Guide to Reaching Daman and Diu by Air: Closest Airports and Travel Options

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 detailed guide, we will break down Daman and Diu’s access by air, the closest airports, available flight connections as well as how to get from the airport to the town.

Is there an airport in bound Daman and Diu?

Currently operational with limited flights, Diu does have a small domestic airport.

As for Daman, there is no commercial airport but trains and buses are available from Surat and Mumbai.

Section I: Diu Travel by Air

Diu Airport (DIU) – The Only Operational Airport

Diu Airport (IATA: DIU) situated approximately 5 km from the Diu city center is a small function airport serving domestic tourists.

Key Facts:

• Type: Domestic
• Operator: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
• Runway: Capable of handling small aircraft
• Facilities: Basic auto and taxi services limited to basic counters.

Direct Flights to Diu

Currently, Diu is only connected to Mumbai by direct flights with Alliance Air, Air India’s regional subsidiary.

Note: Seasonal changes may affect operations therefore booking in advance during peak seasons is advised.

Diu Airport to Town Transport Options:

• Auto-rickshaw: Plentiful; ₹100-₹150 to downtown or hotel
• Taxi: Can be reserved through hotels or at designated taxi stalls
• Rental scooters: Offered from kiosks adjacent the airport for ₹300-₹500 for the day.

Ideal Use Case:

Diu serves as a good stop for international travelers as a connection point from Mumbai onward to other parts of India or pre-international flights. Great for individuals looking to relax on a beach while learning heritage or plan an excursion to the Gir Forest.

Section 2: How to Come To Daman by Air

No Airport in Daman – But Two Convenient Alternatives Nearby

Currently, Daman does not have a commercial airport but you may land at either Surat (STV) or Mumbai (BOM) airports and access Daman by road.

A. Surat Airport (IATA: STV)

Overview:

• Distance from Daman: ~120 km
• Traveling Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Airport: Domestic
• Connectivity: Flights arrive from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

Airlines Operating to Surat:

Travel from Surat to Daman:

• By Taxi With Private Cabs: Available at the airport. Taxi prices ₹2,500–₹3,000.
• By Bus: Board GSRTC buses from Surat bus station(auto-rickshaws are available from the airport to the bus station).
• Car Rental: Local providers or self-drive services like Zoomcar.
• Tip: For domestic passengers going to Daman, Surat is the faster option.

B. Mumbia Airport (IATA: BOM)

General Information:

• Distance from Daman: 170 km
• Driving Duration: Between 3.5 to 4.5 hours
• Type: Both international and domestic
• Routes: All Indian Cities and many global foreign cities are connected.

Traveling From Mumbai To Daman:

• By Road: through NH 48, well maintained roads.
• By Bus: Private buses are available from multiple locations such as Mumbai Central, Borivali and Andheri.
• By Train: From Mumbai to Vapi, then auto/taxi to Daman.

Best For:

• International tourists.
• Travelers connecting from other countries for Daman weekend trips.

Section 3: Comparison Table – Closest Airports

Section 4: Other Airports (Optional for Road-Trippers)

If you wish to go for a longer coastal drive, you may consider flying into these airports:

• Rajkot (for Diu) -270 km
• Bhavnagar (for Diu) – 220 km
• Vadodara (for Daman) – 260 km

While these options may not be best for direct flight routes, they provide unique glimpses of road travel blend when flying into and driving out.

Section 5: Suggestions for Air Travelers Going to Daman or Diu

Booking Strategies:

• For Alliance Air flights to Diu, booking in advance is crucial as seats sell out quickly
• Check fares to Daman as Surat and Mumbai might have cheaper flights.
• Running as Incognito helps not to raise fares when flights are being searched for.
• Skyscanner and MMT have option for fare alerts to be set manually.

Baggage & Transfers to the Airport:

• Diu Airport: Best practices is to travel light and only carry the bare minimum.
• For Surat and Mumbai: Make sure to book pre-paid taxis or rent self-drive cars in advance.
• Always pay attention to the weather forecast, especially for the rainy season.

Tips for Trip planning:

• If both Daman and Diu are planned to be visited in one trip then book the flights separately, plan for ~700km distance to be covered over 2-3 days by road between the two locations.
• Pair Diu with Gir Forest or Somnath, and pair Daman with either Saputara or Vapi.

Section 6: Sample itinerary – Daman and Diu by Air

Trip 1: Dyu – Mumbai to Diu – 3 days

• Day 1: Flight from Mumbai to Diu, explore Fort of Diu and Naida Caves
• Day 2: Nagoa Beach, Gangeshwar Temple lunch, evening seafood dinner
• Day 3: Return or proceed to Gir National Park

Flight 2: Delhi to Daman via Surat (3 days)

• Day 1: Fly from Delhi to Surat, taxi to Daman, relax in Devka Beach
• Day 2: Visit Fort of Moti Daman, the churches, Jampore Beach
• Day 3: Return to Surat or proceed to the Saputara Hills

Although there are no major airports serving Daman and Diu, reaching these two destinations by air is rather simple with the right itinerary. Diu can be reached by flights from Mumbai, while Daman is off from Surat or Mumbai Airports with a short drive.

Daman and Diu offer opportunities for relaxing beachside holidays, heritage escapes, or weekend getaways. So, get on a flight, book your tickets, and discover India’s stunning coastline—one flight at a time.