How to Reach Rajasthan: By Air, Train, Bus and Road

Rajasthan is the kingdom of India's royal past - fortified hilltops, majestic palaces, busting bazaars and vast expanses of arid desert which may have golden sand and deep blue lakes scattered throughout. A wealth of fantastic palaces to visit but first you have to get there. The question of how to reach Rajasthan?

The good news is that Rajasthan is well connected to India’s major cities by air, rail and road. Fly for speed, take a train for comfortable long-distance travel, or choose a bus or private car for the freedom to stop where you like. The right choice depends on your starting city, budget, travel dates and the places on your wish list. Planning a multi-city holiday? You’re starting point matters. Jaipur is an easy first stop for first-timers, while Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaisalmer suit specific routes. This guide covers how to reach Rajasthan by air, train, bus and road, plus key airports, railway stations, approximate travel times and city-to-city tips. 

How to Reach Rajasthan by Air

If you're traveling from cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Kolkata, or even from outside the country, taking a flight can save you a whole day of driving. Rajasthan has several airports that are convenient for most travelers, and the best one for you will depend on where your journey begins.

Jaipur, specifically Sanganer Airport, is the main entry point for travelers, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. If you're planning to visit Jaipur, Ajmer, and Pushkar, this airport is a great choice - both Ajmer and Pushkar are just a two-to-three-hour drive away, making it easy to explore these holy towns.

If Udaipur is your main destination, consider flying into Dabok Airport - it's only about 40 minutes from the old city by the lake.

Jodhpur Airport works best for western Rajasthan, with Jaisalmer and the desert camps next on the route. Book your flight into one city and your departure from another and you won’t waste a day doubling back.

Major Airports in Rajasthan

 Flight routes and frequency vary by season and airline. Check the airport or airline website for current schedules before booking. Jaipur International Airport offers domestic and international services, while other airports may have more limited route networks.

Jaipur International Airport

Jaipur’s airport is located in Sanganer, about 12 to 15 kilometers from the main parts of the city. When you arrive, you have a few options to get into town. You can book a prepaid taxi, arrange a Car Rental in Jaipur or have a private car waiting for you outside. The drive usually takes around 25 to 45 minutes, but if you’re landing during rush hour, add some extra time to your journey.

You can easily visit some of Jaipur’s top spots, like Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Albert Hall, City Palace and Jantar Mantar, all within a day of getting here. If you’d rather not plan it yourself, our Jaipur Tour Packages cover these sights with a driver and a ready route. The airport is also a great starting point for road trips to nearby cities like Ajmer, Pushkar and Ranthambore.

Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur’s airport is close to the city, so you can be at your hotel in about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you’re staying. From there, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Clock Tower and the blue-washed lanes of the old city are all within easy reach. A guided Jodhpur Sightseeing Tour covers most of them in a day.

The airport also works as a launch point for Osian, Jaisalmer and the rest of western Rajasthan, and our Jodhpur Tour Packages can link these into one route.

Note: Check flight availability first, since direct connections from some cities are limited.

Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur

Maharana Pratap Airport is in Dabok, around 20 to 25 km from central Udaipur. The drive takes 35 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and where your hotel sits, so keep that in mind if you have a lakeside dinner booked on arrival day.

Once you’re in, Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake are the stops most visitors head for first. An Udaipur Sightseeing Tour with a car and driver covers them without the hassle of hunting for rides. Nathdwara, Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur are also easy day trips, and our Udaipur Tour Packages can fold them into one trip.

Note: You can also book a private transfer from the airport straight to your hotel.

Landing at Jaisalmer Airport

If the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort and a night under the stars are your main plans, Jaisalmer Airport can save you hours. The catch is that flights here run seasonally and can be limited, so confirm the schedule for your dates before booking anything.

No suitable flight? Fly into Jodhpur or Jaipur and continue by train or road. The Jodhpur to Jaisalmer drive takes about 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on stops. Our Jaisalmer Tour Packages can plan that transfer, and a Jaisalmer Desert Safari makes the journey worth it.

