Jaisalmer is a historic city located in the western part of Rajasthan, known for its golden sandstone architecture and desert landscapes. Indore, a major city in Madhya Pradesh, serves as a commercial hub with good connectivity to many parts of India. Traveling from Indore to Jaisalmer is a popular route for tourists seeking the desert experience and cultural heritage.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options between Indore and Jaisalmer, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find a detailed step-by-step plan, practical travel tips, and information about arrival and local transport in Jaisalmer.

Getting from Indore to Jaisalmer – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for this route. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views, although direct trains are limited and may require transfers.

• The main railway station in Indore is Indore Junction (INDB), and in Jaisalmer, it is Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM). The distance is about 700 km, with travel times ranging from 14 to 18 hours depending on the train.

• Direct trains like the Jaisalmer–Indore Express run a few times a week, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares between ₹400 and ₹1200, suitable for budget travelers.

• Trains can get crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and Holi, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred classes and seats.

• Facilities on trains vary; some have pantry cars, but carrying your own food is advisable, especially for long journeys through desert areas with limited station amenities.

• Night trains are common on this route, allowing you to save daytime and arrive fresh in Jaisalmer; however, be prepared for desert heat during summers.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and economical way to travel from Indore to Jaisalmer. Though the journey is long, several state and private operators run services connecting these cities.

• Buses depart from Indore’s main bus stations like Rajwada Bus Stand and Sarwate Bus Stand, arriving at Jaisalmer Bus Stand near the city center.

• Travel time by bus ranges from 15 to 20 hours, covering approximately 700 km via NH52 and NH68, with fares between ₹600 and ₹1200 depending on the bus type.

• Options include government-run Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and Madhya Pradesh State Transport (MPST), as well as private Volvo and sleeper buses offering more comfort.

• Night buses are available but can be crowded and less comfortable; booking tickets in advance through online portals or bus counters is advisable.

• During monsoon season, some highways may experience delays due to waterlogging or road repairs, so check weather and road conditions before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Indore to Jaisalmer is ideal if you prefer flexibility and want to explore places en route. The route is scenic but long, so plan for breaks and overnight stops if needed.

• The distance is about 700 km via NH52 and NH68, taking roughly 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with tolls at multiple plazas along the way.

• Major towns on the route include Ujjain, Ratlam, and Jodhpur, where you can stop for meals, fuel, and rest; these towns have good facilities and local eateries.

• Car rentals with self-drive options are available in Indore from companies like Zoomcar and local providers; ensure the vehicle is well-maintained for desert travel.

• Driving during daylight is recommended to avoid night hazards such as stray animals and poorly lit stretches, especially in rural Rajasthan.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a physical map or GPS device, as mobile network coverage can be patchy in remote desert areas.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Indore and Jaisalmer, but you can combine flights and road travel for faster journeys. This option suits travelers with limited time.

• Indore Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (IDR) has regular flights to Jaipur and Jodhpur, the nearest airports to Jaisalmer with better connectivity.

• From Jaipur or Jodhpur airports, you can hire taxis or take buses to Jaisalmer, which is about 280 km from Jodhpur and 560 km from Jaipur.

• Flight times from Indore to Jodhpur or Jaipur range from 1 to 1.5 hours, with fares between ₹2500 and ₹6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Booking flights well in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip can help secure better prices and preferred timings.

• Consider the total travel time including airport transfers and road travel to Jaisalmer when choosing this option, as it may take longer than direct train or car journeys.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Indore to Jaisalmer to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Trains are economical, buses offer flexibility, cars provide freedom, and flights save time with road transfers.

• Step 2: Book your tickets early. Use IRCTC for trains, official state transport websites or apps for buses, and trusted car rental services or airline portals for flights to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Step 3: Pack essentials like water, snacks, and light clothing suitable for desert climates. Carry a power bank and physical ID proofs as required for Indian travel.

• Step 4: Arrive at the departure point early. For trains and buses, reach the station at least 30 minutes before departure; for flights, arrive 2 hours early at the airport.

• Step 5: During the journey, stay hydrated and take breaks if driving. Use trusted food stops and avoid street food if unsure about hygiene.

• Step 6: On arrival in Jaisalmer, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach your accommodation safely and conveniently.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and ticket, as Indian transport authorities often check documents during travel and at checkpoints.

• Drink bottled water and avoid tap water to prevent stomach issues, especially when traveling through desert regions with limited clean water sources.

• Book train and bus tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals, to avoid sold-out situations and inflated prices.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber in Indore and Jaisalmer for safe and affordable last-mile connectivity instead of hailing random taxis.

• Pack light but include a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense desert sun during the day.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions as some routes may be affected by waterlogging or delays, particularly on highways connecting Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Indore to Jaisalmer is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather for sightseeing and comfortable travel.

Summer months from April to June can be extremely hot in Jaisalmer, with temperatures soaring above 45°C, making travel exhausting. Monsoon season brings some relief but can cause road delays.

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

• Winter mornings may have fog in parts of Madhya Pradesh, causing minor train or road delays, so plan accordingly.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Indore and to reach Jaisalmer before sunset, especially if driving or taking buses.

• Check for any road construction or toll plaza updates on NH52 and NH68 to anticipate travel time changes.

Arrival at Jaisalmer & What to Expect

Jaisalmer Railway Station and Bus Stand are located near the city center, making it easy to access hotels and tourist spots. The station exit has prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaw stands for safe local transport.

Popular areas to stay include the old city near Jaisalmer Fort and newer parts with more budget hotels. App-based cabs like Ola are limited but autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws are widely available for short distances.

Conclusion

Traveling from Indore to Jaisalmer is best done by train or car for a balance of comfort, cost, and experience. Trains offer a budget-friendly and scenic journey, while driving gives you freedom to explore along the way. Buses are a good alternative but can be long and tiring.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, packing smartly for desert conditions, and choosing departure times to avoid traffic and weather delays. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the journey and the unique charm of Jaisalmer’s desert heritage.