Scenic Aravalli hills and Lake Pichola marking the Udaipur end of the Surat to Udaipur road trip.

Surat to Udaipur Road Trip

Surat → Udaipur · 2 days

~480 kmTotal Distance~8 hoursDrive TimeOct - MarBest TimeModerateDifficulty
Western IndiaHeritage & Culture

Road Trip Overview

Plan a complete Surat to Udaipur road trip with the best route, day-by-day itinerary, toll costs, road conditions, fuel cost, places to visit, food stops, stay options and self-drive tips. The Surat to Udaipur distance by road is approximately 480 km, and the drive takes around 8 hours depending on your departure time and traffic leaving Surat. The fastest route now leaves the old all-NH48 corridor behind, it climbs onto the new Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) just past Kamrej, bypasses the Bharuch–Vadodara–Ahmedabad city-traffic belt entirely, then exits near Chhabanpur to run northwest through Modasa and the temple town of Shamlaji before joining NH48 for the scenic Aravalli climb into Rajasthan. It is a long but comfortable single-day drive on modern, high-speed roads, best done as a 2-day trip that pairs the highway with royal heritage in Udaipur — City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon ki Bari and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace plus lakeside cafés and old-city markets. If you are planning a longer journey, you can extend this route toward the Udaipur to Mount Abu road trip or onward to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

Recommended route for this guide

Surat → Udaipur via NE 4 (Delhi–Mumbai Expressway) & NH48 · ~480 km · ~8 hours

BEST ROUTE

Surat → Udaipur via NE 4 (Delhi–Mumbai Expressway) & NH48
Distance: ~480 km
Duration: ~8 hours

The best route from Surat to Udaipur joins the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) past Kamrej, skips the Bharuch–Vadodara–Ahmedabad traffic belt, then runs through Modasa and Shamlaji onto NH48 for a smooth, high-speed drive into Rajasthan.

Why is this the best route?

✔ Fastest option, the NE 4 expressway saves roughly 1.5–2 hours over the old NH48-only route.

✔ Bypasses the Bharuch, Vadodara and Ahmedabad city traffic entirely.

✔ Passes the 11th-century Shamlaji Temple and a scenic Aravalli entry near the Rajasthan border.

ROAD CONDITIONS

Overall: Very Good

Surat – Kamrej

Very Good

Kamrej – Chhabanpur

Excellent

Chhabanpur – Modasa

Very Good

Modasa – Shamlaji

Good

Shamlaji – Udaipur

Very Good

Good to know

  • The NE 4 expressway is high-speed and access-controlled, fuel and food are at spaced-out plazas, so top up before long stretches.
  • Regular dhabas, fuel pumps and rest stops resume once you rejoin NH48 near Shamlaji.
  • The Aravalli curves after Shamlaji are scenic but need extra attention, especially after dark.

Toll & Fuel Estimate

Surat to Udaipur via NE 4 (Delhi–Mumbai Expressway) and NH48. FASTag is mandatory on this stretch.

Toll (one way)

₹710Verified 6 Oct 2026

Fuel cost (one way)

₹3,260 – ₹4,080Based on 12–15 km/l · Gujarat petrol price ~₹102/l
Fuel cost varies by vehicle — use the calculator below for your exact mileage.

Itinerary - Day Wise Plan

Recommended Route

Quick overview of your 2-day road trip

Day 1Surat → Udaipur~480 km • ~8 hoursDay 2Udaipur Sightseeing

Day 1: Surat → Udaipur

Start your Surat to Udaipur road trip by 5:30 AM to clear the Varachha and Kamrej stretch before traffic builds, then join the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) for a fast, signal-free run past Bharuch and Vadodara. Stop for breakfast at the expressway food plaza near Vadodara, about two hours in, and top up fuel here because services are spaced out on NE 4. Leave the expressway at the Godhra exit and follow the Modasa–Godhra Highway through Lunawada, Malpur and Modasa to Shamlaji, where the 11th-century Shamlaji Temple and the highway restaurants make a natural lunch halt. From here NH48 crosses into Rajasthan at Ratanpur and winds through the Aravalli foothills past Kherwara and Rishabhdev, bringing you into Udaipur by around 4 PM. Check in near the old-city ghats and rest after the long drive. In the evening, walk to Jagdish Temple in the heart of the old city, then cross to Ambrai Ghat for sunset over Lake Pichola and the City Palace, and stay on for a lakeside dinner, so the whole evening is on foot with no more driving.

Distance~480 km
Driving Time~8 hours
Best Departure Time5:30 AM
HighwayNE 4 & NH48
Close view of the historic City Palace building in Udaipur Rajasthan visited on the Surat to Udaipur road trip.

