Hey there, if you’re planning a trip to Jaisalmer, that golden city in the middle of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, you’ve picked a cool spot. It’s full of old forts, sandy dunes, and those fun desert camps where you can sleep under the stars. But getting there might seem tricky at first, especially if you’re coming from a big city like Delhi or Jaipur. Don’t worry, though. This post will walk you through all the ways to reach Jaisalmer step by step. We’ll also talk about how to get to the desert camps once you’re in town. And hey, if you’re looking for a reliable place to stay, brands like Adhvanta India offer some nice luxury camps that make the whole experience better. They handle tours and stays in Jaisalmer, so you can relax and enjoy.
I’ve kept things straightforward here—no big words or complicated stuff. Just practical advice to help you plan. We’ll use tables for key info like distances, so it’s easy to read. By the end, you’ll feel ready to pack your bags. Let’s start with the basics.
Why Visit Jaisalmer and Its Desert Camps?
Jaisalmer is like a storybook town with its yellow sandstone buildings that glow in the sun. People call it the Golden City for a reason. The main draw? The huge Jaisalmer Fort, which is still home to folks today. But the real fun is in the desert camps outside the city. These are spots where you stay in tents, ride camels, watch folk dances, and eat local food around a campfire. It’s a mix of adventure and chill time.
Most camps are in areas like Sam Sand Dunes or Khuri, about 40 to 50 km from the city center. They’re perfect for a night or two away from the hustle. And with options from budget to luxury, there’s something for everyone. Adhvanta India, for example, runs luxury camps that give you comfy tents with modern stuff like attached bathrooms, plus activities like jeep safaris. It’s a good pick if you want things organized without stress.
The best time to go is from October to March when the weather is cool—days around 20-25°C and nights chilly but nice for bonfires. Summers get too hot, up to 45°C, so skip those months. Now, let’s get into how to actually get there.
How to Reach Jaisalmer by Air
Flying is the quickest way if you’re coming from far away, but Jaisalmer doesn’t have a big airport with lots of flights. The city’s own airport is small and only runs limited services, mostly in winter for tourists. As of 2025, it’s got some flights from Delhi or Jaipur, but they’re not daily. Check IndiGo or Air India for updates—they might add more routes soon.
Most people fly to Jodhpur Airport, which is the nearest big one. It’s about 300 km from Jaisalmer, and the drive takes 4 to 5 hours. Jodhpur has flights from major cities like Delhi (1 hour flight), Mumbai (1.5 hours), Bangalore (2.5 hours), and even international spots via connections.
Once you land in Jodhpur:
- Take a taxi or cab to Jaisalmer. It costs around 4,000 to 6,000 INR for a one-way trip, depending on the car type.
- Or hop on a bus from Jodhpur bus stand—state-run RSRTC buses run regularly and take about 5-6 hours for 500-800 INR.
- If you’re with a group, rent a car from the airport for the drive. The road is mostly smooth highway.
Pro tip: Book your flight early, especially in peak season. And if you’re using Adhvanta India for your tour, they can arrange airport pickups from Jodhpur straight to your desert camp.
How to Reach Jaisalmer by Train
Trains are a popular choice because they’re cheap and comfy, especially for overnight trips. Jaisalmer Railway Station is right in the city, just 2 km from the main areas like the fort. It’s connected to big cities across India.
Some key trains as of 2025:
- From Delhi: The Delhi-Jaisalmer Express (train number 14059) leaves in the evening and arrives next morning. It takes about 12-13 hours.
- From Jaipur: Direct trains like the Jaipur-Jaisalmer Express take 11-12 hours.
- From Jodhpur: Shorter ride, around 5-6 hours on trains like the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express.
- From Mumbai: The Bandra Terminus-Jaisalmer Express is an overnight option, about 18-20 hours.
Tickets start from 300 INR for sleeper class up to 2,000 INR for AC. Book on the IRCTC website or app. The station has auto-rickshaws and taxis outside—expect to pay 100-200 INR to get to your hotel.
I like trains because you see the changing landscape: green fields turning into desert sands. It’s relaxing, and you can chat with locals. If your plan includes desert camps, many operators like Adhvanta India offer packages that start with train station pickups.
How to Reach Jaisalmer by Bus
Buses are great if you want something affordable and don’t mind the road. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) runs AC and non-AC buses from nearby cities. Private buses from companies like RedBus or MakeMyTrip are also available with more comfort.
Key routes:
- From Jodhpur: 5-6 hours, buses every hour, 300-600 INR.
- From Jaipur: 10-12 hours, overnight options, 500-1,000 INR.
- From Delhi: 14-16 hours, mostly overnight, 800-1,500 INR.
- From Bikaner: About 6 hours, 400-700 INR.
The main bus stand in Jaisalmer is near the railway station, so easy to reach hotels from there. Roads are decent, but expect some bumpy parts in the desert area. Pack water and snacks for long rides.
