Diu to Veraval Taxi & Car Rental Guide: Fares, Routes
Diu to Veraval by car is a 92-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 Gujarat’s fishing capital and the gateway to Somnath Temple. Whether you are heading for a fishing harbour visit, a pilgrimage circuit, or a coastal heritage drive, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Veraval.
Route Overview – Diu to Veraval by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shortest Route | 92 km — Diu → Una → Kodinar → Veraval |
| Alternative Route | 100 km — Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Veraval |
| 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 Veraval 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 | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire | 4 seater AC | ₹3,000 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | ₹3,500 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | ₹5,500 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | ₹8,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | ₹8,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | ₹9,500 |
What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Toll charges, parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax. Highway tolls along this route typically add ₹100–₹150 to the base fare. Because Diu is a Union Territory and Veraval 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 ₹2,400 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 Veraval 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 (184 km total) typically costs ₹3,200–₹4,000 for a sedan. Waiting charges warning: Standard round-trip quotes usually include only a 2–3 hour waiting window. 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 Veraval:
Online Aggregators
- MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹2,432. Book online, pay online or cash to driver.
- CabBazar: Sedan from ₹2,400. Offers one-way, round trip, and multi-stop options.
- GozoCabs: One-way from ₹2,471. Round trip from ₹11.75/km.
- Savaari: Sedan from ₹2,500. 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 Una – Kodinar (Fastest – 92 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Veraval. This is the shortest and fastest route—92 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 Veraval. This route passes through small villages and offers glimpses of rural Saurashtra life.
Route 2: Via Prachi (Scenic – 100 km)
Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Veraval. At 100 km, this route adds 8 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 Veraval visit.
Recommendation: Take Route 1 if your priority is reaching Veraval quickly. Take Route 2 if you want to explore Prachi’s archaeological site on the way. Both routes arrive at Veraval 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 region |
| Prachi (via Route 2) | 55 km | Ancient Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains |
| Sutrapada | 68 km | Ancient sun temple ruins, coastal scrub landscape |
| Veraval | 92 km | Fishing harbour, Somnath Gateway, Triveni Sangam |
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 Veraval by 8:00 AM—perfect for exploring the fishing harbour before the midday heat.
Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM): Good for reaching Veraval before sunset. The setting sun over the Arabian Sea creates dramatic light at the harbour. 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.
What to See at Veraval
Veraval is more than just a transit stop—it is Gujarat’s fishing capital and a pilgrimage gateway:
- Veraval Fishing Harbour: One of the largest fishing harbours in Gujarat. Watch fishermen unload their catch at dawn. The harbour is off-limits to tourists during active fishing hours, but the view from the outer wall is dramatic.
- Triveni Sangam: Confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers. Sacred bathing spot 5 km from Veraval, near Somnath Temple.
- Somnath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, just 7–8 km southeast of Veraval. Free darshan. Bhalka Tirth and Old Somnath Temple are nearby.
- Veraval Beach: Quiet, uncrowded beach stretch. Good for an evening walk. Less commercialized than Diu beaches.
- Local Fish Market: Visit the morning fish market near the harbour for an authentic glimpse of Saurashtra’s fishing culture.
Diu to Somnath vs. Diu to Veraval
Veraval and Somnath are essentially twin towns—just 7–8 km apart. If your destination is Somnath Temple, booking a Diu to Veraval taxi is often cheaper than booking Diu to Somnath directly. Your driver can drop you at Somnath on the way to Veraval, or you can make a day trip from Veraval. The temple is 7–8 km southeast of Veraval—approximately 15–20 minutes by car.
Somnath dress code: Both men and women must wear conservative clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Shorts, capris, half-pants, and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Leave phones, smartwatches, cameras, and car key fobs in your taxi—no electronic devices are permitted inside the temple security perimeter.
Return Options – Veraval 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 Veraval to Diu via Una. Frequency: 20+ buses daily. Last bus: around 8:00 PM. Journey: 2–3 hours with stops. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
- Local taxi: Available at the Veraval bus stand and near Somnath temple. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
- Train (Veraval–Delvada): The slow meter-gauge passenger train runs from Veraval to Delvada, which is about 5 km from Diu. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours for 95 km. Treat it 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 Veraval
- 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 Veraval harbour
- 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.
Veraval Railway Station – For Train Connections
Many tourists travel from Diu to Veraval specifically to catch long-distance trains like the Somnath Express (to Ahmedabad) or services to Mumbai. Veraval Junction is well-connected to major Gujarat cities. If you are catching a train from Veraval, aim to reach the station at least 45 minutes before departure—the harbour area traffic near the station can be unpredictable. Ask your cab driver to drop you directly at the station entrance, not the bus stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Diu taxis have enough luggage space?
Most hatchbacks and sedans running on Gujarat roads are CNG-converted, which means the boot is occupied by a gas cylinder. If you are travelling with three or more large bags, ask for an SUV (Ertiga or Innova) at the time of booking. Mention your luggage count to the operator—they can arrange a vehicle with a roof carrier if necessary.
Does Uber or Ola work in Diu?
No. Neither Uber nor Ola operates in Diu. You will need to book through a local taxi stand, a travel agent on the island, or an outstation cab platform such as MakeMyTrip, CabBazar, GozoCabs, or Savaari.
Can I take a taxi directly to Somnath temple gates?
Yes. Your cab can drop you right at the Somnath temple parking area. Since the temple is only 7–8 km from Veraval, let the driver know in advance so they can route through Somnath instead of continuing to Veraval first.
Is there a border tax between Diu and Gujarat?
Yes. Diu is a Union Territory, so commercial cabs entering Gujarat must pay a state entry tax—usually ₹300–₹500—at the Tad or Una police checkposts. Confirm with the operator before booking whether this charge is baked into the quoted fare or payable in cash to the driver on the spot.
Are cabs available at night in Diu?
Most local taxi operators on the island shut down by 9:00 PM. Pre-booked outstation cabs can be scheduled for very early morning pick-ups (4:00–5:00 AM), but you must confirm the timing a day in advance. Hailing a cab late at night is not practical.
Should I book Diu to Somnath or Diu to Veraval?
If Somnath Temple is your only stop, book Diu to Veraval—the fare is usually lower, and the temple is just a 15-minute detour from Veraval. If you also want to explore the fishing harbour or catch a train from Veraval Junction, the Veraval booking gives you more flexibility. For a direct temple-only trip with no Veraval detour, Diu to Somnath is the simpler choice.
Is it safe to drive at night?
No. The corridor between Diu and Veraval includes single-lane stretches with no street lighting, occasional deer crossings, and wandering cattle near villages. Plan your departure so you arrive at Veraval well before dusk.
