How to Get to Jaisalmer. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel: Airports & Flights

Major Airports

Several airports serve the Jaisalmer region, with varying connectivity levels.

Arrival Hubs

Jaisalmer Airport (JSA): A small domestic airport with limited connectivity, mainly serving flights from Delhi and Jaipur, sometimes Ahmedabad or Mumbai seasonally. Its proximity to the city makes it direct.
Jodhpur Airport (JDH): The closest major airport to Jaisalmer, approximately 171 miles (275 kilometers) away. Jodhpur offers better connectivity to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. Many travelers fly into Jodhpur.
Jaipur International Airport (JAI): Rajasthan's largest airport, around 357 miles (575 kilometers) from Jaisalmer. Jaipur offers excellent connectivity to all major Indian cities and some international destinations. This airport serves as a common entry point for travelers exploring Rajasthan.

Airlines & Routes

Airlines serving these airports provide various flight options.

Flight Paths

To Jaisalmer (JSA): IndiGo and SpiceJet are the main airlines. Routes typically connect from Delhi (DEL) and Jaipur (JAI). These flights are often seasonal, increasing during the peak tourist period.
To Jodhpur (JDH): IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, and Vistara operate flights. Common routes originate from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.
To Jaipur (JAI): All major Indian domestic airlines operate here. International carriers like Air Arabia, Air India Express, and Thai Airways also serve Jaipur, connecting it to global hubs.

International Access

No direct international flights operate to Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. International travelers fly into a major Indian international airport (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru), then take a domestic connecting flight. Schedule with sufficient layover time.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight frequency to Jaisalmer (JSA) rises considerably during peak tourist season (Oct-Mar). Prices for flights are higher then, and around primary Indian festivals like Diwali and New Year. During low season, prices generally drop.

Airport Amenities

Jaisalmer (JSA) offers basic facilities: a small terminal with limited food and beverage. Jodhpur (JDH) & Jaipur (JAI) provide more extensive facilities: multiple food outlets, lounges, currency exchange counters, and car rental desks.

Airport Transfers

Jaisalmer & Jodhpur Transfers

Jaisalmer Airport to City: Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available. Fare to downtown typically ranges from 200-400 INR. Agree on the fare before starting, or use a prepaid counter.
Jodhpur Airport to City/Train Station: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available. Prepaid taxi counters offer fixed rates.
Plan your ground transport from the airport to your lodging in advance for a smoother arrival.
Have small currency denominations for immediate taxi or auto-rickshaw fares.

Jaipur Transfers & Options

Jaipur Airport to City/Train Station: Taxis, ride-sharing apps (Ola, Uber), and auto-rickshaws are common. Prepaid taxi services are also available for convenience.
Consider booking intercity transfers from Jodhpur or Jaipur to Jaisalmer in advance, especially during peak travel times.
Confirm your hotel's exact address and directions for drivers, especially if staying within the fort area.
Keep local emergency contacts handy for any unforeseen circumstances while traveling.

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Land Transportation: Trains & Buses

Train Connections

Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) offers good connections to major cities in Rajasthan and other parts of India. Train travel inside India is an experience by itself.

Rail Network Details

Direct trains run from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi, and some other cities. Booking tickets in advance is important, especially during peak season or for popular routes.
Popular routes: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (JSM-JU) takes 5-6 hours. Jaisalmer - Jaipur (JSM-JP) is an overnight journey, 12-14 hours. Jaisalmer - Delhi (JSM-DLI/DEC) is an overnight journey, 18-20 hours.
Classes: Indian Railways offers Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and AC 1st Class (1A). Sleeper class offers a local experience. AC classes provide air conditioning and privacy.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses provide a flexible and often more budget-friendly alternative to trains.

Road Routes & Services

Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates regular buses connecting Jaisalmer to other cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Udaipur.
Both ordinary (non-AC) and deluxe (AC) buses are available. Deluxe buses offer more comfort, often with reclining seats or sleeper berths for overnight travel.
Private bus operators also offer services from Jaisalmer to major cities. These often provide sleeper options and sometimes more direct routes. Check reviews for private operators as quality varies.

