Introduction
Gujarat is one of India's most road-trip-friendly states. Wide highways, manageable distances, and a rich mix of heritage sites, beaches, and wildlife make it ideal for a self-planned cab journey. If you're starting from Ahmedabad, here are five routes that offer the best experience.
1. Ahmedabad → Rajkot (NH 47 — 216 km)
The Ahmedabad-Rajkot corridor is the most frequently travelled route in Gujarat. NH 47 is a 4-lane expressway for most of its length, making the drive smooth and quick — about 3.5 to 4 hours under normal traffic conditions.
- Best stopover: Surendranagar for a chai break
- Don't miss: Rajkot's Rotary Dolls Museum and Kaba Gandhi No Delo
- Fare estimate: ₹2,800 – ₹3,400 (sedan one-way)
2. Ahmedabad → Vadodara (NH 48 — 110 km)
The Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway is the fastest intercity highway in Gujarat. You can cover this distance in under 90 minutes. Vadodara (Baroda) is a cultural powerhouse with Laxmi Vilas Palace and Sayaji Baug gardens worth spending a full day exploring.
- Best for: Day trips and weekend breaks
- Don't miss: Champaner-Pavagadh UNESCO site (extra 40 km from Vadodara)
- Fare estimate: ₹1,600 – ₹2,000 (sedan one-way)
3. Ahmedabad → Somnath (380 km via Rajkot)
The pilgrimage route to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples is among the most spiritually significant drives in India. The full journey takes around 6 hours by road. Most travellers break the journey at Rajkot or Junagadh.
- Best stopover: Junagadh (Uparkot Fort + Gir proximity)
- Pro tip: Book a round-trip cab for flexible timing at the temple
- Fare estimate: ₹5,500 – ₹7,000 (sedan round-trip)
4. Ahmedabad → Bhuj / Kutch (330 km)
If you want something truly unique, the drive to Kutch delivers one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. After crossing Morbi, the terrain flattens into vast salt plains. Bhuj city is the gateway to the Rann of Kutch.
- Best time: October to February (Rann Utsav festival period)
- Don't miss: Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) viewpoint at sunset
- Fare estimate: ₹5,000 – ₹6,500 (sedan one-way)
5. Ahmedabad → Statue of Unity / Kevadia (200 km)
The world's tallest statue stands at 182 metres in the Narmada district. The route via Bharuch and Rajpipla takes around 3–3.5 hours and passes through the scenic Narmada valley.
- Best for: Day trips (entry opens at 8 AM, closes at 6 PM)
- Don't miss: Jungle Safari and Valley of Flowers inside the complex
- Fare estimate: ₹3,200 – ₹4,000 (sedan round-trip)
Tips for Booking a Cab for Gujarat Road Trips
Always book in advance for pilgrimage routes, especially during festive seasons like Navratri, Diwali, and Mahashivratri when demand spikes sharply. For routes above 300 km, choose an outstation package rather than a meter-based ride — it is significantly more cost-effective.