How to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi depends on your time and budget. A flight takes about 1 hour 50 minutes, but flights change by day and season. Trains take 15 to 19 hours, and by road it takes 13-15 hours depending on the route. If you are heading to a Jaisalmer Desert Camp, then plan a road transfer.
This guide compares trains, flights, roads and buses, and helps you pick one. It also shows how to handle the last stretch from the station or airport, since desert camps in Jaisalmer are often outside the city.
Delhi to Jaisalmer at a Glance
| Way to travel | Time | Best for |
| Flight | About 1 hour 50 minutes, direct (number of flights changes by day and season) | Short trips, people who value time |
| Train | About 15 to 19 hours | Budget travellers, overnight journeys |
| Road | About 13 to 15 hours of driving, more with stops | Groups, families who want to stop on the way |
| Bus | About 16 to 19 hours | Travellers who prefer an overnight bus or cannot find a suitable train or flight |
Travel times, fares and schedules in this guide are indicative and may change. Information checked on 21 October 2026.
For most people, the flight is the easy choice when it runs. The train is the classic way and a good second pick. The road trip is long. It works best if you split it into two days.
Delhi to Jaisalmer Distance by Road, Rail and Air
The Delhi to Jaisalmer distance changes with the way you travel.
- Road: About 750-800 km by NH 48 via Jaipur and Jodhpur. Other routes run from about 750 to 900 km.
- Rail: About 850 to 990 km. One site gives both numbers, so treat it as a range.
- Air: About 645 km in a straight line.
The Delhi to Jaisalmer distance by road is the one people ask about most. Plan for about 750-800 km on the main route.
Delhi to Jaisalmer Train
A train is a calm way to travel. You can sleep, eat and watch the land change from green to dry desert. The ride is long, so choose the train and the class with care.
Trains to Know
Here are the trains on one ixigo listing for 17 October 2026, seen on 16 October 2026. All are shown as daily trains.
| Train | Leaves Delhi | Reaches Jaisalmer | Time |
| 15014 Ranikhet Express | 4:30 AM, Old Delhi | 23:30 | About 19 hours |
| 25014 Corbett Park Link Express | 4:30 AM, Old Delhi | 23:30 | About 19 hours |
| 14087 Runicha Express | 8:55 AM, Old Delhi | 01:30 | About 16 hours 35 minutes |
| 12249 Swarn Nagari Express | 5:59 PM, Delhi Cantt | 09:00 | About 15 hours |
Other websites list different train numbers and timings. Schedules change, so check NTES or the IRCTC app before you book.
The same listing shows fares of about ₹460 to ₹510 in Sleeper, ₹1,205 to ₹1,335 in 3A, ₹1,710 to ₹1,895 in 2A and ₹2,850 to ₹3,165 in 1A. Fares vary by train and class. Treat these as approximate and check IRCTC for the current price.
Which Class Should You Pick?
Sleeper is the cheapest. It works for a winter journey on a tight budget. If you want better sleep, pick 3A or 2A. They cost more, but the night is easier, especially with children or older parents. Seats in the AC classes fill up first, so book early.
Which Train for Which Plan
- 12249 (evening, Delhi Cantt): You sleep on the train and reach in the morning. This suits most people. You can check in to your stay, rest and enjoy the day.
- 14087 (morning): You reach after midnight. Only pick it if your stay allows a late check-in or pickup.
- 15014 and 25014 (early morning): You start before sunrise and reach at night. It is a long day.
Note that these trains leave from Old Delhi or Delhi Cantt, not New Delhi station. Check the station on your ticket.
Booking Tips
Indian Railways lets you book 60 days ahead, not counting the travel day. Check the current rule on IRCTC. Winter trains fill early, so book as soon as your plan is set.
Delhi to Jaisalmer Flight
This is the fastest way. Yes, direct flights exist. IndiGo and Air India fly the route, and the flight takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
There is a catch. The number of flights changes by day and season. Direct flights usually run more often on weekdays than on weekends, and the schedule changes by season. Air India’s airport page also says its flights operate in winter and not in summer. So always check the airline for your date.
Here is what to keep in mind:
- Book early for the winter season.
- Fares change with the date and season, and they rise sharply in the winter peak. Book early and compare prices on the airline sites for your travel dates.
- If no direct flight suits you, a connecting flight can take much longer; it can take 8 hours or more.
- Reach the airport 2 to 3 hours before departure.
Jaisalmer Airport is a small airport, about 12 to 15 km from the city centre, as per Air India. A prepaid taxi booth stands outside the arrival hall.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Road
A road trip gives you freedom. You can stop where you like. But it is a long drive.
The Main Route
The usual route is NH 48 from Delhi to Jaipur. From there, you go on to Jodhpur, Pokhran and Jaisalmer. The road to Jodhpur is good. The last part passes through the desert, so expect long, open stretches.
Driving takes about 13 to 15 hours. With stops, plan 14 to 16 hours. Start at 5 or 6 in the morning to miss the city traffic.
