Saputara is a beautiful hill station located in the Dang district of Gujarat, near the Maharashtra border. It is famous for its cool climate, lush greenery, and scenic views, making it a popular weekend getaway for travelers from Mumbai, Surat, and Ahmedabad.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Saputara using different transport modes. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Major Cities to Saputara – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable if you prefer a comfortable and scenic journey to nearby stations. Saputara itself does not have a railway station, so you need to reach the nearest stations and then take road transport.

• The closest railway stations to Saputara are Waghai (about 22 km away) and Bilimora Junction (around 75 km away). Both connect to major cities like Surat and Mumbai.

• From Surat, trains to Bilimora are frequent, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Bilimora to Saputara is best covered by bus or taxi, which takes about 2 hours on the NH848.

• Waghai station is closer but has fewer train services. It is connected to Bilimora and other local stations, and from Waghai, taxis or buses can take you to Saputara in 30-40 minutes.

• Train fares from Mumbai or Surat to Bilimora range from ₹100 to ₹400 depending on class. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• During monsoon, train delays are common due to fog and track maintenance in the Western Ghats region, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical choice for reaching Saputara, especially from nearby cities like Surat, Valsad, and Nashik. State transport and private operators run regular services.

• Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operates direct buses from Surat and Valsad to Saputara, with journey times of 3 to 4 hours covering about 160 km.

• From Nashik in Maharashtra, MSRTC runs buses to Saputara, taking roughly 2.5 hours via NH848. These buses are frequent and affordable, costing between ₹100 and ₹250.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses run on weekends and holidays, offering more comfort but higher fares, around ₹300 to ₹500.

• Bus frequency is higher during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets in advance through online portals or bus stands is advisable to avoid crowding.

• Road conditions on the NH848 are generally good, but during monsoon, landslides and slippery roads can cause delays, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Saputara is an excellent choice if you want flexibility and to enjoy the scenic Western Ghats. The roads are well maintained, and the route offers many stops for refreshments and sightseeing.

• From Mumbai, Saputara is about 250 km via NH48 and NH848, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route from Surat is shorter, around 160 km, taking 4 to 5 hours via NH848. The highway passes through Valsad and Waghai, with several toll plazas en route.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from major cities like Mumbai, Surat, and Nashik, with daily rates ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on vehicle type.

• There are many roadside dhabas and restaurants along NH848, especially near Waghai and Valsad, ideal for breaks and local cuisine sampling.

• During monsoon, drive carefully as the roads can be slippery and foggy, especially near the ghats. Early morning departures help avoid heavy traffic and improve visibility.

Flight

There is no airport in Saputara. The nearest airports are Surat and Mumbai, which are well connected to major Indian cities. From these airports, you must use road transport to reach Saputara.

• Surat Airport is about 160 km from Saputara, and a taxi or bus from here takes 4 to 5 hours to reach the hill station.

• Mumbai Airport is approximately 250 km away, with travel time by car or bus around 5 to 6 hours.

• From either airport, pre-booked taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available, but fares can be high due to the long distance.

• Combining flight with train or bus travel is common; for example, fly into Surat and then take a bus or taxi to Saputara for a smoother journey.

• Flight fares vary widely; booking early during holiday seasons can save money and ensure availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Saputara, helping you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Decide your starting point and preferred transport mode based on budget and time. For example, if coming from Mumbai, consider train to Bilimora plus taxi or direct bus for convenience.

• Book train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or official state transport websites to secure seats, especially during weekends and holidays.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps and check for toll plazas and rest stops. Start early to avoid city traffic and reach Saputara before dusk.

• Pack essentials like water, snacks, and rain gear during monsoon. Carry a physical map or offline navigation as network coverage can be patchy near Saputara.

• On arrival at Bilimora or Waghai stations, use prepaid taxis or local buses to reach Saputara safely. Avoid unregistered cabs to prevent overcharging.

• Keep emergency contacts handy, including local police and hospital numbers, and inform someone about your travel plan for added safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Saputara to prevent stomach issues, as hill stations may have limited water treatment facilities.

• Book your accommodation well in advance during peak seasons like winter and holidays, as Saputara has limited hotels and guesthouses.

• Use official bus counters or trusted online portals for ticket bookings to avoid scams and last-minute cancellations.

• Local transport within Saputara includes auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs where available.

• Pack light but include raincoats and warm clothes, especially from July to September when monsoon rains are heavy and nights can be chilly.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly, as tourist spots can attract petty theft, especially during crowded festivals.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Saputara is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be warm, while monsoon brings heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

During the monsoon season, landslides and slippery roads can cause delays and safety concerns. Winter months attract many tourists, so expect crowded buses and hotels.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when traffic to Saputara increases significantly, causing longer travel times and accommodation shortages.

• Monsoon months (June to September) often bring fog and rain, making road travel slower and sometimes risky due to landslides on the ghats.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and provide clearer roads, especially during winter fog or monsoon haze.

• Plan your return journey during daylight hours to ensure safer travel on winding hill roads.

Arrival at Saputara & What to Expect

When you arrive in Saputara, you will find a small but well-developed hill station with basic amenities and tourist facilities. The main entry points are via the Saputara bus stand or the town’s taxi stands.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and shared taxis. Prepaid taxi counters are available at major points, and app-based cabs like Ola may operate but can be limited.

Popular areas to stay include the Saputara Lake area and the main market, both offering easy access to attractions. Budget hotels and guesthouses are common, but booking ahead is recommended during peak seasons.

Walking is also a good option within the town, as many attractions are close by. Carry a local map or ask hotel staff for directions to avoid getting lost in narrow lanes.

Conclusion

Traveling to Saputara is best done by combining train or bus with local road transport, depending on your starting point. For most travelers, taking a train to Bilimora or Waghai and then a taxi or bus to Saputara offers a balance of comfort and cost-effectiveness.

Planning ahead by booking tickets and accommodation early, especially during peak seasons, will make your trip smoother. Keep in mind weather conditions, road safety, and local transport options to enjoy a hassle-free journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your visit to Saputara and experience the serene beauty of Gujarat’s only hill station.