How to plan a trip from Delhi to Jaipur by road?

Which is the best way to get to Jaipur from Delhi - Road, Rail or Air? 
If you are asking me - my vote would be for a trip from Delhi to Jaipur by road. 

Check out this guide to planning a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur by car, why I suggest the same, what are the best routes as well as practical tips. 

Part of the ever-popular Golden triangle, Jaipur and Delhi are two destinations that most inbound tourists to India love seeing. In fact, the two are abound with so much heritage and culture that even domestic travelers love combining the two together for an enriching cultural and heritage experience. Naturally, one of the most common questions that I get from my readers is – what would be the best way to get to Jaipur from Delhi? My answer- “If you have a little time, then it is best to travel from Delhi to Jaipur by road“.

Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort in Jaipur – one of the many attractions that you can get to in Jaipur from Delhi by car

What follows in this post are my reasons for this recommendation and a complete guide to planning a trip from Delhi to Jaipur by car. I will be covering the best Delhi to Jaipur road trip routes, the attractions that you can visit en route as well as practical tips for a comfortable journey. Time we get started!

Why should you do a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur by car?

Travel from Delhi to Rajasthan by road
Travel from Delhi to Rajasthan by road

If you have been a regular reader of my website, you would have noticed the numerous road trips that I have done – from the popular Rajasthan routes to the remote Leh Ladakh road trip and the transborder Indo-Nepal trip. Each of these trips has always offered me more than just the end destination and that honestly, are some of the most enriching and memorable journeys. However, it isn’t just the common joy of road trips that makes me recommend a journey from Delhi to Jaipur by car. Here are some specific reasons –

  • Stop at the numerous attractions en route – You can get the most out of your cultural and heritage experience by stopping at the various interesting destinations that fall on any of the routes that you take for the Delhi to Jaipur road trip. Interestingly, depending on the route you pick, you will be able to experience a diverse set of attractions – from wildlife to heritage.
  • A better local connection – Whether it is a food stop or a cultural attraction, you will have a better local interaction. I have found that this tremendously enhances your understanding of a place. There are so many stories that you stumble on and more importantly, you get a good insight into the real life in this area. The Rajasthanis are known to be hospitable and love sharing information. If you are looking for immersive travel, that is going beyond the usual sightseeing tours, then this Delhi to Jaipur road trip is the way to go.
  • Go for a car rather than a bus – While buses might be cost-effective, you do not have the freedom to stop wherever you want. If you are choosing to do a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur, a little freedom would be good. You definitely want to stop and enjoy the places along the way.

I suppose, these are good enough reasons for you to be convinced about getting to Jaipur from Delhi by car.

How to choose the best car rental service for a Delhi to Jaipur road trip?

It is possible to opt for this road trip between Delhi and Jaipur using a bike or a self-driven car. In fact, if you own one of these vehicles it is a straightforward choice. All you have to do is select the suggested routes that I have included in the next section.

However, there are many who wish to just enjoy the trip without the hassles of driving. For them, I recommend hiring a car with a driver. This is in fact, apt for all those who are visiting India or Delhi for the first time. Definitely saves them the hassle of figuring the norms of Indian roads and drivers. Here are some tips for selecting the best Delhi to Jaipur car rental

Check the reviews & recommendations

Check various forums for a review of the car rental service that you want for your road trip from Delhi to Jaipur
Check various forums for a review of the car rental service that you want for your road trip from Delhi to Jaipur

Choosing a car rental service is the same as picking a good hotel for your stay. You definitely want to ensure that the car rental service for a Delhi to Jaipur trip by road is reliable, has good quality cars, decent drivers and most importantly, are safe. Use forums and websites like Tripadvisor and Quora. You can even participate in various discussions and talk to real travelers to see what they have to recommend. Another go-to place for me is Facebook groups where I get first-hand information from fellow travelers.

