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Leaving the humid, high-speed chaos of Mumbai for the golden sands of Jaisalmer feels like stepping through a portal into a different era. Mumbai is defined by its vertical skyline and colonial architecture; Jaisalmer is a horizontal dream of yellow sandstone rising out of the Thar Desert like a massive sandcastle. The journey runs from the Arabian Sea across Maharashtra and Gujarat into the arid landscapes of Rajasthan.
Because of the distance, your choice of transport shapes the trip. You can fly with a connection, ride the Indian Railways across the country as the greenery fades into scrubland, or hire a car and driver.
Mumbai to Jaisalmer by Flight
There is no direct flight. IndiGo connects Mumbai (BOM) and Jaisalmer (JSA) with one stop, with layovers of 3 to 7 hours and total journey times of 6 to 11 hours. Tickets cost about ₹12,000 to ₹14,000. Jaisalmer Airport is a civilian terminal on an Indian Air Force base.[1]
Mumbai to Jaisalmer by Train
The train is the classic way to reach the Golden City, and you settle into the rhythm of the rails while the landscape turns from green to scrubland. The Bandra Terminus-Jaisalmer Express (22931) leaves Bandra Terminus at 14:35 and reaches Jaisalmer at 12:50. In the other direction, the Jaisalmer-Bandra Terminus Superfast (22932) leaves Jaisalmer at 19:20 and arrives at 17:35.[2] It starts at Bandra Terminus, not at Mumbai Central or CSMT, so allow time to get there from your hotel.
Train Classes and Comfort
Indian Railways offers several tiers on long routes. 1A (AC First Class Sleeper) is the most private, with lockable compartments. 2A (AC 2-Tier Sleeper) has curtains for privacy and four berths per bay. 3A (AC 3-Tier Sleeper) is the most economical air-conditioned choice, with six berths per bay. The desert air gets chilly at night, so the bedding in the AC classes is welcome.
Mumbai to Jaisalmer by Private Transfer
For groups, families and anyone who wants total autonomy, a private car and driver is the most comfortable and the most expensive option. The drive takes from about 15 hours. On booking platforms, prices start at about $350 and climb steeply for larger vehicles and longer routings (October 2026).[3] You set the pace, stop at sites in Gujarat or Rajasthan and go door to door from your Mumbai hotel to your desert camp. Many travelers split the drive over two days.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (one stop) | About ₹12,000 - ₹14,000[1] | 6h - 11h[1] | Medium |
| Train (22931) | Varies by class | Departs 14:35, arrives 12:50[2] | Medium to high |
| Private Transfer | From about $350[3] | From about 15h[3] | Very High |
Tips for Traveling from Mumbai to Jaisalmer
- Book Train Tickets Early: The Mumbai to Jaisalmer route is popular in the winter season, and tickets sell out far ahead.
- Prepare for Temperature Swings: Mumbai is warm all year; the Thar Desert drops sharply at night. Carry a light jacket or shawl.
- Hydration: The dry desert air dehydrates you faster than the humid Mumbai coast, so keep water with you.
- Airport Transfers: Transport at the Jaisalmer Airport gate can be limited. Ask your hotel to arrange a pickup.
Timetable
| Flight Mumbai - Jaisalmer $ 49.75–69.24 2h | |
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| Taxi Mumbai - Jaisalmer $ 350.26–1,825.47 14h 50m – 16h 47m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Mumbai to Jaisalmer, including current prices and schedules.
The train in the lower AC or Sleeper classes is usually the cheapest. Flights with a connection cost about ₹12,000 to ₹14,000.
A connecting flight, with total journey times of 6 to 11 hours. There is no direct flight.
A connecting flight takes 6 to 11 hours, a private car from about 15 hours, and the train a full day and night.
Yes, for groups and families. It gives you flexibility and door-to-door service, and many travelers split the drive over two days.
No. IndiGo connects the two cities with one stop.
Water, snacks and a light jacket. The desert nights are cold and the air is dry.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Mumbai to Jaisalmer Flights. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Mumbai to Jaisalmer. 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.