Somnath to Rajkot Car Rental — Cab Fare, Route & Booking Guide

195 km. Three and a half, maybe four hours. Somnath to Rajkot—Saurashtra’s longest intercity drive that still feels short. Rajkot is Gujarat’s fourth-largest city. Commercial hub. Connecting flights. Gateway to northern Gujarat. And the drive between them? One of the most varied in Saurashtra—coastal stretches, fishing ports, farmland, and highway dhabas that serve the kind of chai that makes you forget you’re on a deadline. Here’s everything—fare, route, stops, and a few opinions I couldn’t resist throwing in.

Why Book a Car Rental from Somnath to Rajkot

Here’s what most guides gloss over: Rajkot isn’t just a destination—it’s a transition point. Most pilgrims passing through Somnath are either heading to or coming from Rajkot. Flights, trains, business meetings. The city demands punctuality. GSRTC buses exist but the frequency collapses in early morning. Trains? One route. Indirect. A car rental fixes everything. Door-to-door. AC. Freedom to stop at Porbandar for Gandhi’s birthplace, Madhavpur Beach for the sea breeze, or any roadside temple that catches your eye. And the cost? Starts at ₹4,200. For 195 km, that’s competitive—especially when you factor in the time you save and the headaches you avoid. The route itself is part of the experience. This isn’t a boring highway drive. It’s coastal Saurashtra—flat, green during monsoon, open the rest of the year. Your driver navigates the highway while you enjoy views of the Arabian Sea in the distance. Different moods. Both valid. The full Somnath itinerary covers both cities—but getting between them? That’s this guide.

Somnath to Rajkot Car Rental Fare — All Cab Options

Six vehicles. Three price tiers. The cheapest (Swift Dezire) runs ₹4,200. The priciest (26-seater Tempo) hits ₹13,000. All fares include fuel, toll charges, and driver allowance. No hidden costs. Here’s the breakdown—not the polished version, the real one.

Vehicle	Type	Capacity	Luggage	Fare (₹)	Best For
Swift Dezire	Sedan	4 Seats	2 bags	4,200	Couples, solo travelers
Ertiga	SUV	6 Seats	2 bags	4,800	Small families
Innova Crysta	SUV	6 Seats	4 bags	7,500	Comfort-focused families
Tempo Traveller 14	Tempo	14 Seats	10 bags	10,000	Groups of 8-12
Tempo Traveller 17	Tempo	17 Seats	10 bags	10,500	Larger family groups
Tempo Traveller 26	Tempo	26 Seats	10 bags	13,000	Pilgrimage groups, tours

Swift Dezire — The Budget Pick

₹4,200. The cheapest option on this route. AC sedan, four seats, two bags. Is it luxurious? Not remotely. But the highway is mostly four-lane and well-maintained—the Dezire handles 195 km without complaint. For couples or solo pilgrims, it’s the obvious choice. Not fancy. Just works.

Ertiga & Innova Crysta — Family Choices

Ertiga at ₹4,800 seats six with two bags. Decent for a family of four who packed reasonably. Then there’s the Innova Crysta at ₹7,500—noticeably more spacious, four bags fit without playing luggage Tetris, and the highway ride quality takes a noticeable step up. If you’re traveling with elderly parents or small kids? The extra ₹2,700 pays for itself over a 3.5-4 hour drive. Both are AC. Both are clean. But the Innova—it just handles the long stretch better. Different class of vehicle entirely.

Tempo Travellers — Groups & Pilgrimage

The 14-seater at ₹10,000. The 17-seater at ₹10,500. Same price difference as other routes—bit odd, but that’s the rate. The 26-seater jumps to ₹13,000. All AC. All carry 10 bags. For 10-12 people, the 14-seater works. Larger pilgrimage groups? The 26-seater at ₹13,000 breaks down to ₹500 per person. Add the return and it’s still under ₹1,000 for the complete Somnath-Rajkot transfer. That’s cheaper than most bus tickets. Most Somnath Yatra taxi packages include this option. Good instinct.

Booking link: somnathyatra.com/booking — pick your vehicle, choose a date, book instantly. Or call 099789 02166 / WhatsApp 919228317067.

Somnath to Rajkot Route — Distance, Time & Road Conditions

One route. No ambiguity. NH 51 from Somnath to Rajkot is the only sensible option—shorter, faster, and better maintained than any alternative. Here’s the detail.

