The 14 km journey from AMD to central Ahmedabad is short, but Indian traffic can make it feel longer — especially with tired children. Here is what families need to know.
Child seats in India
This is the most important point: child car seats are not standard in India. Regular taxis, auto-rickshaws, and Uber/Ola vehicles do not carry them. Indian law does not mandate child restraints in the way European or American law does.
If you want a child seat for the transfer, your only option is a pre-booked transfer company that can arrange one on request. Specify your child's age and weight at booking time so the correct seat is provided.
Some families bring their own travel car seat. If you do, book a sedan or SUV through Uber/Ola and install it yourself — drivers will wait while you set it up.
Luggage with a family
Standard Indian sedans (Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze) have small boots compared to European cars. A family of four with two large suitcases and a pushchair will struggle in a standard taxi.
For families, book an SUV — either through Uber/Ola (select SUV category) or through a pre-booked transfer. An Innova or similar can handle a family's luggage comfortably.
Pushchairs can be gate-checked and will be returned at the aircraft door or on the baggage belt. Trolleys are available in the arrivals hall.
The journey with children
The road from AMD to central Ahmedabad goes through urban areas with heavy traffic during peak hours (08:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00). Expect a lot of honking, close driving, and lane-switching — this is normal for India but can be unsettling for first-time visitors.
The journey takes 25 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. Keep children entertained with a tablet or snacks. There are no rest stops on such a short route.
Practical tips
- Bathroom: Use the airport facilities before leaving. The terminal has clean restrooms.
- Water: Buy bottled water inside the terminal. Do not accept tap water.
- Snacks: The arrivals area has a small cafe and convenience shop.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Ahmedabad's heat. Avoid auto-rickshaws with children — they are open-sided with no AC.
- Data: Airport Wi-Fi is available. If you need to book a ride, connect before exiting.
Recommended approach
For families with young children, a pre-booked SUV transfer with child seats provides the most comfortable experience. The price difference — roughly 1,200–2,000 INR (€13–€22) versus 300–600 INR for Uber — is modest for the peace of mind. Your driver meets you at arrivals, helps with luggage, and drives you in a vehicle set up for your family.