Pushkar is a small town located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, famous for its sacred lake and vibrant annual camel fair. It lies about 14 km northwest of Ajmer city and is a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination. Many travelers visit Pushkar for its spiritual atmosphere, temples, and desert culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Pushkar from nearby cities and major transport hubs. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Major Cities to Pushkar – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a common choice for reaching Pushkar due to its affordability and convenience from nearby cities like Ajmer and Jaipur. However, Pushkar has a small railway station with limited connectivity, so many travelers use Ajmer Junction as the main rail hub.

• Ajmer Junction is the nearest major railway station, located about 14 km from Pushkar, well connected to cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad with frequent trains.

• From Ajmer station, you can take local buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws to Pushkar; the road journey takes around 30 minutes and costs between ₹150-₹300 by taxi.

• Pushkar railway station has limited trains mainly from Ajmer and Jaipur, so check IRCTC for current schedules before planning direct train travel.

• Train fares to Ajmer vary by class, with sleeper class tickets starting around ₹150 and AC classes costing ₹400-₹900 depending on distance and train type.

• During peak seasons like the Pushkar Camel Fair, trains to Ajmer can be crowded and booked well in advance, so plan and book early.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Pushkar, especially from cities within Rajasthan and nearby states. Both government and private operators run regular services.

• Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates frequent buses from Jaipur, Ajmer, and Udaipur to Pushkar, with journey times ranging from 2 to 5 hours depending on the origin.

• From Ajmer bus stand, local buses and shared taxis to Pushkar run every 15-30 minutes, costing around ₹30-₹50 per person for the 14 km trip.

• Private deluxe and Volvo buses are available on routes like Jaipur to Ajmer, offering comfortable travel with fares between ₹200-₹500.

• Bus travel during monsoon can face delays due to road conditions, and during festivals, buses tend to be crowded, so book tickets early or arrive early at the bus stand.

• Pushkar town has a small bus stand near the city center, from where you can hire auto-rickshaws or walk to nearby hotels and attractions.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Pushkar is a flexible and comfortable option, especially if you want to explore Rajasthan at your own pace. The roads are generally in good condition, and the route offers scenic views.

• Pushkar is well connected by National Highway NH58 from Ajmer and NH48 from Jaipur, with a driving distance of about 150 km from Jaipur and 14 km from Ajmer.

• The drive from Jaipur to Pushkar takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, while from Ajmer it takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Toll plazas are present on the highways, so keep some cash ready; toll charges vary but are generally under ₹100 for these routes.

• Fuel stations and roadside dhabas are available along the highways, offering refreshments and rest stops for drivers.

• During the Pushkar Camel Fair, parking in town can be limited, so plan to park in designated areas or stay in hotels with parking facilities.

Flight

Pushkar does not have its own airport, but the nearest airport is in Jaipur, which is well connected to major Indian cities. From Jaipur airport, you can continue your journey by road.

• Jaipur International Airport is about 145 km from Pushkar and offers flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities with multiple daily flights.

• From Jaipur airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Pushkar; the drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and costs ₹2500-₹3500.

• Alternatively, take a bus or train from Jaipur city to Ajmer or Pushkar after arriving at the airport; Jaipur city center is about 15 km from the airport.

• Booking flights early can help secure better fares, especially during festival seasons when demand rises sharply.

• Flight schedules may be affected by fog in winter months, so plan buffer time for onward travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Pushkar, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, especially during festivals.

• If traveling by train, plan to arrive at Ajmer Junction and pre-book a taxi or use local buses to reach Pushkar, as direct train options are limited.

• For bus travel, check RSRTC schedules online or at bus depots, and arrive early to secure seats on popular routes like Jaipur to Pushkar.

• If driving, use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and road conditions; avoid night driving on rural roads for safety.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the journey, especially if traveling by bus or car, as rest stops can be sparse on some highway stretches.

• On arrival in Pushkar, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for local travel to your hotel or sightseeing spots to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and booking confirmations when traveling by train or bus, as ticket checks are common on Indian transport.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to avoid long queues and ensure confirmed seats, especially during the Pushkar Camel Fair or holiday seasons.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for short distances in Pushkar; negotiate fares beforehand if using non-metered autos.

• Pack light luggage with secure locks, as crowded transport can increase the risk of theft or loss; keep valuables close to you.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and some routes may face delays; check weather forecasts and plan extra travel time accordingly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pushkar is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon rains may cause travel delays.

Festival periods like the Pushkar Camel Fair in November attract large crowds, which can affect transport availability and prices. Planning your travel outside peak festival days can help avoid congestion.

• Avoid traveling during the peak summer months of April to June due to extreme heat reaching up to 45°C, which can be uncomfortable for road and outdoor travel.

• Monsoon season from July to September may cause occasional road closures and slow traffic due to waterlogging and slippery roads.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic and reach Pushkar comfortably before noon, especially when coming from Jaipur or Ajmer.

• During festivals, book all transport and accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance to secure availability and reasonable prices.

Arrival at Pushkar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pushkar, you will find a small, bustling town centered around the sacred Pushkar Lake and the main market area. The town is pedestrian-friendly, but local transport is available for longer distances.

Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are common at bus stands and taxi drop-off points. App-based cab services like Ola and Uber have limited presence, so negotiate fares with local drivers beforehand. Popular areas to stay include near the lake, Brahma Temple, and the main market, offering easy access to attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling to Pushkar is straightforward with several options depending on your starting point and budget. The most efficient way is to take a train to Ajmer and then a short taxi or bus ride to Pushkar. Flights to Jaipur followed by road travel are also convenient for long-distance travelers.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, especially during festivals, and consider seasonal weather conditions to ensure a comfortable trip. With proper preparation and local travel knowledge, you can confidently enjoy the spiritual and cultural richness of Pushkar without hassle.