Getting the train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer was one of the first train journeys we ever took in India – and we almost missed it entirely!
Picture us, as non-train-riding New Zealanders with no idea how to find a carriage or berth, let alone navigate an Indian train station. We ended up boarding the wrong end of the train in a carriage that felt kilometres from our actual booked berth!
But the great news is that now with seven trips to India under our belt – and many, many Indian train rides – we are here to give you all the tips and reasons to book the train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
Ready for that? 🙂
- Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
- Options Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
- Train Options
- Indian Train Classes
- Tickets, Costs, and Booking Logistics
- What is it Honestly Like on the Train?
- Things To Do & Where To Stay in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer
- More About India
The Journey From Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Over the years, our family has explored India extensively, spanning seven separate trips across this incredible country. Yet, every single time we find ourselves pulling into the Golden City, we are instantly reminded why Jaisalmer remains our absolute favourite destination in all of India.
A Camel Safari and sleeping underneath the stars plus the sight of a massive sandstone fortress rising like a sandcastle out of the desert never loses its magic.
So, if you are looking to make this classic trans-desert crossing by train, here is your definitive, firsthand guide to planning, booking, and enjoying the journey from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
Getting from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
The overland gap between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer spans roughly 280 kilometres across the arid Thar Desert landscape. While it isn’t an overwhelmingly long distance by Indian standards. We would definitely say that your choice of transit will shape your arrival energy!
1. By Air
Commercial flights between Jodhpur (JDH) and Jaisalmer (JSA) are non-existent. Jaisalmer’s small airport primarily caters to military operations though there are seasonal flights from Delhi and Mumbai in the winter.
2. By Private Car or Taxi
If you have room in your budget, booking a private AC vehicle is a flexible choice. A direct drive takes roughly 4.5 to 5 hours, offering the luxury of pulling over at roadside Dhabas for fresh rotis or snapping photos of wandering camel herds.
3. By Long-Distance Bus
These are cheap and reasonably fast, but you do have to contend with bumpy roads, erratic overtaking, and cramped (supposedly) allocated seating.
4. By Train (Our Choice)
For affordability, adventure and atmosphere, the train wins every time. It isn’t a long journey by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. But it is a cool Indian train trip!
Navigating the Lines and Train Selection
Jodhpur Junction serves as the grand gateway for the North Western Railway zone, throwing out lines that connect the rest of India to the deep desert. But because Jaisalmer sits near the international border with Pakistan, it is a terminal station—meaning every train heading out on this line eventually has to turn back around.
There are several daily trains Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, but two stand out as the most reliable options for travellers – and we’ve ridden them both multiple times.
These are the regular trains we recommend:
- Jodhpur – Jaisalmer SF Express (#14810): This is your quintessential daytime run. It is the perfect option if you want to grab a window berth and watch the rugged landscape of Rajasthan (06:10 – 11:50).
- Ranikhet Express (#15014): A classic, long-haul favourite that cuts through Jodhpur in the late afternoon arriving in Jaisalmer at night (17:00 – 23:00).
Decoding Indian Train Classes
The next challenge is the Indian Railway classes. Because stepping up to book an Indian train ticket if you haven’t done it before can feel like trying to crack a military cipher! The options for seating and berths are coded as 1A, 2A, 3A, and SL.
But here is what those letters actually mean for your comfort level on the tracks:
AC First Class (1A)
This is the most premium tier on the network. You are booked into a lockable compartment containing either two berths (a coupe) or four berths (a cabin).
This is a good choice for first time Indian train travel but not really necessary for the short journey by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
AC 2-Tier (2A)
This is our personal preference when travelling with the kids. This layout features open bays containing four beds (two upper, two lower) plus two side berths along the corridor.
Each bay is screened off from the main aisle by a heavy privacy curtain. Clean sheets, blankets, and pillows are handed out by the carriage attendant.
AC 3-Tier (3A)
I’m pretty sure this is the backbone of long-distance travel for middle-class India! The configuration scales up to six bunks per bay (lower, middle, and upper on each side).
But there are no privacy curtains here, meaning it is much noisier and more public.
Sleeper Class (SL)
Basically, the non-air-conditioned equivalent of 3A. The windows are barred but open to the elements, letting in the sights and sounds (and dust) of rural India.
