Daman and Diu, situated on the western coast of India, are two coastal places to visit that have a blend of beaches, culture, and historical architecture. Although over 650 km apart, both towns are managed as one Union Territory which continues to draw in off-the-beaten-track tourists looking for places with rich history and stunning coastlines.
Although flying is one option to get to these places, for families, budget travelers, and backpackers, train travel is one of the easiest and most affordable options to both Daman and Diu. In this post, you will find all the information on how to reach these coastal towns by train, along with their nearby stations, popular routes, major trains, the road transfer from the train station to the town, and some travel hacks for a pleasant trip.
The layout of both Daman and Diu is essential for understanding the absence of direct trains to these cites.
To start on a positive note, it is worth mentioning that neither Daman nor Diu has a railway station within town limits. Daman’s nearest Vapi railway station is 12 km away. Diu is most accessible from Veraval railway station, which is about 90 km away. Since the small beach towns lack direct train service, travelers must first get to the nearest significant railway station before continuing by road.
Section 1: Getting to Daman Via Train
Closest Train Station: Vapi Railway Station (Station Code: VAPI)
Daman can be conveniently accessed from Vapi, a large industrial town in Gujarat which serves as the closest rail gateway.
Key Facts about Vapi Station:
- Vapi is in Valsad district of Gujarat.
- It is part of the Western Railway zone.
- It is situated on the vital Bombay–Ahmedabad Main Line.
- It enjoys connectivity with all major cities in the country.
- The station is clean and busy with modern facilities, including taxis and other transport options.
Distance Between Vapi and Daman:
- Approximately 12km (20-30 minutes by road)
- Transportation: auto-rickshaws, taxis, and shared cabs are prevalent right outside the station.
Important Passenger Trains Stopping at Vapi Station
Vapi enjoys a strategic position right on the busy Mumbai–Surat–Ahmedabad corridor and is served by more than 50 trains daily, including superfasts, expresses, and intercity services.
Trains from Mumbai to Vapi
| Train Name | Type | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Superfast Exp (22953) | Superfast | ~3.5 hrs | Daily |
| Flying Ranee (12921) | Intercity | ~3.5 hrs | Daily |
| Lok Shakti Express (22927) | Superfast | ~4 hrs | Daily |
| Mumbai Central–Porbandar Saurashtra Exp (19015) | Express | ~5 hrs | Daily |
Trains from Ahmedabad to Vapi
| Train Name | Type | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shatabdi Express (12010) | Superfast | ~6 hrs | Daily |
| Karnavati Express (12934) | Superfast | ~7 hrs | Daily |
| Gujarat Mail (12902) | Express | ~7 hrs | Daily |
How to Access Daman From Vapi Station
Upon reaching Vapi, the following transportation options are available:
- Auto-rickshaws: ₹150–₹200 for 1–3 persons
- Taxi: ₹300–₹500 for 4–6 seaters
- Local buses: From Vapi bus stand to Daman Naka
Travel time is approximately 30 minutes, subject to traffic conditions.
Section 2: Accessing Diu By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station (Station Code: VRL)
Veraval, a historical port town located in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, acts as the railway gateway to Diu.
Important Information Regarding Veraval Station:
- Comes under the Western Railway zone.
- Connected to places such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Somnath.
- Basic but useful station has minimal services.
- Cabs, buses, and shared autos are offered for further travel to Diu.
Distance from Veraval to Diu:
- 90 km
- Travel Time: 2-2.5 hr by road
- Transport Options: GSRTC buses, private taxis, shared jeeps
Major Trains to Veraval
From Ahmedabad to Veraval:
| Train Name | Train No. | Type | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somnath Express | 19251 | Express | 9 hrs | Daily |
| Veraval Express | 22957 | Superfast | 8.5 hrs | Daily |
From Mumbai to Veraval:
| Train Name | Train No. | Type | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saurashtra Janta Exp | 19218 | Express | 16-17 hrs | Daily |
| Veraval Express | 22909 | Superfast | ~15 hrs | 3-4 times/week |
From Rajkot/Somnath:
- Somnath Passenger Trains
- Rajkot-Veraval Fast Passenger
Best suited for backpackers and short trip travelers.
How to Get From Veraval Station to Diu
Your options after reaching Veraval:
- Private Taxi: ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 (one-way)
- GSRTC Bus: ₹100 – ₹150 operates every 1 – 2 hours
- Shared Jeep: ₹200 – ₹300 primarily available in the morning and afternoon
Best Route:
Veraval → Kodinar → Una → Diu (scenic coastal drive)
Section 3: Other Stations (Optional Routes)
For those with more time or wish to avoid main roads, these secondary railway stations are worth the visit:
| Station | Distance to Town | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valsad | Daman | 30 km | 1 hr |
| Una | Diu | 15 km | 30 mins |
| Junagadh | Diu | 150 km | 4-5 hrs |
Section 4: Tips for Booking Trains
Booking Platforms:
- IRCTC Official Site
- Makemytrip
- Paytm Travel
- ConfirmTkt
Recommended Classes:
| Travel Duration | Ideal Class | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| <6 hours | Sleeper/2S | Comfortable for short day journeys |
| 6–10 hours | 3AC/2AC | Suitable for overnight or long routes |
| >10 hours | 2AC/1AC | Premium experience with bedding |
Section 5: Sample Train Travel Itineraries
Itinerary 1: Mumbai – Daman
- Take Gujarat SF Express (22953) from Mumabi Central to Vapi.
- Travel time ~ 4 hours.
- Auto/taxi from Vapi station to Daman (~30 mins).
Itinerary 2: Ahmedabad – Diu
- Take Somnath Express (19251) from Ahmedabad to Veraval overnight.
- Arrive Veraval early morning.
- Taxi or GSRTC bus to Diu (2.5 hours).
Itinerary 3: Mumbai – Diu (Budget-Friendly)
- Day 1: Take Saurashtra Janta Exp from Mumbai to Veraval
- Day 2: Bus/shared jeep to Diu, explore.
- Day 3: Return the same way or continue to Gir/Somnath.
Section 6: Local Transport After Arrival
Once you reach Daman or Diu:
- Auto-rickshaws: Widely available. Negotiated fares, no meters.
- Bike/Scooter Rentals: ₹300-₹500 per day.
- Taxi Rentals: Best for sightseeing around Diu or out-of-town attractions.
- On foot and biking/cycling: friendly nature to pedestrians.
Traveling by train to Daman and Diu:
Best to travel during the winter between October and February, when days are warmer and perfect for sightseeing.
Daman and Diu may not have railway stations of their own, but reaching them by train is surprisingly simple, economical, and scenic.
Indian travellers and backpackers can take trains to Vapi for Daman and Veraval for Diu since both have important railway stations and onward road links.
From anywhere in India, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad, this guide covers traversing by train. You will navigate with ease and comfort like never before.
So book your tickets, grab your bags as you are all set to relish exploring the coastal gems of Daman and Diu—by train!
