When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Ahmedabad?
Summers in Ahmedabad are hot (34-44 degrees Celsius) and last from mid-March to mid-June when the monsoon season finally breaks the heat. The rain lessens by September making the winter months from October to March the best time to visit in terms of weather. Prices for flights to Ahmedabad can rise over Christmas and New Year’s as well as for Indian holidays, so make sure you book your return flights at least eight weeks in advance for these periods.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Ahmedabad?
With Netflights, you can compare return flights month-by-month and find last-minute flights from top airlines. Usually, you’ll find the best selection of routes and rates when you book Ahmedabad flights six to eight weeks prior to travel. The off-season (the high summer and monsoon season) is a good time to find cheap flights to Ahmedabad as are Tuesdays, while Saturday have higher airfares on average.
Flying to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport AMD
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is located in Hansol, 15 kilometres from the city centre. There are four terminals: one for international travel, one for domestic flights and two for secondary traffic and cargo. Terminal 2, opened in 2010, won best steel structure in national awards. At present, there are no direct flights from the United Kingdom (UK), but you can find plenty of flights to Ahmedabad with just one stopover. Airlines tend to have stopovers in their home country. With Netflights, compare airfares from British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flybe, Jet Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss and Virgin Atlantic. Check-in for Ahmedabad flights at many UK airports, including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Terminal 2 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) includes a long-moving walkway to assist passengers moving between the two terminals. This medium-sized airport also includes lifts, escalators and signs in English. Both terminals have all the facilities travellers need in an airport: luggage services, banks and currency exchanges, Wi-Fi, childcare rooms, shops (including duty-free), restaurants and cafes with air-conditioned seating areas. There are a quite a few information desks, including for hotel and transport booking.
Getting to the City from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport AMD
The nearest bus stop is the Sardar Nagar Approach, which is about a 12-minute walk from the airport (you could also take a taxi). Buses 16, 101, 105, 106, 107 and 126 all head to the city centre from the airport. You can prepay for your taxi at booths in the airport or find taxis and rickshaws waiting outside the arrivals lounge. Shuttle buses also run every 30 minutes, providing pick-up and drop-off services to 29 stops.
Why Visit Ahmedabad?
Ahmedabad has always been pioneering. Founded in the 11th century, it was one of India’s prized cities (famous for its Islamic architecture) by the 1800s. Dubbed ‘the Manchester of the East’ during British rule, the metropolis is now part of the wave of IT-based commerce that’s sweeping India into the future with a smattering of modern architecture to show for it.
The city is famous for being the central point for the Indian Independence Movement after Mahatma Gandhi arrived in 1915 and set up the Sabarmati Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which is now open to visitors. Top historic sites include Bhadra Fort (the heart of the ancient city), the jaw-dropping Jain Hutheesing Temple and Jama Masjid, which is considered one of India’s most beautiful mosques. Don’t miss the Calico Textile Museum, one of the best collections of Indian textiles in the world.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders are eligible for a 60-day e-Visa. Go to the India High Commission website for details on how to apply. The day you are required to leave the country (or have extended your visa by) will be stamped in your passport. Your passport needs to be machine readable and contain two blank pages for your visa. It must also be valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of your visa application. Indian rupees are available from ATMs and currency exchange services at the airport.
