Pune is a bustling city in Maharashtra known for its rich culture and education hubs. Girnar is a famous pilgrimage site and hill station located near Junagadh in Gujarat. Many travelers journey from Pune to Girnar to explore its ancient temples and scenic views.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Pune to Girnar. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. This will make your trip comfortable and well-planned.

Getting from Pune to Girnar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this route. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and connects Pune to Junagadh, the nearest railhead to Girnar.

• The main train route is from Pune Junction to Junagadh Railway Station, covering approximately 850 km and taking around 18 to 22 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Popular trains include the Pune-Junagadh Express and other long-distance trains connecting via Ahmedabad or Rajkot, with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains run daily or several times a week, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during festival seasons when demand increases.

• Junagadh station is about 7 km from Girnar base; you can hire local taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the foothills easily.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so check train status before travel during June to September.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly and widely used option. State transport and private operators connect Pune to Junagadh with onward local transport to Girnar.

• Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operate buses from Pune to Junagadh, covering about 900 km in 20 to 24 hours.

• Bus fares range from ₹700 to ₹1200 depending on the bus type, such as sleeper, semi-sleeper, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Buses depart from Pune’s Swargate or Shivajinagar bus stands and arrive at Junagadh central bus depot, which is well connected to Girnar by local transport.

• Frequent night buses are available, but they can be crowded during holidays and weekends, so booking tickets early is advisable.

• Highway NH48 and NH27 are the main routes, with toll plazas and rest stops offering food and restroom facilities along the way.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Girnar offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey covers around 850 to 900 km and takes approximately 16 to 18 hours by car.

• The most common route is via NH48 through Mumbai, Surat, and Rajkot, then connecting to NH27 towards Junagadh, with well-maintained highways and toll plazas.

• Self-driving allows stops at places like Saputara hill station and Surat city for breaks and sightseeing.

• Fuel costs for the trip may range between ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 depending on your vehicle’s mileage and fuel prices.

• Driving during daytime is safer; avoid night driving in rural areas due to limited lighting and occasional stray cattle on roads.

• Parking is available near Girnar foothills, but it can get crowded during peak pilgrimage seasons, so plan arrival times accordingly.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Girnar, but flying to nearby airports can save travel time. The closest airports are Rajkot and Diu, with onward road travel to Girnar.

• Pune Airport offers daily flights to Rajkot, approximately 1.5 hours in the air, with fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Rajkot Airport, Girnar is about 90 km away, accessible by taxi or bus, taking around 2 to 3 hours on NH27.

• Alternatively, flights to Diu Airport are available but less frequent; Diu is about 100 km from Girnar.

• Prepaid taxis and Ola/Uber services are available at Rajkot Airport for convenient onward travel.

• Flight travel is best combined with road transport for the last leg to Girnar, especially if you want to save time on the long Pune to Girnar journey.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Girnar to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or MSRTC websites well in advance to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• If traveling by train, check the train schedule and platform details a day before departure to avoid confusion at Pune Junction.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially for long journeys by bus or train where food options may be limited.

• On arrival at Junagadh, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Girnar foothills safely and at reasonable fares.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps and start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Girnar before dark.

• Carry local currency in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere on the route.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items to reduce the risk of theft during crowded train or bus journeys.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from reliable vendors to avoid stomach issues common during long-distance travel in India.

• Book tickets early during festivals like Navratri or summer holidays, as trains and buses fill up quickly with pilgrims visiting Girnar.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Junagadh and Girnar; negotiate fares beforehand if no meter is available.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medications, as medical facilities near Girnar foothills are limited.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions, as heavy rains can cause landslides or roadblocks on hill routes.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Girnar is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be hot, and monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt travel.

Planning your journey outside peak festival times helps avoid crowding and higher fares. Early morning departures are recommended for road travel to avoid city traffic and reach your destination comfortably.

• Avoid traveling during Navratri festival and major holidays when Girnar attracts large crowds and transport services are busy.

• Monsoon season from June to September can cause slippery roads and delays, especially on the hilly stretches near Girnar.

• Winter mornings may have fog on highways, so drive carefully and allow extra travel time.

• Depart Pune early in the morning to bypass city traffic and reach Junagadh or Girnar before evening.

Arrival at Girnar & What to Expect

Upon reaching Girnar, you will find the area bustling with pilgrims and tourists, especially near the base temples. The local transport options include auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, and taxis to take you closer to the hill climb starting points.

Accommodation options are available in Junagadh city and near Girnar foothills, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Junagadh, but their availability near Girnar base is limited, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Girnar is manageable with multiple transport options to suit your budget and time. Train travel to Junagadh followed by local transport is the most economical and popular choice, while flights combined with road travel save time for those willing to spend more.

Advance booking, planning your route carefully, and being aware of seasonal conditions will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Pune to Girnar and experience the spiritual and natural beauty of this iconic hill station.