Select the right car

Sedans for a trip from Delhi to Jaipur by car are cost effective as well as comfortable for 3 travelers
Sedans for a trip from Delhi to Jaipur by car are cost effective as well as comfortable for 3 travelers

The right car for your road trip is all about a balance between cost and comfort. The smaller hatchbacks cost lesser than a sedan which in turn costs lesser than an SUV. Depending on the number of people and the amount of luggage, select the one that is the best for you to enjoy your trip.

The other thing that you must clarify is how recently was the car serviced and whether it is in good shape or not (check the total mileage to get an idea). The car documents like PUC certificate, insurance, registration book and driver’s license too must be available and have to be carried during a trip.

Know your minimum day charges

Understand the day costs of a car rental
Understand the day costs of a car rental

Any outstation vehicle that you rent in India will involve a minimum distance per day that you must travel or pay for. Once you exceed that distance, you will be charged per kilometer as per the initial quote. In addition to that, you have to add a daily allowance (Driver Bata/ Batta) for your driver. To illustrate the same, India with Car has shared the following quote for various vehicles for a Delhi to Jaipur road trip –

  • Minimum kilometers per day – 250 km
  • Sedans like Maruti Dzire / Honda Amaze cost INR 12 per km
  • SUVs akin to Toyota Innova Crysta cost around INR 20 per km
  • Driver Batta – INR 300 per day

To illustrate how this will work for a sedan, consider a non-stop direct road trip from Delhi to Jaipur. The approximate distance is 280 km and thus, your cost for a sedan with a driver will work out to INR 3660 for one day. (Vehicle cost 12*280 + 1 day Driver Batta).

If you do not plan to return using the same vehicle, you will be charged an additional amount for a return journey. This amount is generally a part of the quote that you will get from your travel rental partner. In case you plan to stay in Jaipur and use the vehicle till you return back, you can calculate the total cost based on the above illustration.

Understand the extra costs

Most car rental services charge parking and tolls on actual. These are additional costs that you must account for in your road trip cost calculations. The driver’s meals too, are charged as per actuals (apart from the daily allowance). One tip here based on my experience is to ask the driver to have a meal at the same restaurant. You can order for him while he is seated at another table.

Opt for a reliable driver

Very often, we tend to miss this step. Always check on the driver’s credentials (his license specifically). Check with the car rental team on his experience. A bonus would be if he has done this Delhi to Jaipur circuit specifically and can stop at the best places along the way. Ensure that he can speak one common language with you.

Request for flexibility

If you are a traveler like me, you might opt to stay back or extend your stay in a place to explore it better. Speak to the car rental operator beforehand and request this flexibility. They will be able to allocate a car and a driver accordingly for you.

Well, that is enough tips on how to pick the best rentals for your journey from Delhi to Jaipur by car. Let’s get down to picking the best routes.

Possible routes to travel from Delhi to Jaipur by road

The average distance between Delhi and Jaipur is 280 km and the time taken without any stops is around 6 hours. However, this might vary based on your chosen Delhi to Jaipur route and whether you wish to halt at any of the locations.

I am sharing three routes for your Delhi-Jaipur road trip – of which the first two are the most commonly used ones. The third one is a completely offbeat route – longer and might warrant a stay. However, this one will appeal to heritage and history buffs like me. Check them all out and let me know which one of these would you pick.

Delhi to Jaipur by road route via Bhiwadi & Neemrana on NH 48

Delhi to Jaipur by road route via Neemrana
Delhi to Jaipur by road route via Neemrana
  • Total distance – 280 km
  • Travel time – 5.5 – 6 hours
  • Route followed – Delhi – Gurgaon – Bhiwadi – Neemrana – Jaipur

This is the shortest route between Delhi and Jaipur and can be done without any night halts. It involves tolled highways that are very well maintained. Neemrana is the major halt that you can make on your way to Jaipur from Delhi

Neemrana sightseeing places

Neemrana Fort - a stop on the Delhi-Jaipur road trip
Neemrana Fort – a stop on the Delhi-Jaipur road trip Credits: Abhinav Swara via Wikimedia Commons

