Ajmer, located in Rajasthan, is a historic city famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and its rich cultural heritage. Kerala, in the southern part of India, is well connected to Ajmer through various transport modes, making this route popular for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers alike.

This guide covers all practical options to travel from Kerala to Ajmer, including trains, buses, flights, and self-drive. You will find detailed tips on routes, ticketing, travel times, and local commute to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Kerala to Ajmer – Main Options

By Train

Train travel is a common and economical way to reach Ajmer from Kerala. Indian Railways offers several long-distance trains connecting major Kerala stations to Ajmer Junction, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.

• Key stations:

  Trains depart from major Kerala stations like Ernakulam Junction (ERS), Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC), and Kozhikode (CLT), arriving at Ajmer Junction (AII). The route covers approximately 2,500 to 2,700 km depending on the origin station.

• Travel time and fares:

  Journey duration ranges from 40 to 50 hours. Sleeper class tickets cost around ₹700–₹900, while AC 3-tier fares range from ₹1,800 to ₹2,500. Booking well in advance via IRCTC is recommended.

• Train options and frequency:

  Trains like the Kerala Sampark Kranti Express and other weekly services connect Kerala to Ajmer. Frequency is limited, so check current schedules on IRCTC or NTES apps.

• Comfort and amenities:

  Long-distance trains offer pantry services and clean restrooms, but delays are common. Carry your own water and snacks, especially during monsoon season when trains may run late.

• Scenic route and tips:

  The train passes through diverse landscapes, from Kerala’s lush greenery to Rajasthan’s arid zones. Night travel is safer and more comfortable; book lower berths if possible for better rest.

• Challenges:

  Last-mile connectivity from Ajmer station to city center is easy with prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws, but avoid arriving late at night due to limited public transport.

By Bus

Direct bus services from Kerala to Ajmer are limited due to the long distance, but a combination of state-run and private buses can be used with transfers. This option suits budget travelers who prefer road travel.

• Route and operators:

  Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses connect to major northern cities like Delhi or Jaipur, from where Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses reach Ajmer.

• Travel time and cost:

  Total journey time can exceed 48 hours with multiple transfers. Bus fares range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 depending on class and operators.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Overnight Volvo or deluxe buses offer better comfort on some legs. However, frequent breaks and transfers can be tiring for first-time travelers.

• Road conditions:

  National Highways like NH 44 and NH 48 form the main corridors. Roads are generally good but monsoon rains in Kerala and Rajasthan can cause delays.

• Tips for bus travel:

  Book tickets online via KSRTC and RSRTC portals. Carry sufficient water and snacks, and plan overnight stops in cities like Hyderabad or Jaipur for rest.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kerala to Ajmer is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route. The distance is around 2,500 km, requiring at least 3-4 days of travel.

• Route overview:

  The most common route is via NH 44, passing through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before entering Rajasthan.

• Road conditions:

  National highways are mostly well-maintained, with tolls on expressways. Avoid night driving in rural areas due to poor lighting and stray animals.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Numerous fuel stations and eateries like Indian Oil outlets and highway dhabas are available. Plan stops in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.

• Travel time and planning:

  Expect 40-45 hours of driving time. Break the journey into 3-4 days to avoid fatigue. Carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile signals may drop in remote areas.

• Permits and safety:

  Ensure your vehicle documents and insurance are valid across states. Follow local traffic rules strictly, and avoid driving during peak monsoon or foggy winter mornings.

By Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Ajmer from Kerala, especially for business travelers and tourists on tight schedules. Ajmer does not have its own airport, but nearby airports provide good connectivity.

• Nearest airports:

  The closest airport to Ajmer is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), about 135 km away. Alternatively, Udaipur Airport (UDR) is around 165 km distant.

• Flight options:

  Kerala’s major airports—Kochi (COK), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), and Calicut (CCJ)—offer direct or connecting flights to Jaipur via Delhi or Mumbai. Flight duration is 4-6 hours including layovers.

• Transfer from airport to Ajmer:

  From Jaipur, frequent Rajasthan State Transport buses, prepaid taxis, and Ola/Uber cabs connect to Ajmer. The drive takes about 3 hours.

• Cost and booking tips:

  Airfares vary from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on season and advance booking. Use airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip for best deals.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Flights are less frequent during monsoon and winter fog may cause delays. Book early during festivals like Urs at Ajmer Sharif to avoid price surges.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers from Kerala to Ajmer plan a smooth journey, focusing on preparation and convenience.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether train, bus, or flight, secure your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance via IRCTC, KSRTC, or airline portals to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack smartly:

  Carry light luggage with essentials like water bottles, snacks, chargers, and a first-aid kit. Include warm clothes if traveling in winter.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at the railway station, bus stand, or airport at least 1 hour before departure to complete check-in and security smoothly.

• Use prepaid taxis or app cabs:

  On arrival at Ajmer station or Jaipur airport, opt for prepaid taxis or Ola/Uber for safe and transparent fares to your hotel or destination.

• Stay hydrated and rested:

  Long journeys can be tiring. Take breaks during road travel and drink bottled water to stay refreshed.

• Keep local contacts handy:

  Save numbers of your hotel, local taxi services, and emergency contacts to avoid confusion on arrival.

Practical Travel Tips

• IRCTC booking tips:

  Use the IRCTC app or website for train tickets and check waitlist status regularly. Tatkal tickets can help if you miss early bookings.

• Food and water safety:

  Prefer bottled water and freshly cooked meals during travel. Avoid roadside food stalls unless you are sure of hygiene standards.

• Local commute in Ajmer:

  Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common for short distances. Negotiate fares beforehand or use meter-based autos.

• Luggage security:

  Keep your bags close and use lockable suitcases. Avoid displaying valuables openly during travel.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Monsoon rains in Kerala can delay departures; winter fog in northern India may affect trains and flights. Check weather updates before traveling.

• Mobile connectivity:

  Ensure your mobile operator has good coverage en route. Carry a power bank as charging points may be limited on long bus or train journeys.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Kerala to Ajmer depends on weather and festival schedules. Avoid monsoon months in Kerala and winter fog in Rajasthan for smoother journeys.

Peak tourist seasons around Ajmer Sharif Urs festival see higher traffic and prices, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during Kerala’s heavy monsoon (June to September) to prevent train and flight delays.

• Winter months (December to February) in Rajasthan can have fog causing train and flight disruptions; early morning departures are best avoided.

• Midday departures and arrivals help avoid fog and traffic congestion in northern cities.

• Steer clear of weekends and festival weekends for bus and train travel to avoid overcrowding.

Arrival at Ajmer & What to Expect

Ajmer Junction railway station is well connected to the city center, about 2 km away. Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available at the station exit for hassle-free transfers.

From Jaipur airport, the 3-hour road journey to Ajmer offers scenic views of Rajasthan’s countryside. Upon arrival, travelers find a range of accommodation options near the Dargah and city market areas.

Local buses and shared autos are available but less frequent, so using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber is recommended for convenience and safety, especially after dark.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying to Jaipur followed by a taxi or bus to Ajmer is the fastest and most comfortable way for most travelers. However, train travel offers an economical and scenic alternative for those with time.

With proper planning and advance bookings, the journey from Kerala to Ajmer can be smooth and enjoyable. Use this guide to choose the best mode for your needs and explore the spiritual and cultural richness of Ajmer confidently.