Getting Around Ahmedabad
This page is designed to help you feel comfortable and prepared during your stay in Ahmedabad. It covers the practical things that make a big difference — visa basics, where to stay, airport arrival, how to get around, local apps, payments, water, weather, and a few cultural notes that may make the experience feel easier.
In general, we recommend keeping things simple: for the wedding days, stay in one of our three suggested guest hotels if possible, use app-based transport or a pre-arranged car, drink bottled or filtered water, and allow a little extra time for moving around.
Visa
Many guests will be able to apply for an Indian e-Visa online, but visa eligibility depends on your nationality and travel document, so please check the requirements for your own country before booking.
Always use the official Indian visa website when checking eligibility or applying.
Where to Stay
For the wedding days, we strongly recommend staying in one of our three suggested guest hotels, since these are the most practical and convenient options for the celebration.
For a longer stay in Ahmedabad, you can also consider other parts of the city — as a simple rule, it is usually easiest to stay on the western side of the river, in the newer parts of Ahmedabad.
Airport & Arrival
Ahmedabad’s airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It has a domestic terminal and an international terminal, so it is important to check your airline and terminal carefully before travel.
We will not be organizing airport pickup. The simplest options after arrival are to use app-based transport, an auto rickshaw where appropriate, or a pre-arranged car.
Getting Around the City
Ahmedabad is generally easy to move around, but traffic can be busy, especially during peak hours. Even shorter distances can sometimes take longer than expected, so it is wise to leave a little extra time.
For most guests, the easiest options are Uber, Ola, and auto rickshaws. Ahmedabad also has the BRTS and Metro, but for short stays these are usually less intuitive than app-based transport.
Metro
Modern and useful, but not usually the simplest option for a short visit.
BRTS
Part of daily city life, though less intuitive for most wedding guests.
Apps, SIM Cards & eSIMs
Having mobile data will make your stay much easier, especially for transport, maps, messages, food delivery, and groceries.
Many transport and local apps work best with an Indian phone number, so a local SIM can be helpful. You can usually get one at the airport or from official providers such as Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone Idea.
- Uber / Ola / Rapido for transport
- Google Maps for navigation
- Zomato / Swiggy for food delivery
- Blinkit for groceries and essentials
- Paytm / GPay / UPI apps for local payments
Payments, Cash & Exchange
India is very digital. Many everyday payments happen through UPI, and apps such as Paytm and GPay are commonly used. For most international visitors, the easiest approach is usually a mix of cards and some cash.
| Payment Type | Best Use |
|---|---|
| Credit / debit card | Hotels, restaurants, larger stores |
| Cash | Small shops, tips, local purchases |
| UPI / Paytm / GPay | Very common locally, but not always easy for foreign visitors to access |
1 USD ≈ ₹93.4
1 EUR ≈ ₹109.2
Car for Your Stay
We are planning to arrange a bulk-rate car option with one of our travel organizers for guests who would like a car for the entire stay in Ahmedabad, or even while traveling in Gujarat.
This can be especially useful if you want easy airport-to-airport service, fewer separate bookings, and a more flexible option for your stay. Guests can also group together and share a car.
| Vehicle Type | Estimate |
|---|---|
| 5-person car with driver | ~₹4,000/day |
Auto Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk)
Auto rickshaws, also known as tuk-tuks, are one of the most common ways to travel short distances in Indian cities. They are fast, inexpensive, and very useful within neighborhoods.
They can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps.
| Distance | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Short ride | ₹50 – ₹120 |
| Longer ride | ₹150 – ₹350 |
Self-Driving
Scooters and cars can technically be rented in Ahmedabad, but we do not recommend this for most guests.
Traffic flow, road behavior, and parking can feel quite different if you are not used to Indian cities. For most visitors, app-based transport, auto rickshaws, or a driver will be much easier and more comfortable.
Gujarat Notes
Gujarat is a dry state, which means alcohol is restricted. Foreign tourists can apply for a permit and purchase alcohol from authorized outlets or hotels where permitted.
The safest approach is to treat this as a personal-use permit and follow the rules attached to it. If this matters for your stay, it is worth checking the official permit process in advance.
Weather, Pollution & Packing
January is one of the nicest times to be in Ahmedabad. Days are usually pleasant and sunny, evenings can be cooler, and rain is generally unlikely.
What to Expect
Pleasant days, cooler evenings, very low chance of rain, and occasional winter haze or light pollution.
What to Pack
Breathable daytime clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light layer or shawl for evenings.
Food, Water & Everyday Costs
Ahmedabad has wonderful food, and trying local flavors is part of the experience. At the same time, a few simple habits can make the trip much more comfortable.
Water
Drink bottled or filtered water only and avoid tap water. Most hotels and good restaurants provide safe drinking water.
Food Costs
Food is usually very affordable compared with many Western cities, from simple local meals to comfortable restaurant dining.
A Few Gentle Notes on Local Rhythm
If this is your first time in India, a few small mindset shifts can make the experience feel easier and more enjoyable.
Communication
People can sometimes be a little less direct than in some Western cultures. Warmth, politeness, and context often matter as much as the exact words.
Hospitality
Guests are often looked after very generously. You may be offered food, tea, or help more than once — this is usually kindness and care.
Pace
Things can feel lively, busy, and less clock-perfect than you may be used to. “Indian time” is a real joke for a reason — sometimes a few minutes late, sometimes a little more — so a bit of flexibility goes a long way.