Mount Abu is a popular hill station located in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan. Surat, a major city in Gujarat, serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to this cool retreat. Many people travel this route to escape the heat and enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Abu.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to reach Mount Abu from Surat. You will find detailed information on trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Surat to Mount Abu – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many travelers between Surat and Mount Abu. Although there is no direct train to Mount Abu, nearby railway stations connect you to the hill station.

• The nearest major railway station to Mount Abu is Abu Road, about 28 km away, well connected to Surat via trains on the Western Railway line, covering approximately 350 km in 7 to 9 hours depending on the train.

• Trains like the Surat–Abu Road Express run daily, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹800, making it affordable for most travelers.

• Train frequency is good, but booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays when trains get crowded due to tourist inflow.

• From Abu Road station, you can hire prepaid taxis or local buses to reach Mount Abu; taxis take around 45 minutes and cost ₹400–₹600, while buses are cheaper but less frequent.

• Be aware of seasonal fog in winter mornings around Abu Road which can cause minor delays; monsoon season may also affect train punctuality slightly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to travel from Surat to Mount Abu, with several options ranging from government to private operators.

• MSRTC and private buses run daily from Surat’s main bus depot to Mount Abu, covering roughly 360 km in 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus types include non-AC, AC sleeper, and Volvo coaches, with fares between ₹300 and ₹900; Volvo buses provide more comfort for overnight journeys.

• Departure times are frequent, especially in the evening and early morning, but buses can get crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and summer holidays.

• The route mainly follows NH48 and NH27, with toll plazas and rest stops at places like Udaipur and Dungarpur, where you can find decent food stalls and clean washrooms.

• During monsoon, some roads may be slippery or under repair, so check weather and road conditions before booking your bus ticket.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Surat to Mount Abu is a flexible and scenic option, suitable if you prefer to travel at your own pace and explore en route.

• The distance is about 360 km via NH48 and NH27, taking approximately 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.

• The route is well-maintained with multiple toll plazas; toll charges can total around ₹400 to ₹600, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Popular rest stops include Udaipur, where you can enjoy local Rajasthani cuisine and refuel; several dhabas and restaurants cater to travelers.

• Driving during early mornings or late evenings helps avoid city traffic in Surat and Udaipur, making the journey faster and more comfortable.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Surat from providers like Zoomcar and Revv, with daily rates starting around ₹2,000; ensure your vehicle is suitable for hilly terrain near Mount Abu.

Flight

Flying is not the most direct option since Mount Abu does not have its own airport, but it can be combined with road travel for faster access.

• The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 165 km away, which connects to Surat via flights with a stopover, usually in Mumbai or Delhi.

• Flight duration from Surat to Udaipur, including layovers, can range from 3 to 6 hours, with fares between ₹3,000 and ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Udaipur airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mount Abu, which takes around 3.5 to 4 hours; taxis cost ₹1,500 to ₹2,000, while buses are cheaper but less frequent.

• Flights are more suitable if you want to save time on the Surat to Udaipur leg and do not mind the additional road journey to Mount Abu.

• Booking flights well in advance through platforms like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip is advisable to get better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Surat to Mount Abu. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

• Book your train or bus tickets early, especially if traveling during weekends or holidays, using IRCTC for trains or MSRTC online portals for buses to avoid last-minute hassles.

• If you choose to drive, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check for any road closures or toll updates before starting your journey.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a small first-aid kit, as some stretches between Surat and Mount Abu have limited food options.

• Upon arrival at Abu Road station or Mount Abu bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and transparent local travel.

• Reserve your accommodation in Mount Abu in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, using popular booking sites to secure the best deals and locations.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and small purchases, as not all places accept digital payments reliably.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially at crowded bus stands and railway stations in Surat and Abu Road.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared at reputable stalls to prevent stomach issues.

• Book your tickets online to avoid queues and confirm your seat or berth; IRCTC and MSRTC apps provide real-time availability and e-tickets.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Surat and Mount Abu; negotiate fares beforehand if hailing autos directly.

• Pack a light raincoat or umbrella during monsoon months (July to September) as sudden showers can disrupt travel plans and make roads slippery.

• Carry a power bank and keep your phone charged for navigation and communication, especially when traveling by road through remote areas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Surat to Mount Abu depends on weather and tourist seasons. Avoiding peak traffic and harsh weather will make your trip more pleasant.

Mount Abu is most crowded during summer holidays and festivals like Navratri and Diwali, so plan accordingly if you prefer less crowded conditions.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and delays on the highway routes.

• Winter months (November to February) offer cool and pleasant weather but be prepared for early morning fog near Abu Road and Mount Abu, which can slow down trains and buses.

• Depart early in the morning from Surat to avoid city traffic and reach Mount Abu by afternoon, allowing time to settle in and explore.

• Weekdays generally have less crowded trains and buses compared to weekends, so plan your travel accordingly for a more comfortable journey.

Arrival at Mount Abu & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mount Abu, either from Abu Road railway station or the local bus stand, you will find several options for local transport to reach your hotel or tourist spots. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available and recommended for safety and fixed fares.

Mount Abu town is compact, and many attractions are within short distances. Popular areas to stay include Nakki Lake, the main market, and the Sunset Point area, all offering a range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Walking or hiring a bicycle rickshaw is common for short trips within the town.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mount Abu from Surat depends on your priorities. If you want comfort and affordability, taking a train to Abu Road followed by a taxi is a good choice. For budget travelers, buses offer direct connectivity with reasonable fares. Driving yourself provides flexibility and the chance to explore en route.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local transport options at both ends. With proper planning and the tips provided, you can confidently enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Surat to the beautiful hill station of Mount Abu.