Driving Through Rajasthan: A Complete Guide (2025 Edition)
- boookmytravel
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Rajasthan is a state of deserts, forts, and palaces, but also of long, meandering roads that connect secluded villages and wild landscapes.
There’s a special freedom in experiencing Rajasthan by car:
Watching the scenery shift from sand dunes to Aravalli hills
Pulling into a tiny chai stall along the highway
Stopping at an offbeat stepwell or temple you spotted by chance
If you prefer traveling on your own terms, a car is the way to do it. This guide covers routes, rentals, safety tips, and FAQs so you can plan your Rajasthan road trip with confidence.
Why Travel Rajasthan by Car?
Flexibility: Leave when you want, no train schedules.
Discover the in-between: Villages, stepwells, rural markets.
Chai stops & dhabas: Roadside flavors add to the adventure.
Scenic detours: Aravalli hills near Udaipur, desert stretches to Jaisalmer.
Top Road Trip Routes in Rajasthan
Jaipur → Jodhpur (via Ajmer & Beawar)
Distance: ~350 km | Time: 6 hrs
Highlights: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Pushkar ghats.
Roads: 4-lane highways, regular fuel + food stops.
Jaipur → Udaipur (via Ajmer & Nathdwara)
Distance: ~400 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
Highlights: Pushkar, Nathdwara temples, Aravalli hills.
Roads: Mix of highways & winding hilly stretches.
Udaipur → Jodhpur (via Ranakpur & Kumbhalgarh)
Distance: ~260 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Highlights: Ranakpur Jain Temples, Kumbhalgarh Fort (UNESCO site).
Roads: Scenic but winding in parts; smooth surface.
Jodhpur → Jaisalmer
Distance: ~280 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Highlights: Pokhran Fort, desert landscapes.
Roads: Straight desert highway. Fuel stations sparse after Pokhran — top up early.
Jaisalmer → Bikaner
Distance: ~330 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Highlights: Desert vistas, possible wildlife sightings (fox, chinkara).
Roads: Flat and direct, occasional rough patches.
Hiring a Car in Rajasthan
Self-Drive Rentals
Chauffeur-Driven Cars
Very popular in Rajasthan.
Cost: ₹3,000–₹5,000/day + tolls/parking.
Adds comfort + local navigation expertise.
Parking & Navigation
Jaipur & Udaipur: Parking tight near City Palace/Hawa Mahal; use public lots.
Jodhpur: Old City lanes are narrow — park outside Mehrangarh.
Jaisalmer: Vehicles not allowed inside the fort; use nearby lots.
Navigation: Google Maps is reliable, but download offline maps for remote stretches.
Safety Tips for Driving in Rajasthan
Avoid night driving – highways & rural roads are dimly lit.
Watch for camels, cattle, tractors crossing highways.
Always carry cash for tolls/dhabas; UPI is not universal in villages.
Stock your car with water + snacks, especially on desert routes.
Check weather via India Meteorological Department before long drives.
Related Blog: Packing for Rajasthan Across Seasons (2025 Edition)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is self-driving in Rajasthan safe?
Yes, highways are well maintained. In villages, drive cautiously due to animals on roads.
2. Should I hire a driver or self-drive?
If you’re new to Indian traffic or covering long distances, a driver is strongly recommended.
3. When’s the best time for a road trip?
October–March for pleasant weather. Avoid May–June (extreme heat).
4. Do foreigners need an IDP?
Yes, foreigners should carry an IDP + home license.
5. Are fuel stations frequent?
On main highways, yes. On desert stretches (Pokhran–Jaisalmer), fill up early.
Internal Links
A First-Timer's Guide to Jaipur: Where to Go, Eat, Stay & Experience
A First-Timer's Guide to Udaipur: Where to Go, Eat, Stay & Experience
A First-Timer’s Guide to Jodhpur: What to Do, Eat, and Where to Stay — BMT Edition
A First-Timer's Guide to Jaisalmer: What to See, Eat, and Experience
Rajasthan's Best-Kept Secrets: Why Jawai, Kumbhalgarh & Sam Sand Dunes Should Be Your Next Stop
The Perfect Rajasthan Packing List: 2025 Edition (That Actually Works Throughout the Seasons)
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