Planning a trip to Rajasthan’s Golden City and wondering about the best way for reaching Jaisalmer from other cities? Whether you are a solo traveler, a family tourist, a honeymoon couple, or an adventure explorer heading toward the Thar Desert, this comprehensive Jaisalmer travel guide explains everything you need to know about how to reach Jaisalmer by train, flight, and road, along with updated practical travel insights, expert tips, cost guidance, connectivity details, and traveler-friendly recommendations.
Best Way for Reaching Jaisalmer from Other Cities
The best way to reach Jaisalmer is by train or road, as Jaisalmer Railway Station is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. Travelers can also reach via Jodhpur Airport, located about 280 km away, and continue to Jaisalmer by taxi, bus, or train. For convenience, comfort, budget flexibility, and authenticity, most travelers prefer train and road travel for reaching Jaisalmer.
Why Travel to Jaisalmer?
Before understanding how to get there, it’s important to know why so many people are choosing Jaisalmer today. Known as Rajasthan’s Golden City, Jaisalmer is famous for:
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The magnificent Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)
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The magical Sam & Khuri Sand Dunes
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Luxury desert camps & cultural nights
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Jeep safaris & camel safaris
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Stunning sunsets and breathtaking starry skies
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Rich Rajasthani heritage, food, and hospitality
Because the destination is so extraordinary, travelers often want the journey to be equally smooth, comfortable, and memorable. That’s where this guide helps.
Reaching Jaisalmer by Train – The Most Popular & Convenient Option
Traveling to Jaisalmer by train is widely considered the best and most budget-friendly method, thanks to strong railway connectivity, decent travel comfort, and multiple travel class choices.
Jaisalmer Railway Station Details
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Station Code: JSM
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Well connected to: Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata (via connecting routes)
The station is centrally located within the city, making onward transfers very easy.
Major Train Routes to Reach Jaisalmer
From Delhi to Jaisalmer
Delhi offers some of the best direct train connectivity, making it very convenient for North Indian travelers.
Popular Trains:
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Delhi – Jaisalmer Express
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Ranikhet Express (via Jodhpur route)
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Corbett Park Link Express (seasonal connectivity)
Approx travel time: 16–18 hours
From Jaipur to Jaisalmer
If you are touring Rajasthan, Jaipur remains one of the main starting hubs.
Travel Convenience:
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Frequently running routes
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Comfortable sleeper, AC, and luxury travel options
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Scenic journey through Rajasthan landscapes
Travel time: 10–12 hours
From Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Most commonly used and fastest rail route.
Why popular?
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Short journey
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Affordable
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Frequent trains
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Best for backpackers and tourists
Travel time: 5–7 hours
From Mumbai, Ahmedabad & Other Cities
While Mumbai doesn’t have many direct trains every day, travelers prefer to break journey via Jaipur or Jodhpur.
Ahmedabad offers:
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Good connectivity
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Comfortable long-distance trains
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Reasonable ticket pricing
Advantages of Traveling to Jaisalmer by Train
Traveling by train is preferred because:
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Budget-friendly for all travelers
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Direct city drop
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Comfortable for families & senior citizens
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Night journey helps save hotel cost
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Authentic travel experience of Rajasthan
If convenience + affordability matter to you, train remains the best way for reaching Jaisalmer from other cities.
Reaching Jaisalmer by Flight – The Fastest Travel Option
If time matters more than budget, flights are the quickest option.
Does Jaisalmer Have an Airport?
Yes. Jaisalmer Airport exists, but flight operations are usually seasonal and limited.
Most travelers instead fly to:
Jodhpur Airport (JDH) – The nearest full-time operational airport
Distance from Jaisalmer: Approx 275–300 km
Travel Time: 4.5–6 hours by road
Popular Flight Routes, Flights to Jodhpur From:
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Delhi
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Mumbai
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Bangalore
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Pune
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Hyderabad
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Kolkata (via connecting flights)
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Ahmedabad
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Jaipur
Once you land in Jodhpur, you can:
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Hire a private taxi
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Take a government or private luxury bus
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Travel by train to Jaisalmer
Why Choose Flight Travel?
