Best Weekend Trips from Ahmedabad Guide Places, Distances & Cab Fares
The greatest travel convenience that Ahmedabad has to offer lies in its strategic location. As it lies close to the geographical center of Gujarat, Ahmedabad provides quick access to hill stations, beaches, wildlife parks, heritage cities, and even some parts of Rajasthan all within a couple of days. With an outstation cab or taxi from Yatayat Car Rental, all these places can be easily accessed on a one-day drive without any train or bus schedule hassles. If you are looking for one-way taxi, round trip cab, or even a car rental in Ahmedabad, each place on this list has an option available below.
I have personally traveled all the routes covered here, including several routes like Ahmedabad-Mount Abu multiple times, during winter and monsoon seasons. The distances and durations for the routes have been estimated from my personal experience as well as current road data rather than being aggregated from other online resources. In case there is anything seasonal about any particular route (such as the closure of Gir’s Safari during the monsoons and the inaccessibility of the Rann during the monsoons), then I have noted it down because that is the kind of thing that can spoil your trip after you are already there.
Important Points To Remember
- Ahmedabad has 15+ good options as weekend getaways in the distance range of 25-410 km, including hill stations, beaches, national parks, and heritage towns.
- Closest getaway: Gandhinagar (distance of 25-30 km, journey time of about 40 minutes).
- Closest hill station: Mount Abu (distance of 225-230 km, journey time of 4.5-5 hours).
- Good time period: October-March for most destinations.
- Budget estimates: Rs. 2,000-4,000/person for closer getaways; Rs. 4,0
Top Picks by Trip Type
- Ahmedabad has more than 15 weekend getaways available within 25-410 kilometers distance, including hill stations, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and heritage towns.
- The nearest weekend getaway is Gandhinagar, around 25-30 kilometers, approximately 40 minutes away.
- Nearest hill station is Mount Abu at a distance of 225-230 kilometers, which takes around 4.5 to 5 hours to reach.
- The best season to visit is October-March for all destinations.
- Cost of visit ranges from ₹2,000-4,000 per person for short distances and ₹4,000
1. Vadodara — Palaces and Culture, 2 Hours Away
Distance: ~110 km | Travel time: ~2 hours by road
Vadodara is easy to get to on a weekend visit from Ahmedabad and can even be done on a day visit. Known for its royal Gaekwad lineage, Vadodara boasts structures such as the Laxmi Vilas Palace and the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Must-do activities: Visit Champaner-Pavagadh, Sayaji Baug, Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery Best suited for: Families, heritage enthusiasts, short weekends How to reach: Cab from Ahmedabad to Vadodara will take you approximately 2 hours by road – one of the most common outstation cab services from the city.
2. Mount Abu — Rajasthan's Only Hill Station
Distance: 225-230 km | Travel time: 4.5-5 hrs
Mount Abu is the nearest authentic hill station from Ahmedabad and a very popular weekend getaway for a good reason – because of its cool climate, the marble carvings at Dilwara Jain Temples, and boat rides at Nakki Lake.
Things not to be missed: Dilwara Temples, Nakki Lake, Sunset Point, Guru Shikhar Good for: Couples, families, a quick climate change Tip: The place gets crowded on weekends and during holidays; pre-book accommodations during winter season (Oct – Feb). The ghat stretch while reaching Mount Abu from Ahmedabad has many sharp curves; for those who have never driven in hills before, an Ahmedabad to Mount Abu cab service by Yatayat Car Rental is highly recommended.
3. Saputara — Gujarat's Own Hill Station
Distance: ~400-410 km | Time taken to travel: ~7-8 hours by road
For a hill station that does not mean travelling out of Gujarat, Saputara offers plenty of forest areas, the Saputara Lake and fun activities like Pushpak Ropeway and rock climbing. Due to its distance, it would be better visited during a 3-day weekend holiday instead of a 2-day holiday.
Things to see: Saputara Lake, Sunset point, Step garden, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary Ideal for: People who love nature, long weekends Reaching Saputara: Considering the time of 7-8 hours, one should go for Ahmedabad to Saputara one way cab with a new driver for the return journey.
