Jaisalmer by bus

The short answer

From Jodhpur, take a day bus: about 5.5–7 hours and roughly ₹300–₹450 on a state bus. From Jaipur, Udaipur or Ahmedabad, an overnight private sleeper is the usual choice. From Delhi the bus is long and tiring; the train is usually kinder.

Bus routes on the map

Buses use the same highways as cars. Tap a city under the map to see its road and typical fares.

Routes, times and rough fares

State buses or private sleepers?

Rajasthan Roadways (RSRTC) runs ordinary and express buses with seats. They are cheap and frequent on shorter routes, stop often, and are basic. Fine for Jodhpur, Bikaner or Barmer by day.

Private operators run AC and non-AC sleeper coaches, mostly overnight. You get a flat berth with a curtain; upper berths are cheaper but bumpier. Quality varies a lot between operators.

If you are choosing between a long overnight bus and a train, the train is usually smoother and safer. The bus wins when trains are full or when you are coming from a city without a direct train, such as Udaipur.

Booking and choosing an operator

• Book state buses on the RSRTC booking site or at the bus stand. Private sleepers are sold on the large bus-booking apps and by travel agents.
• Read recent reviews of the operator, not just the route. Look at punctuality, cleanliness and how they handle breakdowns.
• Solo women travellers often prefer a lower berth near the front, and some operators mark berths reserved for women.
• Check the exact boarding point in your city; private buses may leave from an office rather than the main bus stand.
• Save the operator's phone number and the bus registration once you get it.

Where buses stop in Jaisalmer

State buses use the RSRTC (Rajasthan Roadways) bus stand, near Air Force Circle, close to the city centre. Private buses usually stop near Hanuman Circle, a few minutes from the fort area. Both are a short auto ride from most hotels; agree the fare first.

As at the station, touts may offer rooms and camp deals. Go to the place you booked. If you are going straight to a desert camp, ask the camp to send a car.

Bus, train or cab: what it costs

From Jodhpur, the three options compare roughly like this for one traveller, one way:

• State bus: about ₹300–₹450, and 5.5–7 hours.
• Private sleeper or AC bus: about ₹450–₹900.
• Taxi: about ₹4,250 for the whole sedan, so a group of three or four pays far less each, and gets a door-to-door drop.

For a couple or a family, the taxi often costs little more than several bus tickets once you add autos at both ends. Solo travellers on a budget will find the bus hard to beat.

Luggage, children and accessibility

State buses put bags on the roof or in a small rear space; private coaches have a luggage hold under the floor, sometimes for a small fee per bag. Keep a day bag with water, a warm layer and medicines with you.

Children usually need their own seat or berth on private buses; ask the operator about fares for under-fives. Sleeper berths are not easy for anyone with limited mobility, because the upper berths need a climb and aisles are narrow. A train in AC two-tier, or a taxi, is more comfortable in that case.

Buses do not usually carry bicycles or large items without arrangement; check with the operator first. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or a pram, a taxi from Jodhpur is often the calmer choice.

Leaving Jaisalmer by bus

The same routes run in reverse. Morning state buses to Jodhpur suit anyone catching an evening train or flight there, and overnight sleepers leave for Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad in the late afternoon and evening. Buy state bus tickets at the bus stand a day ahead in peak season, or online.

Private operators often run a pickup van from the main hotel areas to their departure point; ask when you book, and be ready a little early. If you are coming back from a desert camp the same day, allow at least an hour from Sam to town before your bus leaves.

Tips for overnight buses

• Carry a warm layer. AC buses are cold, and desert nights are cold in winter anyway.
• Toilet stops are at the driver's choice, usually at highway dhabas every few hours. Keep tissues and a little cash.
• Keep your passport, phone and cash on you, not in the luggage hold.
• Many buses arrive between 5 and 7 am. Tell your hotel, or see arriving early.
• In summer, prefer an AC bus; daytime heat on this road is severe from April to June.