Ahmedabad Airport (AMD) Flights & Information

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is an international airport in the city of Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat, India. It serves both the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. I have been to India more than 2 dozen times, and every time I marvel that I just have so much more to discover.

Flying into this airport is a gateway to Gir National Park, the western coast and Indus Valley – all places that dazzle. Also, the fast-growing and hip city of Ahmedabad itself is ready for discovery. The airport is busy and services a large number of passengers but is easy to navigate in just 2 terminals – 1 (domestic) and 2 (international). The terminals are connected by bus, but the new moving walkway is more fun.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to AMD airport in Ahmedabad, complete with my own expert tips.

Getting to and from the airport

There is a train station less than 10 miles from the airport and you can easily hop a rickshaw to get there if you prefer. From there you are connected to the whole country with the fantastic rail system. Otherwise, there are a few ways to travel between AMD airport and the city – bus, taxi or car.

The bus system works well from the airport and you can walk to the nearest bus stop (Sardar Nagar Approach) by just following the signs. It will take 12 minutes by foot after leaving the terminal. The routing is ISKCON to RTO to Airport and starts at 6 am and ends at 11 pm with many stops. But I recommend grabbing a taxi or rickshaw instead – it is inexpensive and efficient.

You will see the pre-paid taxi zone at arrivals, but you can also use the rideshare apps to get an Uber or Ola curbside (pickup lane 2). Usually taxis are negotiable, but you can opt for this prepaid rideshare option instead. This journey, if you’re heading to the center of Ahmedabad, takes less than 30 minutes as it’s just 7 miles or so. There will be traffic so make sure to leave enough time, but it flows.

Car rental and parking at the airport

There is a car rental facility if you’re brave enough to drive in India. I have done it plenty and I have learned exactly how to drive in this culture with enough caution and enthusiasm. Luckily Indian drivers are mostly friendly and encouraged me as a driver.

When you are at the arrivals hall the car rental kiosks are right outside and easily spotted. The area is called Carzonrent and is accessed from the ground level of both Terminals 1 and 2.

If you need to park, there are many areas right outside the airport. The parking rate is fixed and calculated on an hourly basis. There is also a long-term parking area next to the short-term parking. Just walk out of the terminal and it is across the way – follow the parking lot signs. They are open 24 hours per day.

Staying a little longer at the airport

The airport lounge I have used most is the Plaza Premium lounge, which is on the international departures side in Terminal 2. They allow for business class passengers and also Priority Pass holders.

If you have some time I recommend heading over to Zivaya Spa in Terminal 1 (after security on the ground floor). It is a perfect wellness destination where you can book treatments like a classic massage or traditional oil beauty treatment.

JPOD is a very futuristic capsule hotel at the airport that I highly recommend. Capsules are available for 3, 6, 24 or 48 hours. You can book upon arrival or on the website beforehand. It comes with Wi-Fi, a locker and a shower, and the beds are surprisingly comfortable. They are also open 24 hours per day and have a handy business center if you need that. Find the pod boutique hotel at domestic arrivals T1 next to Gate 6.

There isn’t another airport hotel, but if you prefer to leave the terminal I have a recommendation and it is ITC Narmada. It is just under 10 miles away from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and there is a shuttle that you can arrange for a very quick pick-up. There is an outdoor pool and a fitness center, and I have loved staying here as it’s beautifully done.

Shopping at the airport

On the post security side ground floor is my favorite snack shop, Anand Sweets and Savories. I recommend popping in here for gifts like the Meetaz bites box with a variety of Indian dried fruit and nuts.

If you want brand names there is a PUMA store, Samsonite store for luggage (after security on the first floor), Hamleys for toys in the arrivals hall, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein for clothes (both are after security first floor), and a Body Shop (post security on the first floor). Sweet Dreams in the forecourt has sleepwear, and if you want something from local artisans try RarePlanet Lux (after security on the first floor).

I have also spent time at KAMA Ayurveda to find some therapeutic skin and hair care products made in India. Lastly, there is a massive duty-free area also where you will find all the classics from perfume to souvenirs. In fact, this is often when I buy dried fruits and nuts to take home, plus they have great deals on fabrics.

Dining at the airport

This airport has a lot of dining options, so no matter what you’re after you will find it here. The best coffee is Kaffa Coffee Roasters (Terminal 1 departures). They have specialized coffee and you can also buy beans to take home.

The Mumbai based patisserie and chocolatier Theobroma has an outlet here in Terminal 1 departures and it is a perfect place to indulge. If you want a quick masala chai, Patel Chaiwala is where to find it (I recommend it without sugar at all) and they are in Terminal 2, landside.

Hokko Eatery in the forecourt of Terminal 1 arrivals is my favorite overall place to eat at the airport. It has all the local classics, including chana puri. Masala Kitchen nearby also has perfect sit-down meals waiting to delight you.

Amenities at the airport

For that incredible Indian hospitality, I have booked the premium concierge service called Pranaam, which provides assistance through arriving, departing and transiting. You can book this service on the airport website before traveling if you’d like a meet and greet.

There is a 24-hour pharmacy available here called Apollo and it can be found in both terminals on the ground floor at the arrivals hall. If you like your luggage wrapped, there is a plastic wrapping service in both terminals.

If you need an ATM there is a Bank of Baroda curbside opposite Gate 3, and IndusInd Bank in the Terminal 2 forecourt area. Forex is available at arrivals and departures – there’s one at Terminal 2 in the check in hall plus another at arrivals on the ground floor opposite Gate 6.

Gujarat Tourism has 2 helpful outposts brimming with information in Terminals 1 and 2, in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. And if you have medical needs there is a first aid and medical center right in Terminal 1 opposite the security check area, and in Terminal 2 arrivals on the ground floor opposite Gate 6.

And lastly, if you’re traveling with a baby you can use various special baby care rooms. You will find them in Terminal 1 at the boarding hall on the first floor and the arrival hall on the ground floor, and in Terminal 2 on the first floor of the boarding hall.

Unfortunately, free Wi-Fi is limited to 30 minutes and you need an Indian cell number to validate it.