Leaving the romantic lakeside palaces of Udaipur for the spiritual heart of Rajasthan involves a journey through the rugged Aravalli Hills. While Udaipur is defined by its shimmering waters and sunset views, Ajmer offers a deeper, more historic pulse, serving as the gateway to the sacred town of Pushkar. This route is a classic Rajasthani corridor, frequented by pilgrims, backpackers, and local traders alike.
The transition from the City of Lakes to the bustling streets surrounding the Ana Sagar Lake is relatively quick, making it an easy addition to any North Indian itinerary. Whether you prefer the rhythmic clatter of the Indian Railways or the flexibility of a private sleeper bus, the path to Ajmer is well-trodden and full of character. You can easily compare and book your preferred tickets for this journey on GoAsia.cc to ensure a smooth transition between these two iconic cities.
Udaipur to Ajmer by Train
The train is arguably the most atmospheric way to cross the Rajasthani landscape. Indian Railways operates several services on this route, with prices ranging from a very budget-friendly $5 to around $22 for premium cabins. The journey typically takes between 4 hours and 40 minutes to 5 hours and 20 minutes, making it a highly efficient way to travel.
AC First Class and 2-Tier Sleeper
For those seeking maximum comfort, the AC First Class (1A) and AC 2-Tier (2A) options provide a peaceful environment. These classes are perfect if you are catching one of the late-night departures and want to arrive in Ajmer feeling refreshed. With cleaner bedding and more privacy, these tiers represent the higher end of the $22 price range.
AC Chair Class and Second Sitting
If you are traveling on the morning departures, the AC Chair Class (CC) or Second Sitting (2S) are excellent choices. These seats allow you to watch the rural landscape of Rajasthan unfold through the window. The 2S class is the most economical option available, costing approximately $5, though it lacks air conditioning and can get quite lively with local passengers.
Sleeper Class (SL) and 3-Tier AC
The standard Sleeper Class (SL) and 3-Tier AC (3A or 3E) are the workhorses of the Indian rail system. Sleeper class is open-air (non-AC) and provides a raw, authentic experience of Indian travel, while 3A offers a cooled environment with three tiers of bunks. These are middle-ground options that balance cost and comfort perfectly for a five-hour trip.
Udaipur to Ajmer by Bus
Buses offer incredible flexibility on the Udaipur to Ajmer route, with departures spanning nearly every hour of the day and night. The price for a bus seat or berth can vary significantly, starting at $6 and reaching up to $69 for luxury private operators. Depending on the traffic and the number of stops, the drive takes between 4 and 8 hours.
AC and Non-AC Sleeper Buses
Sleeper buses are a unique staple of Indian road travel. Instead of a seat, you get a small cabin or berth where you can lie down. AC Sleeper buses are highly recommended during the hotter months to escape the Rajasthan heat. Non-AC Sleepers are cheaper but can be dusty due to the open windows. These buses often pick up from various points in Udaipur, making them more convenient than heading to the main railway station.
Seater Buses
For a shorter daytime trip, AC or Non-AC Seater buses are available. These are generally faster than the sleepers as they are smaller vehicles. The AC Seater is a comfortable way to navigate the highways, while the Non-AC Seater is the most basic road option, often used by locals for short hops between towns.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Second Sitting) | $5 | 4h 40min - 5h 20min | Basic |
| Train (AC Sleeper/Chair) | $10 - $22 | 4h 40min - 5h 20min | High |
| Bus (Standard) | $6 - $15 | 4h - 8h | Moderate |
| Bus (Luxury Sleeper) | $20 - $69 | 4h - 6h | High |
Tips for Traveling from Udaipur to Ajmer
- 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.
- Pushkar Connection: Most travelers heading to Ajmer are actually destined for Pushkar. Once you arrive at the Ajmer railway station or bus stand, you can take a local bus or a 30-minute taxi ride over the mountain to reach Pushkar.
- Station Food: Udaipur station has several decent food stalls, but for the journey, it is wise to carry bottled water and some dry snacks.
- Check Departure Points: Private buses often depart from private travel agency offices located on the outskirts of Udaipur or near the City Station Road. Always double-check the exact GPS location of your bus pickup point.
- Winter Mornings: If traveling during the winter months, be prepared for heavy fog, which can occasionally delay both trains and buses in the early morning hours.
Timetable
| Bus Udaipur - Ajmer $ 6.81–68.76 4h – 8h | |
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| Train Udaipur - Ajmer $ 5.02–20.98 4h 40m – 5h 50m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Udaipur to Ajmer 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 $5. Some non-AC bus options also start at a low price point of around $6.
The fastest way is typically by bus or train, both of which can complete the journey in about 4 hours and 40 minutes, depending on the specific service and traffic conditions.
The journey usually takes between 4 hours and 40 minutes and 5 hours and 20 minutes by train. Buses have a wider range, taking anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
Yes, there are several late-night train departures at 21:50 and 00:25 that allow you to sleep during the journey. Many sleeper buses also operate late into the night, arriving in Ajmer in the early morning.
The train is generally more comfortable and consistent in its timing. However, buses offer much more frequent departures throughout the day, which is helpful if you need a last-minute seat or a specific departure time.
Most buses arrive at the Ajmer main bus stand or near the railway station. Private operators may have their own drop-off points, so it is best to confirm with the driver upon boarding.