Delhi to Jaipur: The Best Travel Options by an Expert 2026
I lived in Delhi for years and travelled to Jaipur many times. In my experience, these are the best ways to get to Jaipur from Delhi.
Delhi to Jaipur is one of the most travelled routes in India, and part of the famed Golden Triangle. You can fly, take a train, ride the bus or hire a private car.
Jaipur is the magical pink city of India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The capital of the princely state of Rajasthan is most well known for its pink hued buildings and traditional handicrafts. Jaipur is charming and worth visiting from Delhi.
How To Get From Delhi To Jaipur
Jaipur is 296 km away from Delhi. They’re relatively close to each other, and it’s easy to travel between the two.
Unless you’re used to driving in India, I don’t recommend renting a car and driving yourself. Driving in India is crazy.
Train – The Best Way
In my opinion the train is the best way to travel from Delhi to Jaipur. It’s comfortable, safe and not expensive. And the trains of India are famous, you should experience them at least once on your trip.
There are many daily trains that travel between Delhi and Jaipur. For the full list and timings, check the Indian Railways schedule. Tickets can be booked on the official Indian Railways online booking website.
Fares vary depending on train and class of ticket. They range from INR 210 ($2.50 USD) for the lowest class (not recommended) to INR 1900 ($20 USD).
Here’s how to buy train tickets in Delhi.
Best Delhi to Jaipur trains:
- Ajmer Vande Bharat Express: The fastest train, it makes the trip in 3 hr 25 min. Departs Delhi Cantonment Railway Station (DEC) every evening at 6:40 pm and arrives in Jaipur at 10:05 pm.
- Ajmer Shatabdi Express: A fast train, it leaves New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) early at 6:10 am (you can sleep on the train) and arrives in Jaipur at 10:40, giving you most of the day in the Pink City. Trip duration is 4 hr 30 min.
- Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express: Good train if you want to spend the whole day in Delhi. It departs New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) at 7:55 pm and reaches Jaipur at 11:45 pm. It makes the trip in 3 hr 50 min.
- Delhi Sarai Rohilla Double Decker Express: Departs Delhi Sarai Rohilla Railway Station (DEE) at 5:35 pm at arrives in Jaipur at 10:00 pm. Trip takes 4 hr 25 min. Good option if want an evening departure but you can’t get on the Ajmer Vande Bharat Express.
Delhi has 4 train stations. Make sure you check which station your train is departing from.
Car – The Easiest Way
Hiring a car and driver is the easiest way to travel from Delhi to Jaipur. In India it’s very common to hire a car and driver for intercity travel and it’s not expensive.
It will cost you approximately the same as flying, and it’s more convenient. You’ll get door to door service and someone to help with your luggage.
A quick internet search will show you just how many options there are, but I usually end up booking intercity car transfers through Uber. Uber in India has an intercity option, and it’s safe and reliable. I’ve seen Delhi to Jaipur for as low as INR 3155 ($34.00 USD).
Hotels and guest houses can always arrange a car and driver for you also, but you’ll pay less if you book it yourself.
Plane – The Fastest Way
The fastest way to travel from Delhi to Jaipur is by air. There are numerous flights every day, some as low as INR 3000 ($32 USD).
The flight itself is only 55 minutes, but passengers are required to be at the Delhi airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight. Here’s how to get to the Delhi airport.
Air India, Indigo, Air India Express and SpiceJet fly Delhi to Jaipur. Air India is usually the most expensive flights, and Indigo and SpiceJet the cheapest.
I have flown on all of these airlines domestically. In my opinion Air India is the best, and the next best is Indigo. Only fly SpiceJet if you have no choice. They’re notorious for delays, and the service just isn’t as good.
Jaipur International Airport is about 14 km from the center of Jaipur. The best way to get into Jaipur from the airport is Uber, taxi or a private transfer arranged in advance by your hotel or guest house.
