Wondering about braving the train Delhi to Jodhpur or onwards to the desert city of Jaisalmer way out in the desert? It is an incredible part of Rajasthan and so well worth visiting.
Albeit travelling through India is an experience that awakens every single sense, and nothing captures the adventurous spirit of the country quite like its railway network. Leaving behind the chaotic, historic sprawl of India’s capital city to enter the gateway of the Thar Desert is a classic backpacking rite of passage!
But we have made this specific journey across the desert tracks of Rajasthan multiple times, travelling on both the Runicha Express and the Shalimar Express connecting train Delhi to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
So, if you are planning to make the leap from Delhi to the famous Blue City of Jodhpur, here is our definitive guide to navigating the tracks.
- Options Delhi to Jodhpur
- Trains Delhi to Jodhpur
- Indian Train Classes
- Stations in Delhi and Jodhpur
- What Is It Really Like on Board?
- How To Book Tickets & Costs
- Tips for Travel
- Things to Do & Where to Stay
Delhi
Jodhpur - Is the Train Journey Worth It?
Options for Travel: Train Delhi to Jodhpur
The distance between Delhi and Jodhpur is roughly 600 kilometres. While there are a few ways to tackle this journey, the train is easily the most practical choice:
- By Air: Flights operate between Delhi (DEL) and Jodhpur (JDH). It is fast (about 1.5 hours) but lacks the character (of course) and involves airport security wait times.
- By Bus: Long-distance sleeper buses run overnight. However, the highways can be bumpy, traffic entering and exiting Delhi is notoriously unpredictable.
- By Train: The clear winner! It is economical, saves you a night’s accommodation cost, and lands you right in the centre of both cities.
The Main Train Lines & Options: Delhi to Jodhpur
The train route from Delhi down into Western Rajasthan is well-serviced.
Many of these trains don’t just stop at the Blue City; they continue along the line all the way to the golden border town of Jaisalmer.
Two of the most reliable and popular trains Delhi to Jodhpur on this corridor are:
- The Runicha Express (#14087): A fantastic overnight connection that typically departs Delhi in the late afternoon and rolls into Jodhpur just after sunrise, before continuing onward to Jaisalmer.
- The Shalimar Express (#14646): Another excellent option originating further north but cutting straight through from Delhi to Jodhpur. This has convenient timing for a full night’s sleep on board.
Understanding Indian Train Classes
If you are new to booking trains in India, the alphabet soup of class abbreviations can feel overwhelming.
Travelling as a family in India for our first time we tended to book AC First Class (1A) for the chance to lock the door. Now though, having done these trains many times we usually travel in AC 2-Tier (2A) or AC 3-Tier (3A).
However, these classes aren’t always available on every train route.
Train Classes: Delhi to Jodhpur
Here is a breakdown of the primary air-conditioned (AC) and non-AC classes you can choose from for the train Delhi to Jodhpur:
AC First Class (1A)
The pinnacle of comfort on Indian Rails! These First Class (1A) carriages are divided into lockable, private compartments containing either two berths (a coupe) or four berths (a cabin).
It is quiet(ish) and features the most attentive service, though it comes with more of a price tag.
AC 2-Tier (2A)
Our (now) personal sweet spot for family travel. Carriages are open-plan but divided into bays of four bunks (two upper, two lower) plus two side berths along the aisle.
Crucially, each bay is separated from the main corridor by a privacy curtain, allowing you to shut out the world when it’s time to sleep. Bedding (clean sheets, a pillow, and a warm blanket) is included.
AC 3-Tier (3A)
This is like the workhorse of middle-class long-distance travel in India. The layout is similar to 2A, but each bay crams in six bunks (two lower, two middle, two upper).
There are no privacy curtains in 3A, meaning it feels significantly more public and crowded, but it is a highly social and affordable way to travel while remaining air-conditioned.
Sleeper Class (SL)
This is regular, non-air-conditioned travel. It features the same layout as 3A, but the windows open to the elements. It is loud, dusty, incredibly crowded, and completely brilliant if you want a raw, unfiltered look at local life.
Railway Stations in Delhi and Jodhpur
Navigating the massive railway stations can feel daunting if you don’t know where your train departs from.
Delhi Departure Stations
Delhi has several major terminals. Double-check your ticket carefully to see which station you are departing from:
- Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI): A chaotic, historic crimson building in the heart of Chandni Chowk. This is where both the Runicha and Shalimar Express trains traditionally board.
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS): Located closer to Connaught Place, mostly servicing high-speed express trains.
Jodhpur Arrival Station
- Jodhpur Junction (JU): A bustling, remarkably clean, and well-organized station right on the edge of the old city. Though much smaller than the Delhi monstrosities! Once you step out of the exit gates, you will immediately be greeted by a sea of blue auto-rickshaws ready to ferry you into the narrow alleys.
What Is It Really Like on Board?
We love the adventure of traveling by train in India. The trains are a great way to see India at ground level, and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday life.
If you are traveling in AC 2-Tier, the experience is generally smooth, relaxed, and quite basic.
