Diu to Porbandar Car Rental Taxi Fare and Route Guide
Stretching 215 km along the Arabian Sea, the drive from the island of Diu to Porbandar is Saurashtra’s definitive coastal highway route. A sedan taxi costs ₹5,700 one way. An SUV runs ₹6,700 to ₹8,200. A 14–26 seater Tempo Traveller costs ₹12,200 to ₹15,500. The journey follows NH51 through a string of coastal towns—Una, Kodinar, Somnath, and the stunning Madhavpur beach stretch—before arriving at Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and the legendary home of Sudama. Whether you are stopping for Somnath Jyotirlinga darshan, driving through the Madhavpur coconut-grove coastline, or paying respects at Sudama Temple, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Porbandar.
Route Overview – Diu to Porbandar by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shortest Route | 215 km — Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Madhavpur → Porbandar |
| Alternative Route | 225 km — Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Madhavpur → Porbandar |
| Travel Time | 4–4.5 hours (shortest route, depending on traffic) |
| Road Condition | Smooth coastal highway near Diu; single-lane stretches via Una; Veraval–Somnath–Porbandar stretch is well-maintained coastal road |
| Best Time to Drive | Early morning (5:30–7:30 AM) or late afternoon |
| Taxi Fare (Sedan) | ₹5,700 one way |
| Taxi Fare (SUV) | ₹6,700–₹8,200 one way |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹12,200–₹15,500 one way |
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Taxi fares from Diu to Porbandar 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 | ₹5,700 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹6,700 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹8,200 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹12,200 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹12,500 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹15,500 |
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 ₹150–₹200 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax. Because Diu is a Union Territory and Porbandar 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 Porbandar 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 (430 km total) typically costs ₹6,500–₹8,000 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 ₹5,700 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 Porbandar:
Online Aggregators
- MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹5,700. Book online, pay online or cash to driver.
- CabBazar: Sedan from ₹5,500. Offers one-way, round trip, and multi-stop options.
- GozoCabs: One-way from ₹5,800. Round trip from ₹13/km.
- Savaari: Sedan from ₹5,900. 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 – Madhavpur (Fastest – 215 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Madhavpur → Porbandar. This is the shortest and fastest route—215 km, approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. The road follows NH51 through Una and Kodinar, reaches Somnath (Prabhas Patan) first, then bypasses Veraval and continues north along the coast through the scenic Madhavpur beach stretch to Porbandar. This route is ideal if you want to combine a Somnath darshan with your Porbandar journey—stop at Somnath for 1–2 hours and continue north.
Route 2: Via Prachi – Somnath (Scenic – 225 km)
Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Madhavpur → Porbandar. At 225 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 Porbandar 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.
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 |
| 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, roadside stalls |
| Porbandar | 215 km | Kirti Mandir, Sudama Temple, Chowpatty Beach, Bharat Mandir, Huzoor Palace |
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 Porbandar by 10:00 AM—perfect for visiting Kirti Mandir before the midday heat.
Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Good for reaching Porbandar before sunset. The setting sun over the Arabian Sea creates dramatic light at Chowpatty Beach. 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 Porbandar
Porbandar is a city of historical and spiritual significance—the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and the legendary home of Sudama:
- Kirti Mandir: The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi—a memorial temple and museum built around his ancestral home. Exhibits include personal belongings, photographs, and letters. Open 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM; free entry. Footwear must be removed at the courtyard entrance.
- Sudama Temple: Dedicated to Sudama, Lord Krishna’s childhood friend. The temple’s striking white marble architecture and the legend of Sudama’s visit to Dwarka make it one of Porbandar’s most revered sites.
- Chowpatty Beach: Porbandar’s main beach stretch. Quiet, uncrowded, and less commercialized than other Gujarat beaches. Ideal for an evening stroll and street food.
- Porbandar Bird Sanctuary: A small but vibrant bird sanctuary around a lake in the city centre. Migratory birds visit during winter months (November–February). Good for a relaxed morning walk.
- Bharat Mandir: A memorial hall built by Nanji Kalidas Mehta featuring sculptures, relief maps, and portraits. A must-visit for anyone interested in Porbandar’s maritime heritage.
