Sardar Vallabh Patel International Airport

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) serves Ahmedabad, India's seventh-largest city and Gujarat's commercial capital. Located 9 km north of the city center, it's the gateway to Gujarat's rich heritage, textiles, and business opportunities.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international). A growing hub reflecting Gujarat's economic importance.

Key airlines: IndiGo (largest), Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, GoAir, and various international carriers including Emirates, Air Arabia, and Oman Air.

AMD is north of Ahmedabad:

• To Ahmedabad city center: 9 km, 20-35 minutes
• To SG Highway (business area): 15 km, 25-40 minutes
• To Gandhinagar: 30 km, 40-55 minutes
• To GIFT City: 25 km, 35-50 minutes

Uber and Ola operate at AMD.

• To city center: ₹250-400 (~$3-5 USD)
• To SG Highway: ₹400-600
• To Gandhinagar: ₹600-900

Prepaid taxis from the counter:

• Fixed rates to various zones
• More expensive than apps

BRTS Bus

Ahmedabad BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) connects to the city:

• Modern, air-conditioned buses
• Cost: ₹10-25
• Limited direct airport service; may require connection

Metro (Under Development)

Metro connectivity to airport is planned but not yet operational as of 2025.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Multi-level	₹400/day	Both terminals
Open	₹200/day	Short walk

AMD has decent dining:

Terminals:

• Food courts with Indian options
• Quick service restaurants
• Café Coffee Day, Subway
• Gujarati vegetarian options

Note: Gujarat is a dry state—no alcohol served.

Network: AMD Airport WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Adequate
• OTP verification required

SIM cards from:

• Shops in arrivals
• Jio, Airtel, Vi counters
• Documents required
• Prices: ₹300-500 for prepaid with data

ATMs in both terminals.

Currency: Indian Rupee (₹/INR). Approximately 83 INR = 1 USD.

Terminal 2:

• Duty-free
• Gujarat handicrafts (textiles, bandhani)
• Souvenirs

Terminal 1:

• Basic retail
• Convenience stores

Adani Lounge (T2)

• Access: Business class, Priority Pass, or walk-in
• Amenities: Vegetarian food, drinks, WiFi

Domestic Lounge (T1)

• Access: Various credit cards, Priority Pass

Hotels along SG Highway offer modern business facilities. Heritage hotels are in the Old City.

Ahmedabad is India's first UNESCO World Heritage City—a textile capital with stunning architecture, Gandhian history, and incredible vegetarian food:

Top attractions (with travel time from airport):

• Sabarmati Ashram: 20 min—Gandhi's headquarters during independence movement
• Adalaj Stepwell: 25 min—stunning 15th-century stepwell, architectural marvel
• Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: 25 min—famous stone latticework (jali), Ahmedabad's symbol
• Jama Masjid: 30 min—beautiful mosque, yellow sandstone
• Calico Museum of Textiles: 20 min—world-class textile collection (book ahead)

Heritage Walk (Old City):

• Pols: Traditional housing clusters with carved wooden facades
• Swaminarayan Temple: Ornate Hindu temple complex
• Start from Jama Masjid: 2-3 hour guided walk through narrow lanes
• Best in early morning: Book through Municipal Corporation or hotels

Day trips from Ahmedabad:

• Statue of Unity: 3.5 hours—world's tallest statue (182m), engineering marvel
• Modhera Sun Temple: 2 hours—11th-century temple, remarkable carvings
• Rani ki Vav (Patan): 2.5 hours—UNESCO stepwell, one of India's finest
• Little Rann of Kutch: 3 hours—wild ass sanctuary, salt desert

Food & culture:

• Gujarati thali: Complete meal with many dishes—always vegetarian
• Khaman/Dhokla: Steamed savory cakes, Gujarat's snack
• Fafda-Jalebi: Sunday breakfast tradition
• Kite Festival (Uttarayan): January 14—the sky fills with kites
• Gujarat is dry: No alcohol legally sold (permits available for foreigners)

Local tips:

• Vegetarian heaven: Gujarat has the highest percentage of vegetarians in India
• Business hub: Major textile, pharma, and diamond industries
• IIM Ahmedabad: India's top business school is here
• Early morning heritage walks: Best way to experience the old city
• Textiles: Buy Bandhani (tie-dye), Patola silk, and embroidered items
• Heat: Very hot April-June (40°C+); winter is pleasant
• Narendra Modi: Former Chief Minister here before becoming PM
• No beef or pork—Gujarat is strictly vegetarian for most residents
• The Old City walled areas are best explored with a guide