The cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are fabulously famous Rajasthani cities. Both are unique in their own history and culture and gloriously off the main tourist trail. However, for travellers this also presents the challenge of figuring out how to get to both and whether it’s best to train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer or take the bus.
Here is everything you need to know about train travel in India and the different types of bus travel that are available including all you need to make the best decision for about the bus or train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
- Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
- Train travel in India
- Train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
- Options by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
- Tickets
- Bus travel in India
- Options by bus Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
- Choosing bus or train?
- Things to do in Jodhpur
- Things to do in Jaisalmer
- Where to stay
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is the furthest city to the west of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Further to the east of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur is the nearest next large city.
Both of these Rajasthani cities are popular for travellers. Jodhpur is famously the Blue City of India and Jaisalmer is the Golden City most well-known for epic camel safaris in the Thar Desert.
However, both of the cities are not on the main priority of tourist destinations and the challenge of getting a bit off the beaten track for travel in India presents choices to be made about getting there.
By road (a-la-Google-Maps) it is only a distance of around five to six hours between the two. But it is slightly more complicated due to the limited options by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
The biggest question is whether it is better to travel by bus or train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
We regularly travel by train from Jaipur to Jaisalmer or in the other direction from Jaisalmer back across Rajasthan to Jaipur.
However despite the shorter distance, travel by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is a bit more complicated due to the departure and arrival times of trains in these two cities…
- Read about getting an e-Visa for India, arriving at Delhi International Airport and choosing a SIM card for India.
Train travel in India
Travel by train in India is a totally bucketlist part of the subcontinent. The railway network in India moves more than 24 million people daily! That’s a seriously epic network and mammoth numbers.
Train travel in India makes the most sense for a lot of journeies across the country. However there are some – like the trip by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer – that have added complications due to geographical logistics and timing…
- Read everything about train travel in India.
Train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) is the end of the railway line in the far west of Rajasthan. However, despite being the end of the line the city is well connected with daily trains to and from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi and beyond.
The route by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is covered by trains that originate further along the railway network and stop in Jodhpur (JU) for 10 – 15 minutes.
From Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by train takes around six hours.
- Book the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer online.
Options by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
There are three daily trains that operate the route by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
- RANIKHET EXP #15014 Departs Jodhpur (JU) at 17:00h arriving to Jaisalmer (JSM) at 23:00h taking 6hrs.
- RUNICHA EXP #14087 Departs Jodhpur (JU) at 20:15h arriving to Jaisalmer (JSM) at 02:30h taking 6hrs 15mins.
- SABARMATI – JAISALMER EXP #20492 Departs Jodhpur (JU) at 06:20h arriving to Jaisalmer (JSM) at 12:00h taking 5hrs 40mins.
These are Express and Local trains. However, the main challenge with these options by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is the departure and arrival hours of the journey.
It takes around six hours by train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
Though it is challenging to arrive to a new place in the wee hours of the morning or to check out and depart before sunrise. (The pre-sunrise option is preferable in the worst case scenario!).
The RANIKHET EXP is notoriously delayed. This train actually starts in Kathgodam (KGM) and is scheduled to arrive in Jaisalmer (JSM) almost 27 hours later.
However the reality is that the train is usually at least two hours delayed and arrives to the final station in Jaisalmer (JSM) well after midnight.
This isn’t ideal for travellers needing to arrange pick up from the railway station and to pay for another night of accommodation for only a few hours.
We don’t generally recommend arriving somewhere new in the dark or travelling out and about in India after midnight if you can help it.
It is always worth checking out your options – which leads on to the toss-up between bus travel and travel by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
- Book the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer online.
How do you buy tickets for the train to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer?
As a foreigner you currently have 2 options to buy your train ticket for travel in India online:
- via 12goAsia.com
- on the website of the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd.)
We have tried both in the past but the IRCTC website puts up some barriers to booking ahead of time while outside of the country. You likely will need an Indian mobile number to book directly.
Instead we recommend booking tickets for the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer online though 12GoAsia.com.
- Book the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer online.
Bus travel in India
Just like sifting through the memes of train travel in India that is synonymous with riding on overcrowded train rooves, travel by bus in India is a far cry from what you might be imagining.
There are three main types of bus travel in India and each type makes for a different experience.
- Local bus
- Tourist bus
- Sleeper bus
The local bus options in India are generally within the cities and to travel to and from the outskirts of rural urban centres.
Tourist buses are designed for comfortable air-conditioned (usually) intercity travel for short-mid distances. Where sleeper buses in India are for long distances or journeys where rail is not feasible.
- Read more about bus travel in India.
Options by bus Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Jodhpur is the closest major city to Jaisalmer and there are regular connections between the two by bus.
There are hourly buses from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur departing during the day.
The journey is around 6 hours by bus.
