Ranthambore is a famous wildlife destination located in Rajasthan, known for its national park and tiger reserve. Udaipur, also in Rajasthan, is a popular city known for its lakes and palaces. Many travelers want to visit Ranthambore from Udaipur to experience wildlife after exploring the cultural heritage of Udaipur.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Udaipur to Ranthambore. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Udaipur to Ranthambore – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for this route. Though there is no direct train from Udaipur to Ranthambore, you can reach Sawai Madhopur, the nearest station to Ranthambore, with a change.

• The main railway station near Ranthambore is Sawai Madhopur Junction, about 11 km from the park entrance. It is well connected to major cities in Rajasthan and India.

• From Udaipur, you can take a train to Chittorgarh or Ajmer and then board a connecting train to Sawai Madhopur. Total travel time ranges from 8 to 12 hours depending on connections.

• Train fares vary between INR 200 to 800 for sleeper and second class, and INR 800 to 1500 for AC classes. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance.

• Trains on this route are generally reliable, but monsoon season can cause delays. Night trains are available but may be crowded during holiday seasons.

• At Sawai Madhopur station, prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws are available for the 15-20 minute ride to Ranthambore National Park gates.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel between Udaipur and Ranthambore. This mode suits budget travelers who do not mind longer travel times.

• State-run Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates buses from Udaipur to Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town to Ranthambore, with journey times around 7 to 9 hours.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 300 to 600 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Buses depart from Udaipur’s main bus stand, and arrive at Sawai Madhopur bus depot, from where local transport is available to the park.

• During monsoon or winter fog, buses may face delays, so it is wise to check schedules in advance and start early in the day.

• Night buses are less common on this route, so plan accordingly if you prefer to travel during the day and rest in Sawai Madhopur.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Udaipur to Ranthambore is a flexible and comfortable option. It allows you to explore scenic routes and stop at interesting places along the way.

• The distance between Udaipur and Ranthambore is about 380 kilometers via NH48 and NH52, taking approximately 7 to 8 hours by car depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through well-maintained national highways with toll plazas, and several food and rest stops including towns like Chittorgarh and Kota.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Udaipur with providers like Zoomcar and local agencies. Fuel costs and tolls should be budgeted for the trip.

• Driving during early morning hours is recommended to avoid city traffic and reach Ranthambore before sunset, especially during winter months.

• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry a physical map or GPS, and be prepared for occasional road diversions due to construction or monsoon damage.

Flight

There is no direct flight connecting Udaipur and Ranthambore, as Ranthambore does not have an airport. However, flights can be part of a combined travel plan.

• The nearest airport to Ranthambore is Jaipur International Airport, about 150 km away, which is connected to major Indian cities including Udaipur.

• You can take a flight from Udaipur Airport to Jaipur, which takes about 1 hour, then travel by road or train to Ranthambore. Road travel from Jaipur to Ranthambore takes around 3 to 4 hours.

• Flight fares between Udaipur and Jaipur typically range from INR 1500 to 3500 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Jaipur, regular buses, taxis, and trains are available to reach Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore.

• This option is suitable if you want to combine your wildlife trip with a visit to Jaipur or if you prefer faster travel over long distances.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Udaipur to Ranthambore. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance through IRCTC or RSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during peak seasons and holidays.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some transport modes have limited food options and charging points.

• If traveling by train, reach Udaipur station at least 30 minutes before departure to find your coach easily and avoid rush.

• On arrival at Sawai Madhopur, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and fixed-price rides to Ranthambore National Park.

• Confirm your hotel or resort booking in Ranthambore before departure, as accommodation options fill quickly during peak tourist seasons.

• Carry a valid ID and park entry permits if pre-booked, as these are mandatory for wildlife safaris and park access.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs in Sawai Madhopur to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially when traveling late at night or early morning.

• Drink only bottled water and carry your own supply during travel, as roadside water sources may not be safe in rural areas between Udaipur and Ranthambore.

• Book tickets for trains and buses well in advance on official portals like IRCTC and RSRTC to secure confirmed seats and avoid scams from agents.

• Local transport inside Ranthambore is limited; arrange your safari rides and local transfers through your hotel or authorized operators to ensure authenticity and safety.

• Pack light luggage suitable for wildlife trips, including comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, and binoculars for safari viewing.

• During monsoon months (July to September), roads may be slippery and some safari zones closed; check weather updates and park notifications before traveling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Udaipur to Ranthambore depends on weather and tourist seasons. Winters and early spring offer pleasant weather for travel and wildlife viewing.

Monsoon season can cause delays on roads and train routes due to heavy rains and occasional flooding. Summers are hot and less comfortable for daytime travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and roads are crowded, and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Winter mornings may have fog in Rajasthan, causing train delays especially near Sawai Madhopur; plan extra buffer time for connections.

• Depart early in the morning from Udaipur to avoid city traffic and reach Ranthambore comfortably before dusk, especially if driving or taking buses.

• Monsoon rains can cause potholes and slow road traffic; check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey.

Arrival at Ranthambore & What to Expect

When you arrive at Sawai Madhopur station or bus stand, you will find prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws to take you to Ranthambore National Park. The journey takes about 20 minutes on good roads.

Most visitors stay in Sawai Madhopur town or in resorts near the park gates. Local transport options inside Ranthambore are limited, so it is best to arrange safari vehicles and transfers through your hotel or authorized tour operators.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Udaipur to Ranthambore depends on your budget and time. Train travel via Sawai Madhopur is economical and popular, while self-drive offers flexibility and comfort. Buses are affordable but slower, and flights via Jaipur can save time if combined with other destinations.

Plan your tickets and accommodation well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Use prepaid taxis and trusted operators for local travel to ensure safety and convenience. With proper planning, your journey from Udaipur to Ranthambore will be smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to experience the rich culture and wildlife of Rajasthan confidently.