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

Surat to Udaipur Road Trip

Updated July 22, 2026

Surat → Udaipur | 2 Days

~480 kmTotal Distance~8 hoursDrive TimeOct - MarBest Time
Western India

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.

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: Excellent

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 toll charges in 2026 are higher than the old route because the fastest path uses the distance-based Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) plus a few NH48 plazas, with the total one-way cost ranging between ₹800–₹1,200 for a standard car.

Toll (One Way)

₹800 – ₹1,200

Fuel Cost (One Way)

₹3,300 – ₹4,500
Based on average mileage
of 12-15 km/l.

Other Route Options

Alternate 1- via NE 4 & Udaipur–Ahmedabad Highway
~8 hours • ~495 km

Uses the expressway for the first leg, then swings onto the Udaipur–Ahmedabad Highway via the Himmatnagar side. Almost identical drive time but slightly longer in distance; a good fallback if the Modasa–Shamlaji stretch is congested.

Alternate 2- via NH48
~10.5 hours • ~480 km

The classic all-NH48 corridor through Bharuch, Vadodara, the Ahmedabad bypass and Himmatnagar. Shortest in kilometres but the slowest today because it threads three city traffic belts. Choose it only if the expressway has closures.

Itinerary - Day Wise Plan

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 early, ideally around 5:30–6:00 AM, to clear the city before joining the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) past Kamrej. The expressway is the easy part of the day, high-speed, uninterrupted, and bypassing the Bharuch, Vadodara and Ahmedabad traffic completely so settle into a steady cruise and plan a proper breakfast or chai stop at a plaza before you exit near Chhabanpur. From there the drive turns more local and scenic as you run northwest through Modasa toward Shamlaji. Break at the 11th-century Shamlaji Temple, a Vishnu shrine right off the highway near the Gujarat–Rajasthan border which is ideal for a short stretch, photos or a quick darshan before the Aravalli climb. You will usually reach Udaipur in the late afternoon or early evening. After checking in, ease into the city's lakeside rhythm, wander down to Gangaur Ghat, catch the sun setting over Lake Pichola Ambrai Ghat, and wrap up with dinner at a lakeside rooftop café. Choose from well-located hotels or heritage stays around Lake Pichola, Lal Ghat or Gangaur Ghat for a comfortable overnight stay.

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
Lake Pichola
Iconic Udaipur lakefront known for cafés, boat views, and heritage surroundings.
2
Shamlaji Temple
11th-century Vishnu shrine right on the highway, a popular en-route darshan and photo stop.
3
Gangaur Ghat
4
Ambrai Ghat
The classic sunset spot on Lake Pichola's eastern bank, facing the City Palace across the water, this is where the postcard sunset photo...

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.

Stay Options

The Fern Residency
Trident UdaipurPremium
Luxury lakeside hotel known for peaceful gardens, premium hospitality, and convenient access to Lake Pichola.
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
  • Fuel up before the expressway and again near Modasa/Shamlaji, expressway plazas are spaced out
  • Try to reach Udaipur before sunset to enjoy the lake area in the evening

Day 2: Udaipur Sightseeing

Day 2 is a relaxed day around Udaipur's old city and lakes. Start at the City Palace when it opens at 9:30 AM, then walk to the nearby Jagdish Temple and into Hathi Pol Bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs. After a lakeside lunch near Gangaur Ghat, spend the afternoon at Saheliyon ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake, and end the day watching the sunset from Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace before dinner at Ambrai Ghat. Keep the pace easy — the old-city cluster is walkable, and picking one afternoon area and one sunset point makes for a far nicer day than rushing through every attraction.

Places to Visit

1
City Palace
Historic palace complex known for royal courtyards and panoramic lake views.
2
Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple is that one spot in Udaipur you’ll probably stumble upon while just walking around—but it’s totally worth stopping for. It’s...
3
Fateh Sagar Lake
Popular Udaipur lakefront known for sunset views, cafés, and relaxed evening atmosphere.
4
Bagore ki Haveli
Popular heritage haveli known for traditional architecture and cultural exhibits.
5
Hathi Pol Bazaar (Bada Bazar)
Popular shopping area known for handicrafts, miniature paintings, and souvenirs.

With extra time: swap or add the Mansapurna Karni Mata ropeway viewpoint, the Bagore ki Haveli heritage museum and its evening folk-dance show.

Food Stops

Jheel’s Rooftop CaféLunch
Popular rooftop café known for lake views and relaxed breakfast atmosphere.
Upre by 1559 ADDinner
Popular rooftop restaurant known for Lake Pichola views and evening atmosphere.

Travel Tips

  • Visit City Palace at opening (9:30 AM) to beat crowds; carry ID for museum tickets
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes while exploring the old city
  • Spend the afternoon near Fateh Sagar Lake or Saheliyon Ki Bari
  • Pick one sunset point (Sajjangarh or the Karni Mata ropeway), not both, to keep the day easy
  • 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.

Surat to Udaipur Road Trip Map

This route map shows the best route from Surat to Udaipur via the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4), Modasa and Shamlaji onto NH48. Follow this route for the fastest and smoothest Surat to Udaipur road trip, the expressway bypasses the Bharuch, Vadodara and Ahmedabad traffic belt, and the final stretch after Shamlaji delivers the scenic Aravalli climb into Rajasthan near Udaipur. Distances are approximate and intended for planning reference.
Surat to Udaipur road trip route map.

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 fastest route is via the NE 4 expressway and NH48 (~480 km, ~8 hours) — it joins the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway past Kamrej, bypasses the Bharuch–Vadodara–Ahmedabad traffic belt, then runs through Modasa and Shamlaji into Rajasthan. A near-identical alternate uses NE 4 then the Udaipur–Ahmedabad Highway (~495 km), and the older all-NH48 route (~480 km) is shortest in distance but roughly 1.5–2 hours slower today because of city traffic.

What are the Surat to Udaipur toll charges in 2026?

Expect roughly ₹800–₹1,200 one way for a standard car. The recommended route uses the distance-based Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE 4) plus a few NH48 plazas, so tolls are higher than the old NH48-only route. FASTag is mandatory on all national highways and the expressway, so ensure it is linked and topped up before you start.

How much fuel will the Surat to Udaipur drive cost?

Expect roughly ₹3,300–₹4,500 one way, assuming average mileage of 12–15 km/l over ~481 km. Use the on-page fuel calculator to estimate based on your own vehicle's mileage and current fuel price.

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 cover the drive and Udaipur's main sights — City Palace, Lake Pichola and a sunset viewpoint. A third day lets you slow down or add a scenic extension toward Kumbhalgarh, Mount Abu or Chittorgarh.

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

On the expressway, use the spaced-out plazas for breakfast and fuel. Once you exit near Chhabanpur, dhabas and restaurants around the Modasa–Shamlaji stretch are the reliable cluster before the hills. In Udaipur, popular choices include lakeside spots like Ambrai and Jheel's Rooftop Café.

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, many travellers complete the ~480 km drive in a single day by leaving Surat around 5:30–6:00 AM and reaching Udaipur by evening, then sightsee the next day. Doing the drive both ways in one day is not recommended, keep at least one night in Udaipur.

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Before You Go

Things to Do Along the Road Trip

Explore top-rated tours and activities in Udaipur to make your road trip unforgettable.

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