Basic But Functional
The main thing about these trains is that they are basic, but entirely functional. Remember they do these routes – the train Delhi to Jodhpur – every day and have been operating the same trains (and times) for literally years!
Shortly after departure, the attendant will pass through the carriage handing out freshly laundered linen packets.
Food and Drinks
While these trains don’t carry a dedicated rolling kitchen (pantry car), onboard catering staff walk down the aisles taking orders for hot dinners (usually vegetarian thalis featuring dal, rice, and roti) or simple morning breakfasts like bread-omelettes.
- The Chai Men: You will never go thirsty on an Indian train. From dawn until late at night, vendors march through the aisles singing out “Chai-Chai-Chai!” selling hot, sweet, ginger-infused milk tea in small cups for just a few rupees.
- Our Tip: We highly recommend purchasing snacks, drinks and a few large bottles of water at the station platform in Delhi before boarding to keep in your berth.
Are There Toilets (Usable) on Board?
There are toilets on board the train. Though they will likely be in the condition you would expect for the busy route by train Delhi to Jodhpur.
How to Book Tickets & Costs: Train Delhi to Jodhpur
There are several options for you to book and buy tickets for the train Delhi to Jodhpur independently.
Booking Online
Indian train tickets sell out weeks—sometimes months—in advance. We strongly advise booking your seats as soon as your travel dates are locked in.
You can book online using international credit cards via official platforms like the IRCTC website, or user-friendly third-party apps like Ixigo, ConfirmTkt, or 12Go.
We always recommend 12GoAsia for the trains in India.
Rough Costs (Delhi to Jodhpur)
Obviously, costs change. But the price of tickets booked through 12GoAsia for the train Delhi to Jodhpur are around:
- AC First Class (1A): ₹2,200 – ₹2,800 ($26 – $34 USD)
- AC 2-Tier (2A): ₹1,300 – ₹1,600 ($16 – $20 USD)
- AC 3-Tier (3A): ₹900 – ₹1,200 ($11 – $14 USD)
- Sleeper Class (SL): ₹350 – ₹500 ($4 – $6 USD)
Tips for Boarding and Finding Your Berth
IMPORTANT: The main things to know before taking a train in India is all about the boarding and where to stand on the platform.
- Decode Your Ticket: Your confirmed ticket will display a coach number and berth number (e.g., A1, Berth 12). “A” coaches represent 2A, “B” coaches represent 3A, and “S” coaches represent Sleeper Class.
- Look for the Electronic Displays: Major station platforms have overhead electronic signs indicating exactly where your specific coach (e.g., A1) will stop along the platform length. Stand near this sign before the train arrives so you aren’t sprinting through the crowds with heavy luggage. (We’ve done that before!).
- Secure Your Bags: Underneath the lowest bunks are metal loops built into the floor. Bring a small padlock and a steel luggage chain to loop through your backpack straps and lock them securely to the train frame while you sleep.
Things to Do & Where to Stay: Delhi and Jodhpur
Aside from the adventure of the train Delhi to Jodhpur, there are lots of unique things to do in each of the destinations.
In Delhi
Before skipping town for the desert, give India’s capital at least two days of your time.
- What to Do: Explore the chaotic lanes of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw, visit the majestic Humayun’s Tomb, marvel at the sheer scale of Qutub Minar, and stop for a moment of quiet reflection at Raj Ghat.
- Where to Stay: Taurus Sarovar Portico (Mahipalpur – Mid-Range) near the airport is a great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite. Smyle Inn (Paharganj – Budget) just off Main Bazaar is an extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included.
In Jodhpur
The Blue City is dominated by the impressive fortress looming over its skyline.
- What to Do: Explore Mehrangarh Fort (one of the grandest and best-preserved forts in all of India), wander through the blue-painted residential alleys of the Navchokiya quarter, watch the sunset from the Jaswant Thada marble cenotaph, and shop for textiles at the bustling Sardar Market near the Clock Tower.
- Where to Stay: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay (Budget) is a good location, with spacious rooms inside Haveli style home. This is where we stayed. Hotel Bawarri Haveli is a friendly, budget Haveli-style accommodation with a rooftop restaurant less than 1km away from the Stepwell.
Final Thoughts: Is the Train Journey Worth It?
Taking an overnight train from Delhi to Jodhpur is more than just transit—it is an essential chapter of any true Indian travel story.
Albeit it saves you time and cuts your accommodation costs. But more than anything it is an adventure. If you are debating whether to do it; we recommend booking the train Delhi to Jodhpur. Enjoy!
Planning a broader loop through Rajasthan? Head over to check out our ultimate guide on the Best Havelis to Visit in Jaisalmer or read our survival guide for visiting India’s infamous Karni Mata Rat Temple.
Are you preparing to board your first overnight train in India? Let us know your questions or share your experiences in the comments below!
Safe travels, and enjoy the tracks!
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- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 10 Very Best Things To Do In Rajasthan.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
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 – Make sure you have travel insurance before booking that train Delhi to Jodhpur!
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.
