Getting Around Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a compact, well-connected city, and most visitors find it easy to reach and to navigate. The old city circles Mehrangarh Fort and is enclosed by a wall with several gates, while the newer parts of the city spread out around it. The city is also a convenient base for exploring the wider region of Rajasthan, so the transport options below cover both local movement and onward travel.
Arriving by Air
Jodhpur Airport (JDH) sits close to the city centre, making the transfer into town quick and inexpensive. Taxis and autorickshaws are both available at the airport. Air India operates flights to Jodhpur from Delhi and Mumbai.
- Taxi: a convenient option for the short hop to your hotel.
- Autorickshaw: a cheaper alternative, widely used for the same trip.
As with autorickshaws elsewhere in the city, agree on the fare before you set off.
Arriving by Train
Jodhpur is an important division of the North Western zone of the Indian Railways network and is well connected by direct trains from metros and major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Gaya, Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patiala, Chandigarh, Kalka, Jammu, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
On arrival, both a taxi stand and an auto-rickshaw stand are located near the exit of the railway station, so you can pick up a ride as soon as you step out.
For onward or return journeys, ticketing is straightforward:
- The advance reservation office is on Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. It is open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00, and on Sunday until 13:45.
- Foreign visitors can buy Indrail passes in USD and reserve tickets at the International Tourist Bureau counter, located at the advance reservation office.
- Tickets can also be booked online through IRCTC, the official booking site, which is open from 12:30 to 23:30.
Arriving by Bus or Car
Jodhpur can be reached by RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) buses and by private luxury buses, which operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as from Ahmedabad and Delhi. Private taxi companies are also available and are easily found online if you prefer a car transfer into the city.
Getting Around the City
Local Buses
Government-run local bus services are readily available, with stops at every major landmark. They are a practical way to cover ground across the city. Some visitors find public transport in Jodhpur chaotic and best suited to those travelling on a tight budget, so it is worth weighing convenience against cost.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis in Jodhpur generally ply on a minimum distance or per-hour, per-day basis rather than by meter. Tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services charged per kilometre or per day, which can be used both for arriving into the city and for sightseeing in and around it.
Autorickshaws are common throughout the city, but they do not use meters, so agree on a price before getting in. Ola and Uber also operate in the city, though not in the old town.
Walking, Cycling and Driving
The narrow lanes of the inner walled city are best traversed on foot, and can also be explored by bicycle or by motorcycle or scooter. Several car rental companies operate in the city if you prefer to drive yourself.
Tongas
Horse-driven carriages, known as tongas, are another traditional way to get around and can be a memorable option for short trips.
Practical Tips
- Agree on fares in advance for autorickshaws, since they do not run on meters.
- Ride-hailing apps work in most of the city but not in the old town, so plan an alternative there.
- Walking is often the easiest way to explore the walled old city and its lanes.
- Book train tickets online through IRCTC or in person at the Station Road reservation office; foreign visitors can use the International Tourist Bureau counter there.