Saputara is a beautiful hill station located in the Dang district of Gujarat, near the Maharashtra border. Vadodara, a major city in Gujarat, serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to Saputara for its cool climate and scenic views.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Vadodara to Saputara. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and useful tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Vadodara to Saputara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is suitable if you prefer a relaxed journey to the nearest railhead before switching to road transport. There is no direct train to Saputara, but you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway station to Saputara is Waghai, about 30 km away, but it has limited train services; Vadodara Junction is the main starting point for trains towards this region.

• From Vadodara, you can take trains to Waghai or Bilimora; Bilimora is better connected and about 60 km from Saputara, making it a popular railhead for travelers.

• Train travel time from Vadodara to Bilimora ranges from 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the train, with fares between ₹150 and ₹400 in sleeper and second class.

• After reaching Bilimora or Waghai, you need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to Saputara, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads.

• Train frequency is good from Vadodara to Bilimora, but trains to Waghai are infrequent; booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Saputara from Vadodara. Both government and private buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) runs direct buses from Vadodara Central Bus Station to Saputara, taking around 4 to 5 hours covering approximately 165 km.

• Bus fares range from ₹150 to ₹300 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Buses depart frequently in the morning and evening, but seats fill quickly during weekends and festival seasons, so booking tickets online or at the bus station early is advisable.

• The route passes through National Highway 48 and then state highways leading to Saputara, with scenic views but some winding roads near the hills.

• Private taxis and shared tempo travelers also operate from Vadodara to Saputara, offering flexible timings but at higher fares, usually ₹2000 to ₹3000 per vehicle.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Vadodara to Saputara is a comfortable option if you want flexibility and to explore en route. The roads are mostly good, with some hilly sections near Saputara.

• The distance by road is about 165 km via NH48 and SH88, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You can rent a self-drive car from Vadodara with companies like Zoomcar or Revv, with daily rental costs starting around ₹2000 excluding fuel and tolls.

• The route has several toll plazas; expect to pay toll fees totaling around ₹150 to ₹250 one way.

• There are good rest stops and dhabas along NH48 near Vadodara and on the way to Saputara, offering local Gujarati and Maharashtrian snacks.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution as the roads near Saputara can be slippery and foggy, so plan your trip during daylight hours for safety.

Taxi

Hiring a private taxi or cab is a convenient and hassle-free way to reach Saputara from Vadodara, especially for groups or families.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available in Vadodara, but long-distance rides to Saputara usually need to be booked through local taxi operators or travel agents.

• Taxi fares for a one-way trip typically range from ₹3000 to ₹4500 depending on vehicle type and negotiation; round trips may cost more but offer flexibility for sightseeing.

• The journey time by taxi is around 4 to 5 hours, with drivers often stopping at scenic points or local eateries on request.

• Booking a taxi in advance is advisable, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons to ensure availability and fair pricing.

• Most taxis will drop you at Saputara main market or near the lake, which are central points for accommodation and local transport.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Vadodara to Saputara, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time; buses and cars are most common for this route.

• Step 2: Book your tickets or vehicle in advance using IRCTC for trains, GSRTC online portal for buses, or trusted car rental apps to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Step 3: Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a raincoat during monsoon; roads near Saputara can be winding and weather unpredictable.

• Step 4: Start early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Vadodara and reach Saputara before dusk, ensuring better visibility on hilly roads.

• Step 5: On arrival, use local auto-rickshaws or shared jeeps to reach your hotel or sightseeing spots; negotiate fares beforehand or use prepaid options.

• Step 6: Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as mobile network can be weak in some parts of Saputara hills.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Saputara to prevent stomach issues; local shops and hotels sell safe packaged water.

• Book your bus or train tickets at least 2-3 days in advance during weekends and holidays to secure seats, as this route is popular among tourists.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs in Vadodara to avoid overcharging and scams, especially when booking long-distance rides.

• Carry light woolens or jackets even in summer as Saputara’s hill climate can be cool in the evenings and early mornings.

• During monsoon (June to September), check weather updates as landslides or roadblocks may cause delays; carry rain gear and allow extra travel time.

• When driving, avoid night travel on the hilly roads near Saputara due to limited street lighting and sharp curves; daytime travel is safer.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Vadodara to Saputara is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summer months can be warm in Vadodara but Saputara remains cooler.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and slippery roads, which can delay travel and cause discomfort. Planning your trip outside peak festival times ensures less crowd and better availability of transport and accommodation.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Navratri and Diwali when Vadodara experiences heavy traffic and transport bookings are tight.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause fog and landslides on the Saputara route, leading to delays and occasional road closures.

• Early morning departures from Vadodara help avoid city traffic and ensure arrival in Saputara before evening, especially in winter when daylight hours are shorter.

• Weekdays generally have less crowded buses and trains compared to weekends, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter journey.

Arrival at Saputara & What to Expect

When you arrive in Saputara, you will find a small but well-developed hill station with a calm atmosphere and scenic views. The main arrival points are near the Saputara bus stand or taxi drop-off near the lake area.

Local transport includes auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, and cycle rickshaws that can take you to hotels, viewpoints, and tourist spots. Many hotels offer pickup services on request, so confirm this while booking.

Accommodation options are mostly clustered around the Saputara lake and main market area, making it convenient to explore on foot or by short rides. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are limited, so negotiate fares before travel.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Saputara from Vadodara depends on your preferences. For budget travelers, taking a GSRTC bus or train to Bilimora followed by a taxi is economical and reliable. If comfort and flexibility are priorities, hiring a private taxi or driving yourself is ideal.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, starting your journey in the morning, and preparing for hill road conditions will ensure a smooth trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your travel from Vadodara to Saputara and enjoy the serene beauty of this hill station without stress.