Gir Forest is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, famous for being the last refuge of the Asiatic lions. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, lies on the west coast and is a major starting point for travelers heading to Gir Forest. This route is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers planning a safari in Gir National Park.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Mumbai to Gir Forest, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on the best time to visit to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Mumbai to Gir Forest – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Gir Forest from Mumbai. The rail network connects Mumbai to Junagadh and Veraval, the nearest major stations to Gir.

• Mumbai to Junagadh or Veraval trains run regularly, covering roughly 900 kilometers in about 16 to 20 hours, with fares ranging from INR 500 to INR 1500 depending on class and train type.

• Junagadh railway station is about 45 km from Gir Forest, while Veraval is closer at around 40 km, both connected by local transport options like taxis and buses.

• Trains such as the Saurashtra Express and Veraval Express are popular, but can be crowded during festival seasons and holidays, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable.

• Night trains are available, allowing you to save daytime for safari activities; however, delays are common during monsoon months due to track maintenance and weather.

• Food options on trains vary; it is best to carry snacks or buy from station vendors during stops at major junctions like Rajkot or Ahmedabad.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel from Mumbai to Gir Forest, though the journey is long and can be tiring. State transport and private operators run these services.

• Mumbai’s central bus terminals like Dadar and Borivali have buses to Junagadh and Veraval, with travel times ranging from 18 to 22 hours covering approximately 900 km.

• MSRTC and private Volvo buses provide comfortable options with fares between INR 700 and INR 1200, but frequency is limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

• Road conditions on NH48 and NH51 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery patches, especially near the Western Ghats.

• Night buses are common, helping you save daytime, but rest stops are basic; carrying water and snacks is advisable for comfort.

• Last-mile connectivity from Junagadh or Veraval bus stands to Gir Forest involves local taxis or shared jeeps, which are readily available but may charge higher fares during peak tourist seasons.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Gir Forest offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. The distance is about 900 km via NH48 and NH51.

• The drive typically takes 16 to 18 hours, depending on traffic and stops, with tolls at multiple plazas along NH48 and NH51 costing around INR 500 to INR 700 in total.

• Popular rest stops include Surat, Bharuch, and Rajkot, where you can find clean dhabas and restaurants serving local Gujarati cuisine.

• Fuel stations are frequent on the highway, but it is wise to fill up before entering rural stretches near Gir Forest where options are limited.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional waterlogging, especially near the Western Ghats and coastal areas.

• Parking is available near Gir Forest entrances, but it is best to check with your lodge or safari operator for guidance to avoid last-minute hassles.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Gir Forest from Mumbai, with nearby airports at Rajkot and Diu offering good connectivity and onward road travel options.

• Mumbai to Rajkot flights take about 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Rajkot Airport is approximately 100 km from Gir Forest, requiring a 2.5 to 3-hour taxi or cab ride via NH27 and NH51 to reach the park.

• Diu Airport is closer, about 70 km from Gir, but has fewer flights and limited connectivity compared to Rajkot.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Rajkot airport, but booking in advance is recommended to avoid high fares and waiting times.

• Flights can be affected by fog during winter mornings, so plan arrivals with buffer time for onward road travel to Gir Forest.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Gir Forest, ensuring a smooth and well-organized journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

• If traveling by train, choose a night train to maximize daytime safari hours; carry light snacks and water for the journey.

• Upon arrival at Junagadh or Rajkot, arrange a prepaid taxi or shared jeep to Gir Forest; confirm fare and vehicle condition before starting.

• Carry a printed or digital copy of your safari booking and ID proof as park authorities require these for entry.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, hats, and water bottles; avoid heavy luggage as local transport to Gir can be cramped.

• Plan your safari timings in advance with your lodge or tour operator to avoid last-minute confusion and ensure availability.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in cities to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during transfers.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted places to avoid stomach issues common during long travels.

• Book train and bus tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance during holidays and weekends to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Local transport near Gir Forest includes shared jeeps and auto-rickshaws; negotiate fares beforehand and avoid traveling alone after dark.

• Carry minimal luggage as local vehicles to Gir Forest are often small and crowded, and some safari vehicles have limited storage space.

• Monsoon season can cause roadblocks and train delays; check weather and road conditions before starting your journey to avoid surprises.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Gir Forest is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Summers can be hot, and monsoons bring heavy rains affecting travel.

During festivals like Navratri and Diwali, transport can be crowded, so plan your trip accordingly. Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at Gir Forest.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of July and August due to slippery roads and possible train delays in the Western Ghats region.

• Peak tourist season is from December to February; book accommodations and transport well in advance to avoid high prices and unavailability.

• Early morning or late evening train departures from Mumbai help you reach Gir Forest comfortably without daytime traffic jams.

• Summer months from April to June are very hot, making safari uncomfortable; carry adequate water and sun protection if traveling then.

Arrival at Gir Forest & What to Expect

On arrival at Gir Forest, you will find local transport options such as shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and prepaid taxis to reach your lodge or safari starting point. Most lodges offer pickup services from Junagadh or Veraval stations.

Popular areas to stay include Sasan Gir village and nearby resorts, which provide easy access to the park entrances. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited inside the forest area, so plan your transfers with your accommodation beforehand.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Gir Forest is best done by train or flight combined with local road transport for convenience and comfort. Trains offer an economical and scenic option, while flights save time for those with limited schedules.

Booking tickets early, planning your last-mile transfers, and traveling during the cooler months will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable wildlife experience. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Gir Forest and look forward to the thrill of spotting Asiatic lions in their natural habitat.