Detail	Information
Distance	~195 km
Travel Time	3.5–4 hours (without stops)
Route	Somnath → Veraval → Porbandar → Rajkot (NH 51)
Road Type	National Highway, mostly 4-lane
Road Condition	Good — smooth highway, well-maintained
Toll	Multiple plazas on NH 51 (included in cab fare)
Best Time to Start	6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (arrive Rajkot by noon)

The route is straightforward. Exit Somnath, pass through Veraval, then follow NH 51 through Porbandar and inland toward Rajkot. The road is mostly four-lane, smooth surface. In light traffic, you can cover 195 km in under four hours. Most people take longer because the stops along the way earn the time. And they will. Porbandar alone is worth a 30-minute stop—Gandhi’s birthplace, Kirti Mandir, Sudama Temple. Road quality? Solid. The stretch through Porbandar and approaching Rajkot is particularly well-maintained. Overtaking spots exist but be cautious near villages—cattle, tractors, and the kind of speed bumps that appear without warning. The drive feels shorter than 195 km suggests, partly because the coastal scenery keeps your eyes engaged for the first half. Flat, green during monsoon, open the rest of the year. Toll plazas exist on NH 51 but fares include toll charges. Confirm when booking. Just to be safe.

How to Book Your Car Rental

Three ways. Honestly, just pick whichever feels easiest.

1. Online (fastest). Go to somnathyatra.com/booking. Select vehicle. Pick date and time. Click “Book Now.” Confirmation arrives with driver details. Two minutes. Done.
2. WhatsApp. Message 919228317067. Mention pickup location, drop, date, time, vehicle. You’ll get a fare quote and booking link back. Reply to confirm.
3. Phone call. Dial 099789 02166. Talk to the team directly. Best if you have specific needs—early morning pickup, multiple stops, extra luggage space.

All three give you the same rates. No hidden charges. What you see on the website is what you pay. My suggestion? Confirm fuel inclusion when booking. It’s usually included for outstation routes—but worth a quick check.

Pro tip: Book at least one day in advance during peak season (October–March, especially around Janmashtami and Shivaratri). Vehicles sell out fast, especially Innova Crysta and Tempo Travellers. Off-season? Same-day booking usually works.

One-Way vs Round Trip — Which Makes More Sense

Depends on where you’re headed next. Here’s the practical math.

Option	Fare (Swift Dezire)	Fare (Innova)	Best For
One-Way	₹4,200	₹7,500	Continuing to Ahmedabad/Jamnagar after Rajkot
Round Trip (same day)	₹7,500–₹8,500	₹13,000–₹14,500	Same-day return to Somnath
Round Trip (next day)	₹8,500–₹9,500	₹14,500–₹16,500	Overnight in Rajkot, return next morning

One-way makes sense if you’re continuing the Gujarat circuit—Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Bhuj after Rajkot. No point backtracking. Round trip works if Somnath is your base. But here’s the honest take: most pilgrims doing the Saurashtra circuit go one-way. Somnath → Rajkot → Ahmedabad. Circular. No dead kilometers. Smart. And if your Rajkot business ends by evening and you want to return for the night temple aarti at Somnath—a round trip saves you the hassle.

Best Time to Travel

Timing isn’t optional here. It’s the whole game.

Ideal Departure Time

Leave between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. 195 km. Three and a half to four hours. You’re in Rajkot by noon. Full afternoon for meetings, flights, sightseeing. Leave after 10:00 AM? You’re arriving after dark—and that’s not ideal, especially if it’s your first visit. Early morning wins. Always.

Season Guide

• October–February (peak season): Best weather. 15–28°C. Dry roads. Clear skies. January and February see the highest pilgrim traffic—book early. Janmashtami brings massive crowds.
• March–June (summer): Hot. 35–40°C. Start before 6:00 AM to beat the heat. Roads stay good but the drive feels longer when the sun’s beating down.
• July–September (monsoon): Green. Lush. Beautiful. But waterlogging near coastal stretches after heavy rain. Check weather before heading out. The Saurashtra countryside looks stunning in monsoon—fewer tourists, emerald fields, the kind of landscape that makes you roll the windows down.

October to February. Sweet spot. Comfortable temperatures, dry roads, manageable darshan queues. Planning around Janmashtami? Book everything—cab, hotel—weeks in advance. Rajkot fills up fast. Very fast.

Popular Stops on the Somnath-Rajkot Route

195 km demands pit stops. And this route has some genuinely worthwhile ones.

• Bhalka Tirth (15 km from Somnath): Where Lord Krishna was struck by a hunter’s arrow. Small temple. Quick visit. Most travelers stop here on the way out—before hitting the highway. Five minutes. Worth it.
• Madhavpur Beach (~80 km from Somnath): Quiet coastal stretch. Clean sand. Almost empty on weekdays. Perfect for a 15-minute break. Stretch your legs, breathe the sea air, grab chai from a roadside stall.
• Porbandar (~130 km from Somnath): Gandhi’s birthplace. Kirti Mandir. Sudama Temple. Most pilgrims stop here for 30-45 minutes. Lunch spot—local restaurants serve Gujarati thali. Most drivers plan a stop here anyway. Good instinct.
• Harsiddhi Mata Mandir (en route): Small temple. Devotees stop for a quick darshan. Not essential. But if your driver suggests it, the detour is minimal. Ten minutes, max.

