Jaipur to Udaipur

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Jaipur and Udaipur bookend one of Rajasthan's classic loops — the Pink City and the Lake City — and the roughly 400-kilometre journey between them can be covered by train, bus, car or a short flight. None of the ground options is especially fast, so the choice mostly comes down to how much of the desert and hill scenery in between you want to see.

The scenic way: the Intercity train

A direct Intercity Express links Jaipur Junction and Udaipur City, taking around 7 hours and running through the changing landscape of southern Rajasthan — plains giving way to the Aravalli hills as you approach Udaipur. It is not a high-speed service, but it is a comfortable and scenic way to cover the distance, with chair-car seating and, on some services, sleeper classes if you prefer to travel overnight.

A handful of other Mail/Express trains also cover the route, some via Ajmer or with different stopping patterns, generally taking a similar 7–8 hours or slightly more. Book through IRCTC ahead of travel, particularly in the winter high season when Rajasthan's tourist trail is busiest. For general guidance on Indian Railways' booking system and classes, see our guide to India by train. If Udaipur is one stop on a wider Rajasthan loop, see also our guides to Jaipur to Jodhpur and Delhi to Jaipur.

The cheapest way: the long-distance bus

Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and private operators run frequent buses between Jaipur (Sindhi Camp) and Udaipur, including day services and overnight sleeper coaches. Journey time is typically 7–9 hours depending on the route and traffic, similar to or slightly longer than the train, but with more departure options throughout the day. An overnight sleeper bus is a popular choice, saving a night's accommodation and arriving in Udaipur in the early morning — fares are among the lowest of any mode, and private Volvo AC coaches offer noticeably more comfort for a modest premium over the government services.

Driving: through the Rajasthani countryside

By road, the distance from Jaipur to Udaipur is around 400–420 km, taking roughly 7–8 hours depending on which route you take and how many stops you make. The most common road runs via Ajmer and Chittorgarh, passing Pushkar (worth a detour) and the vast hilltop fort at Chittorgarh, one of Rajasthan's most dramatic sites — easily combined into a multi-day drive if your schedule allows. Hiring a car with driver is a popular way to do this leg, giving the flexibility to break the journey at these stops rather than rushing straight through.

Flying: quick, with typically one change

Direct flights between Jaipur and Udaipur operate on some days, with the flight itself taking around 1 hour; on days without a direct service, connections routing through another Indian city can take considerably longer. Once airport time is added at both ends, flying rarely saves as much time as the schedule suggests, though it is a reasonable option if you are short on time or connecting from a longer domestic or international flight through Jaipur.

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Arriving in Udaipur

Udaipur City railway station and the main bus stand both sit within a reasonable taxi or auto-rickshaw ride of the old city and Lake Pichola, where most visitors choose to stay for views of the City Palace and the floating Lake Palace. Udaipur's airport, Maharana Pratap Airport, is a little further out, around 20–25 minutes from the lake area by taxi, worth factoring in if you are flying either leg of your trip. Whichever way you arrive, the old city's narrow lanes are largely a walking area once you are there, so onward transport within Udaipur itself is rarely an issue.

Combining this leg with the rest of Rajasthan

Jaipur to Udaipur is often one leg of a longer Rajasthan circuit that also takes in Jodhpur and sometimes Jaisalmer, and travellers frequently ask whether to do Udaipur before or after Jodhpur. There is no single correct order — trains and buses run both directions on all these legs with broadly similar frequency and journey times — so the choice usually comes down to which airport you are flying in or out of, and whether you prefer to end a Rajasthan trip in the romantic lakeside setting of Udaipur or the dramatic desert fort city of Jodhpur. Many travellers deliberately save Udaipur for last, since it makes a relaxed final stop before flying home from its small, easy-to-manage airport.

Which should you choose?

The Intercity train is the pleasant middle option — scenic, comfortable enough, and no need to negotiate airport transfers. The overnight bus is the budget choice and saves a night's accommodation. Driving is the best option if you want to see Pushkar or Chittorgarh along the way rather than treating the journey as dead time. Flying makes sense mainly for time-pressed travellers or as part of a longer connection.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Jaipur to Udaipur?

The direct Intercity Express takes around 7 hours. A few other Mail/Express services cover the route in a broadly similar time, sometimes via Ajmer.

Is there a direct flight from Jaipur to Udaipur?

Yes, on some days, with a flight time of around an hour, though not every day has a non-stop service — check connections carefully when booking.

What is the cheapest way to get from Jaipur to Udaipur?

An overnight sleeper bus is usually the lowest-cost option, and it saves a night's accommodation since you travel while you sleep.

Should I stop at Chittorgarh on the way?

If you are driving, it is a natural stop — Chittorgarh Fort sits almost directly on the route and is one of Rajasthan's most significant historical sites. It is harder to combine with the train or bus unless you plan a separate visit.