122 km from Delhi and 150 km from Jaipur, is the historic town of Neemrana. The town is known for one of the epic rulers of Rajasthan – Prithviraj Chauhan. Here is a quick list of places that you can visit in Neemrana

  • Neemrana fort – A 15th-century fort that has now been converted into a luxury heritage hotel. You can visit the Neemrana fort and have a meal or two while exploring it. For adventure enthusiasts, there is a lovely zipline course that takes you over the ancient walls and allows you to get a good glimpse of the place.
  • Neemrana Baoli – A heritage stepwell that is close to the fort. Though abandoned, it will impress you with its architecture.
  • Ancient Vrindavan Palace – A little offbeat and not many drivers might know it. It is an old haveli that is now in crumbles but well worth a quick stop.

You can plan your stop at Neemrana on the Jaipur-Delhi highway such that you reach around 10 am and can spend at least 2 hours here. If you do not want to grab lunch at the Neemrana fort, Hotel Highway King is a good option on the highway.

Delhi to Jaipur by car via Alwar on NH 48 & NH 248A

Route for Delhi to Jaipur via Alwar
Route for Delhi to Jaipur via Alwar
  • Total distance – 325 km
  • Travel time – 7 hours
  • Route followed – Delhi – Gurgaon – Alwar – Jaipur

This is also a good route to get to Jaipur from Delhi and involves toll roads. While the distance can be covered in 7 hours, I think it might be a wise decision to plan a night’s halt at Alwar – for the sheer number of things to see in this town. From forts to wildlife reserves, Alwar definitely make a great addition to your Jaipur trip. Check it out.

Alwar attractions

When taking the Delhi-Jaipur route via Alwar, don't miss the tour of the Alwar City Palace
When taking the Delhi-Jaipur route via Alwar, don’t miss the tour of the Alwar City Palace Credits: Tpsn98290 via Wikimedia Commons

Alwar is around 100 km from Delhi and 150 km from Jaipur. If you leave at 6 am from Delhi, you will be in Alwar by around 10 am. You can plan to add a few of these Alwar attractions to your itinerary and leave by 4 pm to reach Jaipur by 7 pm – before it gets too dark. However, if you want to do it all, then you can pick one of the many Alwar hotels and stay the night. That way you can comfortably explore the town.

  • Alwar City Palace – Also called Vinay Vilas Palace, this opulent structure was built in the 18th century. An amalgamation of Mughal and Rajputana architecture, this has now been converted to a museum and is home to rare manuscripts. You can also, see the old arms and furniture when you visit here.
  • Alwar Fort or Bala Qila – This fort can be seen from the city palace. It is known for its stunning view of Alwar town. It was built in the 15th century and includes over 50 towers, a temple and a few historic buildings.
  • Siliserh lake – Around 12 km away from the town is an artificial lake made by Maharaja Vinay Khan. You can visit the old hunting lodge used by the Maharaja, now a heritage hotel and do some boating in the lake.
  • Sariska Tiger Reserve – Located very close to Alwar, you can opt for a jeep safari and catch sight of the striped beasts. If lucky, you will also, be able to spot leopards, sambals and wild boars. While there, don’t miss the gorgeous 6th-century Neelkanth temple with its carvings and the Pandupol Hanuman temple set near a waterfall.
  • Vijay Mandir Palace – 14 km from Alwar is yet another lovely palace with 105 rooms. The palace is located along a lake and has a huge lawn. The Sita Ram temple here is definitely a stop you need to make.
  • Jaisamand Lake – This can be clubbed with a visit to the Vijay Mandir Palace. Jaisamand lake is the 2nd largest artificial lake in Asia. What makes it special is the presence of 6 lovely cenotaphs and a summer palace by its bank. You can also, try some boating and water sports here.

