Compare flights, trains, buses and road travel from Delhi and Jaipur to Jaisalmer, with travel times, costs and practical planning tips
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is well connected with Delhi and Jaipur by air, train and road. The people travelling from Delhi have the benefit of rail connectivity and flight services. Jaipur, on the other hand, offers only flight services along with road connectivity to reach Jaisalmer. The mode of travel has to be chosen based on your budget and the time you have.
Delhi to Jaisalmer Distance and Travel Time
The road travel between Delhi and Jaisalmer takes quite some time and hence train/flight is a better means of transport for the brief vacation. The exact road distance may vary according to the route taken, while train is an economic mode for travelers who don't wish to drive for a long time.
| Travel option | Approx travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Around 1.5–2 hours | Fastest travel |
| Direct train | Around 16–18 hours | Budget and overnight travel |
| Private car | Around 12–14 hours | Families and road trips |
| Bus | Around 15–18+ hours | Budget travellers |
Rajasthan Tourism confirms direct air connectivity between Delhi and Jaisalmer and direct train services between the two cities.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi. Jaisalmer has a civil airport with direct air connectivity from Delhi, although flight schedules can vary by season and airline, so check the current schedule before booking.
- Delhi airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Destination: Jaisalmer Airport
- Flight time: usually around 1.5–2 hours
- Best for: short trips and travellers with limited time
- Check baggage allowance before booking
- Compare flight timings with your hotel check-in time
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Train
A direct train is one of the most practical choices for travellers who want to keep transport costs under control. Rajasthan Tourism confirms direct train service between Delhi and Jaisalmer, with some trains connecting the two cities.
| Factor | Train |
|---|---|
| Main advantage | Lower cost than many flights |
| Journey | Overnight options available |
| Suitable for | Families, couples and budget travellers |
| Recommended class | 2A or 3A for overnight travel |
| Booking | Reserve in advance during peak season |
For an overnight journey, AC 2-tier or 3-tier can be more comfortable than travelling in a sitting class.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Road
Driving from Delhi to Jaisalmer is suitable for travellers who want a Rajasthan road trip rather than simply reaching Jaisalmer. The journey takes much longer than flying and requires a full travel day, but it allows you to add places such as Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar or Jodhpur to your itinerary
| Road option | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Private car | Families and groups |
| Self-drive | Experienced drivers |
| Private taxi | Door-to-door convenience |
| Bus | Budget travellers |
Rajasthan Tourism confirms that Rajasthan has extensive road connectivity with Delhi and other major cities and that buses are available as a road travel option.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Bus
Bus travel is possible but is generally less convenient than a direct train for such a long journey. It can be considered when you are travelling on a strict budget and do not find a suitable train or flight
- Longer journey than flying
- Overnight services may be available
- Check boarding and dropping points carefully
- Compare bus duration with overnight train options
- Keep water and basic travel essentials with you
Jaipur to Jaisalmer Distance and Travel Time
Jaipur lies nearer to Jaisalmer compared to Delhi, but the distance traveled is far enough to warrant planning. There are buses and taxis linking Jaisalmer and Jaipur, and it is confirmed that there is air connectivity between the two cities.
| Travel option | Approx travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Around 1.5 hours | Fast travel |
| Train | Around 11–13 hours | Budget travel |
| Private car | Around 10–12 hours | Road trips |
| Bus | Around 11–14+ hours | Budget travellers |
Travel times depend on the specific service, route, traffic and stops.
Jaipur to Jaisalmer by Flight
A flight is the quickest way to travel between Jaipur and Jaisalmer. Rajasthan Tourism lists Jaisalmer among the destinations with direct air connectivity from Jaipur.
- Start from Jaipur International Airport
- Arrive at Jaisalmer Airport
- Flight time is generally around 1.5 hours
- Suitable for 2–3 day Jaisalmer trips
- Check the current flight schedule before booking
- Useful when you want more time for Jaisalmer sightseeing
Jaipur to Jaisalmer by Train
Train travel is a practical choice for travellers who want to save money and do not mind a longer journey. Depending on the service and schedule, the journey generally takes around 11–13 hours
| Train travel factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Usually lower than flying |
| Journey | Around 11–13 hours |
| Best class | 2A or 3A for overnight travel |
| Best for | Budget and long-distance travellers |
| Booking | Advance booking recommended |
Check the current Indian Railways schedule before finalising your itinerary because train timings and services can change.
Jaipur to Jaisalmer by Road
A road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer works well when Jaisalmer is part of a longer Rajasthan itinerary. You can travel by private car or taxi and stop at places along the route instead of treating the journey only as point-to-point transport
- Private taxi is the most convenient option
- Suitable for families and groups
- Start early to reduce the amount of late-night driving
- Carry drinking water for the journey
- Plan fuel and meal stops in advance
- Avoid rushing the journey
Jaipur to Jaisalmer by Bus
Buses are another option for budget travellers. Rajasthan Tourism specifically states that Jaisalmer is connected to Jaipur by bus and taxi.
- Lower-cost option
- Longer than a flight
- Check boarding point in Jaipur
- Check arrival point in Jaisalmer
- Confirm luggage allowance
- Compare overnight bus and train timings
Delhi vs Jaipur: Which Is Better for Reaching Jaisalmer?
