Field notes
Getting Around Rajasthan: Complete Transport Guide
Rajasthan's transport network connects cities across 342,000 sq km using trains, buses, hired taxis, self-drive rentals, and domestic flights. Knowing how to get around Rajasthan is the first practical step in planning any trip here. Trains cover most major routes. Taxis fill the gaps. Buses work well for budget travellers. This guide gives you route-by-route costs, travel times, and booking details.
What transport options are available for getting around Rajasthan?
Rajasthan has five main transport modes: trains, state and private buses, hired taxis with drivers, self-drive car rentals, and domestic flights. Trains suit long intercity routes. Buses work for budget travel. Taxis give flexibility for multi-city circuits. Flights save time on a few specific routes.
Indian Railways operates direct and connecting train routes between Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Ajmer. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, known as RSRTC, runs over 200 bus routes across the state. Hired taxis with drivers cost approximately INR 12–16 per km for an AC sedan. Domestic flights operate from airports in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Ola and Uber app-based cabs are available within Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ajmer for local city travel.
Most first-time visitors to Rajasthan combine trains for long legs with a hired taxi for the final stretch into smaller towns. That combination keeps costs reasonable and avoids the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
Which is the best way to travel between Rajasthan's major cities?
The best mode depends on the city pair. For Jaipur to Jodhpur, the overnight train is the most practical option. For Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, a hired taxi or road journey works better because the rail connection is slow. Budget roughly INR 800–2,500 per person depending on mode and distance.
The table below compares six key city pairs by recommended mode, travel time, cost, and route notes. Use this as a planning reference before booking anything.
| City Pair | Recommended Mode | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost per Person (INR) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaipur – Jodhpur | Train (Mandore Express) | 5–6 hours | 300–900 (train class) | Overnight option saves hotel night; daily departures |
| Jaipur – Udaipur | RSRTC Volvo AC bus or train | 6–7 hours | 600–900 (bus); 400–1,100 (train) | Bus is frequent and comfortable; train requires change at Ajmer on some routes |
| Jodhpur – Jaisalmer | Hired taxi or NH 125 road | 4.5–5 hours | 2,500–3,500 (taxi, full cab) | Train exists but takes 5–6 hours with limited frequency; road is faster |
| Jaipur – Jaisalmer | Train (Jaisalmer Express) or overnight bus | 11–12 hours | 500–1,400 (train); 800–1,200 (bus) | No direct fast train; overnight journey works well to save daytime hours |
| Udaipur – Chittorgarh | Train or hired taxi | 1.5–2 hours | 80–300 (train); 1,500–2,000 (taxi) | Short distance; taxi makes sense if combining with other stops same day |
| Jodhpur – Bikaner | Train or bus | 5–6 hours | 250–800 (train); 350–600 (bus) | Regular train frequency; road via NH 62 also reliable |
For groups of four or more, a hired taxi or tempo traveller often works out cheaper per head than individual train tickets, especially when the itinerary includes multiple stops in a single day.
Related: See our Rajasthan itinerary planning guide for day-by-day routing across these city pairs.
Is there a reliable train network connecting Rajasthan's cities?
Indian Railways connects most of Rajasthan's major cities, but coverage is uneven. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, and Jaisalmer all have rail links. However, Jaisalmer has no direct train to Udaipur, and some routes require a change at Ajmer or Jodhpur. Plan accordingly.
Key named trains worth knowing: the Mandore Express runs Jaipur to Jodhpur overnight. The Ajmer Shatabdi connects Delhi to Ajmer in about 4 hours. The Jaisalmer Express runs from Delhi via Jodhpur. The Mewar Express connects Delhi to Udaipur via Ajmer. Booking opens 60 days in advance on the IRCTC website or app.
Indian Railways carries approximately 23 million passengers daily, making it one of the largest rail networks in the world. — Ministry of Railways Annual Report
If trains are full, use IRCTC tatkal quota. Tatkal booking opens one day before departure at a 30–50% premium on the base fare. It is the most reliable last-minute option for confirmed seats. Foreign nationals can book on IRCTC using a passport-linked account or through a registered travel agent.
Note that Jaisalmer's rail connection is slow and infrequent compared to other cities. Most travellers reaching Jaisalmer by train do so overnight from Jaipur or Delhi, then use road transport for onward travel within the desert region.
Related: Jaisalmer Desert Safari: Dunes, Camps & Golden Fort Guide
How do hired taxis and tempo travellers work for a Rajasthan road trip?
A hired taxi with a driver is the most flexible way to cover Rajasthan's multi-city circuit. Rates run approximately INR 12–16 per km for an AC sedan. Most operators quote a daily package rate for circuits of 7–14 days. The driver handles navigation, parking, and local knowledge.
Standard practice includes a driver allowance of INR 250–350 per day, paid separately from the vehicle rate. This covers the driver's meals and accommodation. Always confirm whether the quoted rate is inclusive or exclusive of this allowance before finalising.
