Bhavnagar Gujarat, India Travel Guide
Bhavnagar Airport (BHV): A domestic airport 10-15 km from the city center. It primarily serves domestic flights, connecting Bhavnagar to other major Indian cities. Airlines like IndiGo operate flights to Bhavnagar, typically from Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), Ahmedabad: Situated about 170 km (105 miles) from Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad's airport is the nearest major international airport. It handles both domestic and international flights, making it the main entry point for international travelers heading to Bhavnagar. Many domestic airlines (IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Air India) and international carriers serve Ahmedabad. International flights link Ahmedabad to places in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and some European cities.
Bhavnagar Airport (BHV): A small airport with basic facilities: waiting lounge, vehicle rental desks, taxi services. Limited food and beverage options. Ahmedabad Airport (AMD): A more substantial international airport with duty-free shops, airline lounges, several dining places and cafes, currency exchange counters, car rental services, and pre-paid taxi counters. Transfers from BHV: Taxis and auto-rickshaws outside terminal (20-30 min to city). Transfers from AMD to Bhavnagar: Private taxi/Car rental (3-4 hrs). Book pre-paid taxis at airport. Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses from Ahmedabad's main bus stations. Trains departing from Ahmedabad Junction to Bhavnagar Terminus (require taxi to station from AMD).
Domestic connections from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad for international arrivals, then transfer.
Taxis, buses, or trains from Ahmedabad.
Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with original national driving license is for self-driving.
National Highways are generally good. City roads are congested; rural roads can be narrow/unpaved.
Driving can be challenging due to aggressive traffic. Honking is common. Exercise extreme caution.
This significant water transport link connects Ghogha, a town near Bhavnagar (approx. 20-30 km away), to Dahej, near Bharuch and Surat across the Gulf of Khambhat. This service significantly shortens travel time between the Saurashtra peninsula and South Gujarat, bypassing a long road journey. It carries both passengers and vehicles. This is a domestic service; no international cruise ports or immigration procedures apply.
Upon arrival at Ghogha from Dahej, find taxis and auto-rickshaws available to connect you to Bhavnagar city center. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey or use an app-based service when accessible. River transportation is not a feature of Bhavnagar's local or regional transport network for tourists.
Typically, no specific exit fees or taxes levy for international departures from India beyond what is already in your airfare. This applies whether you depart from Bhavnagar Airport (domestic) or Ahmedabad International Airport. International Flights (from Ahmedabad AMD): Arrive at AMD at least 3 hours before scheduled international flight departure. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and immigration. Online check-in is recommended. Prepare for immigration procedures and thorough security checks. Domestic Flights (from Bhavnagar BHV or Ahmedabad AMD): Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure. Online check-in is useful. Domestic security checks are generally quicker.
Bhavnagar Airport (BHV): A smaller domestic airport, BHV offers basic facilities for departing travelers, including a waiting area and limited food/beverage options. Ahmedabad Airport (AMD): Ahmedabad's international airport includes a wider range of facilities, including various lounges, duty-free shops, eatery collections, restaurants, and currency exchange services. Railway Stations/Bus Depots: Larger train terminals and bus stands in Bhavnagar offer waiting areas, food stalls, and restrooms. Some major railway stations might have 'retiring rooms' available for short stays.
If flying into Ahmedabad, consider pre-booking a private car transfer to Bhavnagar for a comfortable and direct journey.
Verify your flight or train schedule 24-48 hours before departure for any last-minute changes.
Account for potential traffic delays when traveling to the airport or station, especially during peak hours.
For comfortable overnight train journeys, book AC Sleeper classes (AC 2-tier or AC 3-tier) several weeks in advance for confirmed seats.
