Ahmedabad, a major city in Gujarat, is well connected to many parts of the state and country. Sasan Gir, located in the Gir National Park area, is famous for its Asiatic lions and natural beauty. This route is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers traveling from the urban hub to a serene wildlife sanctuary.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir. You will learn about different transport modes, travel times, costs, and useful tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option for this route. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and is suitable for budget travelers and those who prefer overnight travel.

• The nearest railway station to Sasan Gir is Junagadh, about 50 km away, connected to Ahmedabad by direct trains such as the Ahmedabad-Junagadh Express, taking around 7 to 8 hours.

• Train fares range from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class, with sleeper and AC options available, booked easily through IRCTC or railway counters.

• Trains run daily but can be crowded during festival seasons like Navratri and Diwali, so booking tickets well in advance is recommended.

• Junagadh station has basic facilities, and you can hire taxis or shared jeeps from there to Sasan Gir, which takes about 1.5 hours by road.

• Monsoon rains may cause occasional delays, so check live train status before departure to avoid surprises.

Bus

Buses are a flexible and affordable way to reach Sasan Gir from Ahmedabad. They offer multiple daily departures and connect well with local transport.

• State-run buses by GSRTC operate from Ahmedabad’s central bus station (Gita Mandir) to Junagadh and Veraval, with journey times of 8 to 10 hours depending on the service.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹300 to ₹700, with options including ordinary, semi-deluxe, and Volvo AC buses for different comfort levels.

• Buses are frequent but can be crowded during weekends and holidays; booking tickets online or at the bus station a day ahead is advisable.

• The road route follows NH27 and NH51, passing through towns like Rajkot and Junagadh, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering local snacks and refreshments.

• From Junagadh or Veraval bus stands, you can hire local taxis or shared autos to reach Sasan Gir, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by road.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups wanting to explore at their own pace.

• The distance is approximately 370 km via NH27 and NH51, taking around 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Major toll plazas on the route include the Ahmedabad-Rajkot and Rajkot-Junagadh sections, so keep cash or FASTag ready to avoid delays.

• Road conditions are generally good, with some stretches under maintenance during monsoon; avoid night driving in rural areas for safety.

• There are several reliable car rental services in Ahmedabad offering self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars, with daily rates ranging from ₹2500 to ₹4500 depending on vehicle type.

• Plan stops at towns like Rajkot and Junagadh for meals and fuel; these towns have decent restaurants and petrol pumps.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Sasan Gir, but you can fly from Ahmedabad to nearby airports and continue by road.

• The closest airport to Sasan Gir is Diu Airport, about 90 km away, with limited flights from Ahmedabad operated by regional airlines, taking around 1 hour.

• From Diu Airport, you can hire taxis or pre-book cabs to reach Sasan Gir, which takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by road.

• Flights may be infrequent and more expensive compared to other modes, so check schedules carefully before planning.

• Alternatively, you can fly to Rajkot Airport, about 100 km from Sasan Gir, with more frequent flights from Ahmedabad, then travel by taxi or bus.

• Flight fares vary widely, so booking early through airline websites or travel portals can help secure better prices.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least a week in advance via IRCTC or GSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by car, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel level, and keep a physical map or GPS app handy for navigation on NH27 and NH51.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as some stretches have limited food options.

• Upon arrival at Junagadh or Veraval, pre-book a taxi or shared jeep to Sasan Gir to avoid waiting times and ensure safe travel on rural roads.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

• Check weather forecasts before departure, especially during monsoon, to plan your travel time and avoid roadblocks or train delays.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Ahmedabad and Junagadh to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food unless you are familiar with the vendor to prevent stomach issues during your trip.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to secure confirmed seats and avoid long queues at stations or bus stands.

• Local transport options near Sasan Gir include shared autos and jeeps; negotiate fares beforehand and avoid traveling alone after dark.

• Pack light luggage and use sturdy bags, as some local vehicles have limited space and roads can be bumpy.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check for any travel advisories related to road conditions or train cancellations.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather for road and train travel and better wildlife viewing.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and train delays. Also, major festivals like Navratri and Diwali can cause crowding and higher fares.

• Peak traffic occurs during Gujarat’s festival seasons, so plan travel dates to avoid these busy periods for a more comfortable journey.

• Summer months (April to June) can be very hot, making daytime travel uncomfortable; early morning or late evening departures are better.

• Fog in winter mornings may delay trains slightly, so allow buffer time if connecting to other transport.

• Depart Ahmedabad early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Sasan Gir with daylight for easier navigation.

Arrival at Sasan Gir & What to Expect

When you arrive near Sasan Gir, you will likely reach the town of Sasan Gir or nearby Junagadh. The area is rural and quiet, with limited public transport options.

Local transport includes shared jeeps and taxis that can take you to Gir National Park gates or your accommodation. Many lodges offer pickup services if informed in advance. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare here, so negotiate fares carefully before starting your journey.

Popular places to stay include lodges near the park entrance or in the Sasan Gir village area. Basic amenities are available, but it is best to book accommodations ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Local markets and eateries offer simple Gujarati cuisine, and you can find fresh water and supplies at small shops. Carry some essentials with you, as options can be limited inside the park area.

Conclusion

Traveling from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. The train and bus are economical and reliable, while driving offers flexibility for exploring the region at your own pace.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport from Junagadh or Veraval will ensure a smooth journey. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy your trip to the Gir National Park and experience the unique wildlife and natural beauty of Sasan Gir.