Railway Stations in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer
Navigating the railway stations in India can feel daunting if you don’t know where your train departs from.
Jodhpur Departure Station
- Jodhpur Junction (JU): A small(ish) and well-organised station right on the edge of the old city. Though despite being much smaller than the stations in Delhi and Jaipur, it is a historically significant transit hub and does get busy.
Jaisalmer Arrival Station
- Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM): Much smaller and quieter compared to Jodhpur; this station acts as the end of the line for the desert route. Because it is the end of the line, the pace here is noticeably more relaxed when you disembark.
What is it Honestly Like on the Train?
This is a great shorter Indian train trip to get comfortable on.
You won’t find a full kitchen car or anything like that. But catering staff will routinely march down the corridors taking dinner or breakfast orders and selling snacks.
And, of course, there is the melodic cry of the chai-wallahs pacing the aisles shouting “Chai, Garam Chai!” (Hot Tea!).
Are There Toilets (Usable) on Board?
This is definitely one of the important questions before train-riding in India!
Yes; there are toilets on board the train. Though they will likely be in the condition you would expect for the end of line route by train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
Tickets, Costs, and Booking Logistics
There are several options for you to book and buy tickets for the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer independently.
How to Secure Your Seats
Indian trains operate on a strict reservation system, and popular routes sell out weeks – sometimes months – in advance. Do not expect to rock up to the station on the day of travel and get a comfortable seat.
You can navigate the official (and sometimes temperamental) IRCTC website, or use the slick, international third-party booking apps like 12GoAsia which accept foreign credit cards with zero fuss.
We highly recommend booking your tickets the moment your travel dates are locked and always recommend 12GoAsia for the trains in India.
Average Ticket Prices
Obviously, costs change. But the price of tickets booked through 12GoAsia for the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer are around:
- AC First Class (1A): ₹1,400 – ₹1,800 ($17 – $22 USD)
- AC 2-Tier (2A): ₹800 – ₹1,100 ($10 – $13 USD)
- AC 3-Tier (3A): ₹600 – ₹800 ($7 – $10 USD)
- Sleeper Class (SL): ₹200 – ₹350 ($2 – $4 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.
- Check Your Coach Code: Your confirmed e-ticket will specify a coach and bunk number (for example, A1, Berth 24). “A” signifies 2A, “B” indicates 3A, and “S” marks Sleeper Class.
- Use the Platform Displays: Don’t join the frantic scrum when the train rolls in. Look up at the digital signs hanging above the platforms; they display exactly where your specific coach will align when the train stops. Wait there ahead of time.
- Lock Up Your Gear: While the AC carriages are generally secure, petty theft can happen anywhere. Secure your bag if you are planning to sleep.
Things to Do & Where to Stay: Jodhpur and Jaisalmer
Aside from the adventure of the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, there are lots of unique things to do in each of the destinations.
Jodhpur: The Blue City
- Highlights: See the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, wander through the beautifully restored marble cenotaph at Jaswant Thada, and get lost in the blue alleyways of the old city.
- 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.
Jaisalmer: The Golden City
- Highlights: Explore the living Jaisalmer Fort, check out the beautiful Jaisalmer Haveli’s and book a camel safari into the Thar Desert for a night sleeping under the stars.
- Where to Stay: Wanderlust Guesthouse is not only our favourite accommodation in Jaisalmer, but it is the best place we have stayed across all our travels in India. The hospitality is unmatched. If you are looking for a high-end desert oasis outside the town, consider Suryagarh.
Final Thoughts: Train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Taking the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is far more than a simple logistics choice – it is a cool lesson in Indian train travel full-stop. There is something hypnotic about watching the urban landscapes of Rajasthan melt away into the flat desert horizon, all while sipping a hot cup of sweet chai from the comfort of your berth.
If you are debating whether to book the train Jodhpur to Jaisalmer; do it.
You won’t regret the adventure!
Planning a bigger trip across India? Jump over to read our complete guide on surviving the overnight train from Bikaner to Amritsar or check out our essential guide to exploring India with kids.
Are you ready to head to Jaisalmer? Let us know any questions in the comments below!
Happy travels, and see you on the tracks!
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- 10 Very Best Things To Do In Rajasthan.
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- 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 Jodhpur to Jaisalmer!
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.