Drivers won’t stop unless you ask. Tell them before departure if you want Porbandar for lunch or Madhavpur Beach for a break. They’ll adjust. Communication saves real time on this route. And makes the drive more enjoyable. Different moods. Both valid.

Somnath to Rajkot — Taxi vs Other Options

Let’s be real: taxi isn’t the only way. It’s just the one that makes the most sense for most people. Here’s how everything compares.

Option	Cost	Time	Comfort	Rajkot-Ready?
Taxi (Swift Dezire)	₹4,200	3.5–4 hours	AC, door-to-door	Yes — direct to Rajkot
Taxi (Innova Crysta)	₹7,500	3.5–4 hours	AC, spacious	Yes — direct to Rajkot
GSRTC Bus	₹200–₹350	5–6 hours	Basic, crowded	No — drops at bus stand, need auto to destination
Self-Drive Rental	₹2,500–₹4,000 + fuel	3.5–4 hours	Flexible	Yes — but need to return car

GSRTC buses run from Somnath/Veraval to Rajkot. ₹200–₹350. Sounds cheap. But the bus takes 5-6 hours on a route a taxi covers in under four. Frequency is poor, especially early morning. And the bus drops you at the bus stand—not at your hotel or the airport. Time and hassle add up fast. Self-drive sounds appealing—freedom to stop wherever you want. But you need to return the car. And if you don’t know these roads, the drive back gets tricky. Taxi drivers navigate this route daily. Let them.

Group Travel — Tempo Traveller & Packages

Traveling with a group? Tempo Travellers change the math entirely.

Vehicle	Capacity	Fare	Per Person (12 pax)	Best For
Tempo Traveller 14	14 Seats	₹10,000	₹833	Family groups, small tours
Tempo Traveller 17	17 Seats	₹10,500	₹618	Larger family groups
Tempo Traveller 26	26 Seats	₹13,000	₹500	Pilgrimage groups, school tours

₹833 per person. For twelve people. That’s cheaper than a bus ticket—and you get AC, door-to-door pickup, and a vehicle that’s exclusively yours. Pair it with Somnath sightseeing and the same Tempo handles both legs. One booking. Zero coordination headaches. Pilgrimage groups from outside Gujarat—the 26-seater at ₹13,000 seats 26 passengers. Per person: ₹500 one way. Add return and it’s still under ₹1,000 for the complete transfer. Most Somnath Yatra taxi packages include this option. Hard to beat.

Group booking tip: Call ahead for groups larger than 14. The 26-seater needs advance notice—vehicles aren’t always available same-day. Mention “pilgrimage group” when you call. They’ll suggest the best vehicle and route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Somnath from Rajkot?

195 km by road via NH 51. Travel time: 3.5–4 hours depending on traffic and stops. Most people take closer to 4 because the stops earn it.

What is the car rental fare from Somnath to Rajkot?

Starts at ₹4,200 for a Swift Dezire (sedan, 4 seats). Ertiga: ₹4,800. Innova Crysta: ₹7,500. Tempo Travellers: ₹10,000–₹13,000. All fares include fuel, toll charges, and driver allowance. No hidden costs. Confirmed.

How long does the drive take from Somnath to Rajkot?

About 3.5–4 hours. Leave early (6:00–8:00 AM) and you reach Rajkot by noon. The highway is mostly four-lane and well-maintained. Actual time depends on traffic, weather, and how many stops you make.

How do I book a car rental from Somnath to Rajkot?

Three options. Online at somnathyatra.com/booking, WhatsApp at 919228317067, or call 099789 02166. Vehicle, date, time—instant confirmation. Book a day ahead during peak season.

Can the cab stop at places along the route?

Yes. Tell the driver before departure. Bhalka Tirth (15 km), Madhavpur Beach (80 km), Porbandar (130 km)—all common. Detours add 10–30 minutes. Brief halts: no extra charge. Long waits? Might incur a fee. Plan it before you leave.

Is it safe to travel at night?

Technically, yes. Drivers are police-verified. Vehicles GPS-tracked. Support team available 24/7. But recommended hours are 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Highway visibility is better during daylight. Night driving? Possible. Daylight? Better.

Can I book a round trip?

Yes. Both one-way and round-trip available. Round trip fares include return distance and driver allowance. Returning to Somnath same day? Round trip. Continuing to Ahmedabad or Jamnagar? One-way. Simple logic.

What types of cabs are available?

Three tiers. Sedan (Swift Dezire) for 4 passengers. SUV (Ertiga, Innova Crysta) for 6 passengers. Tempo Traveller for 14–26 passengers. All AC. All well-maintained. Choose based on group size and budget.

Is fuel included in the fare?

For outstation routes like this one, fuel is usually included. Confirm when booking. Toll and parking (if any) are extra—but the 195 km route has multiple toll plazas. Included in most cab fares.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Contact the booking team via WhatsApp or phone. Usually free if cancelled 12+ hours before pickup. Last-minute cancellations may incur a small fee. Check the terms and conditions when you book.