Leaving behind the terracotta walls of the Pink City for the shimmering lakeside palaces of Udaipur is a classic Rajasthani transition. While Jaipur feels like a bustling royal capital, Udaipur offers a more romantic, serene atmosphere centered around Lake Pichola. The journey across the Aravalli Range connects two of India most iconic destinations, and the choice of transport often depends on whether you prefer the efficiency of a flight, the local flavor of the Indian Railways, or the flexibility of a sleeper bus.
The distance between these cities is roughly 400 kilometers, and as you move southwest, the landscape shifts from the flat plains surrounding Jaipur into the rolling hills of the Mewar region. Travelers can easily book tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc to ensure a smooth transition between these two historic gems of Rajasthan.
Jaipur to Udaipur by Train
Taking the train is perhaps the most authentic way to experience the Rajasthani countryside. Indian Railways operates several services on this route, with prices ranging from $6 for basic seating to $26 for the luxury of a first-class air-conditioned sleeper. The journey typically takes between 6 hours and 50 minutes and nearly 9 hours, depending on the specific service and number of stops.
Sleeper and AC Classes
For those traveling during the day, the AC Chair Class (CC) or Second Sitting (2S) are excellent choices, offering a view of the passing rural landscapes. If you opt for an overnight journey or a late evening departure, the sleeper classes provide a place to rest. The AC First Class (1A) and AC 2-Tier (2A) offer the highest level of comfort with more privacy and bedding provided. The AC 3-Tier (3A) and Economy Sleeper (3E) are popular mid-range options that balance cost and comfort, featuring air conditioning and padded bunks. For the budget-conscious traveler, the non-AC Sleeper Class (SL) provides a raw and breezy experience of Indian rail travel.
Jaipur to Udaipur by Bus
Buses are a highly flexible option, with departures scattered throughout the day and late into the night. The duration of the trip varies significantly based on the operator and the route taken, ranging from a quick 5 hours and 45 minutes to nearly 11 hours. Prices are equally diverse, starting at $8 and going up to $69 for premium services.
You can choose between AC Sleeper, Non-AC Sleeper, and AC Seater buses. The AC Sleeper units are particularly popular for night journeys, featuring small berths where you can lie down completely. Many of these buses depart from private travel agency hubs or the main Sindhi Camp bus station in Jaipur. While the roads in Rajasthan are generally well-maintained, the ride can be bumpy in sections, so an AC Sleeper is usually recommended for the best rest.
Jaipur to Udaipur by Flight
If you are short on time, a flight is the fastest way to bridge the gap between the two cities. The actual time in the air is only about 1 hour, making it a very efficient choice for those who want to maximize their time sightseeing in Udaipur. Prices for economy seats typically fall between $62 and $101.
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is located about 12 kilometers from the city center, while Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is roughly 22 kilometers from the main lakeside area. Even when accounting for check-in times and airport transfers, flying remains significantly faster than any ground transport option.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | $6 - $26 | 7h - 9h | Medium to High |
| Bus | $8 - $69 | 6h - 11h | Low to Medium |
| Flight | $62 - $101 | 1h | High |
Tips for Traveling from Jaipur to Udaipur
- Book Trains Early: Indian Railways tickets can sell out weeks in advance, especially for the more comfortable AC classes. If you have fixed dates, book as soon as possible.
- Station Codes: When searching for trains, use JP for Jaipur Junction and UDZ for Udaipur City station.
- Night Bus Prep: If you take an overnight bus, keep a light jacket or shawl handy, as the air conditioning in Indian buses can be surprisingly cold.
- Arrival in Udaipur: Udaipur station and bus stands are relatively close to the Old City (near Lake Pichola). Auto-rickshaws are the most common way to reach your hotel, but be prepared to negotiate the fare before starting the trip.
- Scenic Views: If you take a daytime train, try to get a window seat. The approach to Udaipur as you enter the Aravalli hills is quite beautiful.
Timetable
| Flight Jaipur - Udaipur $ 68.14–109.04 1h | |
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| Bus Jaipur - Udaipur $ 6.20–68.88 5h 45m – 10h 55m | |
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| Train Jaipur - Udaipur $ 5.46–25.37 6h 50m – 8h 43m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Jaipur to Udaipur directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to travel is by train in the Second Sitting (2S) class, which costs approximately $6. Some budget bus options also start at around $8.
The fastest way is to fly, with a flight duration of exactly 1 hour. This significantly cuts down travel time compared to the 6 to 11 hours required by ground transport.
Travel time depends on the mode of transport: flights take 1 hour, trains take between 6 hours 50 minutes and 8 hours 43 minutes, and buses take between 5 hours 45 minutes and 10 hours 55 minutes.
Yes, there are several overnight bus and train options. Many AC Sleeper buses depart late in the evening, and there are trains with sleeper berths that arrive in Udaipur early the next morning.
For the highest comfort, choose the AC First Class (1A) or AC 2-Tier (2A) sleeper classes. These provide air conditioning, bedding, and more space compared to other classes.
Trains are generally more comfortable and offer a smoother ride, but they require booking well in advance. Buses offer more frequent departures and can be booked closer to the date of travel.