Car Hire at Ahmedabad Airport: Your Gateway to Gujarat
Landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is your first step into one of India’s most fascinating states. Gujarat has so much to offer—from the salt marshes of Kutch to the Gir National Park, home to Asiatic lions. But here’s the thing: public transport in this region can be slow and unreliable, and hiring a private driver for every journey adds up quickly. That’s where having your own hired car really shines. You get the freedom to explore at your own pace, whether that means an early morning departure for a wildlife safari or a late-night return from a family wedding.
Ahmedabad itself is a city of contrasts. The old walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, buzzes with narrow lanes and centuries-old markets. Just across the Sabarmati River, you’ll find modern wide roads, shopping malls, and tech parks. Having a car lets you experience both worlds without the hassle of negotiating with rickshaw drivers or waiting for app-based cabs during peak hours. It’s especially handy if you’re travelling with family, luggage, or planning to visit multiple cities—Vadodara, Surat, and even Mumbai are within driving distance for those who enjoy a road trip.
Picking Up Your Hire Car
The airport has two terminals—Terminal 1 handles domestic flights and Terminal 2 is for international arrivals. Most car hire desks are located in the arrival halls of both terminals, so you won’t need to wander far after collecting your bags. The process is fairly straightforward: present your booking confirmation, driving licence (an International Driving Permit is essential if your licence isn’t in English), passport, and a credit card for the security deposit.
After completing the paperwork, you’ll be directed to the pick-up area. The airport has a dedicated car hire parking zone just outside the arrivals exit—it’s a short walk, and porters are usually available if you have heavy luggage. I’d recommend checking the vehicle thoroughly before driving off. Take photos of any existing scratches or dents and ensure the fuel level matches what’s noted in your agreement. Indian traffic can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to be held responsible for damage you didn’t cause.
A word on timing: if you’re arriving during festival seasons like Navratri or Uttarayan, book well in advance. Cars get snapped up quickly, and prices rise with demand. Early morning or late night pickups tend to be smoother—the roads are quieter, and the staff have more time to walk you through the vehicle features.
Where to Go From Here
Sabarmati Ashram: Just 8 kilometres from the airport, this is where Mahatma Gandhi lived for over a decade. Take Airport Road to Ashram Road—a scenic drive along the riverfront. The ashram is peaceful, informative, and completely free to enter. Allow a couple of hours to properly absorb the history.
Adalaj Stepwell: About 18 kilometres north via SG Highway, this five-storey stepwell is an architectural marvel. Built in 1498, it’s intricately carved and stays surprisingly cool even in Gujarat’s blistering summers. The drive takes roughly 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Old City Heritage Walk: Park near Manek Chowk and explore the pols (traditional housing clusters) on foot. The area around Teen Darwaza is particularly atmospheric in the evenings when street food stalls set up. Drive in via Relief Road, but be prepared for congestion—it’s often easier to park on the outskirts and walk the final stretch.
Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar: Roughly 30 kilometres away, this stunning temple complex is worth the drive. Take NH 47 north and you’ll arrive in about 45 minutes. The architecture is breathtaking, and the evening light and sound show is genuinely impressive. Remember that photography isn’t allowed inside, and dress modestly.
Tips for Driving in and Around Ahmedabad
Let’s be honest: Indian traffic takes some getting used to. You’ll be driving on the left, which is straightforward enough, but the real challenge is the organised chaos around you. Two-wheelers weave through gaps you didn’t know existed, cows amble across major roads, and honking isn’t considered rude—it’s a necessary communication tool. If you’re not an experienced driver, or if you’ve never driven in India before, this might not be the best place to start.
Within the city, expect average speeds of 25-35 km/h during peak hours. The main arteries—SG Highway, Ashram Road, and the Riverfront drive—are well-maintained and clearly marked. Smaller roads in the old city are a different story: narrow, crowded, and often without lane markings. Google Maps is generally reliable, but ask your hire company about any local areas to avoid.
Speed limits are usually 50 km/h within city limits and 80-100 km/h on highways, though enforcement can be patchy. That said, traffic police do conduct checks, especially on SG Highway and near the airport. Keep your documents handy at all times. Toll roads are common on longer routes—the Mumbai-Ahmedabad NH 48 has several toll plazas. Most accept card payments now, but carrying some cash is always wise.
Parking in central Ahmedabad can be tricky. Look for designated parking lots rather than street parking—they’re affordable and save you the stress of dealing with informal parking attendants who demand arbitrary fees. The riverfront area has excellent paid parking facilities.
One final note: monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains that can flood low-lying roads. Check weather forecasts before planning longer journeys, and never attempt to drive through flooded sections—you can’t see what’s underneath.
Ready to explore Gujarat on your own terms? Use our booking widget above to compare vehicles and secure a great value hire car for your Ahmedabad adventure.