Rajasthan. Just saying the name makes me think of deserts, really cool forts and cities that are all different colors. Pink, blue golden white. When you have booked your flights and planned what you want to do you start to think about how you will get around this really big state.
Rajasthan is huge it covers over 342,000 kilometers that is even bigger than Germany. So getting from Jaipur to Jodhpur or Udaipur to Jaisalmer is not a short trip. The way you choose to travel will really affect your trip. So let us look at the three popular ways to travel. By cab by bus and by train. And help you figure out which one is best for you.
Travelling by Cab: You Get to Stop Whenever You Want and It Is Really Comfortable
If I had to pick one word to describe travelling by cab in Rajasthan it would be flexible.
Rajasthan has a lot of cool things to see and do and some of the best things are not even in the cities they are on the way. Like a tea shop in the middle of the desert or an old well that is not on any map or some peacocks walking down a road in a village. When you are in a cab you can. See all of these things.
Who Should Choose a Cab?
- Families with a lot of people
- Groups of people who are travelling together
- People who want to be comfortable and do not want to worry about anything
- People on their honeymoon or who want a luxury trip
How Much Does It Cost?
A cab from Jaipur to Jodhpur, which’s about 340 kilometers usually costs ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for a one way trip in a normal car. If you are with a group of people this can be cheaper than buying train tickets. It is a lot more convenient.
The Not So Good Things
If you are travelling alone a cab can be expensive.. If you have to drive on the highway for a long time like from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer it can be tiring but the views are really nice.
So Is a Cab a Good Choice?
Yes it is a choice for groups of people, families and people who want to be able to stop and see things on the way.
Travelling by Bus: It Is Cheap. You Have to Be Patient
There are a lot of buses in Rajasthan. They go to almost every city. For people who do not want to spend a lot of money the bus is a choice.
The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation has nice buses, like the Volvo AC sleeper buses and they go on all the main roads. The buses that go overnight between cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner are popular and they are actually really comfortable if you pick the right kind of bus.
Who Should Choose a Bus?
- People who are travelling alone and do not want to spend a lot of money
- People who are going from one city to another
- People who do not mind having a fixed schedule
How Much Does It Cost?
A Volvo AC bus from Jaipur to Udaipur costs about ₹400 to ₹700 which is really cheap. The regular buses are even cheaper. They are not as comfortable.
The Not So Good Things
The buses have to follow a schedule so you cannot just. See things on the way. The buses that go to villages can be really crowded and slow. If you have a lot of luggage or if you are travelling with people who’re older the bus can be really tiring.
So Is a Bus a Good Choice?
Yes it is a choice for people who are travelling alone and do not want to spend a lot of money and who are just going from one big city to another.. It is not a good choice for families or for people who want to be able to stop and see things on the way.
Travelling by Train: It Is Really Scenic and Kind of Romantic
You cannot talk about travelling in Rajasthan without talking about the trains. The Palace on Wheels and the Desert Queen are really famous.. Even the regular trains that go through the desert are really cool especially when you see the sand dunes going by your window at sunset.
The trains in India go to all the cities in Rajasthan. The Pink City Express, the Mandore Express and the Mewar Express are some of the popular trains and they have all different kinds of cars from sleeper cars to first class.
Who Should Choose a Train?
- People who like the trip much as the destination.
- People who book their tickets ahead of time
- People who are travelling alone or with one other person and who do not want to spend a lot of money
- People who are doing the classic Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur trip
How Much Does It Cost?
A 3AC ticket from Jaipur to Jodhpur usually costs ₹500 to ₹800 which is a really good deal for longer trips. The first class cars are really comfortable. They are a lot cheaper than a cab.
The Not So Good Things
You have to book your train tickets of time especially during the busy season. Some of the villages do not have train stations so you will have to take a cab or auto to get to them.
So Is a Train a Good Choice?
Yes it is a choice for people who want to see the classic Rajasthan sights and who book their tickets ahead of time. The trains are a balance of price, comfort and the classic Indian travel experience.
So What Is the Best Way to Travel in Rajasthan?
The answer is, it depends on how you like to travel.
What Kind of Trip Are You Taking?
Best Way to Travel
- Family or group trip – Cab
- Budget solo travel- Bus or Train
- Fixed city-to-city route – Train
- Overnight long distance – Bus or Train
- Luxury experience – Cab or First AC Train
For most people the best way to travel is to use a combination of different modes of transportation. Take a train between big cities hire a cab for day trips and to explore villages and use buses for short trips between towns.
Rajasthan is not a place you should rush through. Whether you are on a train in a cab or on a bus every way of travelling tells a story about this really cool place.
The best trip is the one that goes at your pace.
Do you want to plan a trip to Rajasthan? Start with the best taxi services in Jaipur and let us take care of the rest — ask us any questions you have in the comments and we will help you plan the perfect trip!