Jaisalmer is a historic city located in the western part of Rajasthan, famous for its golden sandstone architecture and desert landscapes. Gurgaon, a major city near Delhi, serves as a key starting point for travelers heading to this desert destination. This route is popular among tourists seeking the unique experience of the Thar Desert and Rajasthan’s rich culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Gurgaon to Jaisalmer. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and useful tips to plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Gurgaon to Jaisalmer – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance route. It offers a chance to experience Indian rail travel while covering the 800+ km distance overnight or during the day.

• The main train connecting Gurgaon to Jaisalmer departs from Gurgaon Railway Station or nearby Delhi stations like New Delhi or Delhi Sarai Rohilla, arriving at Jaisalmer Railway Station after approximately 14 to 16 hours of travel.

• Train fares range from ₹400 for sleeper class to ₹1500 for AC 3-tier, making it affordable for most travelers, with trains running 2-3 times a week on this route.

• Trains can get crowded during festival seasons like Diwali or Holi, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred classes and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Facilities on trains vary; some have pantry cars offering meals, but it is advisable to carry snacks and water, especially for the desert climate upon arrival.

• Monsoon season rarely affects this route, but winter fog near Delhi can cause minor delays, so plan some buffer time if you have tight connections.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly option, suitable for travelers who prefer road travel and want to see the changing landscape en route.

• State-run Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and private operators run buses from Gurgaon or Delhi ISBT to Jaisalmer, covering roughly 800 km in 14 to 16 hours.

• Bus types include Volvo AC, deluxe, and sleeper coaches, with fares ranging from ₹700 to ₹1500 depending on comfort and operator.

• Buses depart mostly in the evening or night, allowing you to travel overnight and reach Jaisalmer early morning, saving daytime for sightseeing.

• Frequent stops occur at major towns like Bikaner and Jodhpur, where you can find clean restrooms and local food stalls for refreshments.

• During peak tourist season, buses can be fully booked, so advance online booking through RSRTC or private portals is advisable.

• Road conditions are generally good on National Highways NH48 and NH62, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays due to waterlogging near some sections.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving yourself or hiring a car offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for travelers who want to explore Rajasthan at their own pace.

• The distance from Gurgaon to Jaisalmer by road is about 800 km via NH48 and NH62, typically taking 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Major toll plazas on this route include Dharuhera and Jaipur outskirts, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Popular rest stops include Neemrana, Jaipur, and Jodhpur, where you can find good dhabas and fuel stations for breaks.

• Self-driving requires familiarity with Indian highway rules and night driving caution, as some stretches may have limited lighting and occasional livestock crossings.

• Car rentals with drivers are widely available in Gurgaon, with daily rates ranging from ₹3000 to ₹6000 depending on vehicle type and season.

• During winter, fog near Delhi and Jaipur can reduce visibility, so plan your departure time accordingly to avoid unsafe driving conditions.

Flight

Flying is the fastest option but involves connecting flights and additional ground travel, suitable for travelers prioritizing time over cost.

• Jaisalmer has a small domestic airport with limited flights, mainly connecting to Jaipur and Delhi, so direct flights from Gurgaon are not available.

• You can fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), with flight durations around 1.5 hours, but flights operate only a few days a week.

• From Gurgaon, you need to travel 30-40 minutes to Delhi airport by taxi or metro, adding to total travel time and cost.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically ₹2500 to ₹6000 one way, depending on booking time and airline promotions.

• Upon arrival at Jaisalmer Airport, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the city center, about 10 km away, with fares around ₹200-₹300.

• Flight schedules can be affected by weather conditions like desert dust storms, so check status before departure and have backup plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Gurgaon to Jaisalmer, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

• Book your tickets early through IRCTC for trains or RSRTC/private portals for buses to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during holidays or festivals.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, as the desert climate can be harsh and dry upon arrival.

• Reach your departure point (Gurgaon Railway Station, ISBT, or Delhi Airport) at least one hour before scheduled departure to manage security checks and boarding calmly.

• If traveling by car, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps, check vehicle condition, and carry cash for tolls and emergencies.

• During the journey, keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps or printed directions, as network coverage may be patchy in some desert areas.

• Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of safe drinking water and avoid roadside tap water to prevent stomach issues common in desert travel.

• Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a scarf to protect yourself from sun and dust, especially during daytime travel or outdoor stops.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance through official portals like IRCTC and RSRTC to secure confirmed seats and avoid scams.

• For local travel in Jaisalmer, prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs rather than hailing autos on the street to avoid overcharging.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as crowded trains and buses can make handling heavy bags difficult and increase theft risk.

• During winter, carry warm clothes as desert nights can get very cold, and in summer, avoid midday travel to reduce heat exposure.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Gurgaon to Jaisalmer is during the cooler months from October to March, when the desert climate is pleasant and sightseeing is comfortable.

Summer months from April to June are extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 45°C, making travel tiring and less enjoyable. Monsoon season is mild but can cause occasional road delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Winter mornings and late evenings can have dense fog near Delhi and Jaipur, causing train and road delays, so plan departures accordingly.

• Depart early in the morning or late evening to avoid daytime heat and heavy traffic on highways.

• Monsoon rains are rare but can cause waterlogging near some highway stretches; check weather updates before starting your journey.

Arrival at Jaisalmer & What to Expect

Arriving at Jaisalmer Railway Station or Airport, you will find several transport options to reach your hotel or guesthouse. The city is compact, and many attractions are close to the town center.

Prepaid taxi counters are available at the station and airport, offering fixed fares to popular areas like the Fort and Sam Sand Dunes. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in the city but may have limited availability during late hours.

Auto-rickshaws are common but negotiate fares beforehand. Many travelers prefer staying near the Jaisalmer Fort area for easy access to markets and restaurants.

Conclusion

Traveling from Gurgaon to Jaisalmer offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Trains provide an economical and authentic experience, while buses offer direct overnight travel. Self-driving gives flexibility, and flights save time if you can align schedules.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, packing appropriately for desert conditions, and choosing the right departure time will make your journey smooth. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the magical experience of Jaisalmer’s golden city and desert charm.