Think you need to plan an overnight here? 😉

Offbeat road trip from Delhi to Jaipur via Mandawa on NH9 & NH 709

An offbeat route from Delhi to Jaipur via Mandawa and Nawalgarh
An offbeat route from Delhi to Jaipur via Mandawa and Nawalgarh
  • Total distance – 425 km
  • Travel time – 8.5 hours
  • Route followed – Delhi – Mandawa – Nawalgarh – Jaipur

Yes, this is a longer route and which is why a lot of people don’t even think of it. In fact, you will find a lot of car rental companies discouraging you owing to the distance and time. That said, there is nothing wrong with the route that is on a toll road and is quite comfortable. On this particular road trip option, if you do not want to stay overnight, then you can either visit Mandawa or Nawalgarh. Either place will require around 3 – 4 hours.

If you wish to do both places, I highly recommend one overnight at Mandawa or Nawalgarh. There are some lovely Havelis turned into hotels and these are available at a very reasonable cost. You can see them through the given links.

Mandawa tourist places

One of the many abandoned painted havelis of Mandawa
One of the many abandoned painted havelis of Mandawa

Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is also, known for its painted Havelis that are spread across various towns and villages. The Shekhawati fresco art covers these mansions from top to bottom. In addition to that, you will find small forts, gorgeous cenotaphs and interesting wells (Baori) in these towns. You can get a feel of these by exploring this small village called Mandawa. Mandawa is around 5.5 hours from Delhi and you can plan to reach here by lunch.

  • Jhunjhunwala’s golden Haveli – this has a room filled with frescoes of pure gold leaf.
  • Murmuria haveli – for its unique frescoes of freedom fighters
  • Goenka double haveli – 2 havelis, one campus and perfect symmetry. One of them in fact, looks like a ghost mansion
  • Paardarshi Shivling Mandir – known for its 250 year old spatik (crystal) Shiv linga
  • Harlakha well – with its huge pillars and pulley system that was operated using camels.

Nawalgarh & its attractions

If you are stopping at Nawalgarh on your way to Jaipur from Delhi, then you must visit the Poddar haveli and museum
If you are stopping at Nawalgarh on your way to Jaipur from Delhi, then you must visit the Poddar haveli and museum

Nawalgarh is a slightly bigger town in Shekhawati region. It is just 30 km from Mandawa. If you choose to skip Mandawa, you can get to Nawalgarh from Delhi in 5.5 hours, using the same highway options. The place is just 2.5 hours from Jaipur at 150 km. Here too, you will find comfortable stays but the options are comparatively lesser than those in Mandawa. As for the attractions – check them out

  • Poddar Haveli and Museum – This is one of the best havelis in Shekhawati. Well preserved and stunning. It is now a museum that showcases the Rajasthani culture and gives you a good undertanding of the Haveli layouts.
  • Moraka Haveli – Another fresco-covered mansion – this time with a picture of Jesus Christ in it.

Nawalgarh has many more havelis that you can see from outside . These are mostly scattered around the Poddar museum and you can just walk around to see it. There are a few temples and cenotaphs too, that you will spot along this path.

This offbeat and unusual route from Delhi to Jaipur will definitely appeal to architecture lovers, heritage buffs and immersive travelers. While the distance is more, you are getting to see something very different too.

Common FAQs for a road trip between Delhi and Jaipur

Which is the best time to do a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur?

I would recommend this road trip any time between October to February. The weather conditions are pretty decent during these months. Avoid summers as the temperatures can soar upto 50 degrees.

Can I drive from Delhi to Jaipur at night?

Night driving is avoidable as there is a lot of heavy vehicle traffic on the highways between these two places. The region does not have a great lighting either which makes visibility an issue.

Before you go, pin this

Well, that is it in terms of this guide for a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur by car. It has you covered in all possible ways – from picking the best mode of transport to how to book a good car rental and finally the various route options. There are some general tips included in the FAQs section. Let me know if you have any other queries. And yes, remember to pin this up.

Delhi Jaipur by car
Delhi jaipur by road guide
Delhi Jaipur road trip tips
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.