There are other routes too. One goes through Bikaner. Another runs through Neemrana, Sikar and Nagaur. They are a good choice if you want to see more of Rajasthan, but they add time.
Stops, Fuel and Tolls
Jaipur, Jodhpur and Pokhran are easy places to eat and rest. Fill your tank before the desert stretch.
Tolls on NH 48 are paid by FASTag, and the total depends on your vehicle type and route. You can estimate it with the NHAI toll calculator before you leave. Keep your FASTag balance topped up, as lanes are cashless.
A Few Road Tips
- Split the trip into two days if you can. Jaipur or Jodhpur make a good halt.
- Avoid driving at night on the desert stretch. It is long, dark and quiet.
- Keep water and snacks in the car.
- Save an offline map. Signal can drop.
Cab or Self-Drive?
Self-driving gives you freedom, but 750-800 km is a lot for one driver. A cab with a driver is easier. Fix the price and the route before you start. Ask if the toll, the driver’s night halt, and the return are included. Get it in writing or in a message.
Delhi to Jaisalmer Bus
Buses are the least comfortable choice. The journey is long, at about 16 to 19 hours. Some booking sites list direct buses, both seater and sleeper, with fares of about ₹850 to ₹1,600. But other pages say you need a change at Jaipur, Jodhpur or Bikaner.
Some routes run direct, while others need a change at Jaipur, Jodhpur or Bikaner. Confirm the route, operator, date, and pickup and drop points before you pay.
Which Way Is Best for You?
- Short on time: Fly, if there is a flight on your date.
- Want to save money: Take the train.
- Travelling with family or a group: Drive or hire a cab, and split the trip over two days.
- Last minute with no seats elsewhere: Look at a bus, but check the details first.
Think about the total time, not just the ride. A flight is short in the air, but you reach the airport 2 to 3 hours early and then travel into the city. A night train takes longer, but you sleep on it and save a hotel night. Both can be worth it.
From the Station or Airport to Your Camp
Reaching Jaisalmer is only half the journey. Most desert camps in Jaisalmer are outside the city, near the Sam Sand Dunes or along Khaba Road, so you will need a road transfer after you arrive.
What to ask your camp before you travel
- Whether they arrange pickup from the railway station or airport, and the fare
- Whether the driver can track your train or flight number, in case of delays
- Where the pickup point is, and a phone number to call on arrival
- Whether late-night arrivals are possible, and the check-in procedure
At Winds Desert Camp, we provide pickup from the city; the railway station or the airport can be arranged if you share your travel details when booking. The camp is on Khaba Road, about 35 km from the city, so allow roughly an hour for the transfer. When you choose Winds Desert Camp, confirm the pickup, fare and timing a day before you travel.
Planning your arrival
- Morning arrival: Check in, rest, and save the dunes for late afternoon, when the sand is cooler and the light is soft.
- Late-night arrival: Ask for a simple check-in and keep the next morning slow.
Best Time to Travel
Winter, from November to March, is the easiest time. Days are cool and nights are cold. This is when most people go for camel rides and desert safaris. Flights are also more likely to run then.
Summer is very hot. If you travel then, start early and carry plenty of water.
Travel Tips
- Book trains and flights early for winter.
- Keep a little buffer. Trains can run late.
- Carry a power bank and a light jacket for winter nights.
- Confirm your pickup a day before you travel.
- Keep your tickets and ID on your phone and in print.
Conclusion
Reaching Jaisalmer from Delhi is easy once you pick the right way. Fly if you can, take the train if you want a calm trip, and drive only if you have two days. Check schedules close to your date, and sort out your pickup before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How far is Jaisalmer from Delhi?
Ans. It is about 750-800 km by road on the main route. By rail, it is about 850 to 990 km, and by air, about 645 km. Other road routes can run from about 750 to 900 km.
Q. Is there a direct flight from Delhi to Jaisalmer?
Ans. Yes. IndiGo and Air India fly the route, and the flight takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. But the number of flights changes by day, and service can be seasonal, so check the airline for your date.
Q. How long does the train take from Delhi to Jaisalmer?
Ans. Trains take about 15 to 19 hours. The 12249 Swarn Nagari Express takes about 15 hours, and the 15014 Ranikhet Express about 19. Check IRCTC for the current timing.
Q. Can I drive from Delhi to Jaisalmer in one day?
Ans. It is possible, but long. The drive is 13 to 15 hours, and more with stops. Most people find it tiring, so a halt at Jaipur or Jodhpur is a better plan.
Q. Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Jaisalmer?
Ans. Some booking sites list direct buses, but other pages say you need a change. The journey is long, at 16 to 19 hours. Check the operator and the date before you book.
Q. What is the best way to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi?
Ans. For most people, a flight is the fastest, and a train is the easiest on a budget. Drive only if you want to stop on the way. Pick by time, budget and comfort.
