How to Reach Dwarka Gujarat: Complete Train, Road & Flight Guide
Dwarka is well connected to major cities across India by train, road and air. Whether you are travelling from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Rajkot or anywhere in India, reaching this sacred city on the Arabian Sea coast is straightforward with this complete travel guide.
By Train, The Most Popular Way to Reach Dwarka
The train is by far the most popular and convenient way for pilgrims to reach Dwarka, and it is easy to understand why. Dwarka Railway Station, with the station code DWAR, sits right inside the town approximately 2 kilometres from the Dwarkadhish Temple entrance, making it one of the most pilgrim-friendly rail connections in Gujarat. The station is a terminus on the Rajkot–Dwarka rail line, served by several dedicated long-distance express trains that make this a straightforward journey from most major Indian cities. For many devotees, arriving at Dwarka by train, with the first glimpse of the temple's golden spire as the train pulls in, is an experience in itself.
From Ahmedabad, there are direct trains to Dwarka with a journey time of approximately 7 to 8 hours. The Saurashtra Express (Train No. 19015/19016) and the Dwarka Express are the two most popular services, both offering sleeper and AC class accommodation. These trains run on a daily or near-daily basis, making it easy to plan your travel. From Mumbai (Bandra Terminus or Mumbai Central), several overnight trains reach Dwarka in approximately 14 to 16 hours, allowing devotees to sleep through the journey and arrive refreshed in the morning. From Rajkot, the journey is shorter at approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, and from Jamnagar the train ride is just about 1.5 hours, making a day trip from either city quite feasible.
- From Ahmedabad Saurashtra Express, Dwarka Express, approx 7 to 8 hours direct
- From Mumbai Direct overnight trains from Bandra Terminus / Mumbai Central, approx 14 to 16 hours
- From Rajkot Regular rail services, approx 2.5 to 3 hours
- From Jamnagar Passenger and express services, approx 1.5 hours
- Station to Temple Auto-rickshaws and taxis readily available, approx 5 to 10 minutes, 2 km
- Ticket Booking Book on IRCTC well in advance, 4 to 6 weeks for regular season, 2 to 3 months for Janmashtami
Pro tip: Book train tickets on IRCTC well in advance, especially for festival seasons like Janmashtami, Holi and Navratri when trains to Dwarka fill up weeks ahead. Tatkal and Premium Tatkal quotas are available for last-minute bookings at a higher fare.
By Road, Dwarka Road Connections
From Jamnagar
Distance: 137 km • Approx 2.5 hours. The most common road approach to Dwarka is from Jamnagar via NH151, a well-maintained national highway that passes through the Saurashtra landscape. Regular GSRTC bus services ply this route throughout the day, and private cabs and shared jeeps are also available from Jamnagar bus stand. The road is in good condition and suitable for self-drive travel.
From Rajkot
Distance: 215 km • Approx 3.5 hours. From Rajkot, take NH27 westward and connect to NH151 near Jamnagar, then continue towards Dwarka. Both private and GSRTC buses operate regular services on this route, with several departures throughout the day. This is a popular route for pilgrims combining Rajkot with a Dwarka visit.
From Ahmedabad
Distance: approx 450 km • Approx 7 to 8 hours by road. From Ahmedabad, take NH48 towards Rajkot and then continue on NH27 and NH151 to Dwarka. Direct air-conditioned and luxury GSRTC and private bus services operate overnight and daytime services from Ahmedabad to Dwarka, making this a popular option for pilgrims who prefer road travel.
From Porbandar
Distance: approx 100 km • Approx 2 hours. Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is the closest major city to Dwarka along the stunning Saurashtra coastline. The drive follows the Arabian Sea coast and is one of the most scenic approaches to Dwarka. Many pilgrims combine a Porbandar visit with their Dwarka pilgrimage on the same trip.
GSRTC (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation) operates regular and reliable bus services to Dwarka from all major cities in Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Bhavnagar. Several private luxury bus operators such as Patel Travels and various online platforms also run overnight and daytime services to Dwarka, often with amenities such as reclining seats and air conditioning. For groups of four or more, a self-drive road trip to Dwarka is highly recommended, the route through the Saurashtra countryside is beautiful, and having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to stop at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka and other sites along the way without depending on local transport schedules.
By Air, Nearest Airports to Dwarka
The nearest airport to Dwarka is Jamnagar Airport (IATA code: JAM), officially known as Govardhanpur Airport, located approximately 145 kilometres from Dwarka, roughly a 2.5-hour drive via NH151. Jamnagar Airport is served by IndiGo and Air India with regular daily flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The airport is small but well maintained, and taxis and cabs can be booked from the airport directly or pre-booked online for the onward journey to Dwarka. For pilgrims travelling from Mumbai, flying to Jamnagar and then taking a cab to Dwarka is one of the most time-efficient options, cutting the total journey time to around 4 to 5 hours including the flight and road leg.
