Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, has a well-connected transportation system, making it easy for travelers to explore the city. Whether you prefer public transport, private cabs, or self-driving, there are multiple options to navigate the city efficiently. Below is a comprehensive guide to Ahmedabad’s transportation system, followed by a detailed table for quick reference.
1. Metro Rail (Ahmedabad Metro)
- Operated by: Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC)
- Route: Two operational lines
- North-South Corridor (Motera Stadium to APMC Market)
- East-West Corridor (Thaltej to Vastral)
- Fares: ₹5 – ₹25 (based on distance)
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Pros: Fast, air-conditioned, and avoids traffic congestion.
2. Public Buses (Ahmedabad BRTS & AMTS)
- Ahmedabad BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System)
- Best For: Quick, affordable, and designated-lane bus service.
- Route: Covers most major areas like Shivranjani, Lal Darwaja, and Naroda.
- Fares: ₹4 – ₹27 (based on zones)
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS)
- Best For: Budget-friendly transport, but slower than BRTS.
- Fares: ₹3 – ₹15
- Coverage: City-wide network but less punctual than BRTS.
3. Auto-Rickshaws
- Availability: 24/7
- Fares: ₹20 minimum, then ₹12-₹15 per km.
- Pros: Best for short-distance travel, no fixed routes.
- Cons: Prices can be inconsistent (always negotiate or insist on a meter).
4. Cabs & Ride-Sharing Services
- Available Apps: Uber, Ola, Rapido (for bike taxis)
- Fares:
- Mini: ₹8 – ₹10/km
- Sedan: ₹10 – ₹12/km
- Auto: ₹6 – ₹8/km
- Best For: Comfortable and door-to-door travel.
5. Self-Drive & Rental Services
- Bike Rentals: Available on platforms like Motoshare, Royal Brothers.
- Car Rentals: Zoomcar, MyChoize, and Revv provide self-drive cars.
- Daily Rental Price:
- Bike: ₹200 – ₹800 per day
- Car: ₹1,200 – ₹3,000 per day
- Best For: Flexible and independent travel.
6. Rail Connectivity (Ahmedabad Railway Station)
- Main Station: Ahmedabad Junction (ADI)
- Other Stations: Sabarmati, Maninagar, Gandhigram
- Connectivity: Connects Ahmedabad to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities.
- Metro Connectivity: Ahmedabad Metro connects to the railway station.
7. Roads & Highways
- Major Roads: SG Highway, CG Road, Ashram Road
- Highways:
- NH48 (Mumbai-Delhi Highway)
- NH47 (Connecting Gandhinagar)
- NH64 (Rajkot-Ahmedabad Expressway)
- Best Option For: Self-drive, intercity travel, long-distance road trips.
8. Trams & Other Transport
- Trams: Currently, Ahmedabad does not have a tram system.
- Cycling Options: MyByk offers bicycle rentals for short commutes, ₹30 per hour.
Ahmedabad Transportation Guide – Quick Table
Mode of Transport | Best For | Approximate Fare | Operating Hours | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ahmedabad Metro | Fast city travel | ₹5 – ₹25 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Traffic-free, AC coaches | Limited connectivity |
BRTS Buses | Budget & fast travel | ₹4 – ₹27 | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Dedicated lanes, affordable | Limited route coverage |
AMTS Buses | Cheapest public transport | ₹3 – ₹15 | 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Extensive coverage | Slower, crowded |
Auto-Rickshaws | Short distances | ₹20 minimum | 24/7 | Convenient, widely available | No fixed rates |
Cabs (Uber, Ola, etc.) | Comfortable city rides | ₹8 – ₹12/km | 24/7 | Comfortable, door-to-door | More expensive than autos |
Bike Rentals (Motoshare, etc.) | Solo travelers | ₹200 – ₹800/day | 24/7 | Flexible, fuel-efficient | Requires driving license |
Car Rentals (Zoomcar, etc.) | Family or long trips | ₹1,200 – ₹3,000/day | 24/7 | Freedom to explore | Expensive |
Ahmedabad Railway Station | Intercity travel | ₹50 – ₹2,500 (varies) | 24/7 | Well-connected | Can be crowded |
MyByk (Cycle Rentals) | Short eco-friendly trips | ₹30 per hour | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Good for fitness | Limited stations |
Highways & Roads | Intercity & self-drive | Toll Charges | 24/7 | Great for road trips | Traffic in peak hours |
Additional Travel Information for Tourists
Best Time to Visit Ahmedabad
- October to March (Pleasant weather)
- Avoid: May & June (Hot summers)
Tourist Helpline & Emergency Numbers
- Tourist Helpline: 1800-233-7951
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Women’s Helpline: 1091
Famous Shopping Markets
- Law Garden Market: Handicrafts & embroidered dresses.
- Manek Chowk: Jewelry in the day, street food at night.
- Rani no Hajiro: Best for silver jewelry.
Must-Try Local Foods
- Gujarati Thali (Agashiye, Vishalla)
- Fafda-Jalebi (Iscon Circle)
- Sev Khamani (Das Khaman House)
- Khaman Dhokla (Oswal’s)
- Street Food at Manek Chowk (Chocolate Sandwich, Pav Bhaji)
Famous Hotels & Stays
- Luxury: The House of MG, Hyatt Regency
- Mid-Range: Fairfield by Marriott, Lemon Tree Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Accolade, Treebo Trend
Final Tips for Travelers
✔ Use Metro/BRTS for quick city travel.
✔ Avoid peak traffic hours (9-11 AM & 6-8 PM).
✔ Negotiate auto fares if no meter is used.
✔ Book cabs online for transparent pricing.
✔ Rent a bike or car if you prefer independent exploration.
✔ Stay near Ellis Bridge, Navrangpura, or SG Highway for easy access to transport.