There are direct trains and flights from Delhi. However, Jaipur would be convenient if you are touring around Rajasthan. In case you have started your journey from Jaipur, you can continue your travel to Jaisalmer without going back to Delhi.
| Starting city | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Flight | Saves the most time |
| Delhi | Train | Good balance of cost and convenience |
| Delhi | Car | Best for a road trip |
| Jaipur | Flight | Fastest option |
| Jaipur | Train | Economical |
| Jaipur | Car | Useful for a Rajasthan circuit |
| Jaipur | Bus | Budget-friendly |
Best Option for Families
Families should choose transport based on the age of travellers and total journey time. A flight is easiest when travelling with young children, while an AC overnight train can be more economical for families with older children
| Family priority | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Minimum travel time | Flight |
| Lower transport cost | Train |
| Door-to-door travel | Private car |
| Rajasthan road trip | Private car |
| Limited budget | Train |
Best Option for Elderly Travellers
For elderly parents, reducing long road journeys can make the trip more comfortable. A direct flight is the quickest option, while an AC train with a suitable berth provides a slower but practical alternative
- Flight for minimum travel time
- AC 2A or 3A for overnight train travel
- Avoid unnecessary road transfers
- Choose a hotel with easy vehicle access
- Arrange local transport in advance
How to Reach Sam Sand Dunes from Jaisalmer
If your main reason for visiting Jaisalmer is desert camping, you will need additional transport from the city to Sam Sand Dunes. Sam is about 42 km from Jaisalmer, according to RTDC, and private taxis, tour vehicles and camp transfers are commonly used.
| From | Approx distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Jaisalmer city | 42 km | Around 45–60 minutes |
| Jaisalmer Railway Station | Around 45 km | Around 1 hour |
| Jaisalmer Airport | Around 45–50 km | Around 1 hour |
How to Reach Jaisalmer Railway Station and Airport
Jaisalmer Railway Station is near the city and accessible through rail links to major cities. The airport will come in handy for travelers who arrive via airplanes, whereas taxis and other means of transport can be hired to travel to the hotels or desert camps. According to RTDC, the distance between Jaisalmer Railway Station and the Moomal property is 3 km.
- Railway station to city hotel: local taxi or auto
- Airport to city hotel: taxi or pre-arranged transfer
- City to Sam Sand Dunes: taxi or camp transfer
- Confirm pickup location before travelling
Best Time to Travel to Jaisalmer
Sightseeing in Jaisalmer is the most enjoyable from October to March. The winter season is especially appropriate for touring Jaisalmer Fort, visiting Old Jaisalmer city and spending nights in the Sam Sand Dunes.
| Season | Travel conditions |
|---|---|
| October–November | Comfortable and suitable for sightseeing |
| December–January | Cool days and cold nights |
| February–March | Comfortable for most outdoor activities |
| April–June | Very hot daytime conditions |
| July–September | Hotter and less predictable for desert activities |
Places to Visit After Reaching Jaisalmer
A visit to Jaisalmer can be made within two to three days, taking into account the desert camping tour. Heritage attractions can be found mostly around the fort and Old Town area, whereas Sam Sand Dunes is a separate half or overnight day trip.
| Place | Suggested time |
|---|---|
| Jaisalmer Fort | 2–3 hours |
| Patwon Ki Haveli | 45–60 minutes |
| Nathmal Ki Haveli | 30–45 minutes |
| Salim Singh Ki Haveli | 30–45 minutes |
| Gadisar Lake | 30–60 minutes |
| Kuldhara | 1–2 hours |
| Sam Sand Dunes | Half day or overnight |
3-Day Jaisalmer Itinerary from Delhi or Jaipur
A period of three days is sufficient to cover the highlights in Jaisalmer along with one day of camping in the desert. The travel time should be considered while making travel arrangements.
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Jaisalmer, visit Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake |
| Day 2 | Visit Kuldhara and travel to Sam Sand Dunes, camel safari and overnight camping |
| Day 3 | Sunrise, breakfast, return to Jaisalmer and departure |
Travel Tips for Delhi and Jaipur Travellers
Transport selection will depend upon the amount of time that you have and whether or not Jaisalmer forms a part of your bigger tour of Rajasthan. Air tickets and rail tickets should be pre-booked if you visit during the October to March season.
- Book train tickets early for winter travel
- Check flight schedules before planning sightseeing
- Keep a buffer for road travel
- Confirm hotel check-in time
- Arrange Sam Sand Dunes transport in advance
- Carry warm clothes for winter nights
- Keep your Jaisalmer sightseeing plan flexible around arrival time
Some tour packages
3 days Jaipur Jodhpur tour package
3 days Jaipur Jaisalmer Tour Package
Conclusion
It is very easy to get Jaisalmer from Delhi, which can be done either through a direct flight, if you have got limited time at your disposal, or through a direct train, if you would like to make the journey economically. You can travel from Jaipur by a direct flight, train, bus, or even by a private vehicle according to your budget and schedule.
Contact Us
Planning a Rajasthan tour and need help with your itinerary, hotel, transport or sightseeing arrangements? I am Ghansham from Rajasthan Tour Packages, and I can help you plan a Rajasthan trip based on your travel dates, group size, budget and preferred destinations
Whether you want to visit Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Ajmer, Ranthambore or other destinations, contact Rajasthan Tour Packages to discuss your travel requirements and available tour options
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Website: Rajasthan Tour Packages
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