Bilimora Gujarat, India Travel Guide
Surat International Airport (STV) is approximately 60 km north, handling domestic flights and limited international routes. Vadodara Airport (BDQ), around 190 km north, serves domestic flights. For the largest flight options from global destinations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai is approximately 190 km south.
Domestic airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Air India, Akasa Air, and Star Air operate flights connecting Surat and Vadodara to major Indian cities. Mumbai (BOM) hosts an extensive network of global carriers. Direct flights to India typically land at major international centers such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, or Kolkata. From these, connect domestically or arrange land transport to Bilimora.
Expect higher fares during India's peak travel season (November to February) and major Indian festivals. Reduced prices typically appear during monsoon (June-October) and summer (March-May) months.
Surat, Vadodara, and Mumbai airports provide standard facilities: food, duty-free (international), currency exchange, ATMs, car rental, and taxis. Wi-Fi is generally available.
From Surat: Taxis or app-based services (Ola/Uber) to Bilimora (1.5-2 hrs). From Mumbai: Prepaid taxi or app-based to railway/bus stations for onward connections, or private car hire (4-5 hrs).
Bilimora is not near an international border crossing for tourist travel. All land travel occurs domestically within India.
Unpredictable driving behavior, poor lighting on country roads at night, and stray animals pose safety concerns. Drive defensively.
Direct sea or river arrivals are not a common or practical way for tourists to reach Bilimora. The Ambika River is not navigable for large vessels.
Bilimora is positioned inland on the Ambika River, which is not navigable for large vessels or public ferry services for tourists. The nearest major port is Surat (Hazira), which occasionally handles cruises. However, this is not a typical entry point for visitors heading to Bilimora.
No organized river transportation specifically for tourists operates on the Ambika River in Bilimora. The river mainly serves local purposes like fishing or small cargo. There are no immigration procedures at seaports relevant for Bilimora, as it is not a port of entry for international travelers by sea. Therefore, connections to land transportation from direct sea/river arrivals to Bilimora are not applicable.
No particular exit fees or taxes are levied at airports within India that are not already included in your air ticket price. Similarly, no exit fees apply for land or travel by sea from Bilimora. For flights, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and any unforeseen delays. For trains/buses, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Bilimora Railway/Bus Station facilities typically include waiting areas, restrooms, and small food stalls. Larger airports (Surat, Mumbai) offer more extensive amenities: various food and beverage options, retail shops, lounges, and luggage services. Ensure you have all necessary documents ready, including your boarding pass (or ticket) and a valid photo ID.
For longer train journeys, look into booking an AC class ticket.
This provides a more comfortable experience with air conditioning.
AC class coaches are often cleaner and less crowded.
Planning travel to and from Bilimora by connecting through major hubs like Mumbai or Surat offers the best options. Land travel via train or bus directly links you to the town's heart. Careful consideration of timing and booking ahead make for smooth arrivals and departures.
