Kandla is a major port town located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, known for its industrial and trading significance. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is a bustling metropolis in Maharashtra. Traveling between these two important locations is common for business and tourism purposes.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Kandla, covering trains, buses, car journeys, and flights. You will also find practical travel tips, a step-by-step plan, and advice on what to expect upon arrival in Kandla.

Getting from Mumbai to Kandla – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for reaching Kandla from Mumbai. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and several train options connecting major stations.

• The main railway station in Mumbai is Mumbai Central or Bandra Terminus, while Kandla is served by Gandhidham Junction, about 10 km from Kandla port, making it the nearest railhead.

• The distance between Mumbai and Gandhidham is approximately 850 km, and trains typically take between 14 to 18 hours depending on the service chosen, with fares ranging from INR 500 to 1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Popular trains include the Kutch Express and the Sayajinagari Express, which run daily or several times a week, offering both reserved and unreserved seating options.

• Train services are generally reliable, but during monsoon season, delays can occur due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so plan accordingly.

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

• Booking tickets via IRCTC online or authorized agents is recommended to secure preferred classes and avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses provide a flexible and affordable way to travel from Mumbai to Kandla, suitable for budget travelers who do not mind longer journey times.

• Buses depart from Mumbai’s major bus terminals like Dadar and Borivali, heading towards Kutch region via National Highway 48 and NH 27, covering around 900 km.

• The journey duration by bus ranges from 18 to 22 hours depending on the service type, with fares typically between INR 700 and 1200 for non-AC and AC coaches.

• State transport buses such as MSRTC and GSRTC operate on this route, along with private operators offering sleeper and semi-sleeper coaches.

• Night buses are common, allowing you to save daytime hours, but they can be crowded during festival seasons like Navratri or Diwali.

• Rest stops are available at major towns like Surat and Bhuj, where you can find clean washrooms and food stalls serving local snacks.

• Booking tickets online through official portals or trusted travel apps ensures seat confirmation and better travel planning.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Kandla offers freedom and flexibility, ideal for travelers who want to explore en route or carry more luggage comfortably.

• The route mainly follows NH 48 up to Ahmedabad and then NH 27 towards Kandla, covering about 900 km, which takes approximately 16 to 18 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Expect toll plazas on highways, with toll charges varying but generally totaling around INR 700 to 1000 for the entire journey.

• Good quality rest stops and dhabas are available along the way, especially near Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, offering local Gujarati and Maharashtrian cuisine.

• Driving through Gujarat is generally safe, but avoid night driving in rural areas due to limited lighting and occasional stray animals on roads.

• Fuel stations are frequent on NH 48 and NH 27, but it is wise to fill up in major cities to avoid delays in remote stretches.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Mumbai if you prefer not to drive yourself; negotiate fares and confirm vehicle condition before starting the journey.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Kandla, but flying is still an option by combining air travel with road transport for faster overall travel.

• The nearest airport to Kandla is Jamnagar Airport, about 130 km away, or Bhuj Airport, approximately 60 km from Kandla, both connected by road.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers daily flights to Jamnagar and Bhuj, with flight durations around 1.5 hours.

• From Jamnagar or Bhuj airports, you can hire taxis or take buses to Kandla, which takes 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Flight fares vary widely, generally ranging from INR 2500 to 6000 one-way, depending on booking time and airline.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or travel portals like MakeMyTrip or Yatra can secure better prices and seat availability.

• Seasonal weather like fog in winter can delay flights, so keep buffer time if connecting to other transport modes.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Kandla, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Train is economical and comfortable, while flights save time but need road travel from nearby airports.

• Book your tickets in advance through IRCTC for trains, official bus portals for buses, or airline websites for flights to ensure availability and better fares.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially if traveling by train or bus where stops may be limited.

• Reach your departure point early—Mumbai Central for trains, Dadar bus station for buses, or the airport at least 2 hours before flight departure—to avoid last-minute stress.

• If traveling by car, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel level, and route on GPS apps like Google Maps to avoid detours and delays.

• On arrival at Gandhidham railway station or Kandla bus stand, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and fair local travel to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey; buy sealed bottled water at stations or rest stops to stay hydrated safely.

• Use official ticket booking platforms like IRCTC and GSRTC to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly; use lockable bags and keep important documents handy but safe.

• For local transport in Kandla, prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs rather than hailing autos on the street to avoid overcharging.

• During monsoon, road travel can be slower due to waterlogging and traffic; plan extra travel time and check weather updates before departure.

• Try local Gujarati snacks like fafda and khandvi at rest stops or stations, but eat from clean and busy vendors to avoid stomach issues.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Kandla is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Avoid the peak summer months due to intense heat and the monsoon season due to heavy rains.

Festival periods like Navratri and Diwali can cause increased traffic and fully booked transport services, so plan your travel dates accordingly to avoid crowds and higher fares.

• Avoid traveling during monsoon months (June to September) as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads on NH routes.

• Winter mornings in Gujarat can have dense fog, especially near Bhuj and Kutch, which may delay trains and flights.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother starts to long journeys.

• Plan to arrive in Kandla during daylight hours for easier navigation and safer local transport options.

Arrival at Kandla & What to Expect

When you arrive at Gandhidham railway station or Kandla bus stand, you will find several local transport options including prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. It is best to use prepaid or app-based services to avoid haggling and ensure fair pricing.

Kandla town offers a range of accommodations from budget hotels to mid-range lodges, mostly concentrated near the port area and main market. If you prefer more options, nearby Gandhidham has larger hotels and guesthouses with better facilities. Local eateries serve Gujarati cuisine and snacks, so trying local food is convenient.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Kandla is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Train travel is efficient and economical, while flights combined with road transport offer the fastest journey. Buses and self-drive provide flexibility but require more time.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing travel times that avoid peak traffic and weather challenges. With these tips, you can confidently make your journey from Mumbai to Kandla smooth and enjoyable.