Diu to Keshod Taxi & Car Rental Guide: Fares, Routes & Airport Info
Diu to Keshod by car is a 135-kilometre drive through the Saurashtra heartland—approximately 3 hours depending on traffic and route. A sedan taxi costs ₹4,200 one way. An SUV runs ₹4,700 to ₹5,700. A 14–26 seater Tempo Traveller costs ₹8,700 to ₹11,500. Keshod is the nearest airport town to Sasan Gir National Park and a convenient gateway to Junagadh and the broader Saurashtra region. Whether you are flying out of Keshod Airport, heading for a wildlife safari at Gir, or continuing onward to Junagadh, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Keshod.
Route Overview – Diu to Keshod by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shortest Route | 135 km — Diu → Una → Kodinar → Veraval Bypass → Keshod |
| Alternative Route | 145 km — Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Veraval → Keshod |
| Travel Time | 2.5–3 hours (shortest route, depending on traffic) |
| Road Condition | Smooth coastal highway near Diu; single-lane stretches via Una with speed breakers and wandering cattle; Veraval bypass is well-maintained four-lane |
| Best Time to Drive | Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) or late afternoon |
| Taxi Fare (Sedan) | ₹4,200 one way |
| Taxi Fare (SUV) | ₹4,700–₹5,700 one way |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹8,700–₹11,500 one way |
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Taxi fares from Diu to Keshod 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 | Luggage | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire | 4 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹4,200 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹4,700 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹5,700 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹8,700 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹9,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹11,500 |
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 ₹100–₹150 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax. Because Diu is a Union Territory and Keshod 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 Keshod 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 (270 km total) typically costs ₹3,800–₹4,800 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 ₹4,200 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.
Keshod Transit – Airport & Railway Station
Keshod is a well-connected transit hub with both air and rail links to the rest of Gujarat and beyond.
Keshod Airport
Keshod Airport (IXJ) operates commercial flights under the UDAN scheme. Alliance Air currently connects Keshod to Mumbai—the flight takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. If you are flying into Keshod and need a taxi to Diu, pre-book an outstation cab through the same platforms listed below. The airport is 3 km from Keshod town centre.
Keshod Railway Station
Keshod Railway Station is on the broad-gauge line connecting Veraval to Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Trains like the Somnath–Ahmedabad Express stop here. Many travellers arriving by train in Keshod need a taxi onward to Diu—the station is right in the town centre, and pre-booked cabs can pick you up directly at the platform exit. The drive from Keshod Railway Station to Diu is the same 135 km route described below.
Car Rental Options – How to Book
You have several options for booking a car rental from Diu to Keshod:
Online Aggregators
- MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹4,200. Book online, pay online or cash to driver.
- CabBazar: Sedan from ₹4,000. Offers one-way, round trip, and multi-stop options.
- GozoCabs: One-way from ₹4,300. Round trip from ₹13/km.
- Savaari: Sedan from ₹4,400. 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 Una – Kodinar – Veraval Bypass (Fastest – 135 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Veraval Bypass → Keshod. This is the shortest and fastest route—135 km, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The road follows the coastal highway through Una and Kodinar, then turns north at the Veraval bypass toward Keshod. The Veraval bypass keeps you on a well-maintained four-lane road, avoiding harbour traffic. This is the recommended route for most travellers.
Route 2: Via Prachi – Veraval (Scenic – 145 km)
Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Veraval → Keshod. At 145 km, this route adds 10 km but passes through Prachi—an ancient town with Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains. You enter Veraval from the east and pass through the town before heading north to Keshod. This route is ideal if you want to combine a heritage stop or a Veraval fish market visit with your Keshod journey.
Recommendation: Take Route 1 if your priority is reaching Keshod quickly. Take Route 2 if you want to explore Prachi or Veraval on the way. Both routes pass through the Veraval corridor before turning north toward Keshod.
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 |
| Prachi (via Route 2) | 55 km | Ancient Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains |
| Sutrapada | 68 km | Ancient sun temple ruins, coastal scrub landscape |
| Veraval Bypass / Veraval | 92 km | Fishing harbour, Somnath Gateway—only if taking Route 2 through town |
| Keshod | 135 km | Keshod Airport, Akshaygadh, Jain Temple, Swaminarayan Mandir |
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 Keshod by 9:00 AM—perfect for catching a morning flight or continuing to Sasan Gir.
Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM): Good for reaching Keshod before sunset. 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 near the Gir corridor.
Things to Do in Keshod
Keshod is a modest transit town, but it has a few spots worth exploring if you have time before your flight or onward journey:
- Akshaygadh Garden & Temple: A hilltop garden and temple complex 3 km from the city centre. Panoramic views of the surrounding plains and farmlands. A peaceful spot for a short hike or sunset picnic.
- Jain Temple: Notable for its intricate carved pillars, adorned ceilings, and statues of Jain Tirthankaras. A quiet example of the region’s Jain heritage.
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: Prominent temple with detailed carvings and a calm atmosphere. A good escape from the market bustle.
- Maganlal Municipal Garden: The main green space in Keshod, located in Nehru Nagar. Lush lawns, walking paths, and children’s play areas. Best visited in the evening when locals gather.
- Keshod Local Market: Keshod is famous for groundnuts (peanuts). The APMC marketing yard is a wholesale hub, and the local vegetable and fruit markets offer a colourful display of fresh produce. Good for picking up roasted peanuts, peanut oil, khakhra, and ganthiya as take-home snacks.
Connecting to Sasan Gir & Junagadh
Keshod is the nearest airport town to Sasan Gir National Park—approximately 50 km by road. If you are flying into Gujarat for a lion safari, Keshod is your entry point. From Keshod, the drive to Sasan Gir takes about 1 to 1.5 hours through the Gir forest corridor.
| Destination from Keshod | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sasan Gir National Park | 50 km | 1–1.5 hours |
| Somnath Temple | 55 km | 1–1.5 hours |
| Junagadh (Uparkot Fort, Girnar) | 45 km | 1 hour |
| Veraval | 45 km | 1 hour |
Tip: The core Gir Jungle Safari is closed every year from June 16 to October 15 for monsoon rejuvenation. During this period, only Devalia Safari Park is available. Book safaris online at girlion.gujarat.gov.in 60–90 days in advance for core permits during peak season (November–February). Gir safari timings shift by season: winter mornings start at 6:30 AM; summer mornings start at 6:00 AM.
Return Options – Keshod 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 Keshod to Diu via Una. Frequency: 20+ buses daily. Last bus: around 8:00 PM. Journey: 3–4 hours with stops. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
- Local taxi: Available at the Keshod bus stand. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
- Flight: If you booked a return flight from Keshod Airport, pre-book your cab to the airport to coincide with your departure time. The airport is 3 km from the town centre.
Safety Tips for the Drive
- Carry water bottles and snacks—limited shops between Una and Kodinar
- Fill fuel in Diu, Kodinar, or Veraval—limited petrol pumps between Veraval and Keshod
- 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 near Keshod’s outer areas
- 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 Keshod?
The shortest route is 135 km via Una, Kodinar, and the Veraval bypass. The alternative route via Prachi is 145 km. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via the shortest route.
How much does a taxi from Diu to Keshod cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹4,200 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹4,700. An Innova Crysta costs ₹5,700. Round-trip fares for a sedan covering 270 km total are generally ₹3,800–₹4,800.
How long does it take to reach Keshod from Diu?
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via the shortest route (Una–Kodinar–Veraval Bypass). Early morning departures are fastest due to minimal traffic.
Does Keshod Airport have commercial flights?
Yes. Keshod Airport operates commercial flights under the UDAN scheme. Alliance Air currently connects Keshod to Mumbai. The airport is 3 km from the town centre. If you are flying in and need a taxi to Diu, pre-book an outstation cab.
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; Keshod 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 reach Sasan Gir from Keshod?
Yes. Sasan Gir is 50 km from Keshod—approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Keshod is the nearest airport town to Gir, making it the most convenient entry point for wildlife travellers flying in from Mumbai or other cities.
Does Keshod have a railway station?
Yes. Keshod Railway Station is on the broad-gauge line connecting Veraval to Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Trains like the Somnath–Ahmedabad Express stop here. The station is in the town centre, and pre-booked cabs can pick you up directly at the platform exit for the 135 km drive to Diu.
Is it safe to drive at night from Diu to Keshod?
No. The corridor includes unlit single-lane roads, wandering cattle, and occasional wildlife near the forest fringe. Plan your departure so you arrive at Keshod well before dusk.
