Perched along the western coastline of India, Daman and Diu is a calm union territory which combines Persian history, white-sandy beaches, old forts, churches, and a chill atmosphere. Now a part of Dadra and Nagar Haveli sub-region, Daman and Diu has become a single union territory. It still serves as a hotspot for travelers in search of peace, culture, and coastal India charm . Unlike metro cities, Daman and Diu lack centralized airports and direct train services, making transportation planning a bit more intricate. Smooth, worry-free access to these twin towns is possible with trustworthy pointers.
In this article, I will provide a complete guide regarding travel by air, train or road to Daman and Diu, including nearby stations, airports, practical routes, and helpful tips.
Where Is Daman and Diu Located?
While referred to as one unified territory, Daman and Diu are roughly 700 km apart.
Daman sits on the southern shores of Gujarat, adjacent to Vapi and Surat.
Diu is closer to Gir Somnath district on the Kathiawar peninsula in Gujarat.
Hence, whether you are going to Daman or Diu, your approach changes significantly based on the mode of travel.
Reaching Daman and Diu via Air
Does Daman Or Diu Have An Airport?
Weak regional air travel infrastructure in India means Diu airport only has limited flights to major hubs like Mumbai. Unlike Diu, Daman does offer commercial flights or airports. This means it has to use Surat or Mumbai as airports.
A. Diu Airport
Diu has a small domestic airport with direct flights mainly from Mumbai.
More Information:
- Location: ~5 km from Diu city
- Airliner: Alliance Air (a subsidiary of Air India)
- Daily flights from Mumbai: Yes
- Airport type: Domestic Terminal (basic amenities)
Flight options:
| Flight Route | Mumbai (BOM) → Diu (DIU) |
|---|---|
| Airline | Alliance Air |
| Flight Number | 9I623 |
| Departure Time | 11:15 AM |
| Arrival Time | 12:20 PM |
| Duration | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Frequency | Daily |
Getting Around:
Everything you need in Diu city is easily accessible via auto-rickshaw or taxi. If you buy airport and hotel combos, many hotels allow for airport pickup.
Recommendations:
Always expect peak season prices so book well in advance.
B. Daman Air Travel
Currently, Daman does not have its own operational commercial airport. Therefore, to reach Daman by air, travelers typically fly into nearby airports. The primary options are Surat International Airport (STV) and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).
Surat (STV) is approximately 120 km from Daman, and the onward journey by private taxi or state-run public transport usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road congestion.
Mumbai (BOM), a major international hub, is about 170 km away. The road trip from Mumbai to Daman via NH48 generally takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, varying with traffic conditions. These airports serve as the main air gateways for accessing Daman.
Accessing Daman and Diu by Train
There is no dedicated railway station for Daman and Diu, but they are both near important train routes. You will need to get to the closest railway junction, and from there it is a taxi or bus ride.
A. The nearest railway station to Daman is Vapi (Code: VAPI)
- Distance from Daman: 12 km
- Travel Time: 20 – 30 min by road
- Rail Line: Western Railway (Mumbai – Ahmedabad route)
Trains of Importance Halted at Vapi:
| Train Name | Route | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Shatabdi Express | Mumbai – Ahmedabad | Superfast |
| Gujarat Mail | Mumbai – Ahmedabad | Express |
| Flying Ranee | Surat – Mumbai | Intercity |
| Lok Shakti Express | Ahmedabad – Mumbai | Daily |
Transport Facilities Available From Vapi To Daman
- Auto-rickshaws and prepaid taxis available at the station.
- Local buses operate every 30 minutes from Vapi bus stand.
B. Nearest Railway Station Diu Is Veraval (VRL)
- Distance From Diu Is 90 km
- Travel Estimated 2 – 2.5 hours by road
- Rail Line: Ahmedabad – Somnath line
Major Trains Servicing Veraval:
| Train Name | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Somnath Express | Ahmedabad – Veraval | Daily |
| Saurashtra Janta Exp | Mumbai – Veraval | Daily |
| Dadar – Bhuj Express | Dadar – Bhuj via Rajkot | Regular |
Transport Options from Veraval to Diu include Buses, Private Taxis, and Shared Jeeps.
Coastal Drive With Stunning Scenery, Ideal for Road Trippers
Getting to Daman and Diu by Road:
For a lot of tourists, the roads offer the most scenic routes to reach Daman or Diu. Both of these destinations are well connected through state and national highways.
A. Road Travel to Daman
Daman is located near Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH48) and can be reached by car, state transport or private buses.
Driving Distance to Daman:
Cities with Distance and Travel Time:
- Mumbai 180 km 3.5 – 4 hours
- Surat 120 km 2.5 – 3 hours
- Vadodara 260 km 5 – 6 hours
- Ahmedabad 370 km 7 – 8 hours
Daman State and Private Bus Lines:
- Buses from Surat and Vapi operate under Gujarat State.
- Advanced private companies like Shreenath, Mahadev, Patel Travels, and others.
- From Mumbai and Ahmedabad, sleeper and Volvo AC services are offered.
B. Road Travel to Diu:
Diu while setback from the highway network, is accessible via coastal and through interior roads of Gujarat.
Driving Distance to Diu:
- Rajkot 230 km 5 – 6 hours
- Somnath 80 km 2 hours
- Ahmedabad 370 km 8 – 9 hours
- Mumbai 830 km 15 – 16 hours
Buses to Diu:
- GSRTC buses from Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, and Junagadh.
- Private sleeper buses from Rajkot, Somnath, and Bhavnagar.
- Shared cabs from Veraval and Una, which is a common budget option.
Local Transport in Daman and Diu:
Once you get there, you’ll realize both towns are small and very easy to get around.
- Auto-rickshaws: scoop and go, no meters offered, haggle pre-ride
- Rental scooters/bikes: from: ₹300–₹500 Each Day
- Cycle Rentals: Excellent for beach regions
- Walking: Excellent for Old Diu City and around Daman Fort
Daman And Diu – What Is The Best Time To Visit
Use these months for travel purposes: Season Jan – Dec. Travel Tip: Few visitors during peak seasons so good prices. Note: Do not travel by road during peak monsoon times, especially to Diu as some coastal routes might get flooded.
Travel Itinerary Sample (Mumbai to Daman & Diu)
To Daman:
- Day 1: Take the train or drive to Vapi → Take an auto to Daman → Check in, then visit Devka Beach and Light House
- Day 2: Visit Daman Fort, Nani Daman, Jampore Beach → Return
For Diu:
- Day 1: Fly from Mumbai to Diu (if flights are available); otherwise, take a train to Veraval.
- Day 2: Visit Diu Fort, Naida Caves, Nagoa Beach.
- Day 3: Visit Gangeshwar Temple and return by the same route or extend the trip to Gir.
Important Travel Information
- Always book flights and trains during holidays and long weekends in advance.
- Daman is more suited for short weekend getaways while Diu is perfect for long, slow trips.
- Check local restrictions on alcohol sales – Daman and Diu are excluded from Gujarat’s dry law.
- Always have cash at hand as rural areas and taxis are unlikely to accept cards and UPI payments.
- Stay cautious while driving, as local roads, especially near Diu, tend to be narrow and winding.
Reaching Daman and Diu does require some planning as the two towns are not centrally located and are, bordered by the coast and mountains, far from airports and train stations. However, both places are accessible, through a combination of air, train, and scenic road travel.
This travel guide helps you get to Daman by the beach or Diu with its Portuguese vibe. So get your bags ready as you will set off to explore India’s coastline gem.
