Tirumala Info

Transportation to Somnath Made Easy Through Air, Rail, and Road Routes

Subramanya Krishnan

Discover all transportation to Somnath options with our comprehensive guide covering nearest airports, train routes, bus services, and driving directions. Includes seasonal tips, comparative analysis, and insider advice for smooth travel to this sacred Jyotirlinga site.

Nestled on the western coast of Gujarat where the Arabian Sea meets the sacred land of Saurashtra, Somnath Temple stands as one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations. This magnificent temple, housing one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every day. But before experiencing the spiritual and historical wonders of Somnath, travelers face an important question: what’s the best transportation to Somnath for their specific needs?

Transportation to Somnath

Whether you’re planning a spiritual journey, a historical exploration, or simply a peaceful getaway to this coastal gem, understanding your transportation to Somnath options is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This comprehensive guide explores all available routes to reach Somnath—by air, rail, and road—equipping you with practical information to make informed travel decisions based on your preferences, budget, and time constraints.

Understanding Somnath’s Location: The First Step in Planning Your Journey

Before diving into specific transportation to Somnath options, it’s important to understand exactly where this ancient temple town is located. Somnath (also called Prabhas Patan) sits on the southwestern coast of Gujarat’s Saurashtra peninsula, at the following coordinates:

The town is situated in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, approximately:

This coastal location, while spiritually significant and scenically beautiful, presents certain transportation challenges. Unlike major metropolitan areas, Somnath doesn’t have its own commercial airport or major railway station. However, as we’ll explore in detail, there are several well-established routes that make transportation to Somnath convenient for most travelers.

According to travel infrastructure analyst Ashok Sharma, “Somnath’s transportation network has seen significant improvements in recent years, with better road connectivity and improved regional transit options making this sacred site more accessible than ever before.”

Reaching Somnath by Air: The Fastest Option

While Somnath doesn’t have its own airport, several nearby airports serve as convenient aerial gateways to this temple town. Let’s examine each option in detail.

Diu Airport: The Closest Option

Distance from Somnath: Approximately 80-90 km (2-2.5 hours by road)

Diu Airport (DIU) is technically the closest commercial airport to Somnath. Located on the island of Diu (a Union Territory separate from Gujarat), this small airport offers limited connectivity, primarily to Mumbai.

Airlines Operating: Alliance Air (Air India’s subsidiary) operates flights between Mumbai and Diu several times a week.

Pros:

Cons:

Onward Transportation to Somnath:

Rajkot Airport: The Reliable Mid-Distance Option

Distance from Somnath: Approximately 200 km (4-5 hours by road)

Rajkot Airport (RAJ) offers more consistent flight connectivity than Diu, making it a practical option for many travelers planning their transportation to Somnath.

Airlines Operating: Multiple airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet connect Rajkot to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

Pros:

Cons:

Onward Transportation to Somnath:

According to the Airports Authority of India, Rajkot Airport has seen passenger traffic increase by approximately 15% year-over-year, with many travelers using it as an entry point for Saurashtra tourism, including Somnath visits.

Ahmedabad Airport: The Major Gateway

Distance from Somnath: Approximately 400 km (8-9 hours by road)

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s largest airport and offers the most comprehensive flight connections of any option for transportation to Somnath.

Airlines Operating: All major domestic carriers and several international airlines connect Ahmedabad to destinations worldwide.

Pros:

Cons:

Onward Transportation to Somnath:

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Travel Tip: If arriving at Ahmedabad, consider breaking your journey with an overnight stay in Junagadh or Rajkot, which allows you to visit other attractions en route to Somnath while avoiding exhaustion.

Emerging Option: Keshod Airport

Distance from Somnath: Approximately 55-60 km (1.5 hours by road)

Keshod Airport, located in Junagadh district, has recently been developed under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme. While currently offering limited flights, it promises to become an increasingly viable option for transportation to Somnath in the near future.

