Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Road Trip – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information

Jaisalmer is home to the Great Indian Desert, which offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures like desert camping, star gazing, camel safari, and camel rides. And if you explore deep into the town, you will discover stories of its glorious history.

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Why travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer?

The Golden city of Jaisalmer is as raw as it can get. If other cities of Rajasthan show you the royal heritage of the state, then Jaisalmer exposes you to its rawest, natural side. But how can you optimize this experience? Simple, don’t just travel to Jaisalmer, rather, make it a journey. If you are already is Rajasthan, you can plan a road trip from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer and make this trip wholesome. With Savaari’s tour packages from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, you can customize an itinerary and have a road trip worth remembering.

Traveling from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by car

A road trip from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer will take you through the hinterlands of Rajasthan. From one historic city to another, you will drive through the rustic patches of the desert state. Stop by anywhere and you can add to your travel memories. Let us help you discover the best routes to travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by car.

Best Time To Visit

Being right in the desert, Jaisalmer has the classic arid climate. The summers are extremely hot and dry, making it impossible to be outdoors. The winter months, on the other hand, are very pleasant, with temperatures not rising above 24 degrees Celsius. This is the best time to travel and enjoy the outdoors.

Popular Routes from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer

Route 1: Distance and Time taken from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer via NH 125 and NH 11

This is the shortest and the fastest route to travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. The distance between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer on this route is about 280 KM and takes less than five hours. The traffic on this route is normal but you should always check live maps and instant traffic updates for the latest information on Jodhpur to Jaisalmer road conditions.

Here’s the basic route map from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer

Jodhpur -> Agolai -> Shekhala -> Dechu -> Pokhran -> Khetolai -> Chandan -> Jaisalmer

Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route

• Arna Jharna, the Thar Desert Museum of Rajasthan, Moklawas – A themed museum spanning 10 acres of land, showcasing desert landscape and cultural heritage.
• Pokhran Fort, Pokhran – A historical fort and palace with landscaped gardens, build by the Rathore dynasty, great for photography and panoramic views.
• Pokhran Museum, Pokhran – Local museum preserving the art and history of the town, along with information and evidence of its ruling dynasties.

Places to eat along this route

• Sankhla Restaurant and Bhojanalaya, Balesar – Low-key highway side eatery serving tea, snacks, and meals, good for big groups or late-night stops.
• Marudhara Restaurant, Shekhala – Standard highway dhaba serving pure vegetarian meals and snacks, good for families.
• Thar Midway Hotel & Restaurant, Dechu – Casual restaurant in a local hotel serving vegetarian, multi-cuisine food, good for families and groups.
• Highway Konig Hotel & Restaurant, Pokhran – Locally popular hotel with a restaurant in-house, serving buffet meals, and standard vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Road Condition via route 1

The Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Condition via route 1 is excellent. It is the fastest route, and has tolls.

Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer via RJ SH 61 and NH 11

This is a relatively longer but a more scenic route to travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. The distance between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer on this route is roughly 320 KM and takes nearly five hours. Although there is no reported information on traffic condition on this route, you should always check for latest updates and follow a live map when traveling.

Here’s the basic route map from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer

Jodhpur -> Mandore -> Osian -> Lohawat -> Phalodi -> Khetolai -> Chandan -> Jaisalmer

Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route

• Mandore Garden, Mandore – Scenic, landscaped grounds featuring tomblike monuments, Rajputana temple and statues and the ruins of Mandore Fort.
• Osiyan Mata Temple, Osiyan – Ruins of ancient temple in Rajputana architecture, with intricate stone carvings of pillars and statues.
• Khichan Bird Sanctuary, Khichan village – Local sanctuary, known for housing migratory birds, great for bird watching and trail walking in winters.
• Ramdevra Temple, Pokhran – A famous historical temple of the town, and a sacred pilgrimage destination.
  

Places to eat along this route

• The Swad Restaurant, Osian – Local restaurant serving pure vegetarian and Jain food in a casual setting.
• Highway Konig Hotel & Restaurant, Pokhran – Locally popular hotel with a restaurant in-house, serving buffet meals, and standard vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.
• Swagat Hotel, Lathi – Standard highway side dhaba-style eatery serving tea, snacks, and meals, good for big groups and late-night stops.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Road Condition via route 2

The Jodhpur to Jaisalmer road condition via route 1 is good but it is the longer route, and has tolls.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Best Route

Both the above routes make for a good road trip from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. However, each has its benefits. If you want to save time, then Route 1 is your best option. But if you want a scenic drive with interesting pitstops, then we recommend you take Route 2. Although it will be a little longer, it will be worth the time, when you stop over at the historical places like Mandore, Osian, and also catch a glimpse of the bird sanctuary in Khichan.

