Somnath to Sasan Gir Car Rental – Cab Fare, Booking & Route Guide
Forty-five kilometers. That’s it. One hour on a decent state highway separates Somnath Temple from Gir National Park—yet there’s no direct broad gauge train connecting them. Buses exist. Self-drives exist. But most travelers who’ve done this route? They book a taxi. Why? Because the math works out, the timing lines up with safari slots, and frankly, nobody wants to negotiate unfamiliar roads at 5:30 AM. You’ll find everything here—fare breakdown, route details, booking options, and a few opinions thrown in.
Why Book a Taxi from Somnath to Sasan Gir
Here’s what most travel guides won’t tell you straight: the distance is deceptive. Forty-five km sounds like nothing. But between Somnath and Sasan Gir, the transport options are painfully thin. No broad gauge train runs this corridor—not even close. The nearest railway station to Gir is Sasan Gir (SASG), and it’s metre gauge only; broad gauge trains stop at Veraval, 42 km away. So if you’re already in Somnath (which sits right next to Veraval), you’re essentially at the starting line. The problem isn’t distance. It’s the clock.
Gir safaris start at 06:00 or 07:00 sharp. GSRTC buses exist—but the earliest one leaves Junagadh at 5:15 AM, and Junagadh is 60 km north of Somnath. Autos? Forget it for 45 km. What works is a pre-booked cab that picks you up from your hotel, drops you at the Gir gate, and puts you in the jeep before the morning slot fills. Done.
And if you’re doing the Somnath Temple plus Gir safari combo (thousands do, every year), a taxi bridges both legs without the nightmare of switching transport mid-trip. Temple one day. Safari the next. One booking. The full Somnath itinerary covers this pairing in detail—but the taxi transfer is the piece that makes the whole thing work.
Somnath to Sasan Gir Taxi Fare — All Cab Options
Six vehicles. Three categories. The cheapest (Swift Dezire) runs ₹2,000. The priciest (26-seater Tempo Traveller) hits ₹7,000. Here’s the honest breakdown—not the polished version, the real one.
| Vehicle | Type | Capacity | Luggage | Fare (₹) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dezire | Sedan | 4 Seats | 2 bags | 2,000 | Couples, solo travelers |
| Ertiga | SUV | 6 Seats | 2 bags | 2,500 | Small families |
| Innova Crysta | SUV | 6 Seats | 4 bags | 4,509 | Comfort-focused families |
| Tempo Traveller 14 | Tempo | 14 Seats | 10 bags | 5,000 | Groups of 8-12 |
| Tempo Traveller 17 | Tempo | 17 Seats | 10 bags | 5,000 | Groups of 12-16 |
| Tempo Traveller 26 | Tempo | 26 Seats | 10 bags | 7,000 | Pilgrimage groups, tours |
Swift Dezire — The Budget Pick
₹2,000. Flat out, that’s the cheapest you’ll get for this route. AC sedan, seats four, two bags squeeze into the boot. Is it luxurious? No. But here’s the thing—it’s clean, the AC works, and the 45 km road through Saurashtra scrubland is smooth enough that comfort isn’t really the issue. The Dezire does the job. For couples or solo travelers, it’s the obvious choice. Not glamorous. Just practical.
Ertiga & Innova Crysta — Family Choices
Ertiga at ₹2,500 seats six with room for two bags. Decent for a family of four who packed light. Then there’s the Innova Crysta at ₹4,509—spacious, four bags fit without playing Tetris, and the ride quality noticeably better. If you’re traveling with elderly parents or small children, the extra ₹2,000 pays for itself in comfort. Both are AC. Both are clean. But the Innova? It feels like a different class of vehicle entirely.