Places to Visit

1
Shamlaji Temple
11th-century Vishnu shrine right on the highway, a popular en-route darshan and photo stop.
2
Jagdish Temple
Grand Indo-Aryan style temple with intricately carved pillars and a large shrine to Lord Vishnu, set among old-city lanes.
3
Ambrai Ghat
Lakeside ghat famous for sunset views of the City Palace and its reflection on the water.

Food Stops

Holiday Multicuisine RestaurantBreakfast
Natraj Dining HallLunch
Popular Udaipur restaurant known for traditional Rajasthani thali and local flavors.
Ambrai RestaurantDinner
Popular lakeside restaurant known for City Palace views and North Indian cuisine.
Tip:

Other outlets at the NE 4 food plaza, including McDonald's, open only at 10 AM, so plan breakfast at Jagdish Food Zone or carry snacks from Surat.

Stay Options

Trident UdaipurPremium
Luxury lakeside hotel known for peaceful gardens, premium hospitality, and convenient access to Lake Pichola.
Mewar HaveliBudget
Popular heritage-style stay near Lake Pichola known for rooftop views and old-city atmosphere.

Best Areas to Stay

  • Lake Pichola Area
  • Gangaur Ghat / Lal Ghat
  • Fateh Sagar Lake
  • Rani Road

Travel Tips

  • Leave Surat before 6 AM to clear city traffic and reach Udaipur before dark
  • Take 2–3 short breaks on the long drive, Shamlaji Temple is the natural mid-point
  • Keep FASTag topped up, the NE 4 expressway is distance-based tolling
  • Start with a full tank and top up at the NE 4 plaza near Vadodara
  • Finish the Aravalli stretch after Shamlaji in daylight

Day 2: Udaipur Sightseeing

After the long drive, Day 2 starts slowly and is planned by geography, with the Fateh Sagar side in the morning and the Lake Pichola side from the afternoon, so you never cross the city twice. Have an unhurried breakfast, then head north to Saheliyon ki Bari while the gardens are still quiet and follow it with a walk along Fateh Sagar Lake. On the way back toward the old city, stop at Hathi Pol Bazaar for handicrafts, miniature paintings and textiles, then have a lake-view lunch and rest through the warmest part of the day. In the afternoon, give the City Palace a couple of hours for its courtyards, museums and balconies over the lake. From the jetty inside the same complex, take the sunset boat on Lake Pichola with a stop at Jag Mandir island, with no exit or re-entry needed. As dusk falls, walk to Gangaur Ghat for the Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore ki Haveli, and end with a rooftop dinner nearby.

Places to Visit

1
Saheliyon ki bari
Historic royal garden with fountains, lotus pools, marble pavilions and shaded lawns.
2
Fateh Sagar Lake
Popular lake with a breezy promenade, local snack stalls and views of the surrounding hills.
3
Hathi Pol Bazaar (Bada Bazar)
Popular shopping area known for handicrafts, miniature paintings, and souvenirs.
4
City Palace
Grand lakeside palace complex with ornate courtyards, royal galleries, museums and sweeping lake views.
5
Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Scenic boat ride past palaces and ghats, with a stop at the island palace of Jag Mandir.

If you have extra time: Add the Karni Mata ropeway and Dudh Talai on the morning of Day 3 before driving back, or start Day 2 with a sunrise hike at Bahubali Hills. Keep Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) and Shilpgram for a third day.

Food Stops

Jagat Niwas PalaceBreakfast
Heritage hotel restaurant with lake-view seating and a relaxed breakfast menu.
Sai Sagar Coffee HouseCafe
Popular lakeside café known for coffee and light snacks.
Khamma Ghani RestaurantLunch
Lake-view restaurant known for Rajasthani and North Indian dishes.
Upre by 1559 ADDinner
Popular rooftop restaurant known for Lake Pichola views and evening atmosphere.
Tip:

Eat breakfast at your hotel if it's included, or head to a lake-view café like Jagat Niwas Palace or Lake Pichola Hotel.

Travel Tips

  • Start slow after the long drive, as Saheliyon ki Bari is pleasant until late morning
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes while exploring the old city
  • Take an earlier sunset boat, not the last one
  • Reach the Dharohar show early for good seats, and check the timing before you go
  • In summer, shift the evening plan later
  • Carry cash for Hathi Pol Bazaar, bargaining is normal in the old-city market
Want a printable itinerary for this trip?Download PDF version of this itinerary and keep it handy during your road trip.

Don't Miss on This Road Trip

  • The carved stone exterior of Shamlaji Temple
  • Dal baati churma on the highway, laal maas in Udaipur
  • Octopussy screening at a rooftop café
  • Sunset over the City Palace from Ambrai Ghat
  • Kulhad coffee by Fateh Sagar Lake

Surat to Udaipur Road Trip Map

This map shows the recommended Surat to Udaipur road trip route along the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE4) and NH48 via Godhra, Lunawada, Modasa and Shamlaji. Distances and travel times are approximate and intended for planning reference. The live map below reflects current traffic, so its time estimate may differ slightly. For live navigation or to start from a different point, open this route directly in Google Maps.

Who Is This Road Trip For?

✔ Travellers from Surat and South Gujarat planning a Rajasthan getaway.

✔ Couples and families wanting a comfortable self-drive holiday to Udaipur.

✔ Road trippers who enjoy long, high-speed expressway drives with a temple pit stop.

✔ Anyone using Udaipur as the gateway to a bigger Rajasthan trip (Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh, Jodhpur).

Why This Road Trip Is Special?

✔ Uses the brand-new Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) for a fast, modern drive out of Gujarat.

✔ Skips three city traffic belts (Bharuch, Vadodara, Ahmedabad) that slow the old route.

✔ Perfect mix of expressway comfort, the Shamlaji Temple stop, Aravalli scenery and Udaipur's royal heritage.

✔ Udaipur can be the launch point for longer drives like the Udaipur to Mount Abu road trip or Surat to Jodhpur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Surat to Udaipur distance by road?

The Surat to Udaipur distance by road is approximately 480 km via the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) and NH48, through Modasa and Shamlaji. The drive takes around 8 hours depending on your departure time and traffic leaving Surat, making it a long but comfortable single-day drive.

What is the best route for the Surat to Udaipur road trip?

The best route is Surat → Udaipur via NE 4 (Delhi–Mumbai Expressway) and NH48: about 480 km and 8 hours. It joins the expressway past Kamrej, bypasses Bharuch and Vadodara, exits at Godhra and runs through Lunawada, Modasa and Shamlaji into Rajasthan. The alternate via Ahmedabad and Himmatnagar is about 495 km and slightly slower, while the old NH48 route is a similar distance but 1.5–2 hours slower. Google Maps may label the recommended route "via NE 4" or "via NE 4 and NH 48", it is the same road.

What are the Surat to Udaipur toll charges in 2026?

The total toll from Surat to Udaipur in 2026 is ₹710 one way for a standard car with FASTag. This covers Choryasi on NH48 (₹125), the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway up to the Godhra exit (₹395 in two sections) and Khandi Obari on NH48 in Rajasthan (₹190). The plazas on the Modasa–Godhra Highway do not charge cars. Cash payment costs double, so keep FASTag linked and topped up.

How much fuel will the Surat to Udaipur drive cost?

Expect roughly ₹3,260–₹4,080 one way, based on 12–15 km/l mileage over about 480 km and a Gujarat petrol price of around ₹102 a litre. Use the on-page fuel cost calculator for an estimate based on your own vehicle.

Is the Surat to Udaipur road trip suitable for a weekend?

Yes, but plan it as a 2-day (ideally long-weekend) trip rather than a quick one. The drive is a full day each way, so a Saturday drive, Sunday sightseeing and Monday return works best for a relaxed pace.

How many days are enough for Surat to Udaipur?

Two days are enough for the drive and Udaipur's highlights. Day 1 is the 8-hour drive with sunset at Ambrai Ghat, and Day 2 covers Saheliyon ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake, the City Palace, a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola and the Dharohar folk dance show. A third day allows the Karni Mata ropeway and Sajjangarh, or an extension to Kumbhalgarh, Mount Abu or Chittorgarh.

What are the popular food stops on the Surat to Udaipur route?

On the expressway, the food plaza near Vadodara is the main breakfast and fuel stop, where Jagdish Food Zone opens early. After the Godhra exit, highway restaurants around Modasa and Shamlaji are the reliable lunch cluster before the hills. In Udaipur, popular choices include Ambrai for a lakeside dinner, Khamma Ghani for a lake-view lunch and Upre by 1559 AD for a rooftop dinner.

Is the Surat to Udaipur road trip safe for families?

Yes. The expressway and NH48 are well-maintained and family-friendly, with FASTag tolling and food stops en route. Any hatchback, sedan or SUV in good condition handles it comfortably. As with any long drive, aim to finish the Aravalli stretch after Shamlaji before dark.

Can the Surat to Udaipur road trip be done in one day?

Yes. Most travellers cover the 480 km in a single day by leaving Surat around 5:30 AM and reaching Udaipur by around 4 PM, including breakfast and lunch breaks. Driving both ways in one day is not recommended, so keep at least one night in Udaipur.

Where do you join the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway from Surat?

From Surat, take the Surat–Kamrej road to NH48 at Kamrej and continue north to the expressway entry at Moti Naroli. You stay on NE 4 past Bharuch and Vadodara for about 210 km and leave it at the Godhra interchange for the Modasa–Godhra Highway.

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