Daman is a stunning coastal site that is part of the Indian union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. It is known for its clear beaches, relaxed seaside vibe, Portuguese-era forts, and local culture. Although Daman is easily reachable by road and rail, travelers often wonder if there is an airport in Daman.
Daman does not have a commercial airport, but there are multiple airports nearby which enable easy access through a short road trip. This guide aims to provide the nearest airports to Daman, available flight routes, facilities at the airports, travel time, facilities available at the airports, and onward travel routes by taxi or bus, so you can plan and travel without any hassle.
Is There an Airport in Daman?
Daman does have an air strip referred to as Daman Airport (IATA: NMB). Unfortunately, it is not currently operational for regular passenger flights. It is primarily reserved for the Indian Coast Guard and emergency or military operations.
There are, however, plans to upgrade and operationalize the airstrip under the India’s UDAN scheme for regional connectivity.
Closest Airports to Daman
As Daman currently lacks an airport, travelers have to make use of one of these nearby commercial airports.
1. Surat International Airport (STV)
- Distance from Daman: 125 km
- Driving Time: Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours
- Location: Magdalla, Surat, Gujarat
- Airport Type: Surat serves domestic flights and is expanding its international operations.
Flight Connectivity:
Surat Airport offers regular flights to and from:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Ahmedabad
Major Airlines Operating:
- IndiGo
- SpiceJet
- Air India
- Star Air
Airport Facilities:
- Cafeteria and snacks counters
- ATM, prepaid taxi, and car rental services
- Professional shuttle service and small terminals enable rapid check-in and exit
Ideal For:
Roughly all domestic travelers. Most are coming from metro areas. It’s the nearest major airport to Daman.
2. Airport and Daman Distance Details Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
- Distance from Daman: Approximately 170 kilometers
- Driving Time: Ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 hours based on traffic conditions
- Location: Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Airport Type: One of the largest International Hubs in India
Flight Connectivity:
Mumbai Airport connects almost every Indian city and hundreds of international cities including:
- New York
- London
- Dubai
- Singapore
- Frankfurt
- Bangkok
- Muscat
Major Airlines:
Indowestern carriers – all domestic Indian airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar, British Airways, Vistara, Air India, GoFirst, and international airlines including British Airways.
Airport Facilities:
- Separate terminals with T1 serving domestic passengers, T2 serves international and some domestic flights.
- Food courts, lounges, currency exchange facilities, Wi-Fi and business centers
- Metro, taxi, Uber, and intra-terminal shuttle services
Recommended for:
Foreign international travelers, or tourists who prefer minimal layovers and seeking various travel connections, or anyone who wishes to explore Mumbai after visiting other destinations.
3. Airport and Daman Distance Details Vadodara Airport (BDQ).
- Distance from Daman: 280 to 300 kilometers.
- Driving Time: Between 6 to 7 hours
- Location: Harni, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Airport Type: Domestic regional airport.
Flight Connectivity:
Scheduled but limited flights to:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
Operating Airlines:
- IndiGo
- Air India
Recommended for:
Passengers from central or northern portions of Gujarat, or when there are no available seats on flights to Surat and then to Mumbai.
Journey from Airport to Daman
After landing in your selected airport, check below for options to travel to Daman.
From Surat Airport to Daman
- By Taxi: Available at the airport, prepaid taxis charge ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 based on vehicle category.
- By Bus: Starting from Surat bus station, GSRTC buses go upto Vapi. From Vapi, you can take auto or taxi to Daman which is 12 kms away.
- By Self Drive Rental: For those who want self-drive, Zoomcar and similar services are available.
- Route: Surat → NH 48 → Vapi → Daman
From Mumbai Airport to Daman
- By Taxi: Private taxi services like Uber Intercity, Meru, and local cabs will charge around ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
- By Bus: AC Sleeper and Seater buses operate from Mumbai to Vapi and Daman. You can book via redbus or makemytrip.
- By Car: Driving on NH 48 is a well kept highway and great for road trips.
- Route: Mumbai → Thane → Manor → Vapi → Daman
From Vadodara Airport to Daman
- By Taxi: Longdistance taxi rates are approximately ₹4,500 to ₹6,000.
- By Bus: Take GSRTC buses to Vapi, then a short Daman ride.
- Works for: Traveling from central Gujarat or visiting the Statue of Unity Monarch.
Helicopter Services to Daman (If Available)
A few years back, Pawan Hans had offered a Daman-Diu helicopter service and a Mumbai-Daman-Diu one too. Although these routes are not currently in consistent service, there is hope they may be revived in the future to boost tourism.
Please refer to the official tourism site for any announcements related to the heli service or new regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
Summary Table – Closest Airports to Daman
| Airport | Code | Distance | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surat | STV | 125 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Domestic travelers |
| Mumbai | BOM | 170 km | 3.5–4.5 hrs | International & metro city flyers |
| Vadodara | BDQ | 280 km | 6–7 hrs | Backup option from Gujarat |
Guidelines for Air Travelers Visiting Daman
- During weekends, public holidays, and prolonged breaks, flights tend to get booked up quickly, so ensure you buy a ticket ahead of time.
- Make sure to check for available Vapi hotel pickup options, especially when traveling after dark.
- If you intend to rent scooters in Daman, it is advisable to keep your luggage to a minimum.
- Rural portions between Vapi and Daman are less populated, so having offline maps saved is useful.
- For those flying into Surat or Mumbai, allot additional time beyond the booked flight duration for traffic and weather-related congestion.
Best Time to Fly and Visit Daman
| Season | Months | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October–March | Pleasant & dry | Best season to fly and explore |
| Summer | April–June | Hot and humid | Good for short trips |
| Monsoon | July–September | Lush but wet | Scenic but expect travel delays |
Daman does not have a starting point for a commercial airport, but it is easily accessible through Surat and Mumbai airports. Whether you’re a local traveler on a short weekend beach getaway or an overseas tourist adding Daman to your itinerary, this serene coastal town is simple to get to and easy to enjoy.
Just land and grab a cab or bus, and in just a couple of hours, you will be strolling on palm-fringed beaches, sipping coconut water, or visiting colonial forts.