Tempo Travellers — Groups & Pilgrimage
Three options, and they’re priced interestingly. The 14-seater and 17-seater both cost ₹5,000—same price, different seating capacity. Bit odd, but that’s the rate. The 26-seater jumps to ₹7,000. All are AC. All carry 10 bags. For a group of 8-12, the 14-seater makes sense. Bigger pilgrimage groups? The 26-seater at ₹7,000 works out to ₹269 per person. That’s cheaper than most bus fares. Seriously.
Booking link: somnathyatra.com/outstation-taxi — select your vehicle, pick a date, and book instantly. Or call 099789 02166 / WhatsApp 919228317067.
Somnath to Sasan Gir Route — Distance, Time & Road Conditions
The route itself is simple. Maybe too simple. Here’s the data.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 45 km |
| Travel Time | 1 hour (approx.) |
| Route | Somnath → Veraval → Talala → Sasan Gir |
| Road Type | State Highway (SH 26 / SH 111) |
| Road Condition | Good — mostly two-lane, well-maintained |
| Fuel Cost (approx.) | ₹300–₹400 (petrol, depending on vehicle) |
| Toll | None |
| Best Time to Start | 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM (for morning safari) |
Exit Somnath. Pass through Veraval. Head southeast on the Talala highway. The road cuts through Saurashtra’s flat scrubland—acacia trees, open fields, the occasional peacock darting across the tarmac. The last 10 km near Talala enters the Gir缓冲 zone. Keep your windows down. You might catch something moving in the brush. Or you might not. That’s part of the appeal.
Road quality? Solid. No major potholes. Two lanes most of the way, with overtaking spots scattered along the stretch. Be cautious near villages though—cattle, tractors, and the kind of speed bumps that appear without warning. The drive feels shorter than 45 km suggests, partly because the flat, open landscape keeps your eyes engaged. Green during monsoon. Dry and golden the rest of the year.
No toll plazas. Zero. Fuel for a sedan runs ₹300–₹400 one way; SUVs slightly higher. Most taxi fares include fuel—worth confirming when you book, just to avoid surprises.
How to Book a Cab from Somnath to Sasan Gir
Three ways. Honestly, just pick whichever feels easiest.
- Online booking (fastest). Go to somnathyatra.com/outstation-taxi. Select vehicle. Pick date and time. Click “Book Now.” Confirmation arrives with driver details. Two minutes, done.
- WhatsApp. Message 919228317067. Mention pickup location, drop, date, time, vehicle preference. You’ll get a fare quote and booking link back. Reply “yes” and it’s confirmed.
- Phone call. Dial 099789 02166. Talk to the team directly. Best if you have specific needs—early morning pickup, multiple stops, help choosing the right vehicle. They’ll walk you through it.
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 (December to March). Vehicles sell out fast, especially Innova Crysta and Tempo Travellers. Off-season? Same-day booking usually works fine.
One-Way vs Round Trip — Which Makes More Sense
Depends on where you’re headed next. Here’s the honest math.
| Option | Fare (Swift Dezire) | Fare (Innova) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | ₹2,000 | ₹4,509 | One-way safari trip, returning by other transport |
| Round Trip (same day) | ₹3,500–₹4,000 | ₹7,000–₹8,000 | Morning safari, return to Somnath by evening |
| Round Trip (next day) | ₹4,000–₹4,500 | ₹8,000–₹9,000 | Overnight near Gir, return next morning |
One-way makes sense if you’re continuing to Junagadh, Rajkot, or Ahmedabad after the safari—no point backtracking to Somnath. Round trip works if Somnath is your base. Most visitors doing the Somnath-plus-Gir combo? They go one-way: Somnath → Sasan Gir → Junagadh/Veraval. Circular route. No dead kilometers. Smart.
But—and this matters—if your safari ends by 11:00 AM and you want to return to Somnath for the evening aarti at the temple, a round trip saves you the hassle of finding transport from Sasan Gir. Your driver waits. You’re back by afternoon. Temple. Dinner. Sleep. Clean loop. Different moods. Both valid.
Best Time to Travel — Safari Timing & Traffic Tips
Timing isn’t optional here. It’s the whole game.
