. A 2-day trip lets you arrive by afternoon, attend evening aarti at Dwarkadhish, and do the full local circuit the next morning before returning.

Return Options – Dwarka 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 your visit and returns you to Diu.
GSRTC bus: Buses run from Dwarka to Diu via Porbandar, Somnath, Veraval, and Una. Frequency: 8+ buses daily. Last bus: around 7:00 PM. Journey: 7–8 hours with stops. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
Local taxi: Available at the Dwarka bus stand and railway station. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
Train: Dwarka Railway Station is on the broad-gauge line connecting to Okha, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Daily superfast express trains (Saurashtra Mail, Okha Express) run to major cities. However, there is no direct train to Diu. Travel to Veraval or Keshod and continue by bus or cab.

Safety Tips for the Drive

Carry water bottles and snacks—limited shops between Una and Kodinar
Fill fuel in Diu, Kodinar, Veraval, Somnath, or Porbandar—limited petrol pumps on the Porbandar–Dwarka stretch
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 Dwarka’s old city area
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
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.
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. Do not carry any alcohol in the taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Diu to Dwarka?

The most common route is 315 km via Una, Kodinar, Somnath, Madhavpur, Porbandar, and Okhamandal. The alternative route via Prachi adds 10 km. The journey takes approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours.

How much does a taxi from Diu to Dwarka cost?

A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹7,150 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹8,450. An Innova Crysta costs ₹13,000. Round-trip fares for a sedan covering 630 km total are generally ₹8,000–₹10,500.

How long does it take to reach Dwarka from Diu?

Approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours via the coastal route (Una–Kodinar–Somnath–Madhavpur–Porbandar–Okhamandal). Early morning departures are fastest due to minimal traffic. If you stop at Somnath for darshan, add 1–2 hours to the total journey 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 in the boot. A Swift Dezire or Ertiga 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; Dwarka is in Gujarat. Commercial cabs crossing this border are stopped at the Tad or Una police checkposts and charged ₹300–₹500. Confirm with the operator before booking whether this charge is included in the fare or payable in cash.

Can I stop at both Somnath and Porbandar on the way?

Yes. Both Somnath (100 km from Diu) and Porbandar (215 km from Diu) are on the route. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 9:00 AM for darshan, continue to Porbandar by noon for lunch and sightseeing, and reach Dwarka by late afternoon. Inform your driver about both stops when booking so waiting charges are clarified upfront.

Can my taxi drive directly to Bet Dwarka?

Yes. Since February 2024, the Sudarshan Setu (India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, 2.32 km) connects Okha directly to Bet Dwarka island by road. Your cab can drive across the bridge in minutes with no toll charge. Boats from Okha jetty still run as a heritage option, but driving via Sudarshan Setu is now the standard and fastest route. The bridge features solar panels along the roof and Bhagavad Gita inscriptions along the pedestrian walkway.

What is Sudarshan Setu?

Sudarshan Setu is India’s longest cable-stayed bridge (2.32 km), connecting Okha mainland to Bet Dwarka island. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, the ₹979-crore bridge eliminates the need for boat access to Bet Dwarka. Your taxi can drive directly onto the island. The bridge offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Kutch and is a popular sunset spot. Do not confuse it with Sudama Setu—a 166-meter pedestrian footbridge over the Gomti River near Dwarkadhish Temple.

Is it safe to drive at night from Diu to Dwarka?

No. The corridor includes unlit single-lane roads, wandering cattle, and occasional wildlife near the forest fringe. Plan your departure so you arrive at Dwarka well before dusk.

Diu to Dwarka Car Rental