Getting There & Away

Getting to and from Jaipur: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

AIR:

Air travel is a convenient way to reach Jaipur. Air India (22743500, airport 2721333, website: www.airindia.com) offers daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai. IndiGo (2743500, 5119993, website: www.goindigo.in) provides flights to Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Jet Airways (1800 225522, 2725025, website: www.jetairways.com) operates flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Indore, Raipur, and Hyderabad.

BUS:

The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses depart from the main bus stand located on Station Rd. At the bus stand, you’ll find a left-luggage facility and a prepaid autorickshaw stand. Ordinary buses, referred to as “express” buses, are available, as well as more comfortable and air-conditioned “deluxe” buses. Deluxe buses can be booked in advance from the reservation office (5116032).

CAR:

Most hotels in Jaipur can assist in arranging car and driver hire. Alternatively, you can visit the RTDC Tourist Reception Centre at the train station. They provide a list of car rental prices, typically ranging from 7 to 12 per kilometer, depending on the type of car. A minimum rental rate equivalent to 250km per day applies, along with an additional overnight charge of 150. Please note that you are responsible for the driver’s return journey to Jaipur, even if you don’t require their services for the return trip.

MOTORCYCLE:

If you’re seeking an adventurous mode of transportation, Rajasthan Auto Centre (2568074, 9829188064, website: www.royalenfield-salim.com) offers motorcycle rentals, purchases, and repairs. You can rent a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet for ₹500 per day within Jaipur or ₹600 for destinations outside the city. No deposit is required, but make sure to present and photocopy your passport, visa, and driving license. Second-hand Enfield motorcycles are also available for purchase, priced between 40,000 and 50,000.

TRAIN:

Jaipur has an efficient railway reservation office (135) situated to the left as you enter the train station. This office handles advance reservations only. For same-day travel, you can purchase tickets at the northern end of the train station on Platform 1, window 10. The railway inquiries number is 131.

Convenient Facilities and Train Connections at Platform 1 at Jaipur station offer a range of facilities for travelers. You’ll find an RTDC tourist information bureau, the Tourism Assistance Force (police), a convenient cloakroom to store your luggage at a nominal fee of 10 per bag for 24 hours, and comfortable retiring rooms with air-conditioning options starting from ₹750 for single and double occupancy. Additionally, there are restaurants available for dining and air-conditioned waiting rooms exclusively for passengers holding 1st class and 2AC train tickets.

When it comes to train connections, Jaipur provides excellent connectivity to various destinations. Nine daily trains operate between Jaipur and Delhi, departing at different times throughout the day, with travel durations ranging from 4 to 6 hours. A popular choice is the 6 am double-decker train, which completes the journey in 4 to 5 hours, while others generally take five to six hours.

For Agra, three daily trains are available, departing at 6.15 am, 3 pm, and 5.10 pm, with a travel time of approximately 42 hours. Second-class seats for these trains are priced at ₹82.

To reach Bikaner, there are three daily trains departing at 3 pm, 9.15 pm, and 12.50 am, with travel durations ranging from six to eight hours. Sleeper tickets for these trains are priced between ₹200 and ₹240.

Jaipur has four daily trains to Jodhpur, departing at 11.35 am, 5 pm, 11.45 pm, and 12.15 am, with travel times of five to six hours. Three daily trains operate between Jaipur and Udaipur, departing at 6.45 am, 2 pm, and 10.30 pm, and the journey typically takes seven to eight hours. For Ahmedabad, four trains are available, departing at 4.25 am, 9 am, 8.35 pm, and 12.35 am. The quickest option is the train departing at 12.35 am, taking around 9 hours, while the others generally take 11 to 13 hours. Sleeper tickets for these trains are priced at around ₹250.

To reach Pushkar, there are 11 daily trains making the two-hour journey to Ajmer, with additional trains on selected days, ensuring minimal waiting time. Unreserved “general” tickets for this journey cost ₹42.

For Ranthambhore, six daily trains operate to Sawai Madhopur, departing at 5.45 am, 11.05 am, 2.10 pm, 5.25 pm, 5.35 pm, and 11.30 pm, with additional trains available on selected days. Unreserved “general” tickets for this two-hour trip are priced at ₹50.

Finally, there is one train departing at 11.45 pm that goes to Jaisalmer, providing a unique travel experience to this captivating destination.

Convenient Transportation Options for Getting Around

Airport Transfers:

When traveling to or from Jaipur Airport, it’s important to note that there are currently no bus services available. The airport is located 12km southeast of the city. While a metro line was under construction during the time of research, it is not expected to open for some time. As an alternative, you can opt for an autorickshaw or taxi. The average cost for an autorickshaw is at least 200, while a taxi may cost around 400. For your convenience, there is a prepaid taxi booth located inside the airport.

Autorickshaw:

Prepaid autorickshaw stands can be found at the bus and train stations in Jaipur. The government sets fixed rates for autorickshaws, eliminating the need for haggling. Make sure to keep your docket until you reach your destination, as the driver won’t receive payment without it. In other cases outside of prepaid services, be prepared to negotiate the fare. Typically, an autorickshaw ride from the train or bus station to the Old City costs at least 50.

Cycle-Rickshaw:

If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, cycle rickshaws are available in Jaipur. However, the difference in price is minimal, usually around 40 for a ride from the train station to the Old City. It’s advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey. Additionally, remember to tip the cycle-rickshaw driver as they work hard in the hot weather of Rajasthan.

Taxi:

Unmetered taxis are another transportation option in Jaipur. However, negotiating the fare is necessary in this case. Alternatively, you can consider using Mericar, a 24-hour taxi service. Mericar charges a flag fall fee of 50, including the first 2km, and an additional per kilometer rate of 13. A 25% night surcharge applies from 10 pm to 5 am. You can also hire taxis from Mericar for sightseeing purposes, available in four-, six-, and eight-hour blocks at a cost of 650, 1000, and 1300 respectively.