The journey from Ahmedabad to GIFT City is about 30km north, roughly 35 to 45 minutes by car in normal traffic. Whether you’re heading there for business, lunch, or just to explore, it’s one of the easiest day trips from the city. GIFT City sits between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on the Sabarmati riverbank, and it has grown into a proper destination with hotels, restaurants, and a whole ecosystem built for professionals and visitors.
This guide covers the exact routes, transport options, parking, and what’s worth doing once you arrive.
Quick reference
Table of Contents
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Ahmedabad | ~30 km |
| Driving time (normal traffic) | 35–45 minutes |
| Peak traffic time | 7:30–9:30 AM, 5:30–8 PM |
| Cab fare (Uber/Ola estimate) | ₹600–₹900 |
| Parking | Multi-level facilities available; free for hotel guests |
| Best transport | Own car or Uber/Ola cab |
| Metro option | Yes — GIFT City metro station (Violet Line, opened 2024) |
Getting from Ahmedabad to GIFT City — the best route
If you’re driving, take the Sardar Patel Ring Road heading north towards Gandhinagar. From there, merge onto the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway (SG Highway / NH147), the main artery connecting the two cities.
The SG Highway is a well-maintained four-lane road. You’ll pass through Motera (home to Narendra Modi Stadium), cross the Sabarmati River, and then take the GIFT City exit. The exit is clearly marked once you approach Gandhinagar.
There are toll plazas along this route. Have your FASTag ready, or carry cash. Don’t rely on just your phone. During peak hours (morning rush 7:30–9:30 AM and evening 5:30–8 PM), this highway can get clogged. If you’re flexible, travel before 8 AM or after 10 AM. Check Google Maps for live traffic before you leave.
Transport options: cab, car, or metro
By Uber or Ola
Both Ola and Uber operate between Ahmedabad and GIFT City. From central Ahmedabad, expect to pay ₹600 to ₹900 depending on surge pricing and your pickup location. Drivers occasionally decline long rides to remote destinations like GIFT City. If your first request gets cancelled, try again.
By own car
If you have a car, this is the simplest option. You control your timing, there’s no surge pricing, and the drive is straightforward. Parking is easy once you arrive.
By metro
The GIFT City metro station is on the Violet Line (GIFT City spur), which connects to the main Ahmedabad Metro network. You can take the metro from central Ahmedabad and reach GIFT City in around an hour including waiting time and transfers. It is slower than a direct cab but cheaper and not affected by traffic. The complete Ahmedabad Metro guide has full route and fare information.
Parking at GIFT City
GIFT City is actively building new parking infrastructure, including multi-level facilities with one seven-storey underground structure. For now, parking is available at hotels and business buildings. If you’re staying at or visiting Grand Mercure or GIFT City Club, parking is typically free for guests and visitors.
If parking elsewhere in GIFT City, follow signs to the designated parking zones. The city is planned and organised, so parking is easier than in older parts of Ahmedabad.
Navigating GIFT City once you arrive
Streets in GIFT City are wide, numbered, and logical. GPS works well here. When you arrive, signboards direct you to the business district, residential areas, and hotels. It is nothing like the older parts of Ahmedabad; street signs are readable and the layout makes sense.
If you’re visiting for business, your office building will have clear directions and parking. If you’re coming to dine or see the city, the main hubs are the hotel clusters and the central business district.
What to do at GIFT City
Stay overnight
Grand Mercure Ahmedabad GIFT City and GIFT City Club (part of Radisson Individuals) are the two main hotels. Both have restaurants, gyms, pools, and business facilities. The Grand Mercure has 151 rooms; GIFT City Club has 103. Both are positioned as business hotels, so rates are higher than typical Ahmedabad hotels but not unreasonable for the amenities.
Eat and drink
Grand Mercure has Sangam, an all-day dining restaurant. GIFT City Club has three options: Cblu, RISE (Indian and international dishes), and AFTERWORX. The bar scene at GIFT City Club is popular. Non-Gujarat residents can consume alcohol here without a liquor permit, which is not the case in Ahmedabad itself. If you want more detail on this, the GIFT City liquor policy guide explains how it works.
Work and co-work
GIFT City is full of office towers and international financial services companies. Public co-working spaces exist but are not prominently marketed to casual visitors.
Sports and leisure
GIFT City Club has football, badminton, basketball, tennis, squash, and more, available to hotel guests and members.
Best time to visit
Weekdays are quieter for parking and dining. Morning (8 AM to noon) is the best window if you want to avoid traffic. Late afternoon after 3 PM also works. Avoid the evening rush between 5:30 PM and 8 PM if possible.
In peak summer (May to June), travel early. The city is air-conditioned indoors but the walk from parking to buildings can be intense in the heat.
Frequently asked questions
How far is GIFT City from Ahmedabad?
About 30 km by road. Driving time is 35 to 45 minutes in normal traffic, up to an hour during peak rush hours.
Can I reach GIFT City by public transport?
Yes. The GIFT City metro station (Violet Line) connects to the Ahmedabad Metro network. The journey takes about an hour from central Ahmedabad including transfers. Ola and Uber are also available.
Is there a road toll to GIFT City?
Yes. There are toll plazas on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway. Carry cash or have a FASTag. Tolls are typically ₹100 to ₹200 depending on vehicle type.
What’s the parking situation like?
Parking is available at hotels and designated zones throughout GIFT City. New multi-level facilities are being built. For hotel guests, it’s usually free. Check with your destination when you book.
Can I have alcohol in GIFT City?
Yes, non-Gujarat residents can drink alcohol in GIFT City without a liquor permit. GIFT City operates under special economic zone rules. Alcohol is prohibited in Ahmedabad proper, so many visitors travel to GIFT City specifically for this.
What if I’m traveling for business?
GIFT City is India’s international financial services hub, with offices for major banks, brokers, and trading firms. For a full picture of what the GIFT City ecosystem offers, see the GIFT City complete guide.
Last verified: March 2026 | Sources: GIFT City official site, Ahmedabad Metro Corporation
