Last updated: October 2026 · Method: built from timetable and fare listings plus published summaries; all figures approximate — verify on the linked official sources before booking.
The short answer: the direct Delhi–Jaisalmer train takes about 18 hours by rail (train 14659 is the long-haul reference), so most travellers either accept the overnight or fly to Jodhpur/Jaipur and continue by surface.
Delhi to Jaisalmer is the farthest-flung leg of the Rajasthan loop, roughly 780 km by road and around 920 km by rail. Three realistic routes exist, and the honest answer depends on how much of your trip the journey itself should be.
The three ways
| Mode | Time (approx) | Cost anchor* | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct overnight train (e.g. 14659 Old Delhi–Jaisalmer) | ~18 hrs (departs ~17:35, arrives ~noon next day) | SL ~₹440 / 3A ~₹1,200 / 2A ~₹1,735 (per ixigo’s listing of 14659 — verify on IRCTC) | Rail fans and full-day-sightseeing sceptics |
| Fly to Jodhpur/Jaipur + surface leg (the Jodhpur leg or the Jaipur route) | ~2 hr flight + 5–7 hrs | ₹2,500–6,000 total | The practical default — it builds a second city into the trip |
| Direct flight to Jaisalmer (limited, seasonal — services have started and stopped) | ~1.5–2 hrs when running | Varies by season; verify current schedules before planning around it | Time-pressed travellers with a backup plan |
*Fares from published listings checked October 2026; they move with demand. Verify on IRCTC or the airline before booking.
The honest read
- The 18-hour train is a commitment, not a convenience; the overnight framing works only if a near-noon arrival suits your plan. The sleeper guide and the booking guide cover the mechanics.
- The two-city route is what most itineraries do; fly into Jodhpur, absorb the blue city, then take the easy desert corridor onward.
- The direct flight is worth checking each season, treat any current schedule as provisional and keep the train as backup.
Arriving in Jaisalmer
The station is a short auto ride from the fort walls (agree the fare; the stay guide covers the areas). First evening: the golden fort’s ramparts, then plan the dune night.
Verification: figures on this page are research approximations — check current details on IRCTC (trains), Rajasthan Tourism before you travel.