Airlines Operating: Currently limited to a few flights by Alliance Air connecting to Mumbai.

Transportation expert Rajesh Agarwal notes, “The development of smaller airports like Keshod represents a significant opportunity for religious tourism in regions like Saurashtra, potentially reducing travel time to sacred sites like Somnath by several hours.”

Rail Transportation to Somnath: The Classic Indian Experience

Trains offer a unique blend of affordability, comfort, and the authentic Indian travel experience. While Somnath itself doesn’t have a railway station, nearby Veraval serves as the rail gateway to this temple town.

Veraval Railway Station: Your Rail Destination

Distance from Somnath: Approximately 7 km (20-30 minutes by road)

Veraval Railway Station (VRL) is well-connected to major cities across Gujarat and select destinations throughout India. After arriving at Veraval, the final leg of transportation to Somnath is quick and straightforward.

Major Train Connections:

  1. From Mumbai: Somnath Express (19119) offers direct connectivity from Mumbai to Veraval
    • Journey Time: Approximately 16-17 hours
    • Frequency: Daily
    • Classes Available: Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier
  2. From Ahmedabad: Somnath Express (19116) connects Gujarat’s largest city to Veraval
    • Journey Time: Approximately 12 hours
    • Frequency: Daily
    • Classes Available: Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier
  3. From Delhi: Connectivity via multiple trains to Ahmedabad, then connecting trains to Veraval
    • Journey Time: Approximately 30-36 hours total
    • Requires transfer at Ahmedabad
  4. From Rajkot: Passenger and express trains connect regularly
    • Journey Time: Approximately 6-7 hours
    • Frequency: Multiple daily options

Onward Transportation from Veraval to Somnath:

Advantages of Rail Transportation to Somnath:

Challenges of Rail Transportation to Somnath:

According to data from Indian Railways, the Veraval-Somnath corridor sees approximately 2,000-3,000 passengers daily, with numbers doubling during major religious festivals and holiday seasons.

Alternative Railway Stations

If direct trains to Veraval are unavailable or inconvenient, consider these alternative stations:

  1. Junagadh Railway Station
    • Distance from Somnath: 100 km (2.5-3 hours by road)
    • Better connected to major cities than Veraval
    • Regular bus and taxi services to Somnath available
  2. Rajkot Railway Station
    • Distance from Somnath: 200 km (4-5 hours by road)
    • Excellent rail connectivity from across India
    • Multiple daily connecting transportation options to Somnath

Insider Tip for Rail Travel: For the best experience, book your train tickets at least 60-90 days in advance for assured confirmations. The IRCTC tourism portal occasionally offers special pilgrim packages that combine transportation to Somnath with accommodation and darshan arrangements.

Road Transportation to Somnath: Flexibility and Scenic Beauty

Road transportation to Somnath offers the greatest flexibility, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace and visit multiple attractions along the way. Gujarat boasts well-maintained highways, making road journeys comfortable and scenic, especially along the coastal routes.

By Private Vehicle: The Ultimate Flexibility

Traveling by your own vehicle provides complete control over your itinerary, stops, and departure times. Here are the major routes to consider:

  1. From Ahmedabad to Somnath
    • Distance: Approximately 400 km
    • Route: Ahmedabad → Rajkot → Junagadh → Veraval → Somnath
    • Driving Time: 8-9 hours (plus stops)
    • Road Condition: Excellent; primarily 4-lane highway
    • Toll Fees: Approximately ₹300-400 total
  2. From Mumbai to Somnath
    • Distance: Approximately 865 km
    • Route: Mumbai → Surat → Rajkot → Junagadh → Veraval → Somnath
    • Driving Time: 16-18 hours (recommended to break journey)
    • Road Condition: Very good; National Highway most of the way
    • Toll Fees: Approximately ₹800-1,000 total
  3. From Rajkot to Somnath
    • Distance: Approximately 200 km
    • Route: Rajkot → Junagadh → Veraval → Somnath
    • Driving Time: 4-5 hours
    • Road Condition: Good quality state highways
    • Toll Fees: Minimal (approximately ₹100-150)

Travel Tip: The Rajkot-Somnath route via Junagadh is particularly scenic, passing through sections of Gir Forest. Early morning or late afternoon drives offer opportunities to occasionally spot wildlife, including India’s famous Asiatic lions.