Self-Driving Notes

Self-driving is not commonly recommended for foreign tourists inside India. Chaotic traffic, varying road conditions, and different rules of the road present challenges.

Driving Requirements & Road Conditions

If you plan to drive, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed along with your home country's driver's license.
Road conditions around Jaisalmer are generally good on major highways, but they can deteriorate quickly, especially in remote desert areas. Be prepared for unexpected obstacles.
Night driving is not recommended due to poor lighting, unmarked vehicles, and stray animals on the roads. Plan your journeys for daylight hours.

Road Safety & Borders

Awareness of driving conditions and border rules ensures a less risky journey.

Safety & Crossings

Jaisalmer is near the India-Pakistan border. However, border crossings for tourists are generally not permitted at this specific location. Every international entries must happen through designated airports or land border crossings elsewhere in India.
Driving laws in India are often loosely followed. Road conditions vary, even on main roads, and can be narrow, unpaved, or have livestock and pedestrians. Drive with caution.
Be prepared for unexpected obstacles on rural roads. Always maintain situational awareness while driving.

Important Road Alerts

Chaotic traffic and varying road conditions present challenges for self-driving.
Night driving is not recommended due to poor lighting and unmarked vehicles.
Watch out for stray animals and people on foot on the roads, especially outside city centers.

Driving laws are often loosely followed; defensive driving is prudent.
Rural roads can be narrow or unpaved; adjust your speed accordingly.
Border crossings for tourists are not permitted at the India-Pakistan border near Jaisalmer.

Sea/River Travel Considerations

Landlocked Location

Jaisalmer is a landlocked desert city. Direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching this destination.

Geographical Reality

Jaisalmer is located deep within the Thar Desert, far from any major navigable rivers or coastal areas.
The region's arid environment and lack of substantial waterways preclude water-based transportation for arrival.
All travel to Jaisalmer happens via air or land routes.

Water Activities

While not for arrival, Jaisalmer offers local water-based recreational activities.

Recreational Water Use

Gadisar Lake: Rowboats and paddle boats are available for hire for leisure. These are for recreational purposes at the lakeside, not a form of transportation between points.
No boat taxis or other water transportation systems operate within Jaisalmer for transit.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Gadisar Lake, a pleasant spot for a stroll or boat ride.

Main Access

Air travel is the fastest and most common way to reach Jaisalmer from distant cities.

Rail & Road

Trains and buses connect Jaisalmer to major cities across Rajasthan and India, offering diverse travel experiences.

No Water Entry

Owing to its inland desert location, Jaisalmer has no sea or river entrances for travelers.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure to ensure a smooth transition out of Jaisalmer. No specific exit fees or taxes are levied at airports or train stations for international leaving from India. Airfare typically includes all required taxes.

Timing Recommendations

Airports: Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights for check-in and security. For international flights, arrive 3-4 hours before departure.
Train Stations: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure. Platforms are usually announced closer to departure time. Find your train on departure boards.
Bus Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure. Buses often depart on time.

Airport & Station Facilities

The services on offer vary by airport size and congestion, and by station type.

Amenities Overview

Jaisalmer Airport (JSA): Offers basic facilities. It has a small terminal with limited food and beverage options. Expect a simple arrival and departure experience.
Jaisalmer Railway Station/Bus Depot: Provides basic waiting areas and some food stalls. Do not expect extensive retail or dining options.
Jodhpur (JDH) & Jaipur (JAI) Airports: These airports provide more extensive facilities. You will find multiple food outlets, lounges, currency exchange counters, and car rental desks.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Documents Ready

Ensure your passport, visa, and tickets are easily accessible.

Valuables Secure

Double-check your bags and carry essentials like money and electronics securely.

Final Currency Check

Convert any remaining Indian Rupees or plan for next destination currency.

Seamless Exit

Allocate ample time for airport or station procedures to avoid stress.

How to Get to Jaisalmer