4. Diu — Beaches Without the Crowd
Distance: ~350 - 400 km | Driving time: ~7 hours
Diu is quite unique in this area as it has clean beaches, Portuguese-style architecture and liberal drinking laws because it used to be a UT. Nagoa Beach and Diu Fort are the stars of Diu.
What you shouldn’t miss: Nagoa Beach, Diu Fort, INS Khukri Memorial Suitable for: Beach enthusiasts, groups of friends How to get there: Because it is a distant destination, people usually prefer to book their Ahmedabad to Diu taxi beforehand instead of a last-minute one.
5. Daman — Quick Coastal Getaway
Distance: 360-365 kilometers | Duration: ~6-7 hours by road
This place is loved by young people for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The major attractions here include Jampore Beach, Devka Beach, colonial-era forts, and churches.
Must see: Jampore Beach, Devka Beach, St. Jerome Fort Ideal for: Friend trips, beach holidays How to reach: There is an Ahmedabad to Daman taxi service which operates through Vapi. It would be good to check if your taxi service provider offers one-way drop rather than round trip if you are returning from Mumbai.
6. Udaipur — The City of Lakes
Distance: ~260-300 km | Time: ~5-6 hours by road
Udaipur, the only city outside Gujarat in this selection, provides great value for extra drive. Popular for the City Palace, Lake Pichola, and nickname "The Venice of the East", Udaipur compensates for the additional mileage with its palace architecture and lake views not available within Gujarat.
Not to be missed: City Palace, boat ride at Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari Suitable for: Couples, photography lovers, a high-end weekend How to get there: As it is an inter-state trip, book your Ahmedabad to Udaipur outstation cab beforehand and ensure that the inter-state permits cost is included in the taxi fare.
7. Gir National Park — Meet the Asiatic Lion
Distance: ~350–360 km | Journey Time: ~6-7 hours by road
Gir is the only spot on Earth where one can see Asiatic Lions in the wild. A trip in the Gir jungle will be something unique to experience in your weekend, especially if you are into wildlife photography or travelling with teens. Must See: Gir Jungle Safari, Devalia Safari Park, Kamleshwar Dam For: Wildlife Lovers Tip: Permits for safari are limited, try to book them in advance as per Yatayat website. Monsoons: The park remains closed from mid-June to mid-October. As it involves an early morning slot to see the animals, people usually prefer booking an Ahmedabad to Gir cab with a driver.
8. Somnath — Faith and the Arabian Sea
Distance: ~400 km | Travel time: ~7 hours by road (usually coupled with Gir or Diu)
One of the Jyotirlinga temples, the Somnath Temple is situated by the sea itself, making it an important destination for not only pilgrimage but also sightseeing. The place is often combined by tourists with Gir or Diu to make a circuit out of it.
Must visit places: Somnath Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth Suitable for: Pilgrimage tours, circuit tours including Gir or Diu How to reach: As the destination is normally coupled with either Gir or Diu, people usually take a taxi from Ahmedabad to Somnath.
9. Patan — Stepwells and Living Heritage
Distance: ~125-130 km | Travel time: ~2.5 hours via road
The city is famous for its well-known step well called 'Rani Ki Vav' which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Patan is the place that should be on your list for a day trip.
Do not miss: Rani Ki Vav, Patola Heritage Museum, Sahastralinga Talav Best suited for: History lovers, day trips Accessing: With the city being less than 130 km away from Ahmedabad, you can easily arrange for a taxi ride to Patan as it's easily available in combination with Modhera as a taxi package.
10. Gandhinagar — India's Green Capital
Distance: 25-30 km | Time to reach: 40 minutes approx via road
Gandhinagar is actually the twin city of Ahmedabad but makes for a good half-day or full-day getaway rather than overnight stay. The Akshardham temple and Sabarmati riverfront extension at Gandhinagar is worth taking a cab for.
Do visit: Akshardham Temple, Indroda Nature Park, Mahatma Mandir Best for: Families, Quick Getaways How to reach: There is a cab from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar which takes less than an hour, making it one of the easiest same-day cab bookings on this list – no prior booking required.
