How to get to Surat

Surat is a dynamic metropolis and a major historical port in western India, renowned worldwide as a hub for diamond polishing and the textile industry. If you are looking for information on how to get to Surat, you will be pleased to know that the city boasts excellent transport connectivity: you can easily reach it by plane, train, intercity bus, or car. Those planning to travel to Surat should consider all route options in advance to choose the most convenient way to this bustling centre of Gujarat state.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach your destination is by air. Surat has its own Surat Airport (STV), located in the Magdalla area, approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre. It is a modern transport hub that provides regular air connectivity with key metropolises of India.

Travellers can choose direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities in the country. This allows you to fly directly into the city, avoiding tiring transfers from neighbouring regions. Upon arrival, getting to your hotel or main attractions is easy via taxi or public transport.

Travelling by train is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get to the city, as the railway network here is excellently developed. Surat Railway Station is a major transport hub located on the important Western Railway line. It features modern infrastructure and high passenger capacity.

The station connects the city with most regions of the country. Dozens of trains arrive here daily, including high-speed expresses from metropolises such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Regular connections are also established with Jaipur, Chennai, and Kolkata. Thanks to the high frequency of services, tourists can easily find a convenient departure time.

The station is located in the central part of Surat, which is very convenient for travellers: immediately upon arrival, you can easily find a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach your hotel. Given the high passenger flow, it is recommended to purchase tickets for popular destinations in advance.

Bus services connect Surat with neighbouring regions through a dense network of routes, offering travellers a budget-friendly and scenic way to travel. It is particularly convenient to get here from nearby major cities such as Vadodara: the journey takes only about 3–4 hours, covering a distance of approximately 150 kilometres on a high-quality highway. The picturesque route from the city of Nashik, spanning about 230 kilometres, takes around 5–6 hours, offering views of changing landscapes as you cross state borders.

For those exploring the Kathiawar peninsula, the route from Bhavnagar is relevant; despite the road distance of about 360 kilometres, it is in demand due to regular departures. The travel time on this route is around 7–8 hours, leading many tourists to choose a night journey on a comfortable sleeper bus. State and private carriers ensure a decent level of service, offering both simple express buses and modern air-conditioned coaches.

Travelling by car to Surat allows you to appreciate the high quality of the state's road network and enjoy the changing landscapes of western India. The fastest and most popular route is from Vadodara: you can cover 150 kilometres on a modern highway in just 3 hours, while the scenic drive from Nashik (about 230 km) will take around 5–6 hours.

A longer journey awaits tourists driving from Bhavnagar: the distance of 360 kilometres requires about 7–8 hours behind the wheel, so it is worth planning stops for rest. For those who do not wish to drive themselves, booking an official intercity taxi is an excellent option, ensuring comfort and air-conditioned coolness during the journey for a reasonable fixed fee.

Preparing for a trip to Surat requires attention to detail so that your introduction to the "Diamond City" is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations to help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy the flavour of this dynamic Indian metropolis.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the city is hot and humid for most of the year, so prefer loose clothing made from natural breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Please respect local traditions: for walking around the city and visiting temples, choose outfits that cover your shoulders and knees.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is most convenient to use auto-rickshaws, but be sure to agree on the price in advance or ask to use the meter. Surat also has an excellent Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), and popular taxi-hailing apps are available, which are often more comfortable and secure for tourists.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Indian Rupee; it is best to exchange money at banks or certified exchange bureaux, avoiding street money changers. Although cards are accepted in large shops and hotels, always keep a supply of cash in small denominations for buying souvenirs at bazaars and paying for transport.
4. Health and Safety: Drink only bottled water with a sealed cap and avoid drinks with ice in street cafes. Surat is considered one of the cleanest cities in India, but carrying mosquito repellent and a personal first-aid kit with digestive aids is advisable.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Gujarati, however, the vast majority of locals understand Hindi. In tourist spots, hotels, and business centres, you can communicate in English, but knowing a few basic greeting phrases in the local language is always appreciated.
6. Local Etiquette: Be sure to remove your shoes when entering temples and private homes. It is customary to greet locals with the traditional "Namaste" gesture (palms pressed together), and money should be handed over or food eaten using only the right hand, as the left is considered traditionally reserved for hygiene.
7. Regulations to Note: Please remember that the state of Gujarat is a "dry" state, meaning there is a strict ban on the free sale and consumption of alcohol. Tourists require a special permit to purchase spirits, and public consumption can lead to serious legal issues.
8. Extra Tip: Surat is the gastronomic capital of the region, so do not hesitate to try street food, but choose places with long queues where produce is replenished quickly. Be sure to try the local speciality "Locho" — a savoury snack made from gram flour, which is hard to find outside the city.

Following these simple tips will make your stay in the region easy and pleasant, allowing you to focus on vivid impressions and cultural discoveries. May your journey to Surat be memorable for the hospitality of the locals and the unique atmosphere of the west coast.