Jal Mahal, the palace in Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur
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Are you travelling from Delhi to Jaipur? Here are the best ways!

Delhi to Jaipur is one of the most travelled routes in India. You can fly, take a train, ride the bus or hire a private car. I live in Delhi and have travelled to Jaipur many times. I’ve tried all of these options!

Jaipur is known as the Pink City, and it’s one of the most visited destinations in India. In fact, it’s one of the most visited sites for domestic tourism as well as international tourists. In my experience, these are the best ways to get to Jaipur 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. You can fly, take a train, a bus or a private car. Unless you’re used to driving in India, I don’t recommend renting a car and driving yourself. Driving in India is crazy!

By Train – The Best Way

In my opinion, travelling by train is the best way to travel from Delhi to Jaipur. It’s comfortable, safe and not expensive. Plus, the trains of India are famous, and you should experience them at least once on your trip.

Dominoes Pizza delivery man inside the Shatabdi Express train, the best way to travel from Delhi to Jaipur
At one of the stops on the Shatabdi Express, Dominoes delivered a pizza to a passenger (AC First class cabin)

There are many daily trains that travel between Delhi and Jaipur. For the full list and timings, check the Indian Railways schedule.

Once you have it narrowed down, book your ticket on the official Indian Railways online booking website.

Fares vary depending on train and class of ticket, but can be as cheap as INR 210 ($2.50 USD). This will be for the lowest class ticket with hard seats, crowding and questionable toilets.

For the most comfortable journey book EC (Executive Chair), CC (Chair Class), or AC First Class, which is still very reasonable, with fares from INR 1500 ($18 USD).

Best Delhi to Jaipur trains:

  • 0978 Ajmer Vande Bharat Express: This is the fastest train, it makes the trip in 3 hr 25 min. It departs Delhi Cantonment Railway Station (DEC) every evening at 6:40 pm and arrives in Jaipur at 10:05 pm.
  • 12015 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.
  • 12958 Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express: This is a great 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.
  • 12986 Delhi Sarai Rohilla Double Decker Express: It 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. It’s a good option if want an evening departure but you can’t get on the Ajmer Vande Bharat Express.

Important: Delhi has 4 train stations. Make sure you check which station your train is departing from.

By 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 (even most Indians that own a car have a driver), and it’s not expensive.

It will cost you approximately the same as flying, and it’s very convenient. You’ll get door to door service and someone to help with your luggage.

Full on view of Hawa Mhal with tower beside it and pink/orange sky in background
The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is in the walled city of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage site

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 2800 ($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.

By Air – 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 2200 ($25 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 all 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 other choice. They’re notorious for delays, and the service just isn’t as good.

City Palace in Jaipur with arched, painted terraces and hanging chandeliers
The City Palace in Jaipur

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 accommodation.

My favourite Indian domestic flight booking tool is MakeMyTrip.

By 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 300-1000 INR ($3.60-12.00 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.

Overlooking one section of Amer Fort to another section higher on the hill, one of the must see sites if you have travelled from Delhi to Jaipur
Amer Fort (UNESCO) is just outside of Jaipur

This won’t be as comfortable as the train (there’s no washrooms on board) and the views will be mostly highway, but it’s an economical, relatively safe way to travel to Jaipur. The bus will make a comfort break at some point.

I have travelled on more Indian buses than I care to admit. 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. The AC buses are nicer, and always choose a seat not a berth, because lice can be an issue in the berths.

The easiest way to book a bus ticket is on the MakeMyTrip website.

Where To Stay in Delhi and Jaipur

There are many wonderful hotels and guest houses in Delhi and Jaipur, for all budgets. I have stayed at many Delhi hotels and guesthouses, and several different properties in Jaipur. These are my top picks.

Delhi Accommodations

The best area of Delhi to stay in is South Delhi. It is a greener, safer area that is close to many attractions and amenities. These are my top picks:

Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget)

This family run guest house is in one of South Delhi’s best neighbourhoods. You’ll be able to walk to shops, restaurants, historic sites and the Delhi metro.

It’s the cleanest guest house I have ever stayed at, and a home-cooked breakfast is included. Make your reservation early because this guest house gets booked up fast.

➡️ Check prices and availability at Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast

The Imperial New Delhi (luxury)

You will fall in love with Delhi’s loveliest heritage hotel. Located in Connaught Place, the location is superb for exploring Delhi on foot and being near numerous amenities and sites.

Imperal Hotel in Delhi ladies only room with bed with colourful robe laid out
The Imperial Hotel in Delhi has female only rooms (image credit Imperial Hotel)

The hotel itself is beautiful and full of classic Indian charm. Service is impeccable.

➡️ Check prices and availability at the Imperial New Delhi

Jaipur Accommodations

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.

Bhola Bhawan Bed & Breakfast (budget)

This is a very popular bed and breakfast run by a local family. It’s within walking distance of the main sites of Jaipur (about 20 minutes), and a fantastic budget option. Rooms have very comfortable beds and private bathrooms. A delicious breakfast is included.

➡️ Check prices and availability at Bhola Bhawan Bed & Breakfast

Alsisar Haveli (luxury)

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at Alsisar Haveli. This gorgeous, traditional property is not far from Jaipur’s historic centre and most famous sites.

Exterior of Alsisar Haveli with porticos and collonaded exterior verandahs, one of the best places to stay if you trave from Delhi to Jaipur
Alsisar Haveli is owned by a historic Rajput family clan (image credit Alsisar Haveli)

The haveli has a lovely pool, restaurant and spa. It’s one of Jaipur’s best heritage havelis.

➡️ Check prices and availability at Alsisar Haveli

Samode Haveli (luxury)

Located within the pink walls of the old city, you will be able to walk to the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.

This luxurious haveli was built over 225 years ago for an aristocratic family who still reside there. There’s a stunning pool in the traditional courtyard, a gym, spa and dining room. You will feel like royalty staying here.

➡️ Check prices and availability at Samode Haveli

Important: The Jaipur Literature Festival is held in Jaipur every February. Transportation and hotels are booked well in advance. If you’re planning to be in Jaipur at this time (or attending the JLF), lock down your hotel and transit asap. For more information visit the Jaipur Literature Festival website.

FAQs 

How much is a taxi from Delhi to Jaipur?

An Uber from New Delhi to the centre of Jaipur is approximately INR 2800 ($34.00 USD). Costs can fluctuate depending on traffic and demand. Uber is widely used and dependable in Delhi.

View of Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell in Jaipur with hills in the background, half filled with water
Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell near Amer Fort, just outside Jaipur

How can I travel to Jaipur from Delhi?

You can travel by plane, train, bus or hired car from Delhi to Jaipur.

Can you do a day trip to Jaipur from Delhi?

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. 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.

Which is the fastest train from Delhi to Jaipur?

The fastest train from Delhi to Jaipur is the Ajmer Vande Bharat Express. The journey is 3 hr 25 min. The train departs 7 days a week from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station at 6:40 pm and arrives in Jaipur at 10:05 pm.

The Wrap-up on Delhi to Jaipur: The Best Travel Options By an Expert 2024

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.

Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing

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