Udaipur, the “City of Lakes” is one of Rajasthan’s most romantic and visually stunning destinations. With lake, grand palaces, and narrow historic lanes, it feels a world away from the frantic energy of Delhi. But as with the best of travel in India, it makes most sense to get a train Delhi to Udaipur.
If you are planning to make the journey from Delhi to Udaipur, taking the train is easily one of the best choices you can make.
It is budget-friendly, scenic as you roll into Rajasthan, and saves you a night on accommodation if you choose an overnight sleeper.
Here is everything you need to know about navigating the train journey, getting to your hotel, and enjoying the very best of Udaipur.
1. Choosing Your Train from Delhi to Udaipur
Several trains Delhi to Udaipur City (UDZ) exist. The two most reliable and popular daily options are overnight trains, allowing you to fall asleep in the capital and wake up just as the sun rises over the Aravalli Hills.
The two main daily trains from Delhi to Udaipur are:
Both are Mail/Express train Delhi to Udaipur operating daily on the route.
Trains Delhi to Udaipur
- The Mewar Express (12963): This is a highly popular option. It departs daily from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM)in Delhi at 18:25 (6:25 PM) and rolls into Udaipur City at 07:30 AM the next morning. The 13-hour journey is smooth, clean, and perfectly timed.
- The Chetak Express (20473): Operating daily from Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE), this train departs at 19:40 (7:40 PM) and arrives slightly later at 07:48 AM. It is technically the fastest daily train on this route, clocking in at just over 12 hours.
Which Class Should You Book?
For an overnight journey, look into 1AC (First Class AC) for a lockable coupe, 2AC (Two-Tier AC) for spacious open berths, or 3AC (Three-Tier AC) for a classic, budget-friendly sleeper experience with air conditioning.
Be sure to book your tickets well in advance via the official IRCTC website or authorised travel platforms, as Rajasthan routes fill up incredibly fast.
2. Arriving in Udaipur: Getting to the City Centre
When your train pulls into Udaipur City Railway Station (UDZ), you are only about 2 to 3 kilometres away from the historic old town and the main lake areas.
Getting to your accommodation is straightforward:
- Auto-Rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks): You will find a sea of rickshaws waiting right outside the station gates. A ride to the Lal Ghat or Hanuman Ghat areas near Lake Pichola should cost around ₹100 to ₹150, depending on your negotiating skills.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Both Ola and Uber operate in Udaipur. Booking a ride through the app gives you a fixed price and saves you the hassle of haggling directly at the station exit.
- Pre-Arranged Hotel Pickups: Many guesthouses and hotels in the Old City offer complimentary or low-cost railway station pickups. It’s always worth messaging your hosts ahead of time to see if they can arrange a driver to meet you on the platform.
3. Best Things to Do in Udaipur
Once you’ve dropped off your bags, from the train Delhi to Udaipur it’s time to explore. Udaipur is packed with heritage sites, panoramic views, and vibrant local culture.
Here are the absolute must-do activities for your itinerary:
- Explore the City Palace: This massive architectural marvel is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Spend a few hours wandering through its intricate courtyards, museums, and hanging gardens.
- Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola: Head down to Rameshwar Ghat or Lal Ghat to catch a boat ride. Drifting past the iconic Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) and Jag Mandir at sunset offers a beautiful perspective of the city.
- Catch the Sunset at Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh): Perched high on a hill overlooking the city, this palace provides stunning, unobstructed views of the lakes and the surrounding countryside as daytime fades.
- Watch the Cultural Show at Bagore-ki-Haveli: Every evening, this lakeside haveli hosts a spectacular Rajasthani folk dance and puppet show that shouldn’t be missed.
- Wander the Old City Bazaars: Visit the bustling markets around the Clock Tower and Jagdish Temple to shop for miniature paintings, traditional leather journals, and silver jewellery.
4. Where to Stay in Delhi and Udaipur
Where To Stay in Udaipur
Udaipur caters to every travel style and budget. To get the most authentic experience, try to stay close to the water.
Most of Udaipur’s accommodation is dotted around the City Palace and Lake Pichola waterfront.
- Luxury: Taj Lake Palace (Jag Niwas)
This is the most iconic feature of Udaipur’s landscape! Former palace located right in the middle of Lake Pichola. - Boutique: Udai Kothi
A small, boutique property in the heart of town next to Ambrai Ghat and restaurant with a rooftop overlooking the City Palace and Lake Pichola. - Budget-Mid-Range: Hotel Lake Star
Family owned small hotel with spacious, simple rooms. This is where we stayed in Udaipur.
Where To Stay in Delhi
These are the places we recommend to stay in Old Delhi, New Delhi, South Delhi or near the airport.
- Mahipalpur (Airport) – Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. Great first stop arriving in India with restaurant onsite. - South Delhi – Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi. - Connaught Place – Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
Including signature Shang Palace and Sorrento Restaurants, gym, an outdoor pool and spa. - Paharganj – Budget: Smyle Inn
Basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included.
5. Moving On: Trains to Jaipur or Ajmer
If Udaipur is just one stop on a larger Rajasthani adventure, continuing your journey by rail is incredibly simple. The city is very well connected to other major hubs via morning and evening routes.
We first got the train Delhi to Udaipur then got a train to Ajmer from there.
| Destination | Top Train Options | Typical Travel Time |
| Jaipur | UDZ JP SF SPL (09722) UDZ JP EXP (12991) | ~7 to 7.5 Hours |
| Ajmer | KAVI GURU EXP (19615) UDZ YNRK EXP (19609) | ~4.5 to 5 Hours |
Taking a daytime train to Ajmer or Jaipur is a good way to watch the rural landscapes change. Be sure to opt for an AC Chair Car (CC) or a regular sleeper class berth to ensure a comfortable ride through the desert state.
Getting the Train Delhi to Udaipur & Beyond
Pack your bags, secure your train berths early, and get ready to experience the mesmerising charm from the trip by train Delhi to Udaipur!
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Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning your train Delhi to Udaipur!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
