Gir National Park is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. It is famous as the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lions. Many travelers visit Gir to experience wildlife safaris and explore the rich flora and fauna of the region.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Gir from nearby cities and states. You will learn about various transport options including train, bus, car, and flights, along with practical travel tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Major Cities to Gir – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Gir is popular for its affordability and comfort. The nearest railway stations are Junagadh and Veraval, which connect Gir to major cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

• Junagadh railway station is about 45 km from Gir and is well connected by trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Mumbai, with journey times ranging from 6 to 12 hours depending on the origin.

• Veraval railway station, located around 65 km from Gir, serves as another access point with trains from major cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad, offering overnight and day train options.

• From Junagadh or Veraval stations, you can hire taxis or take local buses to reach Gir National Park, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Train fares vary between INR 200 to INR 800 depending on class and distance, with sleeper and AC coaches available; booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats during peak seasons.

• Trains can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking in advance is advisable; monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to waterlogging on tracks.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly and frequent option to reach Gir from nearby cities. Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operates regular services to Junagadh and Veraval.

• GSRTC runs multiple daily buses from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar to Junagadh and Veraval, with journey times ranging from 6 to 10 hours depending on the route and bus type.

• From Junagadh or Veraval bus stands, local buses and shared taxis are available for the 1.5 to 2-hour journey to Gir National Park, with fares around INR 50 to INR 150.

• Volvo and deluxe buses provide more comfort on longer routes, while ordinary buses are cheaper but less comfortable; tickets can be booked online or at bus depots.

• During peak tourist seasons and weekends, buses may be crowded, so arriving early at the bus stand or booking in advance is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Road conditions on National Highway 27 and State Highways are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches, so plan accordingly.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Gir offers flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic routes of Gujarat. The roads are well maintained and suitable for self-drive travelers.

• The distance from Ahmedabad to Gir is approximately 350 km via NH 27 and NH 51, taking around 7 to 8 hours by car depending on traffic and stops.

• From Rajkot, Gir is about 100 km away, reachable in 2 to 3 hours via NH 27, making it a convenient option for weekend trips or day visits.

• Self-driving allows you to stop at popular places like Junagadh’s Uparkot Fort or the Girnar hills along the way, adding cultural value to your trip.

• Toll plazas are present on NH 27 and NH 51, so keep INR 200 to INR 400 handy for toll fees; fuel stations are available regularly on the route.

• Driving during early morning hours is recommended to avoid city traffic and to reach Gir before safari timings start; monsoon season requires extra caution due to slippery roads.

Flight

Though Gir does not have its own airport, nearby airports provide quick access followed by road travel. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant cities.

• The closest airport to Gir is Diu Airport, about 90 km away, with limited flights mainly from Mumbai and Ahmedabad; from Diu, taxis or buses take 2 to 3 hours to reach Gir.

• Rajkot Airport, approximately 100 km from Gir, offers flights from major cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi; from here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus for the 2 to 3-hour road journey.

• Ahmedabad International Airport is the major hub, 350 km from Gir, with frequent flights from all over India; from Ahmedabad, you can continue by train, bus, or car.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season and booking time, ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 6,000; booking early can secure better deals.

• After landing, pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at airports, but availability may be limited in smaller airports, so plan transfers in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers to Gir, helping you organize your journey smoothly from booking to arrival.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or GSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during holidays and weekends.

• Arrange local transport from Junagadh, Veraval, or nearby airports in advance by contacting trusted taxi services or using app-based cabs to ensure timely pickup.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes, as safari vehicles may have limited space and you will spend time outdoors.

• Check the weather forecast before departure to carry appropriate clothing; Gujarat can be hot in summers and wet during monsoon, affecting travel comfort.

• Reach the railway station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• On arrival at Gir, register at the forest department office for safari permits early in the day to secure your preferred time slot and avoid waiting.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues; buy food from trusted vendors or carry homemade snacks for safaris.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs for local travel to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand if using local taxis without meters.

• Keep your ID and permit documents handy during travel and safari, as forest officials check these regularly for entry and safety compliance.

• During monsoon, roads may be slippery and some safari routes could be closed; check with local authorities before planning your visit in July and August.

• Carry sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent for protection during safaris, as the sun can be strong and mosquitoes are common in forest areas.

• Book accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons like winter and holidays, as hotels near Gir fill up quickly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Gir is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are easier. Summers can be hot, and monsoon rains may disrupt travel plans.

Planning your journey outside major festivals and holidays helps avoid crowded transport and accommodation, making your trip more comfortable.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rains causing slippery roads and limited safari access.

• Festivals like Navratri and Diwali see increased traffic in Gujarat, so book transport and hotels well in advance or plan travel on off-peak days.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic and reach Gir before safari timings start, enhancing your wildlife experience.

• Winter months offer cooler temperatures and clearer roads, making travel smoother and safaris more enjoyable.

Arrival at Gir & What to Expect

When you arrive at Gir, you will find a small town with basic facilities and friendly locals. The main entry points to the park are well marked, and forest department offices handle safari bookings and permits.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, shared jeeps, and auto-rickshaws. Many hotels offer pickup services from Junagadh or Veraval stations. Staying near Sasan Gir village is common, providing easy access to safari gates and local markets.

Conclusion

Traveling to Gir National Park is best done by train or car for comfort and flexibility, especially from nearby cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot. Booking tickets and accommodations in advance will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth journey.

With proper planning, you can enjoy the unique wildlife experience Gir offers without hassle. Use this guide to choose the best transport option, prepare for local conditions, and arrive ready for an unforgettable adventure in the home of the Asiatic lions.