Gondal is a smaller city / town in Gujarat. It does not have large-scale urban transport systems like metro or tram. The transport options are more basic, localized and road-based. Below is a breakdown:
1. Overview of Transportation in Gondal
- Gondal is a heritage city in Gujarat, known for its royal palaces and calm lifestyle.
- It does not have metro, tram, or large public transport systems.
- The main travel modes are road-based — car, taxi, auto-rickshaw, and buses.
- The Gondal Railway Station connects the town to major cities like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Junagadh.
- For local exploration, auto-rickshaws and private cabs are the most common choices.
2. Road Transportation
- Private Car / Taxi
- Easily available in Gondal.
- Ideal for tourists visiting multiple attractions like Naulakha Palace, Orchard Palace, and Riverside Palace.
- Taxis can be hired from Rajkot or local cab agencies in Gondal.
- Approximate cost: ₹10–₹15 per km (negotiable).
- Auto-Rickshaws
- Common for short city trips.
- Easily available near bus stand, railway station, and markets.
- Negotiate fares before starting (since meters are rarely used).
- Self-Drive Car / Rental Car
- Some services from Rajkot or Ahmedabad offer self-drive rentals.
- Best for flexible exploration.
- Requires a valid driver’s license and ID.
3. Bus Services
- GSRTC Buses (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation)
- Main public bus network connecting Gondal to major cities.
- Routes: Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Jetpur, and Surat.
- Gondal Bus Depot: Located near Jetpur Road, Gayatri Nagar.
- Fares: ₹100–₹150 for short trips (e.g. Gondal–Rajkot).
- Private / Tourist Buses
- Available for intercity travel and group tours.
- Can be booked via operators like MakeMyTrip, RedBus, and GSRTC portal.
- Air-conditioned and sleeper options available.
- Chartered / Tour Buses
- Suitable for groups or heritage tours.
- 30–55 seater buses available on rent (through Sulekha or local operators).
- Book in advance during festival seasons.
4. Rail Transport
- Gondal Railway Station (Station Code: GDL)
- Lies on the Rajkot–Junagadh line under the Western Railway Zone.
- Connected to cities like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jamnagar, and Porbandar.
- Common trains: Saurashtra Express, Veraval Express, Somnath Express.
- Good for long-distance travel but not used for local city commuting.
5. Metro / Tram / Light Rail
- ❌ Not available in Gondal.
- There is no metro, tram, or light rail service within or near the city.
- All transport within Gondal is by road.
6. Two-Wheeler Rentals (Motorbike / Scooter)
- Locals often use scooters or motorbikes.
- Some hotels and local agencies may offer 2-wheeler rentals.
- Cost: ₹300–₹600 per day (check availability locally).
- Useful for short distances and narrow streets near heritage areas.
7. Roads & Highways
- National Highway 27 (NH-27)
- Passes through Gondal and connects it with major cities like Rajkot (40 km), Jetpur (25 km), and Ahmedabad (240 km).
- State Highways (SH-1 & SH-31)
- Provide access to nearby villages and heritage sites.
- Road Quality
- Good condition for major highways; inner roads are narrower in old city areas.
- Parking available near major tourist attractions like Naulakha Palace and Orchard Palace.
8. Local Travel Tips
- Always negotiate auto/taxi fares before boarding.
- Carry cash — smaller notes are preferred for local transport.
- Plan Day Trips with one cab/driver for flexibility.
- Book GSRTC or private buses online in advance during weekends.
- Avoid driving yourself inside the old city — streets are narrow and busy.
- Use Google Maps for directions; signage is limited in older parts.
- Most tourist spots are within 3–5 km radius, so short auto rides are convenient.
9. Tourist Transport Table for Gondal
| No. | Mode of Transport | Availability | Common Use | Avg. Fare / Cost | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Private Car / Taxi | ✅ Available | Local sightseeing & nearby trips | ₹10–₹15/km | Best option for flexibility |
| 2 | Auto-Rickshaw | ✅ Available | Short city rides | ₹30–₹100 | Negotiate fares before ride |
| 3 | GSRTC Bus | ✅ Available | Intercity travel | ₹100–₹150 | Good for budget travel |
| 4 | Private / Tourist Bus | ✅ Available | Long-distance or group trips | ₹150–₹400 | Book online via GSRTC or RedBus |
| 5 | Train / Railway | ✅ Available | Intercity (not local) | ₹50–₹400 (based on distance) | Gondal Railway Station connects to major cities |
| 6 | Metro / Tram | ❌ Not Available | — | — | No metro/tram in Gondal |
| 7 | Two-Wheeler Rental | ⚙️ Limited | Local mobility | ₹300–₹600 per day | Check local rental shops |
| 8 | Private Bus Rental (Charter) | ✅ Available | Groups, events, tours | ₹3,000–₹7,000 per day | Ideal for large groups |
| 9 | Walking | ✅ Common | Palace & Market areas | Free | Many attractions close to each other |
10. Quick Tourist Transportation Summary
- Nearest Major City: Rajkot (40 km)
- Nearest Airport: Rajkot Airport (RAJ) – 38 km from Gondal
- Nearest Major Railway Hub: Rajkot Junction
- Main Highway Access: NH-27 (Ahmedabad–Porbandar route)
- Local Commute Range: 3–8 km for main attractions
- Best Way to Explore Gondal: Private car or auto-rickshaw
12. Additional Tips
- Language: Gujarati and Hindi are commonly spoken; English understood at tourist sites.
- Best Time to Visit: October – March (pleasant weather).
- Safety: Roads are generally safe; avoid late-night solo travel in rural zones.
- Booking Apps: GoIbibo, RedBus, Sulekha (for bus/car rentals).