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Leaving the chaotic pulse of India's capital for the golden sands of the Thar Desert feels like stepping into a medieval legend. Jaisalmer, the Golden City, glows yellow in the sun and sits far to the west, near the border with Pakistan. The journey across Rajasthan takes you from the crowded bazaars of Old Delhi to the silent, rolling dunes of the desert.
You can fly in a couple of hours or take the classic overnight train.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Flight
Flying is the quickest way to reach the fort. Delhi and Jaisalmer are about 756 km apart, and flight times range from 1 to 3 hours depending on the flight.[1] Take a morning flight and you can be inside the fort walls by mid-afternoon.
Delhi to Jaisalmer by Train
The Delhi-Jaisalmer Express 14659 leaves Delhi at 17:35 and arrives in Jaisalmer at 11:45 the next morning. In the other direction, train 14660 leaves Jaisalmer at 16:45 and reaches Delhi at 11:15.[2] You fall asleep to the rhythm of the tracks in Delhi and wake up in the Rajasthan desert.
Classes of Service
- 1A - AC First Class: The most private option, with lockable compartments of two or four berths.
- 2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper: Air-conditioned bunks with curtains for privacy.
- 3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper: The standard choice for many travelers, air-conditioned with three tiers of bunks.
- SL - Sleeper Class: The budget option without air conditioning, dusty and crowded but very authentic.
Tips for Traveling from Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Book trains early: Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey, and 365 days ahead for foreign tourists.[3] AC classes sell out first.
- Pack a warm layer: Desert nights can be cold, and air conditioning on trains is often set low.
- Bring water and snacks: Shops are scarce on long desert stretches.
- Arrange your pickup: Ask your hotel to meet you at Jaisalmer station to avoid the rush of touts and rickshaw drivers outside.
- Check flight status: Jaisalmer Airport is a civil area on an Indian Air Force base, so check your flight the day before.[4]
Timetable
| Flight Delhi - Jaisalmer $ 41.60โ50.95 1h 25m โ 1h 45m | |
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| Bus Delhi - Jaisalmer $ 14.33โ48.42 15h โ 17h 45m | |
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| Taxi Delhi - Jaisalmer $ 223.49โ323.95 12h 12m | |
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| Train Delhi - Jaisalmer $ 8.05โ38.82 15h 4m โ 18h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Delhi to Jaisalmer, including current prices and schedules.
Sleeper (SL) class on the Delhi-Jaisalmer Express is the budget option. If you want air conditioning, choose 3A.
Flying is the fastest option. Flight times range from 1 to 3 hours depending on the flight, compared with an overnight journey by train.
The Delhi-Jaisalmer Express 14659 leaves Delhi at 17:35 and arrives at 11:45 the next morning, about 18 hours. A flight takes 1 to 3 hours.
IndiGo sells Delhi-Jaisalmer flights with durations from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the flight. Check the schedule for your date.
Pack a small travel pillow, a light blanket or shawl, earplugs and a power bank. Air conditioning can be cold.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Delhi to Jaisalmer Flights. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways (CRIS): Mail/Express/Superfast Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [3] Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways: Indian Railways cuts down Advance Reservation Period from 120 days to 60 days w.e.f. 01.11.2024. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [4] IndiGo: Mumbai to Jaisalmer Flights. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.