Smart Flying Tips for Rajasthan 

•    Compare airports before you book. If your trip covers several cities, check fares into Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Landing in one city and flying out          of another can save you a full day of backtracking.
•    Read the fine print. Check baggage rules, arrival times and how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel before you leave home.
•    Plan for the wait. Allow time to collect your luggage and cover the drive into the city, especially on a late-night landing.
•    Confirm seasonal flights. Smaller airports like Jaisalmer have limited schedules that can change, so verify your dates early.
•    Flying from abroad? Compare a direct flight with a connection through Delhi or Mumbai. The connection is sometimes cheaper and easier.

How to Reach Rajasthan by Train

Board in the evening, wake up to desert light. That’s the charm of reaching Rajasthan by rail. Trains connect the state to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kerala, Chennai and most other big cities and you skip the long highway drive.
Choose your station by your first stop. Jaipur is the easy starting point for first-timers. Ajmer puts you about 15 km from Pushkar. Jodhpur opens the west, Udaipur City is for the lakes, and Abu Road is the stop for Mount Abu. Bikaner and Kota suit more specific routes.
Note: Book early if you’re travelling between October and March, when seats fill fast.

Major Railway Stations in Rajasthan

Always verify the station code, train route and arrival station when booking. Some cities have more than one railway station, and not every train serves every destination.

Jaipur by Train: Jaipur Junction Guide for First-Time Visitors

Step out of Jaipur Junction and the Pink City starts right at the station gate. It is one of Rajasthan’s best-connected railway hubs, with direct trains to Delhi, Mumbai and many other cities.
Travel time depends on where you board and which train you pick. From Delhi, expect roughly 4 to 6 hours, so a morning departure works well. From Mumbai, plan for an overnight journey or longer. Treat these as rough estimates and check the schedule for your date. Outside, taxis, auto-rickshaws and private cabs are ready to take you to your hotel. Drop your bags, freshen up, and then head for Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Short on time? Our Jaipur Tour Packages come with the route and driver already sorted.

How to Reach Ajmer by Train: Routes, Timings and Tips

Ajmer Junction is where most pilgrims and Pushkar-bound travellers step off. Direct trains depend on where you start, so check your origin city before booking.
Trains and routes worth knowing
Delhi → Ajmer: Shatabdi Express, the quickest and most comfortable option
Jaipur → Ajmer: frequent services, about 2–2.5 hours Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur: well-connected by direct trains From the station Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Ana Sagar Lake: a short local ride away Pushkar: about 15 km, 30–45 minutes by road depending on traffic
Plan both stops? Give Pushkar its own half day. Explore our Ajmer Tour Packages and Pushkar Tour Packages.

Reaching Jodhpur by Train

Step off at Jodhpur Junction and Mehrangarh Fort is already looming over the skyline. Skip Jaipur and start your western Rajasthan trip right here. 

Train connections to Jodhpur

Delhi: Mandore Express, an easy overnight run
Mumbai: Suryanagari Express
Jaipur: regular intercity services
Ahmedabad: direct trains
Jaisalmer and Bikaner: direct trains across the desert belt From the station, a local cab gets you to Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the old city within minutes. Want a driver and itinerary sorted before you land? Browse our Jodhpur Tour Packages.

Reaching Udaipur by Train

Arrive at Udaipur City Station and the lakes are minutes away. Compare journey time and arrival hour before booking.

Train connections

Delhi: Mewar Express
Jaipur: direct intercity trains
Ahmedabad: direct trains
Chittorgarh: short regional link
First stops from the station Lake Pichola: best at sunset, City Palace: go early, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake. A local cab takes you to your hotel. Want a driver ready when you land? Browse our Udaipur Tour Packages.

Reaching Jaisalmer and Bikaner by Train

Jaisalmer Station puts you at the edge of the Thar Desert, while Bikaner Junction opens northern Rajasthan. Book early in peak season.

Jaisalmer
•    Jaisalmer Fort: a living fort, still home to families
•    Patwon Ki Haveli
•    Gadisar Lake
•    Sam Sand Dunes: arrange a separate road transfer
Bikaner
•    Junagarh Fort
•    Local markets: try the bhujia and sweets

Check current schedules on IRCTC.  Planning both desert cities? See our Jaisalmer Tour Packages and Bikaner Tour Packages.

How to Reach Rajasthan by Road

Some places in Rajasthan never appear on a railway map. A road trip lets you reach them, and stop wherever the view or the food looks too good to skip.

