Diu to Somnath Taxi Service – Cab Fare, Route & Booking Guide
Diu to Somnath by car is an 83-kilometre coastal drive through Saurashtra—approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and route. A sedan taxi costs ₹3,000 one way. An SUV runs ₹3,500 to ₹5,500. A 14–26 seater Tempo Traveller costs ₹8,000 to ₹9,500. The route connects the beach island of Diu to one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Whether you are heading for a Somnath Temple darshan, a pilgrimage circuit, or a coastal heritage drive, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Somnath.
Route Overview – Diu to Somnath by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shortest Route | 83 km — Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath |
| Alternative Route | 92 km — Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Somnath |
| Travel Time | 1.5–2 hours (shortest route, depending on traffic) |
| Road Condition | Smooth coastal highway near Diu; single-lane stretches via Una with speed breakers and wandering cattle |
| Best Time to Drive | Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) or late afternoon |
| Taxi Fare (Sedan) | ₹3,000 one way |
| Taxi Fare (SUV) | ₹3,500–₹5,500 one way |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹8,000–₹9,500 one way |
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Taxi fares from Diu to Somnath 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 | ₹3,000 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹3,500 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹5,500 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹8,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹8,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹9,500 |
What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Toll charges, parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax. Because Diu is a Union Territory and Somnath 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 ₹3,000 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 Somnath darshan, book a round-trip cab. Most operators charge ₹14–₹16 per km for round trips, which works out cheaper than two one-way bookings. A round trip (166 km total) typically costs ₹3,200–₹4,000 for a sedan. Waiting charges warning: Standard round-trip quotes usually include only a fixed waiting window of 2–3 hours. A full Somnath circuit (general queue, visiting Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, and lunch) often takes 4–5 hours. Clarify driver waiting charges beforehand—typically ₹100–₹150/hour after the initial free window.
Car Rental Options – How to Book
You have several options for booking a car rental from Diu to Somnath:
Online Aggregators
- MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹2,165. 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 ₹2,800. Round trip from ₹14/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.
Route Options – Which Road to Take
Route 1: Via Una – Kodinar (Fastest – 83 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath. This is the shortest and fastest route—83 km, approximately 1.5 to 2 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 Somnath. This route passes through small villages and offers glimpses of rural Saurashtra life.
Route 2: Via Prachi (Scenic – 92 km)
Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Somnath. At 92 km, this route adds 9 km but passes through Prachi—an ancient town with Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains. The road through Prachi is well-maintained and less crowded than Route 1. This route is ideal if you want to combine a heritage stop with your Somnath pilgrimage.
Recommendation: Take Route 1 if your priority is reaching Somnath quickly for darshan. Take Route 2 if you want to explore Prachi’s archaeological site on the way. Both routes arrive at Somnath from the south.
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 |
| Prachi (via Route 2) | 55 km | Ancient Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains |
| Sutrapada | 68 km | Ancient sun temple ruins, coastal scrub landscape |
| Somnath | 83 km | Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth |
| Veraval | 88 km (past Somnath) | Fishing harbour, local fish market—only if overshooting Somnath |
Best Time to Drive
Early morning (5:00–6:00 AM): The best window for morning aarti. Leave Diu by 5:00 AM to reach Somnath by 6:30 AM for the 7:00 AM aarti. Light traffic, cool temperatures, and the Saurashtra countryside in dawn light.
8:00 AM arrival: Perfect for calm general darshan right after the morning aarti crowd thins out. The temple is less crowded, the marble is still cool, and you have time to visit Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirth before lunch.
Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM): Good for reaching Somnath before evening aarti (7:00 PM). The setting sun over the Arabian Sea creates dramatic light at the temple. Traffic is moderate.
Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 40°C. Stone walkways around the temple become scalding hot. Night driving is not recommended—single-lane roads, no streetlights, and occasional wildlife crossings.
Somnath Temple Dress Code – Critical Warning
The Somnath “Beachwear” Trap – Critical Dress Code Warning: If you are taking the scenic route from Diu’s beaches directly to the Somnath Jyotirlinga, you must pack a change of conservative clothes in your day-bag. Somnath Temple enforces a draconian dress code. Security guards will instantly deny entry to anyone wearing shorts, capris, half-pants, or sleeveless tops—regardless of how far you just drove. You will be forced to buy overpriced, low-quality pants from street vendors outside the gate. Additionally, men are required to remove their shirts before entering the inner sanctum, so carrying a cotton stole or gamcha in your car is highly recommended. Read the complete Somnath Temple guide for darshan timings and rules.
Somnath Electronic Security – No Devices Allowed: Somnath Temple has fortress-level security. No mobile phones, smartwatches, cameras, power banks, pen drives, or even car key fobs with remote buttons are permitted through the security gates. Leave your smartphones, smartwatches, and car keys inside your taxi with the driver, or be prepared to wait 20–30 minutes at the external temple cloakroom to deposit them. This rule is strictly enforced—there are no exceptions.
