There is no airport near Jaisalmer, so international visitors will have to fly into Jodhpur’s airport, about 300kms away. Jodhpur is well connected to the rest of India and many other European, Middle Eastern and Asian cities through direct and connecting flights. Indian Airways and Jet Airways provide most of the travel routes around the country and to a few international destinations.

Jodhpur’s terminal provides all the facilities a traveller will need upon arriving in India. There are currency exchange offices, banks, ATMs, and a nice selection of shops, restaurants and other basic amenities. There is an information kiosk in the arrivals area (phone: +91 2922 251 2617) which can assist with onward transportation to Jaisalmer.

The airport at Jodhpur is just 5kms from the city itself, and is easily reached by hiring a prepaid taxi. Once in Jodhpur, travellers can choose from the train, a coach, or even a private taxi to get to Jaisalmer. The train journey takes around 6 hours using the overnight Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express, and is by far the best way to go. Deluxe and ordinary buses operated by Rajasthan Roadways and a handful of private coach companies regularly ply the route between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Either way, be prepared for a fair bit of extra travelling once you arrive at Jodhpur’s airport.

If you are already in India, the railways and the coach network are both decent ways to get to Jaisalmer. The city is well connected to the rest of India via the nation’s extensive train system, with several direct express routes such as the Dehli-Jaisalmer Express and the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express. Taking the train is probably more comfortable and convenient than going by bus.

Jaisalmer also benefits from the excellent road network found in Rajasthan. Long-distance coaches run frequently between Jaisalmer and most major Indian cities. Rajasthan Roadways and a few private companies offer both ordinary and deluxe coach service. If you choose to take a coach, don’t skimp on the ticket. Pay the extra for the highest class available: it’ll be money well spent. Rajasthan Roadways uses a bus stand opposite Jaisalmer’s main train station.

Fortunately, Jaisalmer is small enough that visitors can explore both the fort area and the surrounding city on foot. This is the best way to get a good feel for the city and to see the sights at a leisurely pace. If you need to go anywhere outside of the city, or your legs just get tired from walking, auto-rickshaws provide the primary means of transport in Jaisalmer. The rickshaws are cheap and can get through the traffic.

Taxi cabs also operate around Jaisalmer, but they can often be tricky to work with. Some are government owned and others are private, but in general the government taxis are easier to use as they have authentic rate cards. Either way, taxis are expensive compared to rickshaws and it’s almost always a hassle to deal with the drivers. If you want to hire a driver for the day, it’s best to go through your hotel or drop into one of the tour shops.