The journey between Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat, and Vadodara (formerly Baroda), the state’s cultural capital, is one of the most seamless road trips in India. This route is vital for business, education, and tourism within the state. For anyone planning this trip, understanding the driving distance and time from Ahmedabad to Vadodara is the first step. This up-to-date 2026 guide provides all the necessary information, including the best route, travel duration, toll costs, and popular pit stops.
Quick Guide: Ahmedabad to Vadodara Drive
The driving distance from Ahmedabad to Vadodara is approximately 110 kilometres. The journey is made incredibly quick and comfortable by the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway (NE1). Thanks to this world-class road, the drive can be completed in just under 2 hours, making the two cities feel like close neighbours.
The Best Route: Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway (NE1)
The National Expressway 1 (NE1), also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Expressway, is the undisputed best route for this journey. It is a modern, six-lane, access-controlled expressway that connects the two cities directly.
Key Features of the Expressway (NE1):
- Length: The expressway itself is about 93 kilometres long.
- High-Speed Travel: With a speed limit of 100 km/h for cars, it is designed for fast and efficient travel.
- Safety: The expressway has a good safety record, with features like fences on both sides to prevent animals from entering, proper lighting, and highway patrols.
- Smooth Ride: The road surface is well-maintained, offering a very smooth and comfortable driving experience.
- Limited Access: It has only two entry and two exit points, one at Ahmedabad and the other at Vadodara, which means no interruptions from local traffic.
How to Get on the Expressway:
- From Ahmedabad: The expressway starts near the CTM (Central Transport Zone) area in Ahmedabad. You can easily access it from the Sardar Patel Ring Road.
- From Vadodara: The expressway ends on the outskirts of Vadodara, connecting smoothly to the city’s internal road network.
Analysing the Driving Time from Ahmedabad to Vadodara
A sub-2-hour journey is the norm, but there are a few factors that can slightly alter your travel time.
Factors That Influence Travel Duration:
- City Traffic: While the expressway drive is very fast, the time it takes to navigate the city traffic at both ends can add to your total journey time. Getting to the CTM start point from areas like SG Highway in Ahmedabad can take 30-45 minutes during peak hours.
- Time of Day: Traffic is generally manageable on this route, but leaving during peak office hours (9-11 AM and 5-7 PM) might add some extra time within the city limits.
- Weekend Travel: The expressway can see more traffic during weekends and public holidays, but it rarely leads to major congestion.
Realistic Time Breakdown:
| Segment | Estimated Time |
| Navigating Ahmedabad to Expressway Entry | 20 – 45 minutes |
| Drive on Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Expressway Exit to Destination in Vadodara | 15 – 30 minutes |
| Total Estimated Time | 1.75 – 2.5 hours |
Toll Charges on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway
NE1 is a toll road, and the fees contribute to its excellent maintenance. As of early 2026, the approximate one-way toll for a private car is around ₹125 – ₹135. The toll is collected at two plazas, one near Ahmedabad and another near Vadodara. FASTag is the standard mode of payment and is highly efficient, allowing for a non-stop passage through the toll booths.
The Alternative Route: National Highway 48 (NH48)
The old National Highway 48 runs parallel to the expressway. However, it is not the recommended choice for a direct trip between Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
Why Avoid NH48?
- Slower Travel: NH48 passes through several towns and cities like Nadiad and Anand, which means you’ll encounter local traffic, signals, and pedestrian movement.
- Longer Time: A journey on NH48 can take 3 to 4 hours, which is significantly longer than the expressway.
- Two-Wheelers: The only reason to take NH48 is if you are travelling by a two-wheeler (motorcycle or scooter), as they are not permitted on the expressway.
If you wish to visit places like the Amul Dairy in Anand or the temples in Dakor and Nadiad, then taking NH48 would be necessary for that part of your journey.
Popular Pit Stops and Eateries
While the expressway itself has limited amenities to maintain its high-speed nature, there are excellent food options at both ends of the expressway and on the parallel NH48.
Recommended Stops (Accessible from NH48):
- Anand: Known as the milk capital of India, you can visit the Amul complex for a tour and to sample their products.
- Nadiad: A hub for snacks and local Gujarati farsan.
- Expressway Food Courts: There are food plazas located near the entry/exit points of the expressway offering various options.
Most travellers, however, complete the short journey without a break and prefer to eat in either Ahmedabad or Vadodara. For adventure seekers, this route is also a gateway to explore other parts of Gujarat. You can check out some ideas in our guide to weekend treks from Ahmedabad.
Tips for a Safe and Quick Drive
- Adhere to the Speed Limit: The 100 km/h speed limit is strictly enforced with speed cameras. Avoid overspeeding to ensure safety and avoid fines.
- Lane Discipline: Follow proper lane discipline. Use the rightmost lane only for overtaking.
- No Stopping: It is strictly prohibited and unsafe to stop your vehicle on the main carriageway of the expressway.
- FASTag Balance: Ensure your FASTag has sufficient balance to avoid any issues at the toll plaza.
- Check Vehicle Condition: Before you begin, a quick check of your car’s tyre pressure and fuel level is always a good practice.
For those interested in exploring different parts of the state, learning about the official bank holidays in Gujarat can help in planning your trips better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Vadodara from Ahmedabad by road?
The distance between Ahmedabad and Vadodara is approximately 110 kilometres via the National Expressway 1 (NE1). This expressway is the most direct and fastest route connecting the two major cities of Gujarat.
How long is the journey from Ahmedabad to Vadodara by car?
The driving time is typically under 2 hours. The 93-km long expressway takes about an hour to cover, with additional time required to navigate the city traffic at both ends. The total door-to-door time is usually between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes.
What is the toll price on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway?
The one-way toll for a private car on the NE1 expressway is approximately ₹125 to ₹135 as of early 2026. Payment is made via FASTag at the toll plazas located near the start and end of the expressway.
Are motorcycles allowed on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway?
No, two-wheelers like motorcycles and scooters are not permitted on the main carriageway of the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway (NE1) for safety reasons. They must use the old National Highway 48 (NH48) which runs parallel to the expressway.
What is the speed limit on the NE1 Expressway?
The official speed limit for cars on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway is 100 kilometres per hour. This limit is strictly enforced with the help of speed-monitoring cameras installed along the route to ensure the safety of all commuters.