TL;DR
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s busiest airport and one of India’s fastest-growing. It has two terminals (domestic and international), strong connectivity to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and is conveniently located just 9-12 km from the city centre. The airport has seen major upgrades in recent years to handle increasing traffic, making it a modern and efficient gateway to Gujarat.
Airport Overview — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (IATA: AMD)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, commonly known as Ahmedabad Airport, is Gujarat’s primary airport and one of the busiest in western India. Located in Hansol, about 9-12 kilometres north of the city centre, the airport serves as the main gateway for Gujarat’s commercial capital and the broader state.
The airport’s IATA code is AMD and its ICAO code is VAAH. Named after India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and the architect of India’s unification, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the airport has experienced remarkable growth in passenger traffic over the past decade, driven by Gujarat’s economic expansion, the large Gujarati diaspora in the Middle East and Africa, and increasing domestic air travel.
Ahmedabad Airport has undergone significant expansion and modernisation. The upgraded terminal infrastructure reflects the city’s growing importance as a business and tourism hub. The airport handles flights to all major Indian cities and has a solid international network, particularly to Gulf countries.
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Terminal Layout and Navigation
Ahmedabad Airport has two terminals that handle domestic and international operations separately.
Terminal 1 (Domestic)
Terminal 1 handles all domestic flight operations. The terminal has been expanded and modernised with upgraded check-in facilities, wider security screening areas, more boarding gates, and improved passenger amenities. Check-in counters are organised by airline on the ground level, and the departure lounge with gates, food outlets, and lounges is on the upper level.
The domestic terminal handles a high volume of traffic, especially during peak morning and evening hours. IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and other domestic carriers all operate from Terminal 1.
Terminal 2 (International)
Terminal 2 handles international departures and arrivals. This terminal features immigration and customs facilities, duty-free shopping, international lounges, and forex counters. The terminal has been designed to handle the growing international traffic, particularly the heavy Middle East routes.
International check-in, immigration, and security are all within Terminal 2. If you are flying to Dubai, Singapore, or any other international destination from Ahmedabad, head to Terminal 2.
Terminal Quick Reference
| Terminal | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Domestic | Expanded check-in area, domestic lounges, food court, retail |
| Terminal 2 | International | Immigration, duty-free, international lounges, forex counters |
Airlines and Destinations
Ahmedabad Airport is well-served by domestic carriers and has a growing international route network driven by the strong Gujarat diaspora in the Middle East.
Domestic Airlines and Routes
All major Indian airlines operate from AMD. IndiGo has the largest domestic network from Ahmedabad, with flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Kochi, and several other cities. Air India connects Ahmedabad to major metros and some international destinations. Akasa Air has been steadily expanding its AMD network. SpiceJet and Alliance Air serve additional routes.
| Destination | Airlines | Approx. Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet | 1h 40m |
| Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet | 1h 15m |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air | 2h 00m |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo, Air India | 1h 45m |
| Kolkata (CCU) | IndiGo, Air India | 2h 30m |
| Goa (GOI) | IndiGo, Air India | 1h 20m |
International Airlines and Routes
Ahmedabad has strong international connectivity, particularly to the Middle East. The large Gujarati population in UAE, Qatar, Oman, and other Gulf countries drives high demand on these routes.
| Region | Airlines | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East | Air India, IndiGo, Air Arabia, Air India Express, Etihad | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat |
| Southeast Asia | IndiGo, Thai AirAsia | Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur |
| Other | Air India (select routes) | London (via connections), select destinations |
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Getting To and From the Airport
Ahmedabad Airport’s location near the city centre makes ground transport convenient and relatively quick.
Prepaid Taxis
Prepaid taxi counters are located in the arrivals hall. Fixed rates to common destinations are displayed. This is a hassle-free option — pay at the counter, receive a slip, and head to the taxi stand. Prepaid taxis to areas like CG Road, Ashram Road, and Navrangpura typically cost INR 300-500.
Ola and Uber
Both Ola and Uber operate at Ahmedabad Airport with designated pickup points outside the arrivals area. Fares to the city centre are generally INR 200-400, making this one of the most affordable airport-to-city cab rides in India. The ride takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
AMTS and BRTS Buses
Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) buses and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) provide public transport options from areas near the airport. While not as convenient as a direct metro or dedicated airport bus, these services connect to various parts of the city at very low fares (INR 10-30). The BRTS system, in particular, has dedicated lanes and is reasonably efficient.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are available outside the airport. Ahmedabad autos run on CNG and are metered. A ride to the city centre should cost INR 80-200 depending on the distance. They are a practical option for solo travellers with light luggage heading to nearby areas.
Transport Options Comparison
| Mode | Approx. Cost (INR) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Taxi | 300-500 | 20-40 min | Fixed-rate, families |
| Ola/Uber | 200-400 | 20-40 min | Best value, door-to-door |
| Auto-Rickshaw | 80-200 | 20-35 min | Budget, light luggage |
| AMTS/BRTS Bus | 10-30 | 30-60 min | Ultra-budget |
Tip: If you are heading to the GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) area, it is about 15 km from the airport and takes 25-45 minutes by cab. For SG Highway and the western parts of Ahmedabad, expect 30-50 minutes.
