Ajmer Sharif Dargah, located in the city of Ajmer, Rajasthan, is one of India's most revered Sufi shrines. Situated about 130 km southwest of Jaipur, it attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. Whether you are visiting for spiritual reasons, cultural exploration, or a weekend getaway, this guide will help you navigate the best ways to reach Ajmer Sharif comfortably and efficiently.

This article covers all major transport options including train, bus, car, and flight, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan. You will also find advice on the best time to travel and what to expect upon arrival, ensuring a hassle-free journey to this iconic destination.

Getting from Major Cities to Ajmer Sharif – Main Options

By Train

Train travel is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Ajmer Sharif, especially from nearby cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai. Ajmer Junction is well connected to major Indian cities and offers frequent services.

• Key stations:

  Ajmer Junction (AII) is the main railway station serving the city. It is about 2 km from the Dargah and well connected by local transport.

• Distance and duration:

  From Jaipur, trains take about 2.5 to 3 hours covering 130 km. From Delhi, it takes roughly 7 to 8 hours. Ticket prices vary from INR 150 to 800 depending on class and train type.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Multiple daily trains run between Jaipur and Ajmer, including express and passenger trains. Trains from Delhi and Mumbai are less frequent but include overnight options like the Ajmer Shatabdi and Bandra Ajmer Express.

• Booking tips:

  Book tickets in advance via IRCTC, especially during Urs festival or peak tourist seasons. Prefer reserved classes for comfort and safety.

• Local connectivity:

  Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are readily available at Ajmer station for the short ride to the Dargah. Prepaid taxi counters help avoid overcharging.

By Bus

Bus travel is economical and widely used by pilgrims and tourists from Rajasthan and neighboring states. Ajmer is a major hub for Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses.

• Key bus stations:

  Ajmer Central Bus Stand is about 3 km from the Dargah. It serves both state-run and private buses.

• Routes and duration:

  Regular buses run from Jaipur (approx 3 hours), Udaipur (5-6 hours), and Delhi (8-9 hours). Ticket prices range from INR 100 to 400 depending on bus type.

• Bus types:

  Options include ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo AC buses. Volvo buses offer more comfort but are costlier.

• Booking and frequency:

  RSRTC tickets can be booked online or at counters. Buses run frequently during the day but fewer options are available at night.

• Travel tips:

  Avoid traveling during peak festival times without advance booking. Carry water and snacks as some routes have limited stops.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Ajmer Sharif offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic Rajasthan landscapes. The city is well connected by National Highways and state roads.

• Major highways:

  From Jaipur, take NH48 and NH58 covering about 130 km. From Delhi, NH48 leads to Ajmer via Jaipur.

• Distance and time:

  Jaipur to Ajmer takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car, while Delhi to Ajmer is around 9 hours depending on traffic.

• Road conditions:

  Roads are generally in good condition with tolls on NH48. Fuel stations and eateries like Rajasthan Bhojanalayas are available en route.

• Parking:

  Ajmer Sharif has designated parking areas near the Dargah complex, but they can get crowded during festivals. Arrive early to secure a spot.

• Driving tips:

  Avoid night driving during monsoon due to slippery roads. Use GPS apps like Google Maps for real-time traffic updates.

By Flight

The nearest airport to Ajmer is Jaipur International Airport, about 135 km away. Flying is ideal for travelers coming from distant cities or other states.

• Airport details:

  Jaipur Airport connects Ajmer to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

• From airport to Ajmer:

  You can hire prepaid taxis or book app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. The journey takes around 3 hours depending on traffic.

• Flight frequency and cost:

  Multiple daily flights operate to Jaipur. Ticket prices vary widely based on booking time and airline.

• Alternative airports:

  Udaipur Airport is another option but is farther (about 190 km) and less convenient.

• Travel tips:

  Combine flight with train or taxi for the last leg to Ajmer. Pre-book transfers to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers to Ajmer Sharif, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether by train, bus, or flight, secure your tickets in advance through official portals like IRCTC or RSRTC to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at the railway station, bus stand, or airport at least 30 minutes before departure to manage check-ins and boarding comfortably.

• Pack essentials for the journey:

  Carry water, light snacks, and a power bank. Modest clothing is advisable for visiting the Dargah.

• Use prepaid or app-based cabs on arrival:

  At Ajmer station or airport, opt for prepaid taxi counters or Ola/Uber to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Plan your visit timing:

  Visit the Dargah early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and the midday heat, especially during peak seasons.

• Keep local currency handy:

  Small denominations help with auto-rickshaw fares and offerings at the shrine.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety:

  Ajmer is generally safe, but keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas. Use official prepaid taxis and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

• Food and water:

  Stick to bottled water and eat at popular eateries near the Dargah to avoid stomach issues. Try local Rajasthani snacks like kachori and dal bati.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets and RSRTC for buses. Avoid third-party sites with inflated prices.

• Local commute:

  Auto-rickshaws are plentiful but negotiate fares or insist on meter use. Ola and Uber operate in Ajmer for safer and convenient rides.

• Luggage:

  Travel light as the Dargah complex involves walking and security checks. Use lockers at Ajmer station if needed.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Summers can be extremely hot; carry sunscreen and stay hydrated. Monsoon rains may cause minor delays on roads.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to visit Ajmer Sharif is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making travel and sightseeing comfortable.

Avoid traveling during major festivals like Urs without prior bookings, as the city becomes extremely crowded and transport options fill up quickly.

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Jaipur and Ajmer, especially mornings and evenings on weekdays.

• Steer clear of the monsoon months (July-August) for road travel due to slippery conditions and occasional delays.

• Early morning departures help beat city traffic and ensure timely arrival at the shrine.

• Winter mornings can be foggy, so plan train or flight travel accordingly to avoid delays.

Arrival at Ajmer Sharif & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Ajmer Junction or the bus stand, you will find ample options for local transport to the Dargah. The shrine is a short 10-15 minute ride from these points.

The area around Ajmer Sharif is bustling with pilgrims, shops selling religious items, and eateries. Popular stay options include hotels near the Dargah and in the city center, offering easy access to other attractions like Ana Sagar Lake and Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra.

Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safe and fair rides. Walking to the Dargah is also feasible from nearby hotels. Expect security checks at the shrine entrance, and dress modestly to respect local customs.

Conclusion

Traveling to Ajmer Sharif is most efficient by train from Jaipur or Delhi, thanks to frequent services, affordability, and convenience. For those preferring comfort and flexibility, driving or flying to Jaipur followed by a taxi ride is ideal.

With proper planning and awareness of transport options, you can enjoy a smooth journey to this spiritual landmark. Whether visiting for devotion or exploration, Ajmer Sharif welcomes you with its rich heritage and warm hospitality.