You are in Rajkot and suddenly the idea of watching wild Asiatic lions hits you — good call. Gir National Park is probably the closest serious wildlife trip you can do from here. Sasan Gir sits around 170 km away, and getting there is simpler than most people think. Road, train, bus, cab — you’ve got options depending on what suits your pocket and comfort.
This guide breaks it all down — the route, the transport, and the small things worth knowing before you head out for your Gir safari from Rajkot.
Why Gir National Park is Worth the Trip
Sasan Gir is the only forest left on the planet where Asiatic lions still live in the wild. That is not a marketing line — it’s literally true. And lions aside, the park has leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, wild boars, sambar deer, chital, and somewhere around 300 bird species calling it home. Whether you’re someone who tracks wildlife seriously or just wants a weekend away from city noise, Gir tends to leave an impression.
Getting here from Rajkot isn’t a headache. You just need to decide how you want to do it.
Rajkot to Gir National Park — Distance and Travel Time
The road distance is around 170 km. How long it takes depends entirely on your mode of transport, but most people land in Sasan Gir within 4 to 4.5 hours without any drama.
By Road — The Most Popular Way
Most families, couples, and solo travelers prefer driving. Roads between Rajkot and Sasan Gir are well-maintained and the drive itself is genuinely nice — open roads, countryside stretching out on both sides.
Main route to follow: Rajkot → Gondal → Jetpur → Junagadh → Mendarda → Sasan Gir
You start on NH27 and shift to NH151 near Jetpur. Clean, direct, no confusion.
Some people also go: Rajkot → Dhoraji → Mendarda → Sasan Gir
Both routes get you there fine and both offer similar countryside views through the trip.
Own a car? You’re looking at 3 to 4 hours. Leave early if your morning safari is booked — those slots move fast and won’t wait. Night driving between Jetpur and Gir isn’t a great idea since that section cuts through forested stretches.
Fuel up at Rajkot or Junagadh before pushing ahead toward Gir.
By Private Cab or Taxi
Not in the mood to drive? Rajkot has plenty of cab options — both at the city center and right outside Rajkot Railway Station. A private cab goes door to door, no mid-journey transfers, no figuring out local transport. If you’re traveling with elderly family members or young kids, this honestly takes a lot of the stress out.
Many Gir resorts also arrange pickup from Rajkot if you sort it out with them beforehand.
By Bus — Budget-Friendly Option
Tight on budget? GSRTC state buses and private buses both run Rajkot to Junagadh routes pretty regularly. from Sasan Gir to Junagadh sits about 90 km, so once you get off there, a local bus, shared cab, or auto gets you the rest of the way. Total journey time this way is roughly 2 to 3 hours including the transfer in between.
A few buses also head towards Veraval, which is another way into Gir. Check the latest timings at Rajkot Bus Station the day before you travel.
By Train
Rajkot Railway Station connects well to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and several other cities. That said, no direct train runs to Sasan Gir. The practical move is taking a Rajkot to Junagadh train — they run frequently and cover the distance in about 2 to 3 hours. From Junagadh Railway Station, roughly 65 km from Gir, you hire a cab or hop on local transport and reach Sasan Gir in another 2 hours or so.
Junagadh Junction is the main rail entry point for Gir-bound travelers. Veraval Railway Station also works if your route lines up that way.
Coming from another city and passing through Rajkot? A train to Junagadh plus a cab from there is a comfortable and budget-friendly combination.
By Air — Quickest but Indirect
Rajkot Airport is around 172 km from Sasan Gir and gets domestic flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa, and a few other cities. Flying into Rajkot and then driving down to Gir is a straightforward plan if you’re coming from far away.
Keshod Airport is actually closer to Gir — about 110 km — but flight schedules there are limited and not always reliable. Diu Airport sits around 63 km from Gir and has Mumbai connections, though again, choices are fewer.
For most people flying in, Rajkot Airport just makes more practical sense.
Best Time to Visit Gir National Park
Gir opens mid-October and stays open till mid-June. Monsoon shuts the park from mid-June to October 15 every year.
December through March is the best window — weather is comfortable, animals are more visible, and lion sighting chances during a jeep safari go up noticeably. October and November are also decent right after the park reopens. The forest looks fresh post-rains and the safari experience feels completely different from peak winter months.
Things to Remember Before You Leave Rajkot
Book your Gir jungle safari before leaving home — not after reaching. Safari permits for Gir jeep safari and Devalia Safari are available online and fill up fast once peak season kicks in. Walk-in or offline bookings at the gate simply don’t exist.
Carry a proper ID — Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport. It’s checked at the entry point without exception.
Reach Sasan Gir at least 15 minutes before your safari slot. Morning safaris start early, so figure out your Rajkot departure time the night before.
FAQs
Around 170 km by road. Most people cover it in 4 to 4.5 hours comfortably.
NH27 from Rajkot to Jetpur, then NH151 towards Junagadh and Sasan Gir. Shortest and smoothest option available.
No direct bus runs to Sasan Gir. Take a bus to Junagadh and then local transport from there.
No direct train. Board one to Junagadh and arrange a cab from there to Sasan Gir.
Junagadh Railway Station — around 90 km from Gir and the most practical option.
Better to skip it. The Jetpur to Gir stretch passes through forest land and night driving on those roads carries unnecessary risk.
Keshod Airport at roughly 110 km is closest, but Rajkot Airport has far better and more reliable flight connections.
Yes — roads are solid, the scenery is pleasant, and it’s an easy drive if you start early.
Gir Gypsy Safari, Devalia Safari Park, and Kankai Temple Safari are the main ones. Book all online in advance.
Conclusion
Getting from Rajkot to Gir National Park is genuinely straightforward. Drive yourself, book a cab, catch a bus or train, or fly into Rajkot and drive the rest — all of it works and all of it leads to the same place. Road trip remains the most flexible and enjoyable choice, especially with an early start and safari booking already sorted.
Safari spots fill up fast — book your Gir National Park safari online before you even start thinking about what to pack. Plan for December to March if you want the best wildlife conditions, watch an Asiatic lion in its actual natural territory, and carry that experience back with you for a long time.