Getting Around Surat: A Visitor's Guide
Surat offers visitors a mix of established and emerging transport options. The city relies heavily on privately operated auto rickshaws for daily commuting, while buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services provide additional choices. A metro system is under construction and expected to transform urban mobility in the coming years.
Auto Rickshaws
Auto rickshaws are the most commonly used mode of public transport in Surat and your most accessible option for short trips around the city. They are widely available and operate throughout urban areas, making them a practical choice for visitors unfamiliar with other systems.
Buses and Rapid Transit
Surat operates a city bus system with a large fleet of vehicles. The Surat BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), also known as Sitilik, offers air-conditioned bus service on dedicated corridors. The network has expanded significantly and provides a faster alternative to regular buses in key corridors. Check local apps for current schedules and routes.
For intercity travel, buses operated by GSRTC (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation) depart from the Central Bus Station, located opposite Surat Railway Station. Private bus operators also maintain offices nearby and offer services to destinations across Gujarat, Mumbai, and other Indian cities.
Metro System
The Surat Metro is under construction as of April 2026 and will feature two lines: the Green Line and the Red Line, with a combined network of stations. Both lines are expected to become operational by December 2027, providing a modern mass transit option for the city.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Several taxi options are available in Surat:
- Taxi services operate primarily around Surat Railway Station
- Ride-hailing apps including Ola Cabs, Uber, and Rapido offer app-based transport
- Self-driving car rental services are available through companies like Just Drive - Self Drive Cars
Walking and Connectivity
Road engineering projects, including elevated highways and flyovers, have been completed in major commercial districts such as the diamond and textile areas, improving overall city connectivity. These infrastructure improvements benefit both residents and visitors navigating the city.
Arriving by Train
Surat Railway Station is the main railway hub and is located in the eastern-central part of the city near major hotels and businesses. The station connects Surat to Mumbai to the south and to Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Delhi to the north via the Mumbai–Ahmedabad railway line. The station is served by major express services including Vande Bharat Express and Rajdhani Express trains.
Udhna Junction is an alternative railway station that serves as the terminus for some services, including the Amrit Bharat Express from Odisha.
Future developments are planned to transform Surat Railway Station into a Multi-Modal Transportation Hub (MMTH), which will integrate rail with other transport modes.
Arriving by Air
Surat International Airport is the nearest airport serving the city. The airport has expanded terminal facilities and offers both domestic and international connectivity. Domestic flights connect Surat to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. International flights operate to Dubai and Bangkok. Major airlines serving the airport include Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Star Air.
Arriving by Road
Surat is accessible via the Golden Quadrilateral highway system. National Highway 8 passes by the city with three major connector routes. National Highway 6, which begins at Hazira, connects Surat to Dhule, Nagpur, Raipur, Sambalpur, Kharagpur, and Kolkata. The city is well-positioned within one of India's most industrially developed corridors.
Arriving by Bus
The Central Bus Station, located opposite Surat Railway Station, handles long-distance buses operated by GSRTC and private operators. Regular bus services connect Surat to towns throughout Gujarat, as well as to Mumbai and other major Indian cities. More than 700 buses depart daily for various destinations, particularly to the eastern part of Gujarat (Saurastra).
Ferry Service
A ferry service operates from Hazira, connecting to Ghogha in Bhavnagar District. The service runs twice daily and may be useful for visitors planning travel to coastal areas, though passenger boat services are not frequently scheduled.