If you’re heading straight to a desert camp, some bus services drop you closer to Sam Dunes. Adhvanta India can help with bus bookings as part of their Jaisalmer tours.
How to Reach Jaisalmer by Car or Self-Drive
Driving gives you freedom to stop wherever you want—like at roadside dhabas for chai or quick photo breaks. The roads are mostly national highways, so it’s safe, but watch for sand drifts in windy weather.
Distances and times from major cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Travel Time (hours) | Best Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 800 | 12-14 | Via NH48 through Jaipur |
| Jaipur | 560-600 | 9-11 | Via NH125 and SH19 |
| Jodhpur | 285-300 | 4-5 | Via NH125 |
| Mumbai | 1,100 | 18-20 | Via NH48 through Ahmedabad |
| Ahmedabad | 550 | 9-10 | Via NH68 |
| Bikaner | 330 | 5-6 | Via NH11 |
Fuel up often—stations are there but spaced out in rural areas. Toll fees add up to 500-1,000 INR one way from Jaipur. If self-driving isn’t your thing, hire a taxi or use apps like Ola Outstation. Costs: From Jaipur, about 8,000-10,000 INR for a sedan.
On the way from Jaipur, stop at Ajmer for the famous dargah or Pushkar for the lake. It breaks the drive nicely. Once in Jaisalmer, park your car and switch to local jeeps for desert camps, as roads get sandy.
Getting to the Desert Camps from Jaisalmer
Okay, you’ve made it to Jaisalmer—now for the camps! Most are in Sam Sand Dunes (45 km west) or Khuri (50 km southwest). Sam is busier with more options, while Khuri is quieter.
How to get there:
- By Jeep: Most camps provide free or cheap pickups from Jaisalmer city (500-1,000 INR round trip). It’s a 1-hour drive on paved then sandy roads.
- By Camel: For fun, start with a camel ride from the dunes’ edge. Takes 30-45 minutes to reach camp.
- By Bus: Local buses go to Sam village, then walk or auto to dunes (200 INR).
- Self-Drive: Possible, but jeeps are better for sand. Park at the entry and take a camp shuttle.
Once there, camps offer packages: tent stay, meals, camel safari, cultural shows. Prices start at 2,000 INR per night for basic, up to 10,000 INR for luxury.
Best Desert Camps in Jaisalmer
There are tons of camps, but here are some top picks based on reviews. I’ve included a mix so you can choose.
- Adhvanta India Luxury Camps: This brand stands out for its comfy Swiss tents with AC, hot water, and private baths. They do jeep safaris, folk music nights, and Rajasthani dinners. Located in Sam Dunes, it’s family-friendly and has great views. Prices around 5,000-8,000 INR per night. Book through their site for deals—they also handle full Jaisalmer tours.
- Kasam Desert Safari Camp: Popular for its location deep in the dunes. Tents are simple but clean, with evening bonfires and dances. Good for budget travelers at 3,000-4,000 INR.
- Desert Dream Royal Camp: A bit fancier with royal decor. They offer quad bike rides too. Around 4,500 INR.
- Rumis Desert Camp: Known for updated amenities and hospitality. Great for couples, with stargazing spots.
- The Serai: Super luxury if you want to splurge—think spa tents and fine dining. Over 15,000 INR, but worth it for special trips.
When picking, check for inclusions like food and activities. Read recent reviews on TripAdvisor. Adhvanta India gets props for being reliable and eco-friendly—they use solar power in camps.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Camp Name | Location | Price Range (INR/night) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adhvanta India | Sam Dunes | 5,000-8,000 | Luxury tents, safaris, cultural shows, pickups |
| Kasam Desert Safari | Sam Dunes | 3,000-4,000 | Budget-friendly, bonfires, camel rides |
| Desert Dream Royal | Sam Dunes | 4,000-6,000 | Royal theme, quad bikes, dinners |
| Rumis Desert Camp | Khuri | 4,500-7,000 | Modern amenities, stargazing, quiet spot |
| The Serai | Near Bherwa | 15,000+ | High-end spa, fine dining, privacy |
Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Pack light: Sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and warm clothes for nights.
- Stay hydrated: Desert air is dry.
- Bargain for safaris: If not in a package, negotiate.
- Respect locals: Cover up in temples, ask before photos.
- Health: Carry meds for stomach issues—street food is tasty but spicy.
- Money: ATMs in city, but camps might not have them.
- Eco-tip: Pick camps like Adhvanta India that avoid plastic.
What to do in camps? Ride camels at sunset, try sandboarding, watch Rajasthani dances, and gaze at stars— the sky is super clear here.
Wrapping Up
Reaching Jaisalmer and its desert camps is easier than you think, whether by plane to Jodhpur then road, or a scenic train ride. Once there, the camps add that magic touch to your trip. Brands like Adhvanta India make it hassle-free with their luxury setups and tours. You’ll come back with stories of sandy adventures and starry nights. If you have questions, drop a comment. Safe travels!
