Bikaner, also known as the "Camel Country of Rajasthan," is a desert city that is both stunning and regal, and it is brimming with a rich cultural heritage. This city is famous for its Junagarh Fort and Karni Mata Rat Temple, and one cannot miss its Bikaneri bhujia, among other things, which attracts both foreign and domestic travellers all throughout the year. Situated deep in the Thar Desert, Bikaner is not as directly accessible as some other Rajasthani cities, and proper planning is needed.
This blog is a travel guide as to how one can easily reach Bikaner, whether they are going for their food, forts or festivals by train, air, road and other modes.
From Delhi:
By Air: There are limited direct flights there (1.5 hrs)
By Train: Multiple overnight trains (10-11 hrs)
By Road: ~450 km; 9-10 hrs via NH11
By Bus: Overnight deluxe and sleeper buses available
From Jaipur:
By Train: Daily trains (6-7 hrs)
By Bus/Car: The distance is about 335 km or about 6 hours drive by Car/Bus
It can be reached by Air: On an occasion but (check availability)
From Jodhpur:
By Train: Fast connections (4-5 hrs)
By Road: ~250 km; 5 hrs drive
Only indirect flights – travel with train or car.
From Mumbai:
By Train: Suryanagari or Ranakpur Express (~20 hrs)
By Air: Bikaner can be reached by air, and from there, one can travel to Jodhpur or Jaipur, and then take a train or vehicle to the city.
From Ahmedabad:
By Train: It takes 12 – 13 hrs (trains direct)
By Road: ~670 km; long but drivable in 12-13 hrs
Local Transportation in Bikaner
Local transportation is straightforward and inexpensive upon arrival in Bikaner.
Auto-Rickshaws – Common and cheap for short distances
Cycle Rickshaws – Cycle Rickshaw Effective for visiting the old city, hire one for about $25 and let the driver pilot you throughout the ancient Bagan area for about 3 hours.
Also taxi/cab – hire from hotels or local operators.
App-based Cabs – Limited availability (mostly local aggregators)
Rental Scooters – Available for self-explorers
Local commuting is rarely a hassle when it comes to Bikaner’s main attractions—Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Rampuria Havelis and old city are in a compact radius.
Best Time to Visit Bikaner
Bikaner can be visited all through the year however the most ideal opportunity to venture out is October to March when the temperature is cool and wonderful for touring.
Winter (Oct–Mar): best time for camel safaris and also the Bikaner Camel Festival.
Summer (Apr–June): Extremely hot, with temperatures above 45°C and it is best avoided, particularly in summer (Apr–June).
Monsoon (July–Sept): Sparse rainfall, but more comfortable than peak summer.
Tip: If you want to see the famous Camel Festival (colourful display of Rajasthani culture), plan your trip between January.
Travel Tips for Reaching Bikaner
Book the train in advance (or on the day of travel) and book flights early, particularly in the winter and festive seasons.
Confirm in advance flight schedules to Nal Airport.
If traveling on a tight budget or from the neighboring cities, go for rail or road.
If you prefer to be guided and not miss any havelis, find a local guide and have him/her take you round to a variety of lesser known havelis and markets.
Stay near the old city or Junagarh Fort for easy travel and heritage times.
Conclusion
While Bikaner is not quite on the usual Golden Triangle path, that is exactly why it makes for an exceptional and enriching sightseeing location. As a solo budget traveler or as a family on a heritage tour, reaching Bikaner is well possible if you put some planning. It is convenient to do so by flying, train lets you be comfortable and the road trip is an adventure through the heart of the desert.
Choose between air, rail or road to step into the magical land of Bikaner. A city, where each dune having a story to tell, every spice shop with a smell of history, and every palace telling secrets of bygone days.
Upon your arrival, you will realize that one of the most unforgettable journeys will constitute your journey to Bikaner too.