- Huzoor Palace: A sea-facing European-style palace on the waterfront. Built during the princely era, it is a striking architectural landmark with views over the Arabian Sea.
Madhavpur Ghed – Coastal Drive & Coconut Stalls
About 175 km from Diu (roughly 40 km before Porbandar), the road cuts through Madhavpur Ghed—one of Gujarat’s most beautiful coastal stretches. Here, NH51 runs directly parallel to the Arabian Sea with unobstructed views of turquoise water and sand dunes. Stop at the roadside coconut stalls and the Madhavrai Temple for a break. The beach is uncommercialized and wide. If you are driving in winter (November–February), the roadside hawkers sell fresh jaggery and peanuts. This stretch is a strong reason to drive rather than fly this route.
Somnath Stopover – The Perfect Halfway Break
Porbandar is roughly 115 km from Somnath Temple—about 2 hours by car. Since the Diu–Porbandar 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 Porbandar by noon.
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).
Continuing Onward – Porbandar to Dwarka
If you are on a broader coastal pilgrimage, Porbandar is the natural midway stopover for travelers continuing to Dwarka. Dwarka is another 100 km northwest of Porbandar—approximately 2 hours by car. Most pilgrims leave Diu early, visit Somnath by 9:00 AM, reach Porbandar by noon, and continue to Dwarka by late afternoon. If you plan this extension, tell your cab operator when booking so the round-trip mileage and overnight stay are factored into the quote. The coastal drive from Porbandar to Dwarka passes through Okhamandal, with views of salt pans and wind farms.
Return Options – Porbandar 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 Porbandar to Diu via Somnath, Veraval, and Una. Frequency: 10+ buses daily. Last bus: around 7:00 PM. Journey: 5–6 hours with stops. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
- Local taxi: Available at the Porbandar bus stand and railway station. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
- Train: Porbandar Railway Station is the terminus of the Porbandar–Delhi Superfast Express and other long-distance trains. 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, or Somnath—limited petrol pumps on the Somnath–Porbandar 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 Porbandar’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 Porbandar?
The shortest route is 215 km via Una, Kodinar, Somnath, Veraval Bypass, and Madhavpur. The alternative route via Prachi is 225 km. The journey takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours via the shortest route.
How much does a taxi from Diu to Porbandar cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹5,700 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹6,700. An Innova Crysta costs ₹8,200. Round-trip fares for a sedan covering 430 km total are generally ₹6,500–₹8,000.
How long does it take to reach Porbandar from Diu?
Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours via the shortest route (Una–Kodinar–Somnath–Veraval Bypass–Madhavpur). 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; Porbandar 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 Somnath on the way to Porbandar?
Yes. Somnath is roughly on the route—100 km from Diu, 115 km from Porbandar. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 9:00 AM for darshan, and continue to Porbandar by noon. Inform your driver about the stop when booking so the waiting charges are clarified upfront.
Can I stop at Madhavpur Beach on the way?
Yes. Madhavpur Ghed is roughly 175 km from Diu and 40 km before Porbandar. The beach runs parallel to NH51 with unobstructed Arabian Sea views. It’s an ideal 15–30 minute break. Your driver can stop at the coconut stalls or the Madhavrai Temple. Inform the driver in advance so they don’t skip the stop.
Can I extend this cab from Porbandar to Dwarka?
Yes. Dwarka is another 100 km northwest of Porbandar—approximately 2 hours by car. If you plan this extension, tell your cab operator when booking so the round-trip mileage and overnight stay are factored into the quote. Many pilgrims leave Diu early, visit Somnath, spend the night in Porbandar, and continue to Dwarka the next day. The coastal drive passes through Okhamandal with views of salt pans and wind farms.
What is there to see in Porbandar for Gandhi followers?
Kirti Mandir is the main attraction—the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, now a memorial museum with personal belongings, photographs, and letters. Open 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM; free entry. The surrounding old city has the Gandhi family home and other colonial-era buildings. Plan 1–2 hours for a thorough visit.
Is it safe to drive at night from Diu to Porbandar?
No. The corridor includes unlit single-lane roads, wandering cattle, and occasional wildlife near the forest fringe. Plan your departure so you arrive at Porbandar well before dusk.
