Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast, while Jaisalmer, known as the Golden City, lies deep in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. This route is popular among travelers seeking a blend of urban life and desert heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Jaisalmer using different transport modes. You will find detailed information on trains, buses, driving, and flights, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Mumbai to Jaisalmer – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many. It offers a chance to see the changing landscapes and experience Indian rail travel comfort.

• The main train route is from Mumbai Central or Bandra Terminus to Jaisalmer Railway Station, covering about 1,200 km and taking approximately 24 to 28 hours depending on the train service.

• Popular trains include the Bandra Terminus–Jaisalmer Express and Mumbai Central–Jaisalmer Superfast, running 2-3 times a week with sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC classes available.

• Train fares range from ₹500 for sleeper class to ₹1,500-2,500 for air-conditioned classes, making it affordable for most travelers.

• Trains can be crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and Holi; booking tickets in advance through IRCTC is essential to secure your seat.

• Facilities on trains include onboard catering and clean restrooms, but it is advisable to carry your own water and snacks for the long journey.

• Night travel is common, so bring a neck pillow and light blanket; monsoon months may cause minor delays due to track maintenance.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel but are less comfortable for the long distance between Mumbai and Jaisalmer. They are suitable for travelers on a tight budget and flexible with time.

• Direct buses from Mumbai to Jaisalmer are rare; most travelers take a bus to Jodhpur first, then change to a local bus or taxi for the 285 km onward journey.

• Mumbai’s major bus depots like Dadar and Borivali have state-run and private buses to Jodhpur, with fares ranging from ₹700 to ₹1,200 depending on the bus type.

• From Jodhpur, Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) runs frequent buses to Jaisalmer taking about 5-6 hours and costing ₹200-₹400.

• Bus travel can take 30 to 40 hours in total, including transfers, and may be tiring due to road conditions and stops.

• Night buses are available but can be crowded and less safe; booking tickets online through MSRTC or private portals is recommended.

• Food options on the route are limited to highway dhabas; carry water and snacks, especially during summer when heat can be intense.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Jaisalmer offers flexibility and the chance to explore offbeat places en route. It is ideal for travelers who enjoy road trips and have time to spare.

• The distance is approximately 1,200 km via NH48 and NH62, taking around 22 to 26 hours of driving depending on traffic and stops.

• Major cities on the route include Ahmedabad and Jodhpur, where you can rest and refuel; toll plazas are common on NH48, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Road conditions are generally good on national highways, but some stretches near the desert may have rough patches; monsoon season can cause waterlogging in parts of Gujarat.

• Plan your trip with overnight stops in Ahmedabad or Jodhpur to avoid fatigue and enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing.

• Fuel stations are available regularly on highways, but carry extra water and emergency supplies when crossing desert areas.

• Using GPS apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia helps navigate traffic and find rest stops; avoid driving at night in rural desert areas for safety.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Jaisalmer from Mumbai, though there are no direct flights. This option suits travelers with limited time and a higher budget.

• The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), which has limited flights mainly from Jaipur and Delhi; Mumbai has direct flights to these cities.

• Typical route is Mumbai to Jaipur or Delhi by flight (around 2-3 hours), then a connecting flight or road transfer to Jaisalmer.

• Flight fares from Mumbai to Jaipur or Delhi range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Jaipur or Delhi, you can take a 1-hour flight to Jaisalmer or a 9-10 hour train/bus journey if flights are unavailable.

• Booking flights well in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip helps secure better prices and seats.

• Airport transfers in Mumbai are convenient with prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber; Jaisalmer airport has limited transport, so pre-book a taxi or hotel pickup.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Book your train or flight tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance via IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if traveling by road or train through the desert region.

• Reach Mumbai station or airport at least 2 hours before departure to manage security checks and boarding without rush.

• If traveling by train, carry a valid ID and keep your ticket handy; use the IRCTC app to check train running status and platform details.

• On arrival in Jaisalmer, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely; avoid unmetered taxis at the station.

• Plan local sightseeing with trusted guides or hotel recommendations to explore Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, and local markets comfortably.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and tickets, as police and transport staff may ask for verification during travel within Rajasthan.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling through desert areas with limited clean water sources.

• Book train and bus tickets online to avoid scams and long queues; use official portals like IRCTC and RSRTC for reliable bookings.

• In Jaisalmer, use auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs like Ola for short distances; negotiate fares beforehand if using local autos without meters.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry bags since last-mile transport options in Jaisalmer may not accommodate large suitcases comfortably.

• During summer, carry sunscreen and stay hydrated; in winter, nights can be very cold, so pack warm clothes for desert camping or night travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Jaisalmer is during the cooler months from October to March. The desert climate is harsh in summer, and monsoon rains can affect road travel in Gujarat.

Winter months offer pleasant days and cold nights, ideal for sightseeing and desert safaris. Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons if you want to avoid crowds and higher prices.

• Avoid travel during Diwali and Holi as trains and buses are heavily booked, and roads near cities can be congested.

• Monsoon season (July to September) may cause delays on highways due to waterlogging and slippery roads, especially in Gujarat.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother starts to long journeys.

• Winter nights in Jaisalmer can drop below 5°C, so carry warm clothing if traveling between November and February.

Arrival at Jaisalmer & What to Expect

Jaisalmer Railway Station is well connected and located close to the city center. On arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws outside the station for easy local travel.

Popular areas to stay include near the Jaisalmer Fort and the main market area, which offer good access to restaurants and tourist attractions. App-based cabs like Ola are limited but available in the city.

Conclusion

Among all options, traveling by train offers the best balance of cost, comfort, and experience for the Mumbai to Jaisalmer route. It allows you to enjoy the scenic journey and reach your destination without the stress of road travel.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing the right travel season will make your trip enjoyable and hassle-free. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey and look forward to exploring the unique charm of Jaisalmer.