A long layover in Porbandar is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Porbandar Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave PBD:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for India. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Porbandar takes about 30 minutes by Taxi / Auto-rickshaw. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Porbandar, we’d suggest Kirti Mandir and Sudama Mandir. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside PBD — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Passenger Waiting Area
- News & Essentials Stand
Best Bites Near PBD
For food in Porbandar, local travelers recommend Hotel Swati Restaurant & Banquets. If you have time for a second stop, Maharaja Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at PBD, PBD Airport Cafeteria is the go-to. Hot Beverages & Snacks rounds out your in-terminal options.
Transport from Porbandar Airport to Downtown
From PBD, the Taxi / Auto-rickshaw gets you to Porbandar in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Auto-rickshaw offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Porbandar:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $4 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $19 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at PBD can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Porbandar for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and PBD is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Porbandar and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Taking a Break at PBD
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, PBD has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Porbandar genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.