Bus – The Cheapest Way
The cheapest way to get to Jaipur from Delhi is by bus. There are over 20 buses daily, so you will have plenty of choice.
Fares are generally between 300-1500 INR ($3.50-16.00 USD). Most buses leave early in the morning or at night, but there are a couple that depart in the afternoon. The bus ride takes between 5 and 6 hours.
This won’t be as comfortable as the train and the views will be mostly highway, but it’s an economical, relatively safe way to travel to Jaipur. The bus will stop for a comfort break on the way.
I have travelled on a lot of Indian buses. The most important things to keep in mind when buying a ticket is to book a bus with AC (which also means heat in winter), and avoid a sleeper berth (lice can be an issue).
The easiest way to book a bus ticket is on the MakeMyTrip website.
What to Do in Jaipur
The must see sights in Jaipur are:
- The City Palace: Most captivating and most important landmark in Jaipur. The palace is still the residence of the Jaipur royal family, but parts of the complex are open to visitors. The palace complex is large, give yourself 2-3 hours and don’t miss the 4 gates in Pritam Niwas Chowk.
- Hawa Mahal: Also known as the Palace of Winds, it’s a stunning building. It was built as a royal summer residence. The Tatoo Lounge across the street has amazing views of the Hawa Mahal from its upstairs terrace.
- Jantar Mantar (UNESCO): Group of 16 architectural astronomical instruments built in 1734. The founder of Jaipur built 5 jantar mantars across India, but this is the largest.
- Amer Fort (UNESCO): Located just outside of Jaipur, but easy to reach by Uber. Amer Fort was a royal residence and is the most magnificent of a series of forts built in the hills of Rajasthan. Please don’t ride the elephants. They are treated cruelly and there is a big push to ban the elephants rides.
- Raj Mandir: The most famous cinema in India. It’s opulent, old school art nouveau with an Indian flair. I saw my first Bollywood film here and it was an experience I won’t forget. The audience was very enthusiastic and whooped and cheered for the film’s hero.
How to Get Around Jaipur
Apart from Amer Fort and the other hill forts, most of the main sites are very central.
If you’re staying near the centre you can easily take an auto rickshaw, or an Uber to get around. The Jaipur metro is also very good (new and efficient), though not extensive.
Where To Stay in Jaipur
Immerse yourself in the history of Rajasthan and stay in one of Jaipur’s historic havelis (mansions) . The havelis in Jaipur are famous, and many have been converted into guest houses and hotels.
Jaipur is sprawling, it’s best to stay close to the historic center where most of the attractions are.
- Samode Haveli (luxury): Beautiful haveli built 225 years ago for an aristocratic family, who still live there. Stunning courtyard and pool, gym, spa and dining room. Excellent location within the pink walls of the old city. You’ll be able to walk to the most important sites.
- Raghunath Haveli (mid-range): Traditional haveli about 15 minutes walk from the City Palace. Beautiful rooftop terrace. Excellent value for a historic haveli stay.
- Bhola Bhawan Bed & Breakfast (mid-range): Very popular family run guest house. It’s located in C-Scheme, one of the most affluent residential neighbourhoods of Jaipur. It’s a 20 minute walk to the main sites. Breakfast is included.
The Jaipur Literature Festival is held in Jaipur every winter (January 14-18, 2027). If you’re planning to be in Jaipur at this time book your transportation and hotel early. For more information visit the Jaipur Literature Festival website.
Can you Do a Day Trip from Delhi to Jaipur?
It is possible to do a day trip to Jaipur from Delhi, but it would be a very long day. I don’t recommend it.
Jaipur is a lovely city, very historic and worth staying a couple of nights.
To visit Jaipur as a day trip from Delhi, you would have to fly or take a high speed train. High speed trains take between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, and the flight is 55 minutes.
Last Words on Delhi to Jaipur: The Best Travel Options By an Expert
It’s easy to travel from Delhi to Jaipur. With so many choices, you’ll be able to find the perfect one to suit your schedule and budget.