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Daily Rate (INR) | Seats | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Sedan (Dzire / Etios) | 2,500–3,500 | 4 | Couples or solo travellers on a budget |
| AC SUV (Innova) | 3,800–5,000 | 6–7 | Families or small groups wanting comfort |
| Tempo Traveller 9-seater | 4,500–6,500 | 9 | Groups of 6–9 splitting costs |
| Luxury SUV (Fortuner / Crysta) | 6,000–9,000 | 6–7 | Travellers wanting premium road comfort |
Book taxis through your hotel, a local operator in Jaipur, or a tour operator like Tripstor who can arrange the full circuit vehicle in advance. Confirm fuel, tolls, and state permit charges are included in writing before departure.
Related: Rajasthan Trip Cost: Budget to Luxury Complete Breakdown
Can foreigners drive themselves around Rajasthan?
Foreign nationals can legally drive in Rajasthan, but they must carry a valid International Driving Permit alongside their home country licence. An IDP alone is not sufficient. The home licence must accompany it at all times during the trip.
Self-drive rentals are available through Zoomcar in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Local operators also rent vehicles, though documentation requirements vary. National highways like NH 48 and NH 125 are in reasonable condition. State highways vary significantly — some are well-maintained, others have poor surfaces and unmarked speed breakers.
Fuel costs approximately INR 100–105 per litre for petrol in Rajasthan as of 2024. A Jaipur to Jodhpur drive of roughly 340 km costs around INR 1,500–1,800 in fuel for a standard sedan. Night driving on state highways is not advisable due to unlit roads and stray animals. Most experienced travellers in Rajasthan prefer a hired driver for this reason.
What are the bus options for budget travellers in Rajasthan?
RSRTC and private operators run frequent bus services between all major Rajasthan cities. RSRTC Volvo AC buses are the most reliable state-run option, with overnight services between Jaipur and Udaipur costing INR 600–900. Private operators like Neeta Travels and Raj National Express offer similar comfort at comparable prices.
Sleeper buses are available on longer routes such as Jaipur to Jaisalmer. These have semi-sleeper or full-sleeper berths and cost INR 800–1,400 depending on the operator and berth type. Book through RedBus or directly on the RSRTC website. Booking 2–3 days in advance is sufficient for most routes except peak season travel in October–February.
Buses are slower than trains on most routes due to stops and road conditions. However, they depart more frequently and from more locations. For travellers without confirmed train tickets, a Volvo AC bus is a practical alternative that does not compromise significantly on comfort.
Related: Norway Travel Guide for Indians: Visa, Cost, Best Time, Northern Lights and Itinerary
When does flying make sense for getting around Rajasthan?
Flying within Rajasthan saves meaningful time only on a few routes. The clearest case is Jaipur to Udaipur by air, where a flight takes 55 minutes versus 6–7 hours by road or rail. IndiGo and Air India operate this route with fares ranging from INR 2,500–6,000 depending on advance booking.
Jaipur International Airport handles flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and also connects to Jodhpur and Udaipur. Udaipur's Maharana Pratap Airport has daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai. Jodhpur Airport connects to Delhi and Mumbai as well. Jaisalmer and Bikaner airports have limited and irregular commercial services — do not rely on them for firm travel plans.
Flying makes financial sense when the time saved justifies the cost premium over a train or bus. For a solo traveller, a INR 3,500 flight versus a INR 700 train ticket is a significant difference. For a family of four, the cost gap widens further. Use flights selectively — typically at the start or end of a circuit, not between every city.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Tripstor's consultants can arrange your full Rajasthan transport — trains, taxis, and transfers — as part of a structured itinerary.
We handle vehicle booking, driver coordination, and route sequencing so your travel days run smoothly.
For package booking assistance, call us at +91 98253 43323.
What do travellers most often ask about Rajasthan transport?
How early should I book trains for Rajasthan?
IRCTC opens bookings 60 days before departure. Popular trains on routes like Jaipur to Jodhpur or Jaipur to Jaisalmer fill up fast in October through February. Book as early as possible for travel during this peak period. If seats are unavailable, use the tatkal quota, which opens one day before departure at a premium.
Is it safe to travel by overnight bus in Rajasthan?
RSRTC Volvo AC and reputable private operators like Neeta Travels are generally considered safe for overnight travel. Stick to operators listed on RedBus with verified reviews. Avoid very cheap unlisted operators on unfamiliar routes. Keep your bags with you or in the overhead rack rather than in the luggage hold.
What is the Palace on Wheels and is it worth the cost?
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train operated by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. It runs an 8-day circuit covering Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra. Fares start at approximately USD 500 per person per night in twin sharing. It suits travellers who want a curated, high-comfort experience without managing daily logistics.
How do I get around within a city like Jaipur or Jodhpur?
In Jaipur, Ola and Uber operate reliably and are the easiest option for most tourists. Auto-rickshaws are metered in Jaipur but negotiated in smaller cities like Jodhpur and Bikaner. Agree on the fare before getting in when using autos outside Jaipur. For a full day of sightseeing within one city, hiring a local taxi for INR 1,000–1,500 is more convenient than booking individual rides.
