Jodhpur rewards travellers who arrive prepared. From navigating the chaos of Jodhpur Airport’s single terminal to understanding why you should never photograph the tunnel entrance at Mehrangarh Fort, these practical travel tips will help you make the most of your time in the Blue City. We have also covered the best time to visit Jodhpur and things to do in Jodhpur in separate guides.
Travel Tips for Jodhpur: Getting There and Around
Jodhpur Airport (JDH)
Jodhpur Airport (IATA: JDH), also known as Civil Airport Jodhpur, is a joint civil-military facility 5km south of the city centre. It is a small, single-terminal airport handling domestic flights only. Airlines serving JDH: IndiGo (daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad), Air India (Delhi, Mumbai), and SpiceJet (Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur). The terminal is modest but functional: a few snack counters, one bookshop, and limited seating. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic departures , you do not need the full 2 hours. The airport has a prepaid taxi booth (Rs 400 to 600 to the old city, 20 minutes) and auto-rickshaws wait outside the gate (Rs 250 to 350, but drivers will quote higher to tourists). Ola and Uber operate to/from the airport. For more details, see our Jodhpur weather by month.
Jodhpur Railway Station (JU)
Jodhpur Junction (station code: JU) is a major stop on the Delhi-Mumbai rail corridor. Key overnight trains: Mandor Express (12461/12462, Delhi to Jodhpur, 11 hours), Ranikhet Express (15013/15014, Delhi to Jodhpur, 12 hours), and Suryanagari Express (12479/12480, Mumbai to Jodhpur, 15 hours). Book tickets via IRCTC (irctc.co.in) or 12Go Asia at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead for sleeper class (SL) and AC tiers (3AC, 2AC, 1AC). The station is 2km east of the old city (Rs 100 by auto-rickshaw). Porters (coolies) charge Rs 50 to 100 per bag. Exit on Platform 1 side for the prepaid auto-rickshaw booth. For more details, see our events and festivals in Jodhpur.
Getting Around Jodhpur
Auto-rickshaws are the primary way to get around. Short trips within the old city: Rs 50 to 80. Old city to Ratanada/Palace Road: Rs 150 to 200. Old city to airport: Rs 250 to 350. Drivers rarely use meters , negotiate the fare before getting in. Ola and Uber operate in Jodhpur and are generally cheaper than negotiated auto fares (a trip across town costs Rs 120 to 180 on Ola Auto). For day trips to Osian or Bishnoi villages, hire a car and driver through your hotel (Rs 2,500 to 3,500 for a full day, 8 hours, 80km) rather than negotiating with street touts. For more details, see our neighborhoods in Jodhpur.
Travel Tips for Jodhpur: Practical Information
Visas
Most nationalities need an Indian e-visa, obtained online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The 30-day e-tourist visa costs US$25 (April to June) or US$40 (July to March). The 1-year multiple-entry e-tourist visa costs US$40 to US$100 depending on nationality. Apply at least 4 days before travel. The e-visa is valid at Jodhpur Airport. Print a copy of your e-visa , immigration officers often ask for it even though the system is electronic. For more details, see our where to stay in Jodhpur.
Money
The currency is Indian Rupees (Rs). ATMs are widely available around the Clock Tower and Pali Road (SBI, HDFC, ICICI Bank ATMs are most reliable). Withdrawal limits are typically Rs 10,000 per transaction. Many heritage hotels and shops accept card payments, but cash is essential for auto-rickshaws, street food, and small purchases. Carry Rs 1,000 to 2,000 in mixed denominations (Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes are most useful). Currency exchange is available at the airport and near the railway station, but rates are better at forex bureaus in the new city (Pali Road area).
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in India but is appreciated. Restaurants: 5 to 10% for good service (check if a service charge is already added to the bill). Hotel porters: Rs 50 per bag. Auto-rickshaw drivers: round up to the nearest Rs 20 (no tip expected). Tour guides: Rs 200 to 500 per day depending on quality. Hotel housekeeping: Rs 50 to 100 per night left on the pillow.