- Tip: There are two main bus stops along Gadisar Road and on the road to the airport in Jaisalmer. Check with the bus company which stop you are arriving to or departing from.
Choosing bus or train?
Because Jaisalmer is the end of the line many of the trains arrive and depart during the night and wee hours of the morning connecting with the larger cities of Jaipur and Delhi during the daytime.
Buses are a good way to get to Jaisalmer if the arrival hours of the trains don’t appeal.
There are not many options of higher class travel (1A or 2A) on the trains Jodhpur to Jaisalmer so the price difference between the bus and train ticket isn’t hugely different.
The main things to consider cost-wise are the price of getting another night of accommodation if the train arrival time is during the night. Or if the hours of departure in the morning mean checking out pre-sunrise and missing out on an included breakfast meal.
In this case the option of travel by bus works out to be cheaper than the train.
The verdict? Is it better to get the bus or train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer?
The hours of departure for the trains passing through Jodhpur and the time of arrival for the trains ending in Jaisalmer makes it complicated for the short journey to warrant travel by train.
Ultimately, it makes more sense economically and for convenience to go by bus rather than train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
Things to do in Jodhpur
Aside from being recognised as the iconic Blue City of India, Jodhpur is also known as the Gateway to the Thar Desert.
- Mehrangarh Fort: One of the largest forts in India rising impressively above the blue city.
- Old City Markets: Check out the small old sweet factories still operating in the middle of the markets.
- Walk through the Old City: This is the centre of town and is the part of Jodhpur that is so iconic (and bright) blue.
- Gulab Sagar Lake: This 18th-century lake played an essential role in Jodhpur’s traditional water management system.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: One of India’s last grand palaces to be built (completed in 1944). The royal family of Jodhpur still occupies a section of it.
There are lots of iconic sights to see in the Old City or simply just wander and take in all of the blue.
- Read more about things to do in Jodhpur.
Things to do in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is known as the ‘Golden City’ of Rajasthan.
The location of Jaisalmer is all the way to the far west of Rajasthan bordering India’s Thar Desert and Jaisalmer is renowned for the chance to take an overnight camel safari in the desert – and for the towering Jaisalmer Fort!
- Camel Safari: This is the main attraction of Jaisalmer and the Indian Thar Desert!
- Jaisalmer Fort: One of the biggest forts in India and the oldest ‘living fort’ in the world. Get lost wandering around the maze of bazaars, shops, hotels and tiny lanes within the fort.
- Gadisar Lake: A man-made water reservoir that was once the only source of water in Jaisalmer. The lake was constructed by the first ruler of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal, it is surrounded by temples and ghats.
- Visit the Maharaja’s Palace: Situated within the Jaisalmer Fort, the palace is small but with plenty to see and panoramic views over the entire city from the top.
- Villagers Market: Even if you don’t need to go shopping; go and soak up all the incredible colours and atmosphere!
We love the small-town (relatively) vibe of Jaisalmer. It is a great place to visit in India as one of your first destinations to find your feet before hitting the megacities and more touristy hot-spots.
- Read about taking a camel safari in Jaisalmer, visiting Jaisalmer Fort and other things to do in Jaisalmer.
Where to stay in Jodhpur
It is a good idea when choosing where to stay to book somewhere close to the old city and Fort area. This area has a range of boutique hotels and traditional Haveli accommodation.
- Budget: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay
Good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts.
- Budget: Hotel Bawarri Haveli
Friendly, budget Haveli-style accommodation with a rooftop restaurant and less than 1km away from the Stepwell.
- Budget-Mid-Range: Jewel Palace Haveli
Located just 400 metres from Mehrangarh Fort offering the chance to stay in a traditional converted Haveli at a budget-friendly price.
- Hostel: Zostel Jodhpur
Located well in the city’s heart overlooking Mehrangarh Fort and adjacent to the Clock Tower offering haveli-inspired architecture for backpackers.
- Luxury: Umaid Bhawan Palace
Want to try some serious luxury? This one of the world’s largest private residences!
Where to stay in Jaisalmer
This is our favourite place to stay in all of India. Every time we visit Jaisalmer we stay at the same place!
- Budget: Wanderlust Guesthouse
A small accommodation outside of the Fort with epic views, delicious food and in walking distance to all the things to do in Jaisalmer.
Padam and his team at Wanderlust Guesthouse do an amazing job of hospitality with beautifully clean rooms, delicious food and the best camel safari in Jaisalmer.
The view from the terrace restaurant of the setting sun over Jaisalmer Fort is the kind that memories are made of.
It is a great place to stay, and no doubt will become a favourite of yours in India too!
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- 7-, 14- or 21-day itinerary for North India
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local food to try in Jaisalmer
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- 12 Things to do in Kolkata
- 12 Things to do in Mumbai
About travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safaris and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before traveling by bus or train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer!