11. Nal Sarovar — Birdwatcher's Paradise
Distance: Approx 60 – 65 km | Duration: Approx 1.5 hours (by road)
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the biggest wetlands sanctuary in Gujarat state which attracts many migratory birds in the months from November to February. A boat trip in the morning and evening is a great experience of budget day out from Ahmedabad city.
Do not miss: Boat ride, flamingo watching (in winter season) Suitable for: Nature photography and budget day out
12. Modhera — The Sun Temple
Distance: ~100-105 km | Travel time: ~2 hours by road
The 11th century Sun Temple at Modhera has been designed by the Solanki dynasty in such a way that the sun rays strike straight on the main temple during the equinoxes. The stepped tank (Surya Kund) in front of the temple is equally captivating.
Don't miss: Sun Temple complex, Surya Kund, Rudra Mahalaya (Sidhpur, nearby) Good for: Architecture and history enthusiasts, visit with Patan
13. Lothal — Where the Indus Valley Meets Gujarat
Distance: Approx. 80-85 km | Travel time: Approx. 2 hours by road
Lothal was an important port city of the Indus Valley civilization, and its dockyard, which has been discovered here, is believed to be one of the earliest in the world. The site museum will provide a good background for history lovers.
Highlights: Lothal Archaeological Site, ASI Museum Best for: History Lovers
14. Polo Forest — Gujarat's Hidden Jungle
Distance: Approx. 160–170 km | Travel time: Approx. 3 hours via road
Polo Forest, located close to Vijaynagar in the Aravalli range, is one of the not-so-popular places where you will find thick forests as well as ancient ruined temples. It is a favorite destination among those who like to go camping and trekking at off-beat places.
Don’t miss: Ruins of Polo Forest, camping sites, trekking routes Ideal for: Campers, offbeat travelers
15. Bhuj & the Rann of Kutch — For a Longer Weekend
Distance: 330-400 km (Bhuj) | Travel time: 6-7 hours by road
If you can afford a 3–4 day weekend trip, then Bhuj and the White Rann of Kutch provide a unique landscape experience, which cannot be seen elsewhere in India. It is basically a vast white desert of salt, and this place looks particularly enchanting during Rann Utsav (winters). Bhuj town is known for its rich history of Kutchi handicrafts and architecture.
Don't miss: White Rann, Kala Dungar, handicraft village of Bhujodi, Aina Mahal Good for: Long weekend trips, Landscape/cultural photography Tips: Best to visit Rann from November to February; it is impossible to travel there during monsoons. It takes quite some time traveling both ways. That's why most visitors prefer to share the drive with a car rental service, like Yatayat Car Rental.
How to Choose the Right Weekend Trip from Ahmedabad
- Have 1–2 days only? Travel to places up to 150 km like Vadodara, Patan, Modhera, Lothal or Nal Sarovar.
- Long weekend (3–4 days)? Travel to places like Mount Abu, Saputara, Udaipur, Gir, Diu, or the Rann of Kutch.
- Traveling with children? Travel to places like Gandhinagar, Vadodara and Nal Sarovar as these places give variety and will not take much time to reach.
- Traveling to have wildlife experience? Travel to Gir National Park or Nal Sarovar as these places offer wildlife experience.
- Beach lovers? Travel to Diu and Daman as these places offer beaches and can be reached easily.
- Best time to visit: October to March as most of the places become cooler during these months. Monsoons should be avoided to visit Gir and Rann of Kutch due to being closed for the season.
Booking a Cab for Your Trip
Most of the above destinations are best covered by car, and the option of having your own vehicle instead of public means of transportation is very helpful as far as stopping at viewpoints, rescheduling or starting earlier in order to avoid traffic from Ahmedabad. You can have one-way cab service for all routes mentioned in this article thanks to Yatayat Car Rental, which provides both self-drive car rental and chauffeur driven cabs for rent.
Among the most popular booked routes there is taxi in Vadodara, cab service in Mount Abu, one-way cab to Udaipur, taxi service in Diu, outstation cab booking for Gir, Somnath and Rann of Kutch. In case you go somewhere but in one direction – for instance, leave Udaipur or Rajkot via plane – one way cab service is more cost effective than round trip.