According to Gujarat Tourism, road transportation accounts for approximately 65% of all tourist arrivals to Somnath, highlighting the popularity and convenience of this mode of travel.

By Bus: Affordable and Accessible

Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operates an extensive network of buses connecting major cities to Somnath. Additionally, private operators offer varying levels of comfort and service.

GSRTC Bus Services:

  1. From Ahmedabad to Somnath
    • Bus Types: Ordinary, Express, Gurushakti (luxury)
    • Journey Time: 9-10 hours
    • Frequency: Multiple departures throughout the day
    • Fare Range: ₹350-700 depending on bus type
    • Departure Point: Ahmedabad Central Bus Station
  2. From Rajkot to Somnath
    • Bus Types: Ordinary, Express
    • Journey Time: 5-6 hours
    • Frequency: Hourly departures during daytime
    • Fare Range: ₹150-300
    • Departure Point: Rajkot Central Bus Station
  3. From Junagadh to Somnath
    • Bus Types: Ordinary, Express
    • Journey Time: 3-4 hours
    • Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes during daytime
    • Fare Range: ₹100-200
    • Departure Point: Junagadh Bus Station

Private Bus Operators:

Several private companies offer transportation to Somnath, primarily from Ahmedabad and Rajkot. These typically include:

Popular private operators include:

Fares typically range from ₹500-1,200 depending on the season, comfort level, and booking time.

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You can book private bus tickets through various online platforms or directly through operator websites.

Benefits of Bus Transportation to Somnath:

Considerations for Bus Travel:

Taxi and Car Rental Services

For those preferring a private vehicle without the responsibility of driving, taxis and car rentals provide excellent transportation to Somnath options.

From Major Cities to Somnath:

  1. Ahmedabad to Somnath
    • One-way taxi fare: ₹7,000-9,000
    • Round trip with one day waiting: ₹9,000-12,000
    • Travel time: 8-9 hours
  2. Rajkot to Somnath
    • One-way taxi fare: ₹3,500-4,500
    • Round trip with one day waiting: ₹5,000-7,000
    • Travel time: 4-5 hours
  3. Diu/Veraval to Somnath
    • One-way taxi fare: ₹800-1,500
    • Round trip with waiting: ₹1,500-2,500
    • Travel time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on starting point)

Car Rental Options:

For multi-day trips or extensive Saurashtra exploration, renting a car offers maximum flexibility. Major car rental companies operating in Gujarat include:

Rates typically start from ₹1,500-2,000 per day for hatchbacks and ₹2,500-3,500 for SUVs, excluding fuel costs. Most companies require a security deposit and advance booking.

Travel Consultant Recommendation: Ankit Desai, a travel consultant specializing in Western India pilgrimages, suggests, “For families or groups of 3-4 people, hiring a taxi for the entire journey often works out more economical and comfortable than combining multiple modes of transportation, especially when factoring in the convenience of door-to-door service.”

Specialized Transportation Services for Pilgrims

Given Somnath’s significance as a major pilgrimage center, several specialized transportation services cater specifically to devotees.

Pilgrimage Tour Packages

Several tour operators offer comprehensive packages that include:

These packages typically operate from gateway cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, with prices ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per person depending on duration, accommodation quality, and included services.

Major operators in this segment include IRCTC Tourism, Gujarat Tourism, and numerous private tour companies.

Temple Trust Services

The Shree Somnath Trust occasionally arranges special transportation services during major festivals and events. These are typically announced on the official temple website and may include:

While researching pilgrim-specific transport services, I found helpful resources that detail special arrangements made during peak pilgrimage seasons when standard transportation options might be overwhelmed.

