Rajasthan, located in northwest India, is famous for its rich culture, historic forts, and desert landscapes. Delhi, the national capital, lies about 250 to 450 kilometers east of various Rajasthan cities. This route is popular for tourists and business travelers alike, connecting the urban buzz of Delhi with Rajasthan's royal heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Rajasthan. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Delhi to Rajasthan – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and affordable choice for reaching Rajasthan from Delhi. It connects major cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, and Udaipur with frequent services.

• Delhi’s main railway stations are New Delhi (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), offering direct trains to Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, with travel times ranging from 4 to 12 hours depending on the city.

• Train fares vary from ₹300 for sleeper class to ₹1500 for AC classes, making it suitable for budget and comfort travelers alike, with many trains running daily.

• Popular trains include the Shatabdi Express to Jaipur, which takes about 4-5 hours, and the Ajmer Express, offering overnight travel options with sleeper coaches.

• Trains can get crowded during festivals like Diwali and Holi, so booking tickets early via IRCTC or authorized agents is essential to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so check train status before departure, especially from July to September.

Bus

Buses provide a flexible and economical way to travel from Delhi to Rajasthan, with many state-run and private operators covering the route.

• Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate ISBT and Anand Vihar ISBT have frequent buses to Jaipur, Ajmer, and other Rajasthan cities, with journey times from 5 to 12 hours depending on the destination.

• Bus fares range from ₹300 to ₹800 depending on the bus type, such as non-AC, AC sleeper, or Volvo coaches, offering options for different budgets.

• MSRTC and Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation run regular services, while private operators provide luxury buses with online booking through platforms like RedBus and MakeMyTrip.

• Road conditions on NH48 (Delhi-Jaipur highway) are generally good, but expect traffic congestion near Delhi and toll plazas, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Night buses are common, allowing you to save daytime hours and hotel costs, but comfort levels vary, so choose reputed operators for overnight travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Rajasthan offers flexibility and the chance to explore offbeat places along the way. It is ideal for travelers who prefer independent travel.

• The distance from Delhi to Jaipur is about 280 km via NH48, taking roughly 5 to 6 hours by car, depending on traffic and stops.

• Self-drive car rentals and cab services like Ola Outstation and Uber Intercity are available, with fares ranging from ₹3000 to ₹6000 for a one-way trip to Jaipur.

• Highways are well maintained with multiple toll plazas; keep cash or FASTag ready to avoid delays at toll booths.

• Plan rest stops at highway dhabas or popular eateries near Neemrana and Behror for meals and refreshments during the journey.

• During peak travel seasons like winter and festivals, expect heavy traffic near Delhi and Jaipur, so start early morning to avoid congestion.

Flight

Flights connect Delhi to Rajasthan’s major cities quickly, suitable for travelers prioritizing time over cost.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi offers daily flights to Jaipur International Airport (JAI), Udaipur, and Jodhpur, with flight times around 1 hour.

• Airfares vary widely, from ₹1500 to ₹5000 depending on the airline and booking time, with budget carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet operating frequently.

• Flights are convenient for business travelers or tourists with limited time, but consider airport transfer times and security checks when planning.

• During monsoon and winter, fog or weather delays can affect flights, so check real-time flight status before heading to the airport.

• From Jaipur airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available to reach city centers or hotels quickly and safely.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Rajasthan, helping you prepare and travel confidently.

• Decide your destination city in Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, etc.) based on your itinerary and interests, as this affects your transport choice and travel time.

• Book your tickets in advance through official portals like IRCTC for trains, RedBus for buses, or airline websites to secure seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially if traveling by train or bus, where stops may be limited.

• Reach your departure point (railway station, bus stand, or airport) at least 1 hour early to manage security checks and boarding smoothly, especially in Delhi’s busy terminals.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs for last-mile connectivity in Rajasthan to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel to your accommodation.

• Keep digital and physical copies of your tickets, ID proof, and hotel bookings handy, as they may be required during travel or check-in.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use official ticketing platforms like IRCTC for trains and government bus websites or verified apps to avoid scams and fake tickets common in India.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, well-reviewed dhabas or restaurants during road trips to prevent stomach issues, especially in hot weather.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and medicines for motion sickness or common travel ailments, as pharmacies may not be easily accessible on highways.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local travel in Rajasthan cities, avoiding unmetered taxis or touts.

• Pack your luggage securely with locks and keep valuables close, as crowded trains and buses can have pickpocket risks.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before traveling by road, as some highways may face waterlogging or delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Rajasthan is during the cooler months from October to March. Summers can be extremely hot, while monsoons bring occasional travel disruptions.

Planning your journey around festivals and peak tourist seasons helps avoid overcrowding and inflated prices.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are heavily booked and roads congested.

• Winter mornings in Delhi and Rajasthan can have dense fog causing train and flight delays, so allow extra travel time in December and January.

• Monsoon season (July to September) may cause roadblocks and slow train services due to waterlogging, so check weather updates before departure.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid Delhi’s heavy traffic and reach Rajasthan cities comfortably before evening.

Arrival at Rajasthan & What to Expect

On arriving in Rajasthan, you will find multiple local transport options to reach your hotel or tourist spots. Major cities like Jaipur and Udaipur have well-organized prepaid taxi counters at railway stations and airports.

App-based cabs such as Ola and Uber operate widely in Rajasthan’s urban centers, providing convenient and affordable rides. Auto-rickshaws are also available but agree on fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Popular areas to stay include Jaipur’s Civil Lines and MI Road, Udaipur’s Lake Pichola vicinity, and Ajmer’s city center, all well connected by local transport. Keep local SIM cards or mobile data active for easy navigation and cab bookings.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Rajasthan is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a balance of comfort and affordability, while flights save time for busy travelers. Buses and self-drive cars provide flexibility and scenic routes.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing transport modes based on your destination city and travel style. With these tips, you can confidently explore Rajasthan’s royal heritage starting from Delhi’s vibrant capital.