For those with more flight options or connecting from Delhi, Bengaluru or other metros, Rajkot International Airport (IATA code: RAJ) is the better-connected alternative, located approximately 215 kilometres from Dwarka, about a 3.5-hour drive. Rajkot Airport has grown significantly in recent years and now receives flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and other major Indian cities, operated by IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet among others. The larger flight inventory means better pricing and availability, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons. From both Jamnagar and Rajkot airports, there is no direct airport bus service to Dwarka, so pre-booking a cab or hiring a taxi from the airport prepaid counter is the recommended approach for a hassle-free journey.
Local Transport Within Dwarka
Once you arrive in Dwarka, getting around the city and to the various sacred sites is easy and affordable. Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport within Dwarka and are available around the clock near the temple, the railway station and the bus stand. Most auto-rickshaws in Dwarka operate on a shared or negotiated-fare basis rather than a metered system, so it is advisable to agree on the fare before boarding. Typical fares within the city are very nominal. E-rickshaws have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for short distances along the main temple road and the Gomti Ghat area, they are quieter, eco-friendly and slightly cheaper than auto-rickshaws, making them a good option for elderly pilgrims.
For day trips to the important sites outside Dwarka city, taxis and private cabs are readily available and can be hired for a fixed half-day or full-day rate. The most popular day-trip circuit from Dwarka covers Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (17 km), Gopi Talav (20 km) and Bet Dwarka (30 km via Okha), which most visitors complete comfortably in a single day. Many pilgrims also walk between the Dwarkadhish Temple and Gomti Ghat, a distance of less than a kilometre, especially in the cooler morning and evening hours when the ghats come alive with devotion. For the adventurous, bicycle rentals are available near the temple area for self-guided exploration of Dwarka's many smaller shrines and sites at your own pace.
Important Travel Tips for Dwarka Pilgrims
-
1
Book Train Tickets Well in Advance
Train tickets on the Ahmedabad–Dwarka and Mumbai–Dwarka routes fill up quickly, particularly during festival seasons. Book 4 to 6 weeks in advance for regular travel and 2 to 3 months ahead if you are travelling during Janmashtami, which is one of the busiest pilgrim events in all of Gujarat. Use the IRCTC website or app for bookings, and check for Tatkal availability if you need last-minute tickets.
-
2
Use the Railway Station Cloak Room for Luggage
Dwarka Railway Station has a cloak room where you can safely deposit your luggage for a nominal charge while you complete your darshan and explore the temples. This is especially useful if you are arriving on an early morning train and your accommodation check-in is later in the day. It saves you from carrying heavy bags through the temple queues and allows you to move freely.
-
3
Carry Sufficient Cash
While larger hotels, restaurants and shops in Dwarka do accept digital payments and credit or debit cards, many smaller establishments, street vendors, auto-rickshaws, prasadam stalls and donation counters near the temple only accept cash. Carry sufficient Indian rupees in small denominations to cover your local expenses comfortably. ATMs are available in Dwarka town but can have queues during peak pilgrimage periods.
-
4
Pre-book Accommodation for Peak Season
Dwarka has a range of accommodation options from budget dharamshalas and government rest houses to comfortable mid-range hotels and guesthouses. During the peak pilgrimage season from October to March, and especially during Janmashtami and Holi, accommodation fills up rapidly. Pre-booking your stay at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute difficulties and to secure accommodation close to the temple.
-
5
Travel Early Morning or Late Evening
Dwarka can experience intense heat during the summer months from April to June, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Plan your temple visits, walks between ghats and day trips for the early morning hours before 10 AM or in the evening after 5 PM to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat. The early morning Mangala Aarti at 6:30 AM is not only spiritually uplifting but also offers the most comfortable weather conditions for darshan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Also Explore Dwarka
Hotels in Dwarka
Found your route to Dwarka? Now plan your stay. Budget dharamshalas to comfortable guesthouses near Dwarkadhish Temple, complete accommodation guide for pilgrims.
Find Hotels →Dwarka Darshan Itinerary
Make the most of your time in Dwarka. Complete 1-day, 2-day and 3-day darshan plans covering all major temples and sacred sites.
Plan Darshan →Best Time to Visit Dwarka
Season guide for Dwarka, when to visit for the best weather, smallest crowds and most special festivals. October to March is ideal for most pilgrims.
Best Time →Nearby Attractions Dwarka
Beyond the main temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka, Gopi Talav and all the sacred sites you can visit from Dwarka city.
See Attractions →