Senior Citizen and Accessibility Considerations

For elderly pilgrims or those with mobility challenges, transportation to Somnath requires additional planning:

  1. Air Travel: Request wheelchair assistance when booking flights to and from the nearest airports.
  2. Rail Travel: Indian Railways offers lower berths to senior citizens and people with disabilities with prior booking. Station assistance can be arranged through the station master.
  3. Road Travel:
    • Consider hiring vehicles with easy entry/exit features
    • Private taxis allow for custom stops as needed for comfort
    • Some premium bus services offer assistance for boarding and alighting
  4. At Somnath:
    • Battery-operated vehicles are sometimes available within the temple complex
    • Wheelchairs can be arranged with advance notice to the temple administration
    • Special priority darshan is available for senior citizens and differently-abled visitors

Seasonal Considerations for Transportation to Somnath

Your transportation to Somnath experience can vary significantly based on when you visit. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you plan:

Winter Season (November-February)

Advantages:

Considerations:

Summer Season (March-June)

Advantages:

Considerations:

Monsoon Season (July-September)

Advantages:

Considerations:

Festival Seasons

Transportation to Somnath becomes particularly challenging during major festivals like:

During these times:

According to climate data from the India Meteorological Department, the most reliable weather for transportation to Somnath occurs between November and early March, offering the best balance of comfortable travel conditions and scenic experiences.

Comparative Analysis: Choosing Your Ideal Transportation to Somnath

To help you decide which transportation mode best suits your needs, here’s a comparative analysis based on key factors:

Time Efficiency

Fastest to Slowest:

  1. Air to Diu + Taxi: Approximately 3-4 hours total (including airport procedures)
  2. Air to Rajkot + Taxi: Approximately 6-7 hours total
  3. Direct Taxi from Ahmedabad: 8-9 hours
  4. Bus from Ahmedabad: 9-10 hours
  5. Train to Veraval + Local Transport: 12-17 hours (depending on origin)
  6. Air to Ahmedabad + Train to Veraval: 15-18 hours total

Cost Efficiency

Most to Least Economical:

  1. Bus Services: ₹350-1,200 depending on type and distance
  2. Train (Sleeper Class): ₹400-800 for long-distance routes
  3. Train (AC Classes): ₹800-2,500 for long-distance routes
  4. Shared Taxi Services: ₹800-2,000 per person for long distances
  5. Private Taxi: ₹3,500-9,000 depending on distance
  6. Air Travel + Local Transport: ₹5,000-15,000 total depending on origin and season
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Comfort Level

Most to Least Comfortable:

  1. Air + Private Taxi Combination
  2. Private Car/Taxi Door-to-Door
  3. AC Train (2-Tier/First Class)
  4. Luxury Bus Services
  5. AC Train (3-Tier)
  6. Regular Express Buses
  7. Non-AC Trains/Buses

Scenery and Experience

Best for Experiencing the Journey:

  1. Private Car/Road Trip: Maximum flexibility for stops at viewpoints and attractions
  2. Train Journey: Passing through rural Gujarat with unique perspectives
  3. Luxury Bus Services: Comfort with large windows for sightseeing
  4. Air Travel: Limited sightseeing but potentially spectacular aerial views depending on route and weather

Based on customer satisfaction surveys conducted by Gujarat Tourism, approximately 45% of visitors prefer private vehicles or taxis for transportation to Somnath, 30% opt for trains, 20% use bus services, and 5% choose air travel combined with local transport.

Planning Multi-Destination Trips Including Somnath

Many visitors combine Somnath with other important destinations in Gujarat. Here are optimized transportation routes for popular multi-destination itineraries:

Dwarka-Somnath Circuit

Recommended Route:

Transportation Options:

Ahmedabad-Gir-Somnath Circuit

Recommended Route:

Transportation Options:

Diu-Somnath-Bhavnagar Circuit

Recommended Route:

Transportation Options:

Travel planner Meena Shah recommends, “For multi-destination trips including Somnath, consider hiring a vehicle with driver for the entire circuit. The additional cost is offset by the convenience, especially when visiting places like Gir Forest where public transportation options are limited and scheduling can be challenging.”

