Travel Directions
How to Reach Dwarka, Gujarat
How to get to Devbhumi Dwarka by air, train, road and bus — with distances, timings and tips from major cities.
How to Reach Dwarka
Quick Navigation (Table of Contents)
Dwarka sits at the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, where the Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea. Despite its remote coastal location, the town is well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Jamnagar, about 137 km away. Whether you are coming from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Rajkot or Somnath, the journey is straightforward.
Dedicated route pages: Ahmedabad to Dwarka (440 km) · Mumbai to Dwarka (~950 km) · Full distance chart · Dwarka to Somnath.
By Train
Dwarka Railway Station (DWK) is a well-connected station on the Ahmedabad–Okha broad-gauge line, just 1.5 km from the Dwarkadhish Temple. Direct express trains run from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, and Varanasi. Popular services include the Okha Express and the Dwarka Express. From Ahmedabad, the overnight train journey takes about 9–10 hours; from Mumbai, approximately 16–18 hours.
The nearby Okha railway station (30 km) is a larger junction with more train options, especially for trains from the north and east. If your train terminates at Okha, take a shared auto or taxi (₹50–₹150) to Dwarka town. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available at Dwarka station to take you to your hotel or the temple within minutes. Book tickets in advance on IRCTC during peak pilgrimage season (October–March) and festival periods like Janmashtami.
My train station tips from DWK: Pre-paid auto counters sit near the station exit — fixed fares to temple area run ₹40–₹80. Shared autos toward the bus stand and temple lanes fill faster than private hires in the morning rush. If you arrive on an overnight train for Mangal Aarti, drop bags at your hotel first (most allow early check-in for a fee of ₹200–₹500) rather than carrying luggage into the locker queue. Okha-bound trains that terminate 30 km away can save you a seat in peak season, but add 45 minutes of road transfer — only worth it if DWK quota is waitlisted.
| From city | Distance | Train time | Road / bus time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 440 km | 9–10 hrs overnight | 8–9 hrs | Sleeper ₹400–₹800; Volvo ₹600–₹1,200 |
| Mumbai | 950 km | 16–18 hrs | 16–18 hrs (2-day better) | Sleeper ₹700–₹1,400 |
| Rajkot | 225 km | 4–5 hrs | 4.5–5 hrs | Train ₹150–₹400; taxi ₹3,500–₹5,000 |
| Jamnagar | 137 km | 3–4 hrs (via change) | 2.5–3 hrs | Taxi from airport ₹2,500–₹3,500 |
| Vadodara | 510 km | 10–11 hrs | 9–10 hrs | Sleeper ₹500–₹900 |
| Delhi | ~1,400 km | 24+ hrs (not ideal) | Fly + 3 hr road | Flight to Rajkot/Jamnagar + taxi |
| Somnath | 235 km | Indirect | 5–6 hrs | Taxi ₹4,000–₹6,000 one way |
By Road
Dwarka is well served by GSRTC (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation) and private bus operators. Regular buses connect Dwarka to Ahmedabad (440 km, ~9 hours), Rajkot (225 km, ~5 hours), Jamnagar (137 km, ~3 hours), and Somnath (230 km, ~5 hours). Both sleeper and Volvo AC buses are available on the Ahmedabad–Dwarka route, with overnight journeys being the most popular among pilgrims.
For self-drive travellers, Dwarka is accessible via well-maintained national highways. From Ahmedabad: ~440 km via NH47 and NH151 (8–9 hours). From Rajkot: ~225 km via NH8B and NH51 (4.5–5 hours). From Somnath: ~230 km along the scenic coastal route (~5 hours). From Mumbai: ~950 km, best done over two days with an overnight stop in Ahmedabad or Rajkot. The Dwarka bus stand is centrally located, about 1 km from the Dwarkadhish Temple. Rental cars are available in all major Gujarat cities.
Nearest Airport
Jamnagar Airport (JGA) is the closest domestic airport, approximately 137 km (a 2.5–3 hour drive) from Dwarka. It is connected to Mumbai and Ahmedabad by regular flights. A private taxi from Jamnagar to Dwarka costs around ₹2,500–₹3,500. Rajkot Airport (RAJ), about 225 km away, is the next option with more frequent connections to major Indian cities including Delhi and Bengaluru.
The nearest international airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (AMD), about 440 km from Dwarka, with connections to global destinations. From any airport, taxis and pre-paid cab counters are readily available. Many pilgrims flying into Ahmedabad combine the road journey with a Dwarka–Somnath itinerary by hiring a car for the full Saurashtra circuit.
Airport Comparison for Dwarka Pilgrims
I fly into Gujarat often for temple updates, and the airport choice matters more than the ticket price alone. Jamnagar is closest but has fewer flights. Rajkot balances distance and connectivity. Ahmedabad works if you are combining Somnath or want international arrivals.
| Airport | Code | Distance to Dwarka | Road time | Taxi to Dwarka | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamnagar | JGA | 137 km | 2.5–3 hrs | ₹2,500–₹3,500 | Fastest door-to-door; Mumbai/Ahmedabad flights |
| Rajkot | RAJ | 225 km | 4.5–5 hrs | ₹3,500–₹5,000 | More daily flights; Delhi/Bengaluru connections |
| Ahmedabad | AMD | 440 km | 8–9 hrs | ₹6,000–₹9,000 | International arrivals; Dwarka–Somnath circuit start |
| Porbandar | PBD | 105 km | 2–2.5 hrs | ₹2,000–₹3,000 | Limited flights; coastal stopover option |
Pre-book airport taxis through your hotel or a known operator — touts at smaller airports sometimes quote ₹1,000 above fair rate to tired pilgrims. If landing at Jamnagar after 8 PM, confirm your Dwarka hotel has late check-in; the 137 km drive is safe but unlit stretches near Okha need a careful driver.
