Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport connects to Ahmedabad's bustling city center, approximately 20 km to the south. The route passes through the expanding northern suburbs into the heart of Gujarat's largest city, one of India's fastest-growing metropolises.

About Ahmedabad City Center

Ahmedabad — India\'s first UNESCO World Heritage City — straddles the Sabarmati River with a fascinating contrast between the walled old city on the east bank and the modern developments to the west. The old city\'s pols (traditional residential clusters) feature intricately carved wooden facades, hidden courtyards, and centuries of Gujarati merchant culture, best explored on a Heritage Walk starting from Manek Chowk.

The city holds deep significance in India\'s independence movement. The Sabarmati Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi\'s home from 1917 to 1930, sits on the riverfront and was the starting point of the famous Salt March. The Calico Museum of Textiles houses one of the world\'s finest collections of Indian fabrics and is essential for understanding Gujarat\'s textile heritage.

Ahmedabad is a food-lover\'s paradise — the city is famous for its vegetarian street food culture, with Law Garden Night Market and Manek Chowk offering everything from dabeli and khaman to pani puri and fafda-jalebi. The city also features stunning examples of modern architecture, including Le Corbusier\'s Millowners\' Association Building and the Doshi-designed Indian Institute of Management campus.

Nearby Landmarks

Sabarmati Ashram Sidi Saiyyed Mosque Manek Chowk Calico Museum IIM Ahmedabad

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport arrivals and head to the prepaid taxi counter.
2. Book a prepaid taxi to your destination (INR 400-600, fixed rate, avoids haggling).
3. Alternatively, book an Uber or Ola from the pickup zone outside arrivals.
4. The route follows SG Highway or Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway south toward the city.
5. For the old city area, cross the Sabarmati River via Nehru Bridge or Ellis Bridge.
6. Journey takes 25-45 minutes depending on traffic and exact destination.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, prepaid taxis from the airport are available 24/7 (INR 400-600 to city center). Uber and Ola operate in Ahmedabad around the clock. Auto-rickshaws are also available but less practical with luggage at night. Ahmedabad is generally safe for late-night arrivals.

Luggage Tips

Prepaid airport taxis and Uber sedans accommodate standard luggage. Auto-rickshaws can handle one medium bag at most. For the old city, note that streets in the pol areas are extremely narrow — your vehicle may need to stop on a main road, requiring a short walk with bags. Have your exact hotel address ready.

Accessibility

Ahmedabad Airport has wheelchair assistance on request. The city's sidewalks are uneven and often crowded. The old city pols are not wheelchair accessible (narrow lanes, steps). The Sabarmati Riverfront promenade is modern and accessible. Major hotels provide accessible rooms. Pre-arrange accessible transport through your hotel.