Rajkot, being a major city in Gujarat, has a well-connected transportation system that allows visitors to easily explore the city and surrounding areas. Below is a comprehensive guide on the modes of transportation available in Rajkot, including cars, buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, rail, and roads.
1. By Car
Rental Cars
- Overview: Rental cars are a convenient and comfortable way to explore Rajkot and its surroundings at your own pace. There are several local and national car rental services available.
- Services Available:
- Self-drive cars: For those who prefer independence.
- Chauffeur-driven cars: For a hassle-free experience.
- Where to Book:
- Ola, Zoomcar, and Savaari offer car rental services in Rajkot.
- Cost:
- Approx. ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per day for a standard sedan (prices vary by car type).
Taxis
- Overview: Taxis are a convenient option for both short-distance travel within the city and longer trips to nearby destinations.
- Where to Book:
- Ola, Uber, and local taxi services like Rajkot Taxi can be booked through apps or directly via phone.
- Cost:
- Local taxi fares typically range from ₹200 to ₹500 for short trips within the city.
2. By Auto-Rickshaw
Overview:
- Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Rajkot, especially for short distances. They are cheap and convenient for traveling around the city, but fares must be negotiated in advance or agreed upon before starting the ride.
- Cost:
- Approx. ₹30 to ₹50 for short distances (within 2-3 km).
- Where to Find:
- Auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout the city, particularly around markets, train stations, and bus stands.
3. By Metro
Overview:
- Currently, Rajkot does not have a metro system. However, a metro project is under development, and future plans are in place to introduce metro services to Rajkot to ease traffic congestion.
- Alternative: For now, taxis and auto-rickshaws serve as the most efficient local transportation options.
4. By Bus
Local Buses
- Overview:
Rajkot has a well-developed local bus network, operated by Rajkot Municipal Transport Service (RMTS). Local buses are an affordable option to travel within the city and nearby areas. - Key Routes:
The buses connect major areas like Sadar Bazar, Race Course, M.G. Road, Gondal Road, and Kalavad Road. - Where to Find Buses:
- Bus stations are located near the Rajkot Railway Station, Bhaktinagar, and Sadar Bazar.
- Cost:
- Bus fares typically range from ₹10 to ₹20 depending on the distance.
Intercity Buses
- Overview:
Rajkot is well-connected to nearby cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Gandhinagar by long-distance buses. - Key Providers:
- S.R.T.C. (Saurashtra Roadways) and Private bus operators run frequent buses between Rajkot and other major cities in Gujarat.
- Cost:
- Approx. ₹150 to ₹500 depending on the destination and bus class.
5. By Rail
Rajkot Railway Station
- Overview:
Rajkot Junction is one of the major railway stations in Gujarat and is well connected to key cities in India, such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Vadodara, and Surat. It serves as a gateway to Rajkot for many tourists and travelers. - Train Services:
- Several express trains and superfast trains pass through Rajkot.
- Major trains include Saurashtra Express, Panchavati Express, and Haridwar Express.
- Cost:
- Train fares range from ₹100 to ₹1,000 depending on the class and route.
Local Railway Connectivity
- Overview:
Rajkot is part of the Western Railway zone of India, with various local and regional train options connecting to nearby towns and cities. - Railway Station Locations:
- Rajkot Junction is the main railway station, while Bhaktinagar Railway Station is also used for regional trains.
6. By Tram (Future Plans)
Overview:
- Trams are not currently available in Rajkot, but the city government has plans to develop a light rail transit (LRT) system, which will improve public transport connectivity in the city in the future.
7. By Road
Overview:
- Rajkot is well-connected by roads to other parts of Gujarat and neighboring states. The city lies on National Highway 8B (NH 8B) and is well connected to cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Gandhinagar.
- Road Transport:
- You can use self-driven cars, taxis, or private vehicles to explore nearby tourist attractions or neighboring cities.
- Nearby Destinations:
- Dwarka, Porbandar, Gir National Park, and Somnath are popular destinations that can be accessed by road from Rajkot.
Rajkot Local Transportation Table
| Mode of Transport | Overview | Where to Book/Find | Average Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car Rental | Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars for flexibility. | Ola, Zoomcar, Savaari | ₹1,200 – ₹2,500/day | Available for short & long-term rentals |
| Taxi | Convenient and comfortable, good for sightseeing. | Ola, Uber, local taxi services | ₹200 – ₹500 for short trips | Available throughout the city |
| Auto-Rickshaw | Ideal for short distances. | Local availability (stations, markets, etc.) | ₹30 – ₹50 for short rides | Available throughout the city |
| Local Buses | Affordable and covers the whole city. | Rajkot Municipal Transport Service (RMTS) | ₹10 – ₹20 | Frequent service throughout the day |
| Intercity Buses | Connects Rajkot with nearby cities. | S.R.T.C. & private bus operators | ₹150 – ₹500 | Available at bus stations (day & night) |
| Rajkot Railway Station | Major hub for trains connecting to other cities. | Rajkot Junction, Bhaktinagar Railway Station | ₹100 – ₹1,000 | Available for long-distance travel |
| Tram (Future) | Plans for light rail transit. | – | – | Not yet available |
| Private Road Transport | Convenient for short or long trips. | Local car services or private taxis | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 for long trips | Available for sightseeing and day trips |
Rajkot offers a range of transportation options to suit various travel preferences. Whether you’re using local buses, auto-rickshaws, or rental cars, you’ll find it easy to explore the city. For longer trips, intercity buses and rail options are also available, making it simple to travel to nearby cities or tourist attractions.