Flight travel helps when:
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You have limited vacation time
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You prefer premium comfort
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Traveling from long-distance cities like South India or Northeast
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You’re on a corporate, honeymoon, or luxury trip
Flights save time, reduce travel fatigue, and make your journey fast and convenient.
Reaching Jaisalmer by Road – A Scenic & Memorable Drive
Traveling to Jaisalmer by road offers an entirely different experience. It is scenic, adventurous, and extremely enjoyable, especially if you love long drives.
Road Network Quality
Rajasthan boasts excellent highways, making the road journey:
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Smooth
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Well-maintained
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Safe for family travel
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Full of scenic desert views
Best Road Routes to Jaisalmer
From Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Distance: ≈ 280 km
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Road Quality: Excellent
From Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Distance: ≈ 560 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours
Often combined with:
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Bikaner
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Jodhpur
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Pushkar
From Delhi to Jaisalmer
Distance: ≈ 780–800 km
Travel Time: 14–16 hours
Well suited for:
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Bike trips
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Road trip enthusiasts
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Long-distance adventure travelers
Modes of Road Travel
You can reach Jaisalmer by:
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Self-drive car
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Rental cab
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Government AC buses
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Volvo luxury buses
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Sleeper buses
Multiple day/night travel options available.
Best Route Recommendation Based on Traveler Type
| Traveler Type | Suggested Best Way |
|---|---|
| Budget Travelers | Train |
| Family Travelers | Train or Flight + Taxi |
| Luxury Travelers | Flight + Private SUV |
| Backpackers | Train or Sleeper Bus |
| Road Trip Lovers | Self-drive |
| International Tourists | Flight to Jodhpur + Road |
Insider Travel Tips for Reaching Jaisalmer
Travel planning is not just about options; it’s about choosing the best option smartly.
Always book train tickets early, especially during October–March peak season
If choosing flights, prefer Jodhpur route for reliable connectivity
Night trains save money and time
Road travel is safe; just avoid late-night desert stretches
For buses, choose licensed luxury services
Keep offline maps in case of weak network zones
Carry water, essential snacks, and basic medication during road travel
Always cross-verify travel timings during festivals and tourist rush seasons
Final Verdict: What is the Best Way for Reaching Jaisalmer?
There is no single “one-size-fits-all” best option. The best way to reach Jaisalmer depends entirely on your purpose, budget, time, and travel comfort expectations.
If you want convenience + affordability → Trains are the best
If speed matters → Flights to Jodhpur + road travel win
If you want immersive travel → Road trip is unforgettable
Regardless of how you travel, one thing is certain — the journey to Jaisalmer feels rewarding from the moment it begins, and the destination always makes it worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jaisalmer have a direct airport?
Yes, but flight operations are mostly seasonal. Travellers prefer Jodhpur Airport for reliable flight connectivity.
What is the best way to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi?
The best ways are:
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Direct train
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Overnight luxury bus
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Flight to Jodhpur + road
Is Jaisalmer well connected by train?
Yes. It has strong connectivity to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and other cities.
Can I drive to Jaisalmer?
Absolutely. Road conditions are excellent and very scenic.
How far is Jaisalmer from Jodhpur?
Approximately 280–300 km, taking around 5–6 hours by road.
Which is cheaper: Train or Flight?
Train is far cheaper and the most budget-friendly mode.
Is bus travel to Jaisalmer comfortable?
Yes, especially Volvo luxury buses & AC sleeper buses, which are comfortable and safe.
Which month is best to travel to Jaisalmer?
October to March is ideal due to winter weather and festive season.
Is night travel safe?
Yes, but it is better to avoid late-night desert drives unless necessary.
Should families prefer trains or flights?
Families often prefer train or flight + taxi combinations for comfort and convenience.