For Morning Safari (06:00 / 07:00 Start)
Leave by 05:30 AM. Forty-five km. One hour. You’re at the Gir gate by 06:30. Check in. Get the jeep. Enter. That’s the sequence—and it works. Leave later than 05:30? You’re cutting it dangerously close. The gates don’t wait for stragglers. Drivers know this. Tell them “safari timing” when you book and they’ll plan the route around your slot. Trust me on this one.
For Afternoon Safari (15:00 / 16:00 Start)
Much more relaxed. Leave between 12:00 and 13:00. Reach Sasan Gir by 14:00. Grab lunch at a local eatery—decent Gujarati thali available in town. Check in for the afternoon slot. Less rush, more breathing room. But here’s the trade-off: morning slots have better wildlife sighting chances because animals are more active in cooler temperatures. Pick based on what matters to you.
Road Conditions by Season
- October–February (peak season): Best roads. Dry, clear, traffic heavier but manageable. This is when everyone descends on Gir—the roads handle it.
- March–June (summer): Hot. Road surface softens slightly. Still solid though. Start early to dodge the midday heat—temperatures cross 40°C.
- July–September (monsoon): The forest turns impossibly green. Fewer tourists. Beautiful. But waterlogging near Talala after heavy rain. Check weather before heading out. Always.
Monsoon gets a bad rap for Gir trips, honestly. The landscape transforms—lush, alive, almost unrecognizable compared to summer. But the road near Talala can flood. Your driver knows the current conditions better than any website. Ask them. And carry a rain jacket. No exceptions.
Somnath to Sasan Gir — 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 | Safari-Ready? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Swift Dezire) | ₹2,000 | 1 hour | AC, door-to-door | Yes — direct to gate |
| Taxi (Innova Crysta) | ₹4,509 | 1 hour | AC, spacious | Yes — direct to gate |
| GSRTC Bus | ₹80–₹150 | 2-3 hours | Basic, crowded | No — drops at town, need auto to gate |
| MG Passenger Train | ₹30–₹50 | 1.5 hours | Unreserved, slow | No — drops at SASG station, 3 km from gate |
| Self-Drive Rental | ₹1,500–₹2,500 + fuel | 1 hour | Flexible | Yes — but parking at Gir is limited |
GSRTC buses run from Veraval and Junagadh to Sasan Gir town. ₹80–₹150. Sounds cheap. But the frequency is poor—especially early morning when you need to reach for safari. And the bus drops you in town, not at the park gate. You’ll need an auto for the final 3 km. Time and hassle add up fast.
The MG passenger train (52933 or 52929) costs under ₹50. Scenic route through Gir scrubland—genuinely enjoyable if you have time. But it’s unreserved; you might stand for 1.5 hours. And it drops you at Sasan Gir station, 3 km from the gate. Auto needed again. For budget travelers with flexible schedules? Works. For safari timing? Not a chance. Taxi wins every time.
Self-drive sounds appealing—freedom to stop wherever you want. But parking at Gir National Park is limited. And if you don’t know these roads, the drive back (especially dark, after an evening safari) gets tricky. Taxi drivers navigate this route daily. Let them.
Popular Stops on the Somnath-Sasan Gir Route
Forty-five km doesn’t demand pit stops. But a few are worth knowing about—especially if you left early and need chai.
- Veraval (5 km from Somnath): Fishing port. Somnath Temple is right here if you haven’t visited yet. Most travelers pass through Veraval anyway—quick stop for photos or a cutting chai.
- Talala (30 km from Somnath): Small town. Gateway to the Gir缓冲 zone. A few eateries serve passable Gujarati thali. Good breakfast stop if you left Somnath before dawn.
- Devalia Safari Park (35 km from Somnath): Also called Devalia Interpretation Zone. A fenced area where lions appear in a controlled setting—useful if you missed the main safari or want a preview. Detour adds 10-15 minutes. Not essential. But interesting.