GSRTC bus tips: The Dwarka bus stand sits about 1 km from the temple — autos connect in minutes. Overnight Volvo from Ahmedabad drops you early enough for Mangal Aarti if you sleep onboard. Book through the official GSRTC app or counter; avoid unlicensed operators at Ahmedabad ISBT who promise "direct Dwarka" but switch buses mid-route.
Self-drive pilgrims should fuel up at Jamnagar or Khambhalia — Okha-side pumps get crowded on festival weekends. NH47 and NH151 from Ahmedabad are well maintained; the final 30 km toward Okha/Bet Dwarka has narrower lanes. Allow extra time when cattle or pilgrim processions block the temple approach roads during Janmashtami and Kartik Purnima.
From Major Cities
Dwarka sits at the western tip of Saurashtra, so distances from Gujarat's interior cities are long but manageable as day or overnight trips. Ahmedabad (440 km) and Rajkot (225 km) are the most common starting points. Porbandar (105 km) and Jamnagar (137 km) are the nearest major towns. For a full city-by-city list, see our distance to Dwarka chart.
| From City | Distance | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 440 km | 8–9 hrs |
| Rajkot | 225 km | 4.5–5 hrs |
| Jamnagar | 137 km | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Somnath | 230 km | 5 hrs |
| Porbandar | 105 km | 2 hrs |
| Mumbai | 950 km | 16–18 hrs |
| Vadodara | 510 km | 9–10 hrs |
| Gandhinagar | 455 km | 8–9 hrs |
Local Transport
Once in Dwarka, getting around is easy. The town is compact, and most attractions lie within 2–3 km of Dwarkadhish Temple. Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of local transport and are inexpensive (₹30–₹100 for short trips). For the full Dwarka sightseeing circuit (Bet Dwarka, Nageshwar, Gopi Talav, Rukmini Temple), hiring a local taxi for the day is the most convenient option, costing around ₹1,500–₹2,500.
Many hotels also arrange sightseeing packages that include transportation and a guide. If you prefer to walk, the area around the temple, Gomti Ghat and Sudama Setu is best explored on foot, especially in the cool early morning hours. E-rickshaws have become increasingly common for short hops between the railway station, bus stand and temple area.
Auto-rickshaw
₹30–₹100 for short trips within Dwarka town
Full-day taxi
₹1,500–₹2,500 for the full sightseeing circuit
On foot
Temple, Gomti Ghat & Sudama Setu are walkable
Dwarka to Bet Dwarka Ferry & Okha Jetty
To reach Bet Dwarka by sea, travel to Okha Jetty, about 30 km from Dwarka town. Shared autos (₹50–₹100 per person) and taxis (₹600–₹800 one way) run regularly from Dwarka to Okha. Ferries depart roughly every 10–30 minutes when full; the crossing takes 15–20 minutes with tickets costing about ₹20–₹40 per person one way. First boats typically leave around 6:00–8:00 AM; the last return is near sunset (~7:00 PM).
During monsoon (June–September), ferry services may be reduced or suspended in rough seas — in those months, use Sudarshan Setu for all-weather road access to Bet Dwarka. Most pilgrims now drive via the bridge, which is faster and more reliable for families and elders. If travelling by ferry, keep your return ticket safe and allow 3–4 hours for the full round trip from Dwarka, including island temple visits.
Okha railway station (30 km) is an alternate arrival point if DWK trains are full — shared autos to Dwarka town run ₹50–₹150. The jetty area has basic snack stalls but limited seating; carry water from Dwarka. Parking at Okha fills by mid-morning on weekends — arrive before 9 AM if you are driving yourself.
E-rickshaws now connect DWK station, bus stand, and temple lane for ₹10–₹30 per person on shared runs — useful for elders after a long train journey. Full-day sightseeing taxis gather near the bus stand and main market from 7 AM; negotiate before Mangal Aarti rush when drivers are fewer. For Bet Dwarka, confirm whether your hire includes Sudarshan Setu toll and island waiting time — some drivers quote low and add charges later.
International pilgrims landing at Ahmedabad AMD should consider an overnight stop in Ahmedabad or Rajkot rather than driving 440 km straight to Dwarka after a long flight — jet lag plus 8 hours of road is how people miss evening darshan and start the pilgrimage exhausted.
Rajkot RAJ airport pilgrims should pre-book the 225 km taxi — on-arrival counters exist but festival-week queues are long. Jamnagar JGA is smaller and usually faster for exit. Both beat Ahmedabad for onward time even when the flight ticket costs slightly more from Mumbai or Delhi.
Plan Your Dwarka Trip
Written By
Dharmendra Hadiyal
Dharmendra is a travel editor from Saurashtra who writes about Devbhumi Dwarka and the surrounding region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Dwarka
Temple timings, how to get there, what to wear, how much to budget — the things pilgrims ask us most often.
Jamnagar Airport (JGA) is the nearest airport, located about 137 km (2.5–3 hours drive) from Dwarka.
Yes, Dwarka Railway Station (DWK) is directly connected by express trains to major cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, and Varanasi.
The distance from Ahmedabad to Dwarka is 440 km by road (8–9 hours drive by car or bus, or 9–10 hours by overnight train).
Planning Your Trip to Dwarka?
Darshan timings, how to get there, nearby temples, where to stay — we've put it all together so you can focus on the pilgrimage. Jai Dwarkadhish.