Delhi to Jaisalmer by Road & Air
Jaisalmer: The Golden City of Rajasthan- sits at the edge of the mighty Thar Desert, where golden sandstone forts rise against the endless blue sky. Whether you're a first-time traveller or a seasoned road warrior, getting from Delhi to Jaisalmer is an experience in itself. The good news? You have two solid options: the train and the flight. Both have their own charm, cost, and comfort levels.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your trip — timings, fares, booking tips, and what to expect along the way.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Train: The Classic Way to Travel
For most travellers, the train is the go-to choice — and for good reason. It's affordable, scenic, and drops you right in the heart of Jaisalmer without any extra transfers.
Distance & Duration
The rail distance between New Delhi and Jaisalmer is approximately 900 km. Depending on the train, the journey takes between 17 to 19 hours, making it an overnight trip that saves you a hotel night too.
Best Trains on This Route
There are two main trains that connect Delhi to Jaisalmer directly:
1. Jaisalmer Express (Train No. 14659/14660)
Departs from: Sarai Rohilla Railway Station (Delhi)
Departure Time: Approx. 5:50 PM (evenings)
Arrival in Jaisalmer: Next morning around 11:30 AM
Days: Runs on selected days (check IRCTC for current schedule)
Type: Superfast Express
Delhi Railway Station
2. Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Jaisalmer SF Express (Train No. 14707/14708)
Departs from: Sarai Rohilla Railway Station
Departure Time: Approx. 4:40 PM
Arrival: Around 10:00 AM next day
Frequency: Twice a week
Pro Tip: Always board from Sarai Rohilla (not New Delhi Station). It's a less crowded station and easy to reach from most parts of Delhi via metro (Inderlok or Ashok Park Main stations are nearby).
Train Fare & Classes
Class | Approximate Fare |
|---|---|
Sleeper (SL) | ₹350 – ₹500 |
3rd AC (3A) | ₹900 – ₹1,300 |
2nd AC (2A) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
1st AC (1A) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
Fares vary based on season, quota, and how early you book. For budget travellers, Sleeper class works fine but can get crowded. For comfort, 3AC is the sweet spot.
How to Book Train Tickets
IRCTC website or app — the official and most reliable source
RailYatri or ixigo — for seat availability alerts and PNR status
Book at least 15–30 days in advance, especially during October to March (peak season)
Tatkal booking opens 1 day before departure at a higher fare
What to Expect on the Train
The journey passes through Rajasthan's heartland — you'll wake up to the soft golden landscape of the desert as the train rolls into Jaisalmer in the morning. Carry snacks, water, and a light jacket (nights can get cold, especially November to February). Pantry car service is available on most trains.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Flight: Fast but Pricier
If your time is limited or you prefer comfort over adventure, flying is a practical option. The route has seen improved connectivity in recent years.
Route & Airlines
Jaisalmer has its own airport — Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), which is a small but functional civilian and defence airport. Direct flights from Delhi operate on select days.
Major airlines on this route (check current availability):
IndiGo
Air India
SpiceJet (seasonal)
Some flights may require a stopover in Jodhpur or Jaipur, adding 1–2 hours to travel time.
Flight Duration & Timings
Direct flight: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Via stopover: 3–5 hours depending on layover
Flights typically depart in the early morning or late afternoon
Delhi Airport
Flight Fares
Booking Window | Approximate Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|
2–3 months ahead | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
1 month ahead | ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 |
Last-minute | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000+ |
Prices fluctuate significantly. Set fare alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or MakeMyTrip to catch the best deals.
Jaisalmer Airport: What to Know
The airport is small with limited facilities — no fancy lounges or shopping. It's just 10–15 minutes from the city centre by auto-rickshaw or taxi (₹150–₹300). Pre-booking a cab is recommended if you're arriving late.
Train vs. Flight: Which Should You Choose?
Factor | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
Cost | ₹350–₹3,500 | ₹2,500–₹15,000+ |
Duration | 17–19 hours | 1–5 hours |
Experience | Scenic, cultural | Quick, functional |
Comfort | Moderate (3AC is good) | High |
Luggage | Flexible | 15–25 kg limit |
Best For | Budget travellers, experience seekers | Busy travellers, comfort seekers |
Our Pick: If you have time, take the overnight train — it's cheaper, scenic, and culturally rich. If you're on a tight schedule or travelling with young children or elderly family members, the flight is worth the extra cost.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
October to February: Peak season — cool weather, Desert Festival (usually in Feb), camel safaris at their best
March to May: Getting warm; manageable in early March
June to September: Extremely hot and monsoon season — not recommended for most tourists
Quick Tips for the Journey
For train: Carry your own food for night travel. Station food is available but limited.
For flights: Reach the airport at least 1.5 hours early — security checks can be slow at smaller airports.
Accommodation in Jaisalmer: Book well in advance for October–February. Heritage havelis and desert camps get sold out fast.
Currency: Jaisalmer has ATMs but carry some cash for camel rides and local markets.
SIM cards: Your Delhi SIM works fine throughout Rajasthan.
Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Final Thoughts
Whether you roll in on a train with the sunrise painting the dunes gold, or land at Jaisalmer's little airport ready to dive straight into the desert magic — the Golden City never disappoints. The journey from Delhi to Jaisalmer is just the beginning of one of India's most unforgettable travel experiences.
Book smart, pack light, and let the Thar Desert do the rest.
FAQ: Delhi to Jaisalmer Travel
Q1. Which is the best train from Delhi to Jaisalmer?
A. The Jaisalmer Express (14659) departing from Sarai Rohilla is the most popular and well-connected option. It's direct, overnight, and arrives in the morning — perfect timing to explore the city.
Q2. Is there a direct flight from Delhi to Jaisalmer?
A. Yes, IndiGo and Air India operate direct flights on select days. However, availability is limited and fares can be high. Always check in advance and compare with connecting options through Jodhpur.
Q3. How much does the Delhi to Jaisalmer trip cost overall?
A. A budget traveller can manage the full trip (train + basic stay) for ₹3,000–₹5,000 per person. A mid-range trip with flights and a heritage hotel can cost ₹10,000–₹25,000+ per person.
Q5. Can I reach Jaisalmer by bus from Delhi?
A. Yes, Rajasthan State Transport (RSRTC) and private operators run overnight buses (sleeper/semi-sleeper). It takes about 18–20 hours and costs ₹600–₹1,500. However, the train is more comfortable for long distances.
Q6. What is the ideal number of days to spend in Jaisalmer?
A. A minimum of 3 days is recommended — one day for the fort and old city, one day for Sam Sand Dunes and a camel safari, and one day for Gadisar Lake and local markets.
Around the world with Vikash Dakha
View full profile →Hello, I’m Vikash Dhaka, a passionate travel blogger exploring the royal beauty of Rajasthan. On Camelthar, I share practical travel guides, hotel recommendations, shopping tips, and hidden gems to help travelers plan unforgettable trips. My goal is to make Rajasthan travel a simple, authentic, and unforgettable experience.