- Sasan Gir Town (45 km): Your destination. Shops, restaurants, and the SASG railway station. Most visitors head straight to the park gate from here.
Drivers won’t stop unless you ask. Tell them before departure if you want Talala for breakfast or Devalia for a quick look. They’ll adjust. Communication—simple as it sounds—saves real time on this route.
Group Travel — Tempo Traveller & Packages
Traveling with a group? Tempo Travellers change the equation entirely. Here’s the per-person math that makes group taxi travel surprisingly affordable.
| Vehicle | Capacity | Fare | Per Person (12 pax) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempo Traveller 14 | 14 Seats | ₹5,000 | ₹417 | Family groups, small tours |
| Tempo Traveller 17 | 17 Seats | ₹5,000 | ₹417 | Larger family groups |
| Tempo Traveller 26 | 26 Seats | ₹7,000 | ₹583 | Pilgrimage groups, school tours |
₹417 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 yours alone. Pair it with Somnath sightseeing and the same Tempo handles both legs. One booking. Zero coordination headaches. Good instinct.
Pilgrimage groups from outside Gujarat—the 26-seater at ₹7,000 seats 26 passengers. Per person: ₹269. Add the return trip and it’s still under ₹600 for the complete Somnath-Gir 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” or “tour group.” They’ll suggest the best vehicle and route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Somnath to Sasan Gir?
Starts at ₹2,000 for a Swift Dezire (sedan, 4 seats). Ertiga (SUV, 6 seats): ₹2,500. Innova Crysta: ₹4,509. Tempo Travellers: ₹5,000–₹7,000 depending on capacity. All one-way fares. Fuel typically included—confirm when booking.
What is the distance from Somnath to Sasan Gir?
45 km by road. One hour, give or take. Route: Somnath → Veraval → Talala → Sasan Gir via SH 26/SH 111. Well-maintained, two-lane state highway. No toll.
How long does the taxi take from Somnath to Sasan Gir?
About one hour. Early morning (05:30 AM) is fastest—less traffic, cooler roads. Afternoon drives take the same time but you’ll encounter more vehicles near Talala. Monsoon adds 10-15 minutes on wet stretches. Plan accordingly.
How do I book a cab from Somnath to Sasan Gir?
Three options. Online at somnathyatra.com, WhatsApp at 919228317067, or call 099789 02166. Pick vehicle, date, time. Instant confirmation. Book a day ahead during peak season (December–March).
Is round trip available?
Yes. Both one-way and round-trip options exist. Round trip runs roughly 1.8–2x the one-way fare (driver waits or returns next day). Returning to Somnath same day? Round trip. Continuing to Junagadh or Rajkot after safari? One-way. Simple logic.
Can I book an early morning pickup for safari?
Absolutely. Most common pickup: 05:30 AM from Somnath. Mention “safari timing” when booking—they’ll align the route to your gate arrival. Drivers plan for this. They know the drill.
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 45 km route has no toll plazas. Rare. Enjoy it.
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.
Can the taxi stop at Devalia or other places on the route?
Yes. Tell the driver before departure. Devalia Safari Park (35 km), Talala for breakfast, Sasan Gir town for lunch—all common. Detours add 10-20 minutes. Brief halts: no extra charge. Long waits? Might incur a waiting fee.
How much luggage can I carry?
Depends on the vehicle. Swift Dezire: 2 bags. Ertiga: 2 bags. Innova Crysta: 4 bags. Tempo Travellers: 10 bags each. Carrying excess luggage—camera gear, safari equipment? Mention it when booking. They might suggest a larger vehicle.
What’s the best option for a group of 10?
Tempo Traveller 14-seater at ₹5,000. Seats 14, carries 10 bags. Per person: ₹500. AC, dedicated, door-to-door. Larger groups (14+)? The 26-seater at ₹7,000 covers it. Call 099789 02166—advance notice helps.
