Ahmedabad rewards visitors who come prepared. From navigating the airport and trains to understanding local customs, tipping etiquette, and safety, here’s the practical information you need before landing in Gujarat’s largest city. For more detail, see our Ahmedabad weather by month.
Ahmedabad Travel Tips: Getting There and Around
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
AMD Airport is 9km northeast of central Ahmedabad in Hansol, about a 20-30 minute drive to the city center depending on traffic. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, Terminal 2 handles international , they’re about 1km apart, connected by a free shuttle bus. Domestic connections include nonstop flights to Mumbai (1hr 15min), Delhi (1hr 30min), Bengaluru (2hr), and most major Indian cities. International direct flights connect to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Singapore, and Bangkok. A prepaid taxi from the airport to the city center costs ₹500-700 (US$6-8.50). Uber and Ola operate from both terminals , pick-up points are clearly marked. The ride to Ashram Road/CG Road area takes 25-35 minutes and costs ₹300-450. Avoid the touts offering “cheap taxis” inside the terminal; stick to the prepaid booth or app-based cabs.
Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station (ADI)
ADI is the main railway station, located in Kalupur at the eastern edge of the Old City. It’s a major stop on the Western Railway zone with connections to Mumbai (5.5-7 hours by Shatabdi or Duronto Express), Delhi (12-14 hours), Jaipur (10 hours), and Udaipur (5 hours). The station has prepaid auto-rickshaw and taxi booths. An auto to Ashram Road or CG Road costs ₹60-100. The station area is crowded and chaotic , keep your bags close and don’t accept unsolicited “help” with luggage. The station has a waiting room (AC and non-AC), food stalls, and luggage storage (cloak room) at the west end of platform 1. Book train tickets through the IRCTC website or app at least a week ahead for popular routes. For more detail, see our best time to visit Ahmedabad.
Getting Around the City
Auto-rickshaws are the most common transport. Ahmedabad autos mostly use the meter (unlike many Indian cities) , make sure the driver turns it on. A 5km ride costs roughly ₹80-120. Uber and Ola operate widely and are your best bet for air-conditioned travel. For the Old City pols, walking is the only viable option , the lanes are too narrow for vehicles. The Ahmedabad BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) runs along a dedicated corridor from RTO Circle to various points; buses are air-conditioned and fares start at ₹5. AMTS city buses cover the rest but are crowded and slow. The Ahmedabad Metro Phase 1 is partially operational with a north-south corridor connecting Motera to APMC; fares are ₹10-30. For day trips to destinations like Modhera, Nalsarovar, or Lothal, hire a private car with driver for the day (₹2,500-4,000 depending on distance).
Ahmedabad Travel Tips: Visas, Money, and Connectivity
Visa Requirements
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India. The e-Visa system (indianvisaonline.gov.in) is the easiest option for tourism , it covers citizens of 160+ countries and allows stays of up to 30 days (e-Tourist Visa), 1 year, or 5 years. Apply at least 4 days before travel. The e-Visa is valid at AMD Airport. You’ll need a passport with 6+ months validity, a digital photo, and a passport scan. The fee varies by nationality (US$25-100). The visa on arrival exists for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and UAE only. Always carry a printed copy of your e-Visa and keep a digital copy on your phone. For more detail, see our things to do in Ahmedabad.
Currency and Payments
The Indian Rupee (₹, INR) is the currency. At the time of writing, US$1 = approximately ₹83. ATMs are widely available in all neighborhoods , HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI ATMs are the most reliable. Withdrawal limits are typically ₹10,000-25,000 per transaction with a ₹200 fee for foreign cards. Credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and chain restaurants but street vendors, auto-rickshaws, and small shops operate on cash. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is universal in India but requires an Indian bank account , foreign tourists cannot use it. Carry ₹2,000-3,000 in cash (small notes: ₹100 and ₹200) for daily use. Currency exchange counters at AMD Airport offer poor rates; withdraw from an ATM instead or exchange at a bank branch in the city.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Getting a local SIM card makes navigation and ride-hailing dramatically easier. Foreigners can buy a prepaid SIM from Airtel or Jio stores. You’ll need your passport, visa, and a passport photo. The process takes 30-45 minutes at a store (not at the airport). Activation can take 2-24 hours. A 28-day plan with 1.5-2GB of daily data costs ₹300-500 (US$4-6). Alternatively, use an eSIM service like Airalo (US$7-15 for 1-3GB) before arriving , this is faster and avoids the in-store paperwork, though data-only eSIMs don’t give you an Indian phone number for OTP verifications. WiFi is standard in hotels and most cafes but speeds vary. For more detail, see our Ahmedabad events and festivals.
Ahmedabad Travel Tips: Food, Water, and Health
Drinking Water
Do NOT drink tap water anywhere in Ahmedabad , it’s not safe for visitors (or most locals, who boil or filter it). Stick to bottled water (Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina are the major brands). Check that the seal is intact before opening , refilled bottles sold as new are a known issue at smaller roadside stalls. A 1-liter bottle costs ₹20 at shops, ₹30-40 at restaurants. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water or have filtered water dispensers. Avoid ice in drinks from street vendors , it’s often made from tap water. In restaurants, ice is usually from filtered water and is safe. Brush your teeth with bottled water if you want to be extra cautious.
