Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast in Maharashtra. Rajasthan, known for its rich heritage and desert landscapes, lies to the northwest of Mumbai. Traveling between these two states is common for tourists, business travelers, and cultural enthusiasts.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options from Mumbai to Rajasthan. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Rajasthan – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach Rajasthan from Mumbai. It offers a chance to experience Indian railways and covers major cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.

• Mumbai has several major railway stations like Mumbai CST, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, and Bandra Terminus, connecting to Rajasthan’s key stations such as Jaipur Junction, Udaipur City, and Jodhpur Junction.

• The journey distance ranges from 900 to 1100 km depending on the destination city, with travel times between 14 to 20 hours on express trains like the Jaipur Express or Ranakpur Express.

• Train fares vary from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2000 for AC 2-tier, making it affordable for most travelers. Booking through IRCTC online is recommended to secure confirmed seats.

• Trains run daily but can get crowded during festivals like Diwali or Holi, so booking in advance is essential. Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to waterlogging on tracks.

• Food options on trains include pantry cars and vendors at stations, but carrying your own snacks is advisable for long journeys. Clean restrooms and charging points are available on most long-distance trains.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and budget-friendly option to travel from Mumbai to Rajasthan, especially for cities like Jaipur and Ajmer. State-run and private buses operate on this route.

• Mumbai’s major bus depots like Dadar and Borivali connect to Rajasthan cities via MSRTC and private operators, with frequent overnight Volvo and non-AC buses.

• The road distance is approximately 1150 km to Jaipur, taking around 20 to 24 hours depending on traffic and road conditions on NH48 and NH52 highways.

• Bus fares range from INR 800 to INR 1500, with Volvo AC buses being more comfortable but pricier. Tickets can be booked online on MSRTC or private bus portals.

• During peak travel seasons and holidays, buses tend to fill quickly, so early booking is recommended. Monsoon rains can cause delays on highways due to waterlogging and traffic jams.

• Rest stops along the route include highway dhabas and toll plazas where you can find food and refreshments. Night travel is common, so carrying a light blanket and water is advised.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Rajasthan is suitable for travelers who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route covers scenic and historic areas.

• The main route follows NH48 and NH52, covering about 1100 km to Jaipur, which takes roughly 18 to 20 hours of driving without long stops.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai with companies like Zoomcar and Revv, offering options from hatchbacks to SUVs suitable for long-distance travel.

• Expect toll plazas on highways with fees totaling around INR 500 to INR 700. Fuel costs for a car with average mileage will be approximately INR 6000 to INR 8000 one way.

• Driving through Maharashtra and Gujarat into Rajasthan offers opportunities to stop at cities like Surat, Vadodara, and Udaipur for rest and sightseeing.

• Monsoon season can make roads slippery and cause waterlogging, so driving cautiously is important. Night driving is possible but avoid isolated stretches for safety.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Rajasthan from Mumbai, especially for busy travelers or those with limited time.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers direct flights to Rajasthan’s main airports: Jaipur International Airport, Udaipur Airport, and Jodhpur Airport.

• Flight duration is about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it the quickest option compared to road or rail travel.

• Airfares vary widely, from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on the airline, booking time, and season. Budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate frequent flights.

• Booking flights early online through airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip ensures better fares and seat availability, especially during festival seasons.

• Upon arrival, local transport options include prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs, and rental cars for easy access to city centers or hotels.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Rajasthan. It guides you through booking, packing, and journey preparation to avoid common issues.

• Decide your destination city in Rajasthan based on your itinerary and interests, such as Jaipur for heritage or Udaipur for lakes. This helps choose the best transport mode.

• Book your tickets early online—use IRCTC for trains, MSRTC or private portals for buses, airline websites for flights, or car rental apps for self-drive. Early booking secures availability and better prices.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and comfortable clothes suitable for Rajasthan’s climate. Carry ID proof and print or save your tickets digitally.

• Reach your departure point—railway station, bus depot, or airport—at least 1 to 2 hours before departure to avoid last-minute rush and check-in delays.

• During travel, keep your belongings secure and stay hydrated. Use trusted food vendors or carry your own meals, especially on long train or bus journeys.

• On arrival, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport. Confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep a photocopy of your ID and tickets separate from originals to avoid issues during ticket checks or emergencies on trains and buses.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach to prevent travel-related illnesses.

• Book tickets well in advance during peak seasons like winter holidays and festivals such as Diwali to avoid last-minute unavailability and inflated prices.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber in Rajasthan cities for safe, affordable, and convenient travel from stations or airports to your accommodation.

• Pack your luggage with easy access to essentials like medicines, chargers, and snacks, as Indian trains and buses may have limited storage space and stops.

• Be cautious during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can delay trains and buses; check weather updates and plan extra travel time accordingly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

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

Summer months (April to June) can be extremely hot in Rajasthan, making daytime travel tiring. Monsoon season brings heavy rains in Maharashtra and Gujarat, which may cause delays on roads and railways.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi unless you want to experience the celebrations, as transport gets crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Winter mornings and nights can be foggy in northern India, causing occasional train delays, so plan buffer time if you have connecting travel.

• Depart early in the morning or late at night to avoid city traffic congestion in Mumbai and smoother highway driving conditions.

• Check weather forecasts before travel, especially during monsoon, to anticipate any route disruptions or flight cancellations.

Arrival at Rajasthan & What to Expect

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

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate widely in Rajasthan’s urban centers, offering affordable and convenient local travel. Auto-rickshaws are also available but agree on fares before starting the ride. Popular areas to stay include Jaipur’s Civil Lines and MI Road, Udaipur’s Lake Pichola area, and Jodhpur’s old city vicinity.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Rajasthan offers multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains provide an affordable and scenic experience, while flights save time for busy travelers. Buses and self-drive cars offer flexibility but require more travel time.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing the right travel mode based on your destination and schedule will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your trip and enjoy the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan.