Short answer
Fly into Jaipur, Udaipur or Jodhpur, or take a fast train from Delhi to Jaipur or Jodhpur. By road, Jaipur is about five hours from Delhi. Between cities, a private car gives flexibility, while trains and short flights save time on the longest legs.
On this page 13 sections
Rajasthan is large, and getting around it is a bigger part of the planning than many travellers expect. The good news is that there are several ways in, and a handful of smart choices can save you a lot of time. This guide explains your options for arriving and for moving between cities.
By air
Rajasthan has several airports. Jaipur (JAI) is the busiest, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and many other cities. Udaipur (UDR) has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and a few others. Jodhpur (JDH) has flights from Delhi and Mumbai, and Jaisalmer (JSA) has limited services. Because the state is large, choose an airport that matches the start of your itinerary. If you plan to travel Jaipur to Udaipur, for example, consider flying into one and out of the other.
From Delhi, the flight to Jaipur is short but airport time often cancels the saving, so many travellers prefer the train or a road transfer for that leg. The flights make most sense for longer legs, such as Mumbai to Udaipur.
By rail
Rajasthan has a good railway network. Key services include:
- Delhi to Jaipur and Ajmer. Several fast trains run this route, including Shatabdi-class and Vande Bharat services. The journey takes around four to five hours.
- Delhi to Jodhpur. A Vande Bharat connects Delhi with Jodhpur via Jaipur, and there are overnight trains as well.
- Delhi to Udaipur. Overnight trains run, and the journey takes around twelve hours.
- Delhi to Jaisalmer. Overnight express trains run and take the better part of a day.
- Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore). On the main Delhi to Mumbai line, with fast trains.
Rail timetables and train numbers change, so check IRCTC before booking. Popular services sell out in winter, so reserve early. Luxury trains such as the Palace on Wheels offer a different way to travel for those who prefer a curated rail journey.
By road
Roads are good on the main routes, especially the Delhi to Jaipur highway (about 270 km, five hours). Typical road times are:
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Jaipur | 270 km | 5 hours |
| Jaipur to Jodhpur | 340 km | 6 hours |
| Jodhpur to Jaisalmer | 285 km | 5 hours |
| Jodhpur to Udaipur | 260 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Jaipur to Udaipur | 400 km | 6.5 to 7 hours |
| Delhi to Udaipur | 660 km | 11 to 12 hours |
These are driving times without long stops. Add time for breakfast, lunch and photographs.
Between cities: a private car or train?
A private car with a driver is the most flexible choice. You can stop at Pushkar, Ranakpur or a village, leave when you wish, and carry luggage easily. It is also usually the best choice for desert routes. Trains are comfortable and often faster for Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer, while a short flight can save a day between Jaipur and Udaipur.
Practical details for each mode
Flying: Check baggage allowances if you plan to shop, as craft purchases can add weight. Morning flights in winter are sometimes delayed by fog. By train: Reserve seats early, carry snacks, and use first-class or executive chair cars for comfort on longer trips. Station platforms can be crowded, and porters are available for luggage. By road: Choose a vehicle with enough boot space, since a family of four with suitcases fills a small sedan. Ask your driver about toll plazas and rest stops.
A word on the Palace on Wheels
Luxury trains such as the Palace on Wheels run a fixed circuit through Rajasthan, with onboard accommodation and off-train excursions. They suit travellers who like a curated, all-in-one experience, and they cost significantly more than a standard tour. They also give you less choice about timing and pace.
Border towns and permits
Indian citizens do not need permits for the main tourist circuit. Some border areas near Jaisalmer, such as Tanot and Longewala, have their own entry rules and may require ID and prior registration, so check with your planner before including them.
If you arrive late or leave early
Many international flights land in Delhi at night. Book a hotel near the airport for the first night, and start your road journey in the morning. Similarly, avoid early morning departures after a late night in Udaipur. Small adjustments at the start and end of the trip make a large difference to how it feels.
Choosing your route
| Trip | Suggested arrival | Suggested departure |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Triangle | Delhi | Delhi |
| Jaipur and Udaipur | Jaipur | Udaipur |
| Royal Rajasthan circuit | Delhi or Jaipur | Udaipur |
| Desert and forts | Jodhpur | Jodhpur |
| Ranthambore add-on | Delhi or Jaipur | Delhi |
Arrival tips
At airports and stations, use the prepaid taxi counter or the pickup arranged by your hotel or planner. Touts at stations often offer rides to hotels where they earn commission. If someone claims your hotel is closed or full, check with the hotel directly.
Roads and safety
Highway driving at night is risky because of trucks, animals and poor lighting, so we avoid it. Cows, camels and tractors share the road in rural areas, so slow down in villages. Seat belts are important even in the back seat.
Booking order that works
Book flights or trains first, then your key hotels, then any desert camp or safari, and leave sightseeing tickets and local activities flexible. If your dates move, it is easier to change a car than a train.
Where to go next
Once you know your arrival point, choose your base. See Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. For help with transfers, tell us your flight or train details and we will include them in your plan.
Practical tips
- Choose your arrival city by where your trip begins, not just the cheapest fare.
- Use a train or flight for the longest sector, such as Jaipur to Udaipur or Jaisalmer to anywhere.
- Book trains early; popular services sell out in winter.
- Use prepaid taxis or hotel pickups from stations and airports.
- Allow a buffer on road days, as highway traffic and checks can add time.