Other means of traveling from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer By Train

You can also travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by train. There are 4 weekly trains and 3 daily trains that run between these cities. The train distance from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is about 300 KM and could take somewhere between five to seven hours, depending on the train. The fastest train is JAISALMER-JAIPUR SPL. For all train bookings from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, visit any online travel portal or Indian Railways’ website for latest information.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer By Flight

There is no flight service between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The nearest airport is in Jodhpur (JDH). If you are traveling from any other city, then you can fly to Jodhpur and then take a cab. Otherwise, Jodhpur cab service is the best and only option to reach Jaisalmer.

Attractions in Jodhpur for Sightseeing

With endless adventure opportunities like desert camping, star gazing, camel safaris, and exploring the local culture, Jaisalmer is sure to give you the ultimate “desert experience”. These are the must-see and must-do things in Jaisalmer.

• Don’t miss the Jaisalmer Fort, 12^th century desert fort with ornate temples and palaces.
• Visit the Patwa Haveli, a 19^th century palace with intricate stone carvings and a museum.
• Take a tour of the Gadisar Lake, a historical artificial lake with a huge promenade.
• Head to the Thar Heritage Museum, a conservatory housing folk art, artifacts, and history of local communities.
• Walk through the Vyas Chhatri, a sandstone cenotaph of sage Vyas.
• Visit the Jaisalmer Sunset Point, a popular haunt for sunset viewing and camel rides.
• Don’t leave without a desert safari on the camel and explore the sand dunes.

Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer’s food scene might be similar to rest of the state but it’s way more rustic and rawer. The cosmopolitan flair of the tourist hotspots of other bigger cities have not managed to taint Jaisalmer’s culinary originality. Along with local recipes, you can also expect to find other North Indian cuisines. And while food might be predominantly vegetarian, there is a host of non-vegetarian recipes that will leave you asking for more.

Visit these places to taste the local flavors of Jaisalmer –

• Desert Cow Restaurant, Bank Ring Road, near State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Sadar Bazar
• Heritage House Rooftop Restaurant, 583.584 Hotel Heritage House
• Fotiya’s Restaurant Café, K.l, Dedansar Rd, Anchalvansi Colony
• Paradise Rooftop Café and Restaurant, Jaisalmer Fort premise
• The Lal Garh Restaurant, Patwa Haveli Road, Kalakar Colony, Sadar Bazar

Hotels and Resorts in Jaisalmer

Place Name	Address	Phone Number
Hotel Dev Villa	Plot No. 2, Chandra Veer Singh Colony, near to collector office, Rajasthan 345001	097841 60003
Gorbandh Palace	1, Tourist Complex, Sam Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001	02992 253 801
Desert Tulip Jaisalmer	4 Hotel Complex Jodhpur Road, NH15, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001	NA
Sairafort Sarovar Portico, Jaisalmer	SPL-1 RIICO Industrial Area Shilp Gram Ramgarh By Pass, Rajasthan 345001	077422 11878
Wonder Desert Safari Camp	Fort paring, Dhibba Para, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001	088906 08620

Things to Keep in Mind

• Despite the season of travel, never forget to carry sunscreen and other protective measures.
• Keep yourself hydrated at all times. Desert weather can be hard on people traveling for the first time.
• Most temples and religious places have dress codes and decency rules. Make sure you are prepared accordingly.
• Use most of the daylight hours to explore the outdoors. Not all places are open till late.
• Pandemic rules may affect visiting hours of tourist sites and restaurants. Check online or call before you visit. 

 Savaari Safety Tips for Road Trips from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer

• Carry all hygiene related items – sanitizer, masks, disinfectant sprays and a bed sheet to cover the seat with, while traveling.
• Use a hand sanitizer before and after your ride.
• Install the Aarogya Setu app before your trip.
• Running the AC continuously during the trip is not recommended. If you were to use the AC, please ensure that it is run in the recirculated mode and the windows are lowered at frequent intervals.
• Dispose of any tissues or pieces of cloth that you may have used outside the car.
• If you have opted for a car rental service, try to load your luggage in the boot of the car yourself to ensure a zero-contact ride. 
• Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the driver.

Download our savaari car rental app for a smooth and pleasant journey