Street Food Safety
Ahmedabad’s street food scene is one of India’s best and safest , Gujarat’s predominantly vegetarian culture means you avoid the higher-risk meat-handling issues. Manek Chowk night market, Law Garden stalls, and the vendors around the Old City are generally reliable. Follow the crowd: stalls with high turnover serve fresher food. Avoid pre-cut fruit, unsealed water, and chutneys that look like they’ve been sitting out. The deep-fried snacks (khaman, dhokla, fafda, samosa) are inherently safer than raw preparations. Carry hand sanitizer , many food stalls don’t have washing facilities. If you have a sensitive stomach, take a probiotic starting 2 weeks before your trip and pack loperamide (Imodium) and oral rehydration salts as backup. For more detail, see our best neighborhoods in Ahmedabad.
Medical Care
Ahmedabad has excellent private hospitals. Apollo Hospital (Bhat, SG Highway area) and Sterling Hospital (Gurukul Road) are the top choices with 24-hour emergency departments and English-speaking doctors. A consultation at a private hospital costs ₹500-1,000 (US$6-12). Pharmacies (chemists) are everywhere , Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus are chains with genuine medications. You can buy most common medications over the counter without a prescription. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended. The emergency ambulance number is 108. Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya) peak during and after monsoon (July-October) , use repellent with DEET and wear long sleeves in the evening during these months.
Ahmedabad Travel Tips: Safety, Customs, and Etiquette
Is Ahmedabad Safe?
Ahmedabad is one of India’s safer large cities. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risks are petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded markets like Manek Chowk), traffic accidents (road discipline is poor , always look both ways even on one-way streets), and heat-related illness in summer. For women: Ahmedabad is relatively safe compared to Delhi or Mumbai, but standard precautions apply. Avoid isolated areas after dark, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees , this is a conservative city), and use Uber/Ola rather than hailing street taxis late at night. Solo female travelers report feeling comfortable during the day, though staring is common. The tourist police helpline is 1098. For more detail, see our where to stay in Ahmedabad.
Dress Code and Etiquette
Ahmedabad is conservative by Indian standards , Gujarat is a dry state (alcohol is illegal without a permit, see below) with strong vegetarian traditions. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. At religious sites, remove shoes before entering (there’s usually a shoe storage counter, free or ₹5-10), cover your head with a scarf or cap in mosques and Sikh gurudwaras. In Jain temples, leather items (belts, wallets, watch straps) may need to be removed. Public displays of affection are culturally inappropriate , even holding hands attracts attention. The traditional greeting is “Namaste” or “Kem cho?” (Gujarati for “How are you?”). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5-10% in restaurants that don’t include service charge, ₹20-50 for hotel bellhops, round up for auto-rickshaws.
Alcohol Laws
Gujarat is a dry state , the sale and consumption of alcohol is legally prohibited for residents. However, foreigners and visitors from other Indian states can obtain a liquor permit. Apply at the Prohibition and Excise Department office (near the airport) or at major hotels. You’ll need your passport, visa, and proof of out-of-state residence or foreign nationality. The permit takes 24-48 hours and allows you to purchase a limited quantity from licensed shops. Major 5-star hotels (ITC Narmada, Hyatt Regency, House of MG) have licensed bars and can serve alcohol to permit holders and foreign guests. Do NOT drink in public or carry alcohol openly , penalties are severe. Bootlegging exists but is illegal and risky. For more detail, see our Ahmedabad city guide.
Suggested Hotels in Ahmedabad
ITC Narmada, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Ahmedabad’s finest luxury hotel on SG Highway, featuring 218 rooms, a world-class spa, outdoor pool, and the legendary Peshawri restaurant. Best for luxury travelers and special occasions. Check rates and availability
Novotel Ahmedabad
A well-located 4-star on CG Road with pool, fitness center, and walking-distance access to the city’s best shopping and dining. Best for families and couples wanting mid-range comfort. Check rates and availability
Ginger Ahmedabad
Clean, modern budget hotel from the Tata group with compact air-conditioned rooms and reliable WiFi. Best for budget travelers who want chain consistency. Check rates and availability
Ahmedabad Travel Tips: FAQ
- What’s the best time to visit Ahmedabad? November through February for comfortable weather (28°C-33°C / 82°F-91°F days, cool nights). January for the Kite Festival. October for Navratri.
- How many days do I need? 2 full days for the key sights (Ashram, Old City pols, Adalaj Stepwell, one museum). 3-4 days if you want to include Sarkhej Roza, Kankaria Lake, a textile shopping trip, and a day trip to Modhera or Nalsarovar.
- Is Ahmedabad vegetarian? Predominantly yes. About 70% of Ahmedabad is vegetarian. Most restaurants are pure-veg. Non-vegetarian food is available in Muslim areas (Old City around Jama Masjid, Juhapura) and at 5-star hotel restaurants. Eggs are widely available.
- Can I drink the tap water? No. Stick to bottled water. Even locals boil or filter it.
- What language is spoken? Gujarati is the local language. Hindi is widely understood. English is common in hotels, restaurants, and among younger people, but auto-rickshaw drivers and small shopkeepers may only speak Gujarati and basic Hindi.
- Do I need to tip? 5-10% at sit-down restaurants (check if service charge is already added). ₹20-50 for hotel porters. Round up for auto-rickshaws. Not expected at street food stalls.
- Is Ahmedabad safe for solo women? Relatively safe by Indian standards, especially during the day. Use Uber/Ola at night, dress conservatively, and avoid isolated streets after dark. The Old City is safe but can feel uncomfortable for solo women after 9 PM due to the all-male street culture in some areas.
- What’s the best day trip from Ahmedabad? The Sun Temple at Modhera (100km, 1.5hr drive) combined with the Rani ki Vav stepwell in Patan (another 35km) makes the best full-day trip. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (60km) is great November-February for migratory birds.
