Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is Gujarat's busy, fast-growing gateway — Adani-operated, well linked to the Gulf and Southeast Asia, and, best of all for arriving travellers, remarkably close to the city. Named after the "Iron Man of India," it's the airport of homecoming for Gujarat's huge diaspora in the Gulf, the UK, and North America. Whether you're arriving from abroad, connecting onward, or heading straight into Ahmedabad, here's everything you need to know.
This Ahmedabad airport guide covers the layout of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport terminals, the AMD international arrivals and immigration process, connecting flights, Ahmedabad airport to city transport, and the best lounges. And once Myflyyatra has sorted your flights, knowing your way around AMD makes the journey effortless.
A quick note: Terminal assignments and facilities change — and AMD had a recent reassignment (see below). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before you travel.
The Terminals: T1 (Domestic) & T2 (International)
Ahmedabad's airport has two main passenger terminals (plus general aviation and cargo terminals), located in Hansol about 9–12 km north of the city centre:
- Terminal 1 (T1) — Domestic. Handles domestic flights.
- Terminal 2 (T2) — International (and some domestic). All international arrivals and departures use T2.
Here's the important recent change to know: from 29 March 2026, Air India and Air India Express flights (domestic and international) shifted to operate from Terminal 2 instead of Terminal 1. So today, T2 handles all international flights plus Air India's operations, while T1 handles the remaining domestic carriers (like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa domestic). As always, IndiGo's domestic flights use T1 and its international flights use T2 — so check your boarding pass carefully.
The two terminals are separate buildings connected by a free shuttle bus at regular intervals — worth knowing if you're connecting between domestic and international.
AMD International Arrivals & Immigration
All international flights arrive at Terminal 2. Here's the arrival flow:
- Follow the "Arrivals" signage toward immigration.
- Complete India's E-Arrival Card The renovated former international building now handles domestic flights, complete with an art zone showcasing local heritage.
- Clear immigration with your passport and visa, e-Visa, or OCI card ready — Ahmedabad is an e-Visa-designated airport, with dedicated counters.
- Collect your baggage at the belts.
- Pass through customs — the Green Channel if you're within your duty-free allowance, or the Red Channel if you have anything to declare.
- Enter the arrivals hall , where you'll find prepaid taxis, app-cab pickup, buses, forex counters, and ATMs.
As a rough guide, allow around 15–45 minutes for immigration, 10–25 for baggage, and 5–15 for customs on international arrivals — a little longer for early-morning landings when several flights arrive together.
Connecting Flights at AMD
Because T1 and T2 are separate buildings, a connection that switches between domestic and international requires moving between them:
- You clear immigration and customs, collect your checked bags, take the free inter-terminal shuttle, and check in and clear security again.
- Budget a comfortable buffer for this, plus the shuttle time — and an even larger cushion if your flights are on separate tickets.
Booking your whole journey on a single ticket keeps you protected if a delay threatens the connection.
Ahmedabad Airport to City Transport
Here's one of AMD's biggest advantages: it's only 9–12 km from central Ahmedabad, making it one of the closest major airports to its city in India — the drive into town is short and cheap. From the arrivals area:
- App-based cabs & taxis: Ola, Uber, and prepaid taxis are the most convenient, typically reaching the city in around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
- Buses: City bus services (including BRTS/AMTS) and airport buses connect the airport to key points affordably.
- Metro (coming): The Ahmedabad Metro currently serves the city, and a dedicated airport station is planned as part of Phase 2 — but as of 2026 it's not yet operational for the airport, so taxis and app-cabs remain the main options. Check the current metro status for your travel date.
Given how close the airport is, getting into Ahmedabad is quick and easy.
Ahmedabad Airport Lounges
AMD has lounges in both terminals:
- The Lounge (Domestic) — Terminal 1: For domestic departures.
- The Lounge (International) — Terminal 2: For international departures, conveniently located near the boarding gates.
Both offer hot meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Access is via Priority Pass, eligible credit cards, airline rewards, or paid walk-in. They can get busy, since most card and Priority Pass holders can enter, so arrive with a little time in hand during peak periods.
Facilities & Local Notes
- Excellent vegetarian food. Gujarat is predominantly vegetarian, and the airport reflects it with extensive veg options — Gujarati thalis, South Indian food, and snacks — with non-vegetarian available at select outlets. A great first taste of Gujarat.
- Remember Gujarat is a dry state. Alcohol is prohibited in Gujarat, so plan accordingly — and note you can't bring duty-free alcohol into the state even within your customs allowance.
- Shopping & duty-free: Available in the international terminal, with retail and local specialties.
- Practicalities: Forex counters, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, baby-care facilities, wheelchair assistance, and a medical facility.
- Digital ease: DigiYatra facial-recognition entry is available for eligible passengers.
Practical Tips
- Confirm your terminal — international is T2, and remember Air India moved to T2 in March 2026.
- Arrive early — about 3 hours before an international departure, 90 minutes for domestic.
- Complete your E-Arrival Card before landing to speed through immigration.
- Allow a buffer for T1–T2 connections via the shuttle.
- Enjoy the short ride into the city — but plan for a dry, veg-friendly trip in Gujarat.
- Book on a single ticket so you're protected on connections.
Quick FAQ
Terminal 2 (T2) handles all international flights, plus Air India's operations since March 2026. Terminal 1 (T1) handles other domestic carriers. Check your boarding pass.
Just 9–12 km north of the centre — one of the closest major airports to its city in India, usually a 25–35 minute drive.
Ola, Uber, and prepaid taxis are the main options; city buses are cheaper; a dedicated airport Metro station is planned but not yet operational.
No — Gujarat is a dry state, so alcohol is prohibited, and you can't bring duty-free alcohol into the state. The airport does offer excellent vegetarian food.
Yes — AMD is a designated e-Visa port of entry, with dedicated counters. Always confirm your port of arrival is authorised.
Final Word
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport makes arriving in Gujarat wonderfully easy — a modern terminal, straightforward immigration, and a city that's just minutes away. Confirm your terminal on your boarding pass (especially with Air India now at T2), complete your E-Arrival Card before landing, and settle in for a short ride into Ahmedabad. Book your journey with Myflyyatra, and your gateway to Gujarat will be as smooth and welcoming as the state itself.