Footwear Protocol & Scorching Marble: Pilgrims must deposit footwear at the shoe counter outside the temple gate. From March to June, the stone walkways and open courtyards around the temple become scalding hot under the afternoon sun. Carry a clean pair of socks in your day-bag—walking in socks on the sun-baked stone is permitted and prevents burnt soles.
What to See at Somnath
Somnath is not just a temple—it is a pilgrimage circuit with multiple sacred sites:
- Somnath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The current structure was built in the Chalukya style. Free darshan. Jay Somnath Sound and Light Show runs every evening around 8:00 PM (in Gujarati and Hindi) against the backdrop of the sea. If you stay for the show, you will start the drive back to Diu after 9:00 PM—which conflicts with the night driving safety warning below. Plan accordingly.
- Triveni Sangam: Confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers. Sacred bathing spot 2 km from the temple.
- Bhalka Tirth: Spot where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow. Marked by a Peepal tree and a small shrine.
- Old Somnath Temple: Archaeological ruins of earlier temple structures. A glimpse into Somnath’s layered history.
- Geeta Mandir: Modern temple with Bhagavad Gita inscriptions on marble walls.
Connecting to Gir National Park
If you are combining Somnath with a Gir National Park safari, Somnath is 55 km from Sasan Gir—approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car. The route runs through the Gir forest corridor. Timing matters:
| Safari Slot | Time | When to Leave Somnath |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Somnath by 7:00 AM |
| Afternoon Safari | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Leave Somnath by 12:00 PM |
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).
Return Options – Somnath 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 darshan and returns you to Diu.
- GSRTC bus: Buses run from Somnath/Veraval to Diu via Una. Frequency: 4–5 buses daily. Last bus: around 5:00 PM. Journey: 2–3 hours with stops.
- Local taxi: Available at the Somnath temple parking area and Veraval bus stand. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
- Train (Not Recommended): While Veraval Junction (10 km from Somnath) has a railway station, the old meter-gauge and broad-gauge lines connecting this coastal corridor are excruciatingly slow, highly irregular, and frequently suspended for track work or wildlife movement protocols. Relying on this train for a time-sensitive return to Diu is a massive gamble. Treat the train strictly as a novelty joyride, not a reliable transit connection. Stick to pre-booked cabs or GSRTC buses.
Safety Tips for the Drive
- Carry water bottles and snacks—limited shops between Una and Kodinar
- Fill fuel in Diu or Kodinar—limited petrol pumps near Somnath
- 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 Somnath temple
- 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
- 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 Somnath?
The shortest route is 83 km via Una and Kodinar. Alternative route: 92 km via Prachi. The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours via the shortest route.
How much is the taxi fare from Diu to Somnath?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹3,000 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹3,500. A premium SUV (Innova Crysta) costs ₹5,500. A 14–26 seater Tempo Traveller costs ₹8,000 to ₹9,500. Round-trip fares are generally cheaper—₹3,200 to ₹4,000 for a sedan covering 166 km total.
How long does it take to reach Somnath from Diu?
1.5 to 2 hours via the shortest route (Una–Kodinar). 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 Somnath?
Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) is best—cool temperatures, light traffic, and you reach Somnath in time for morning aarti. Avoid midday in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 40°C. Do not drive at night—single-lane roads and wildlife crossings.
What is the dress code at Somnath Temple?
Somnath Temple enforces a strict dress code. Security denies entry to anyone in shorts, half-pants, or sleeveless tops. Men must remove shirts before entering the inner sanctum. Carry a cotton stole or gamcha to cover up if driving from Diu’s beaches.
Is there a border tax between Diu and Gujarat?
Yes. Because Diu is a Union Territory, commercial yellow-plate taxis crossing into Gujarat may be charged ₹300–₹500 at the Tad or Una checkposts. Ask the cab operator explicitly whether the UT/State Border Tax is included in the quoted fare before booking.
Can I combine Somnath with a Gir safari?
Yes. Somnath is 55 km from Sasan Gir (1–1.5 hours by car). A 2-day itinerary works well: Day 1 at Somnath for darshan, Day 2 drive to Sasan Gir for a safari. Book safaris online at girlion.gujarat.gov.in 60–90 days in advance for core permits during peak season.
Are there stops along the way for food or fuel?
Tea stalls and small restaurants are available in Una (20 km) and Kodinar (50 km). Fill fuel in Diu or Kodinar—limited petrol pumps near Somnath. Carry water and snacks for the journey.
How do I return to Diu from Somnath?
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). Local taxis are available at the temple parking area. Veraval Junction (10 km) has a train to Diu, but it is slow, 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 Somnath before sunset.
