Key hubs
Bikaner airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Jodhpur (Jaisalmer) Airport is roughly 3–4 hours by road, or Jaipur is about 5–6 hours. Bikaner has a smaller airfield; trains are more reliable.
- Railway station
- Bikaner Junction is the main station on the Delhi–Jaisalmer line; good connections to Jaipur (7–8 hours), Jodhpur (3–4 hours) and Delhi (10–12 hours by overnight train)
- Getting around
- A private car and driver is essential; the city is spread out and not practical for walking between main sights. Autos and cabs are available but less comfortable in the heat.
How to reach Bikaner by air
Jodhpur Airport is roughly 3–4 hours by road, or Jaipur about 5–6 hours;Bikaner's own airfield has limited service, so trains are often more reliable.
How to reach Bikaner by train
Bikaner Junction sits on the Delhi–Jaisalmer line, with good connections to Jaipur (7–8 hours), Jodhpur (3–4 hours) and Delhi (10–12 hours, often overnight).
How to reach Bikaner by road
Bikaner is linked by national highway to Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi, though journeys are long across desert terrain.
Getting around Bikaner
A private car and driver is close to essential; the city is spread out, and heat makes walking between sights impractical for much of the year.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Bikaner
- Hire a car and driver for the whole day. Bikaner spreads over many kilometres, and the midday heat is intense. A car gives you a cool place to rest between sights.
- Carry water, a hat, sunscreen and socks for temple floors and fort courtyards. Stone can be hot underfoot. Sunglasses are essential—the desert glare is intense.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.