Airport Lounges
Ahmedabad Airport has lounges in both the domestic and international departure areas, catering to business travellers and passengers who prefer a comfortable pre-flight experience.
Domestic Lounges
The domestic departure area has lounges accessible via credit card benefits, Priority Pass, and walk-in payments. These lounges serve hot meals (including Gujarati vegetarian options), snacks, beverages, and provide WiFi and charging facilities. Walk-in access typically costs INR 1,200-2,000.
International Lounges
The international terminal has lounge options for passengers flying on Gulf and Southeast Asian routes. Given that many international flights depart late at night, these lounges are valuable for passengers who arrive early. Expect a similar range of amenities — hot food, drinks, WiFi, and comfortable seating.
For a detailed breakdown of how to access airport lounges in India using credit cards, Priority Pass, or walk-in, read our airport lounge access guide.
Food, Shopping, and Facilities
Dining
Ahmedabad Airport has a good selection of food outlets across both terminals. Given Gujarat’s strong vegetarian culture, you will find extensive vegetarian options everywhere — Gujarati thalis, South Indian dishes, sandwiches, pizza, and Indian snacks. Non-vegetarian options are also available at select outlets. The food court in the domestic departure area offers the widest range of choices.
As with all Indian airports, water bottles (500ml) are price-capped at INR 50 under AERA guidelines.
Duty-Free (International Terminal)
The duty-free zone in Terminal 2 offers liquor, perfumes, electronics, chocolates, and cosmetics. It is worth noting that Gujarat has alcohol prohibition — so the duty-free liquor you purchase at AMD cannot be opened or consumed within the state. It is only meant for consumption outside Gujarat or for gifting. Keep the sealed duty-free bag and receipt for compliance.
Other Facilities
- Free WiFi: Available throughout the terminal
- Currency Exchange: Forex counters in both terminals
- ATMs: Multiple ATMs in arrivals and departures
- Pharmacy: Available in the arrivals area
- Prayer Room: Available for passengers
- Baby Care Room: Facilities for families with infants
- Luggage Wrapping: Available in the departures area
- Car Rental: Desks in the arrivals hall
Tips for Flying from Ahmedabad Airport
Some practical advice for passengers using AMD:
Arrive 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international flights. The airport can get busy during peak hours, and international check-in and immigration take time.
Check your terminal before heading to the airport. Domestic flights are from Terminal 1 and international from Terminal 2. While they are in the same complex, entering the wrong terminal wastes time.
Gujarat is a dry state. Alcohol is prohibited in Gujarat. You cannot purchase or consume alcohol at the airport (domestic areas). The duty-free liquor in the international terminal is only for travel outside Gujarat.
Peak travel periods. Ahmedabad sees heavy traffic during Navratri (September-October), Diwali, Uttarayan/Makar Sankranti (January), and the general wedding season (November-February). Book flights well in advance during these periods to get the best fares.
Use web check-in. All major airlines offer online check-in. If you have only cabin baggage, skip the counter queue entirely.
Nearby Attractions
Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City with a rich history and vibrant culture. Some highlights for visitors:
- Sabarmati Ashram: Mahatma Gandhi’s historic ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River, about 8 km from the airport. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- Old City Heritage Walk: The walled city area features traditional pols (residential clusters), step-wells, and centuries-old wooden architecture. The morning heritage walk is highly recommended.
- Adalaj Stepwell: An intricately carved five-storey stepwell about 18 km from the city, showcasing stunning Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Statue of Unity: The world’s tallest statue (182 m), located about 200 km from Ahmedabad near Kevadia. A popular day trip or overnight excursion.
- Rann of Kutch: The stunning white salt desert, about 400 km from Ahmedabad. Best visited during the Rann Utsav festival (November-February).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many terminals does Ahmedabad Airport have?
Two terminals. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights and Terminal 2 handles international flights. Both are within the same airport complex.
How far is Ahmedabad Airport from the city centre?
About 9-12 km from central areas like CG Road, Ashram Road, and Navrangpura. A cab ride takes 20-40 minutes and costs INR 200-500.
Which international flights operate from Ahmedabad?
Direct flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. Airlines include Air India, IndiGo, Air Arabia, Air India Express, and Gulf carriers.
Is there a metro connection to Ahmedabad Airport?
The Ahmedabad Metro has been under development with phases opening progressively. Check Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation for the latest airport connectivity status. Cabs, autos, and buses are readily available in the meantime.
What lounges are available at Ahmedabad Airport?
Lounges are available in both domestic and international departure areas. Access via credit cards, Priority Pass, and walk-in payments. They serve hot meals, beverages, and offer WiFi.
Can I get vegetarian food easily at Ahmedabad Airport?
Yes. Gujarat is predominantly vegetarian, and the airport has extensive vegetarian options including Gujarati thalis, South Indian food, and snacks. Non-vegetarian food is also available at select outlets.
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Disclaimer: Airport facilities, transport options, and pricing mentioned in this guide are based on information available as of March 2026 and may change. Always verify current details with the airport or service providers before travel. HappyFares is a flight booking platform and is not affiliated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport or the Airports Authority of India.