Ways to arrive

•    Private car with driver: the easiest option for families and groups
•    Taxi: a good choice for point-to-point transfers
•    Bus: state and private services link major cities
•    Self-drive: for travellers who like setting their own pace

Why road travel works here

•    Highways connect Rajasthan with Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana
•    You can add roadside forts, village stops and small towns without a detour
•    Places far from airports and stations become easy to reach
For official route details, see the Rajasthan Tour guide. Want the route planned for you? Explore our Rajasthan Tour Packages.

Major Road Routes to Rajasthan

Distances and driving times are approximate and depend on the route, traffic, weather, roadworks and rest stops. Confirm your route before travelling, especially during monsoon conditions or periods of heavy traffic.

Reaching Rajasthan from Delhi

Delhi to Jaipur by Road: Leave Delhi after the morning rush and Jaipur is about 5–6 hours away. Traffic at either end can add time.

Why go by private cab

Pickup at a time that suits you
Chai and food stops whenever you need them
Straight to your hotel or first sightseeing stop
Onward from Jaipur
Ajmer and Pushkar, Jodhpur, Udaipur
Plan the full route with our Rajasthan Tour Packages or book a Private Cab Service in Rajasthan.

Reaching Rajasthan from Gujarat

Gujarat to the City of Lakes takes about 4.5–6 hours by road, depending on traffic and route. Trains also run between the two cities. From Udaipur, continue to Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, nearby heritage towns Plan it your way with our Udaipur Tour Packages or Rajasthan Road Trip Packages.

Why Choose a Private Car or Cab?

Travel Rajasthan with a Private Car and Driver - One car, one driver, no juggling bus and train timings. It suits families, couples, senior travellers and groups covering several cities.

What you can expect

•    Pickup from the airport, station, hotel or an agreed spot
•    Private vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
•    Flexible stops along the route
•    Luggage space based on vehicle type
•    AC travel when you book an AC car
•    A driver who knows the routes and destinations
•    Multi-day city-to-city travel

Confirm before booking

•    Vehicle type and capacity
•    Tolls, parking and driver allowance
•    Inclusions and sightseeing plan
Need wheels in the Pink City? See Car Rental in Jaipur, our Taxi Service in Rajasthan or Rajasthan Tour Packages.

Reaching Rajasthan by Bus

Jaipur is the busiest bus hub, with services also running to Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner on selected routes.
Popular routes
Delhi → Jaipur
Ahmedabad → Udaipur
Jaipur → Ajmer, Jodhpur or Bikaner
Check before booking
Departure terminal and arrival bus stand
Boarding time and luggage rules
Direct service or transfer
After you arrive- Hotel far from the bus stand, or travelling with family and luggage? A private cab saves the hassle for sightseeing and onward travel.

Which City Should You Choose as Your Entry Point?

The best city to enter Rajasthan depends on your interests and the number of days you have available.

How to Travel Between Cities in Rajasthan - Reaching Rajasthan is only one part of planning your trip. You should also consider how to travel between destinations once you arrive.

By Train - Trains suit long city-to-city journeys and fixed schedules. Plan the last leg too, since stations can be far from your hotel or attraction.
By Bus - Buses suit selected intercity routes. Check timings and arrival stand first. Remote sites may need extra local transport.
By Private Cab - A private cab gives you control over your route, pickup time and sightseeing stops. It suits families, senior travellers and multi-city trips, such as Jaipur to Ajmer and Pushkar, or Jodhpur to Jaisalmer with a pre-arranged pickup. Compare the total cost against tickets and local transfers, and confirm what’s included. Explore our Private Taxi in Rajasthan, Car Rental in Jaipur and Rajasthan Tour Packages.

Best Way to Reach Rajasthan from Major Indian Cities

Important Travel Tips before Visiting Rajasthan

•    Choose your arrival city carefully
•    Avoid overloading your itinerary
•    Keep booking details handy
•    Book transport in advance
•    Choose a suitable vehicle
•    Check the weather
•    Plan city transfers
•    Keep some flexibility
•    Choose a suitable vehicle
•    Check attraction timings
Rajasthan's major cities are spread across a large area. Give yourself enough time to enjoy each destination rather than spending the whole trip on the road.