Ahmedabad Gujarat, India Travel Guide
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) stands as Ahmedabad's primary air entrance. It sits about 9 km (5.6 miles) north of the city center. Major Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air fly frequently, linking Ahmedabad to main Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune. Internationally, Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, Singapore Airlines, and Kuwait Airways provide connections to major global hubs like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, London, and many other West Asian cities. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are helpful for finding deals.
AMD offers many services for travelers. The airport has separate domestic (T1) and international (T2) terminals, linked by a shuttle. Find duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, vehicle rental desks, food/drink places, lounges, and free Wi-Fi. Several easy alternatives exist for reaching your accommodation from AMD. Prepaid taxi counters inside the terminals offer fixed, clear fares. Uber and Ola work from AMD, booking via app for convenience and clear pricing. Local taxis are outside the airport; confirm meter use or agree on fare first. Auto-rickshaws are outside too; agree on fare before starting. Public AMTS buses link the airport to various city parts for a very inexpensive, though they could include transfers.
Fixed, transparent fares from airport counters to city zones.
Uber and Ola available via app for ease and clear pricing.
AMTS offers the most economical option, connecting airport to city areas.
Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is the main railway station, connecting to major Indian cities. Book advance tickets, especially for high-end services.
Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and private companies offer extensive services. Book online or at terminals.
Requires an International Driving Permit. Not typically recommended for foreign tourists due to traffic conditions. DiscoverCars.com offers options.
Ahmedabad is a city not on the coast, so sea or river arrivals are not directly applicable. Ahmedabad has no direct ferry services or cruise ports. Nearest major ports like Mundra or Kandla mainly handle cargo. Dahej has a ferry service across the Gulf of Khambhat to Ghogha, but this serves regional connectivity, not direct international access to Ahmedabad.
The Sabarmati River, while flowing through Ahmedabad, does not offer regular transport services. Boating at Kankaria The loch is for fun purposes only.
India has no specific exit fees or taxes for departing tourists. Airport development fees and other charges are usually a portion of your airfare. Allow ample time for your departure. For international flights, arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. This allows time for check-in, security screening, and immigration. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
Both the airport and train terminal offer amenities for departing travelers. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) brings waiting lounges, dining halls, duty-free shopping (international departures), currency exchange, ATMs, and Wi-Fi.
National Highways are generally well-maintained. Other roads vary. Main roads in Ahmedabad are usually good.
Traffic is dense; driving styles are varied. Night driving is risky due to poor lighting and stray animals.
Hiring a chauffeured car is a more relaxed and safer option for unfamiliar visitors.