Safety
Jodhpur is generally safe for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main annoyances are persistent touts around the Clock Tower and Sardar Market, overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers, and the occasional pickpocket in crowded market areas. Common scams: the “shop is closed today but my cousin has a great shop” routine, and taxi drivers claiming your hotel has burned down or closed (it has not , always go see for yourself). Solo female travellers report occasional unwanted attention in the old city , dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and using Ola/Uber rather than hailing street auto-rickshaws reduces incidents.
Water and Food Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Jodhpur. Stick to bottled water (Bisleri, Aquafina, or Kinley, Rs 20 for 1 litre). Check the seal is intact before opening , refilled bottles are a known issue. Avoid ice in drinks from street stalls. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls with high turnover , if there is a queue of locals, it is a good sign. The Mirchi Bada at Janta Sweet Home and the Lassi at Mishrilal Hotel are considered safe by locals and visitors alike. Carry oral rehydration salts (ORS, available at any pharmacy for Rs 25) and Imodium just in case.
Travel Tips for Jodhpur: Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I wear in Jodhpur? Light cotton clothing year-round. In winter (December to February), pack a warm jacket for evenings (temperatures drop to 9°C/48°F). Women should cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples, to avoid unwanted attention. Comfortable walking shoes are essential , the old city lanes are uneven and Mehrangarh Fort involves a lot of climbing.
- Can I drink alcohol in Jodhpur? Yes, but it is less openly available than in Goa or Mumbai. Licensed bars exist in mid-range and luxury hotels. The old city has few liquor shops. Rajasthan has a government liquor store monopoly , look for “Theka” (liquor shop) signs. Beer costs Rs 150 to 250 in hotel bars. Drinking in public is illegal.
- Is Jodhpur safe for solo female travellers? Generally yes, with standard precautions. Dress modestly, use Ola/Uber at night, and book accommodations with strong reviews from solo female travellers. Avoid walking alone in the old city’s narrower lanes after 22:00.
- Do I need travel insurance? Yes. Medical facilities in Jodhpur are adequate for minor issues but limited for serious conditions. The nearest fully equipped international hospital is in Jaipur (5 to 6 hours by road) or Delhi (flight). Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation.
- What is the local language? Marwari (a Rajasthani dialect) and Hindi. English is spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses, but auto-rickshaw drivers and street vendors often speak only basic English. Learn a few Hindi phrases: “Namaste” (hello), “Kitna?” (how much?), and “Nahin chahiye” (I do not want it, useful for touts).
- Is WiFi available? Most hotels offer free WiFi, but speeds are inconsistent (2 to 10 Mbps is typical). Many cafes and restaurants have WiFi. For reliable connectivity, buy a local SIM card: Airtel and Jio are the best networks in Rajasthan. A tourist SIM with 1.5GB/day for 28 days costs Rs 400 to 600. You will need your passport and a passport photo to buy a SIM.
- What is the photography policy at Mehrangarh Fort? Photography is permitted throughout most of the fort. The only restricted area is the interior of the Chamunda Mata Temple within the fort complex. Tripods require special permission from the Mehrangarh Museum Trust. Drone photography is strictly prohibited anywhere near the fort (it is adjacent to a military area).
Suggested Hotels in Jodhpur
RAAS Jodhpur
A luxury boutique hotel in a restored 18th-century haveli at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort, with a pool, spa, and the acclaimed Baradari restaurant. Best for couples and design-conscious travellers. Check rates and availability
Haveli Inn Pal
A 3-star heritage hotel near the Clock Tower with a rooftop restaurant offering fort views and a quiet garden courtyard. Best for mid-range travellers wanting heritage charm. Check rates and availability
Jodhpur Heritage Haveli Guest House
A family-run budget guesthouse deep in the old town with simple rooms and a rooftop restaurant serving home-cooked Rajasthani food with fort views. Best for budget travellers. Check rates and availability