Practical Tips for Transportation to Somnath

Booking Resources

For Air Travel:

For Train Travel:

For Bus Travel:

For Taxi/Car Rental:

Packing Tips for Different Transportation Modes

For Air Travel:

For Train Travel:

For Road Travel:

Safety Considerations

General Safety Tips:

Road Safety Tips:

Emerging and Future Transportation Options

The landscape of transportation to Somnath continues to evolve, with several developments potentially enhancing accessibility in the coming years:

Upcoming Infrastructure Projects

  1. Expressway Development: The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and its connecting spurs will significantly reduce road travel time from northern and western India to Gujarat, including improved connectivity to Somnath.
  2. Broad Gauge Conversion: Ongoing railway track upgrades in the Saurashtra region will allow for faster trains and better connectivity to Veraval.
  3. Regional Airport Expansion: Under the UDAN scheme, Keshod Airport is slated for further development, potentially offering more direct flights closer to Somnath.

Emerging Transportation Services

  1. Helicopter Services: Charter helicopter services are increasingly available from Ahmedabad and Rajkot to Somnath during peak pilgrimage seasons, cutting travel time dramatically (though at premium prices).
  2. Electric Vehicle Charging Network: Gujarat is developing an extensive EV charging infrastructure, making electric vehicle rentals and travel increasingly viable for transportation to Somnath.
  3. Luxury Pilgrimage Services: Several companies now offer end-to-end luxury pilgrimage experiences with premium transportation, accommodation, and temple visit arrangements.

Transportation infrastructure expert Dinesh Patel notes, “Gujarat’s focus on tourism infrastructure development is gradually transforming accessibility to religious sites like Somnath. The next five years may see journey times reduced by 25-30% across all major transportation modes connecting to the temple town.”

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Transportation to Somnath

The journey to Somnath is not merely a physical transit but the beginning of a spiritual experience that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. While modern transportation options have made this sacred site more accessible than ever before, choosing the right mode of travel remains an important decision that can significantly impact your overall experience.

For those prioritizing time efficiency, flying to Diu or Rajkot followed by road transportation offers the quickest route. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the train to Veraval or bus services from major cities. And for those seeking to experience the journey itself as part of their pilgrimage, a road trip through Saurashtra’s varied landscapes provides unmatched flexibility and scenic beauty.

Whichever transportation to Somnath option you choose, proper advance planning—particularly during peak religious seasons—remains essential. By understanding the various routes, their advantages, and potential challenges, you can ensure that your journey to this ancient temple begins smoothly, setting the right tone for a meaningful pilgrimage experience.

As an ancient Sanskrit saying goes, “Yatra Prasthan Shubham” (May the commencement of your journey be auspicious). With the comprehensive information provided in this guide, you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions about your transportation to Somnath, allowing you to focus on the spiritual experience that awaits at this magnificent shrine by the Arabian Sea.

Author

Subramanya Krishnan

Email: subramanya.krishnan@vidzone.in
Subramanya Krishnan is a seasoned travel expert with over 15 years of experience in organizing pilgrimage tours across India. He specializes in creating seamless itineraries for sacred sites in Gujarat, with particular expertise in the Somnath-Dwarka circuit. Having personally guided hundreds of pilgrim groups through these sacred landscapes, Subramanya brings deep practical knowledge and spiritual understanding to his travel guides. His approach blends traditional pilgrimage practices with modern travel logistics, helping devotees and cultural tourists alike experience the profound spiritual heritage of India’s temple towns without logistical stress. When not writing or guiding tours, Subramanya conducts workshops on responsible pilgrimage tourism and the preservation of sacred geographies.

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