Getting Your Bearings
Rajkot sits in the middle of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, which makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider Kathiawar peninsula. The city itself is flat but spread out: the older quarters cluster near the banks of the Aji river, while newer suburbs have grown up around the university and the ring roads. That layout shapes how you'll get around — some areas reward walking, but covering the city as a whole usually means wheels.
Gujarati and Hindi dominate on the street, though English is generally understood. It helps to have your destination written down or saved on your phone, ideally with a nearby landmark, since many drivers navigate by landmarks rather than addresses.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Rajkot has no metro, tram or commuter rail network within the city, so you can rule those out entirely when planning local trips. Rail matters here mainly for arriving and departing: Rajkot Junction is the main railway station, with direct trains linking the city to destinations across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Jammu, Kochi, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Bhopal.
If you plan to travel by train, book as early as possible — in common with the rest of India, tickets are generally unavailable (that is, waitlisted) once the booking window opens. Booking two to three months ahead is recommended, and even more so for long-distance routes.
Buses and Public Transport
Rajkot is well connected to the rest of Saurashtra and Gujarat by bus. The GSRTC Bus Station sits in the Karanpara area, just south of the Town Hall. A number of private operators also run comfortable services around the state, including Patel Tours and Travels, Eagle Travels and Neeta Travels. If you're flying out of Ahmedabad, some buses from Rajkot drop passengers just outside the airport — you'll then walk about ten minutes to the terminal, but the route is paved and well used.
Within the city, public transport is operated by Rajkot Municipal Corporation through RMTS local buses, alongside the BRTS (Rajpath) system, which runs on dedicated lanes along major routes and covers roads around the city. BRTS buses are modern and some are air-conditioned, connecting residential zones with commercial hubs and the ring road. Fares are inexpensive and distance-based, paid in cash to the conductor or at BRTS station counters. Buses get crowded during the morning and evening commute, and route information is mostly posted in Gujarati.
In practice, city buses are secondary to auto-rickshaws for most visitors, but the BRTS corridor can be a faster option than an auto in traffic when you're heading to the newer suburbs or ring-road shopping areas.
Auto-Rickshaws
The three-wheeled auto-rickshaw is the dominant way to get around Rajkot. You'll find them at stands near markets, hospitals, the railway station and major intersections, or you can flag one on the street. Meters technically exist but are almost never used, so agree on the fare before you get in — asking your hotel for rough going rates helps you bargain fairly.
Shared autos run fixed informal routes along the main arteries for a fraction of a private fare, but they're crowded and awkward if you're carrying luggage. Because autos are open-sided, expect dust, noise and heat, especially in the pre-monsoon months. They're a standard and generally safe daytime mode. One practical snag: drivers rarely have change for large notes, so keep small denominations handy.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Full-size street taxis are uncommon in Rajkot. Instead, book through ride-hailing apps, local operators or your hotel. Both Uber and Ola operate in the city; Ola tends to have stronger auto-rickshaw coverage in Gujarati cities, while Uber is reliable for cars. App-set metered prices remove the need to negotiate, and app auto fares come out similar to or slightly cheaper than negotiated street fares.
Payment can be made by cash, card or UPI, though cash remains the safest fallback for visitors. Expect surge pricing during peak evening hours, and slower driver availability in quiet suburbs. You'll need a working Indian SIM and data connection, so set up the apps and payment methods before you arrive.
For sightseeing, a car with driver for a half or full day is the most comfortable option, particularly with luggage or in the summer heat, and hotels can usually arrange a driver. This also makes a good base for exploring the wider Saurashtra region beyond the city.
Two-Wheeler Rental
Scooters and motorcycles can be rented through rental outfits and app-based services, which suits Rajkot's flat layout and wide roads. You'll need an international driving permit plus your home licence, and helmets are legally required. Be aware that traffic discipline is loose, so ride defensively.
Walking and Cycling
Rajkot is walkable in pockets rather than as a whole. The old city markets, the area around the Watson Museum and Jubilee Garden, and the older neighbourhood lanes are all pleasant on foot, and several central sights cluster closely enough that you can walk between them once you're there. The Rotary Dolls Museum, for instance, sits among the landmarks near Jubilee Garden.
Distances between major sights are generally too large to cover on foot, especially in the heat, and footpaths are inconsistent — crossing wide main roads takes care. Early morning and after sunset are the most comfortable times to walk, when it's cooler and the street food stalls are active. Cycling is possible on quieter streets but rare among visitors, given how cheap autos are.
Whatever mode you choose, carry water and sun protection; open autos and walking both expose you to strong sun and dust.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Rajkot Airport (RAJ) is served by Air India with flights to Mumbai and Delhi, which in turn connect onward to the rest of the world, and by IndiGo from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, North Goa, Mumbai and Pune. Many visitors arrive via Mumbai, while those already in India often reach Ahmedabad first — by train or flight — and then take a bus to Rajkot.
From the airport, the smoothest way into town is an app-booked auto or car, and hotels can arrange pickups if you'd rather have someone waiting. For arrivals, app booking is the most reliable option, particularly after dark when autos thin out on the streets.
Practical Tips
- Keep small notes and coins for autos, buses and vendors.
- Install Uber and Ola before arrival; Google Maps works well for both walking and driving.
- Agree the auto fare before sitting down, and ask your hotel for rough rates to bargain fairly.
- Rush hours run roughly 9–11 AM and 6–8 PM.
- Carry your destination written or saved on your phone, ideally with a nearby landmark.
- Inflated fares for obvious newcomers are the main annoyance — apps avoid this. Scams are otherwise relatively rare.
- The city is generally calm at night, but autos thin out late, so app booking after dark is most reliable.
- For trips beyond the city into Saurashtra, hire a car with a driver for the day.