This article has been written in association with India with Car. However, the opinions expressed are truly my own.

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22 thoughts on “How to plan a trip from Delhi to Jaipur by road?”

  1. I do love the freedom of the road and a road trip is the perfect way to have autonomy over where to stop off to see interesting sights. I haven’t used a driver before but I guess it is a good way to take the pressure off driving unfamiliar routes. The buildings look beautiful and like you I would opt for the off road route number 3.

    Reply
  2. I have travelled from Delhi to Jaipur before, but by train. It’s great that you have explained what hiring a car in India involves. It’s a bit different than in Europe, where usually you don’t have any kilometer limits and you don’t have to pay extra for a daily allowance – that is new to me. I love road trips and I know that one of the main advantages is that you can stop along the way, to see other sites as well. I would have probably picked the Alwar route, so I can visit that beautiful Royal Palace as well.

    Reply
    • I think the next time you are in India, you must do a road trip. Anywhere in India – you will love the sights along the way. And if you can, do this circuit again by road with a stop at Alwar.

      Reply
  3. Indeed finding a good rental car service and driver is as important as finding a hotel or place to stay! Thank you for adding rest stops along the way with such stunning views, the Neemrana Fort looks like something taken straight from a movie or ancient history book. As I cannot drive, knowing my way around the information about the drive will help me feel at ease on my way to Jaipur!

    Reply
  4. Given all the sites one might view along the way, the trip from Delhi to Jaipur sounds exhilarating. My attention was drawn to the majestic Amer Fort in Jaipur. The City Palace of Alwar is absolutely stunning. I admire the artwork that was painted on the haveli of the Mandawa. I appreciate the advice on selecting the best car rental; I’ll keep it in mind.

    Reply
  5. This is such a helpful post and so detailed. I’ve never been to India so I wouldn’t know where to start. Knowing about the minimum day charges is very helpful to traveler too and I would definitely choose a reliable driver. I honestly would like to see every place you mentioned in the post, the Indian architecture is incredible and so unique.

    Reply
  6. We love to head out on road trips. But it is always a bit different when we do it travelling. And it looks like it would definitely be worth planning a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur. We love to find local attractions as we road trip. Thanks for the tips for getting a car rental in India. How fun to have different routes and all with such great sights along the way. Drive one way on one route and come back on another. And plan to drive during the day!

    Reply
  7. I favour road trips because of the flexibility of stopping and discovering places. I have never thought of renting a car in India as crowded roads and heavy traffic come to mind. You gave a very good tip about hiring a driver which could work out very well indeed. The places you have highlighted , Alwar , Mandawa and Neemrana are super lovely and worth the stop. Thank you for the detailed helpful post.

    Reply
    • Thanks Adele. I am glad you found the post helpful. It is definitely worth the effort getting a driver for these roads. Plus takes away the headache of finding parking and navigating

      Reply
  8. Personally I do not like driving – and India is not a place I thought a road trip might be fun. But reading your post made me think about it again. Obviously there are great places you could explore more leisurly with your own car. I am actually thinking about a trip to northern India – I will keep in mind that renting a car between Delhi and Jaipur might be a good option too.

    Reply
  9. This is a wonderful guide Ami. It will be very useful for someone visiting India and the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra & Jaipur. Although I have been to Jaipur many a times from Delhi it was always the train. A road journey is what I too wish to do with a visit to Neemrana fort for a night which I have always wished to do. Wouldn’t mind visiting Sariska again as well.

    Reply
  10. We thoroughly enjoy embarking on road trips, but there’s a unique thrill when we embark on them while traveling. Planning a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur seems like an excellent idea, and it certainly promises to be worthwhile. As we journey, we relish discovering local attractions and immersing ourselves in the experience. Your tips on obtaining a car rental in India are much appreciated. It’s incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to explore diverse routes, each adorned with captivating sights. We intend to drive during the day, allowing us to savor every moment of the journey.

    Reply

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