How to go Ranthambore from Delhi?

Hi, forum I am Shitej, and I am from Pune and will be going to Delhi with my wife and kids to be with my family there. We will be there for Diwali, and after that, we would like to go to Ranthambore with everyone. As I would be organizing the trip, I need to know how to go Ranthambore from Delhi?

We will be a group of 10 people, so please suggest a way of getting there which would be fun and also comfortable.
I believe the distance from Delhi to Ranthambore is quite a lot and we would have small kids as well as senior citizens with us as well, so take these points into consideration as well.

 

Hello, @Shitej! Welcome to the forum!

The distance between Delhi and Ranthambore is about 395 kilometres. Driving this distance can take around 7 to 8 hours. With public transportation though, the journey duration can take a bit longer than that. If you're travelling with your family, here are your best options to reach Ranthambore from Delhi, ranked according to the most convenient up to the least convenient one:

Transportation Options from Delhi to Ranthambore

1. By Hired Taxi - This is the most convenient yet most expensive option. But since you have seniors and children with you, this is also the best option since they would be very comfortable. You can also control the stopovers and even the departure time when you hire your own taxi. On average, the rates are between Rs. 6,600 to Rs. 10,800, depending on the type of taxi you hire. But here's a breakdown of the different types of taxis and their rates:

Taxi from Delhi to Ranthambore

Taxi Type	How Many Seats	Fare from Delhi to Ranthambore
Tata Indica	4	Rs. 5,800 to Rs. 8,000
Tata Indigo	4	Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 8,000
Swift Dzire	4	Rs. 8,200 to Rs. 8,500
Toyota Innova	6	Rs. 10,600 and above
Mahindra Xylo	6	Rs. 10,600 and above
Honda City	4	Rs. 12,000 and above

As you can see, the smaller taxis are more affordable and have four seats. If your family has more members than that, you'd have to hire an Innova or a Xylo, which can cost above Rs. 10,600. These fares already include the driver's fee but if ever you encounter diversions or delays, the total fare might be higher.

2. By Train - Train journey is also applicable for your family. You can choose a higher class so that your journey would be more comfortable. Train journey isn't affected by traffic as well so it's a good option if you're going to be leaving Delhi during rush hour. There are over 20 trains reaching Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, the nearest railway station to Ranthambore. From the Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, Ranthambore is barely 20 kilometres away. Here are the trains directly connected to Sawai Madhopur from Delhi:

Trains from Delhi to Sawai Madhopur

Train Name & Number	Departure Station - Time	Arrival Station - Time	Schedule
Udhampur Kota Express Train No. 19806	New Delhi - 3:40	Sawai Madhopur - 9:28	Fridays
Hazrat Nizamuddin Kota Express Train No. 09810	Hazrat Nizamuddin - 5:15	Sawai Madhopur - 11:18	Daily
Hazrat Nizamuddin Trivandrum Super Fast Express Train No. 22656	Hazrat Nizamuddin - 10:05	Sawai Madhopur - 14:51	Fridays
Jammu Tawi Bandra Super Fast Special Train No. 09022	New Delhi - 10:30	Sawai Madhopur - 15:38	Wednesdays
Firozpur Mumbai Janta Express Train No. 19024	Okhla - 13:54	Sawai Madhopur - 21:05	Daily
SVDK Kota Express Train No. 19804	New Delhi - 14:15	Sawai Madhopur - 21:15	Mondays
Kota Jan Shatabdi Train No. 12060	Hazrat Nizamuddin - 13:15	Sawai Madhopur - 18:02	Daily
Paschim Express Train No. 12926	Subzi Mandi - 15:58	Sawai Madhopur - 22:00	Daily
August Kranti Rajdhani Train No. 12954	Hazrat Nizamuddin - 16:50	Sawai Madhopur - 20:36	Daily
Mewar Express Train No. 12963	Hazrat Nizamuddin - 19:00	Sawai Madhopur - 23:56	Daily
Dehradun Express Train No. 19020	Tuglakabad - 22:20	Sawai Madhopur - 5:20	Daily
Intercity Express Train No. 12416	New Delhi - 22:00	Sawai Madhopur - 3:20	Daily
Swaraj Express Train No. 12472	Subzi Mandi - 21:00	Sawai Madhopur - 2:27	Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays

As you can see, there are trains reaching Sawai Madhopur from the different stations in Delhi like New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Subzi Mandi and Okhla. So whichever station you are closest to, you can just board a train there going to Sawai Madhopur. From Sawai Madhopur, you can just ride a taxi to reach Ranthambore. Journey duration is around 6 to 7 hours, depending on the delays encountered during that day. Fares vary depending on the class but First AC costs Rs. 1,440, Second AC costs Rs. 845, Third AC costs Rs. 599, Sleeper Class costs Rs. 220 and Chair Car costs Rs. 560.

3. By Bus - This is the least convenient option and also not that suitable for seniors or children. Plus, you would need to change buses at different points since there is no direct bus from Delhi to Ranthambore. As such, your route would be:

• Delhi > Bus to Jaipur > Bus to Sawai Madhopur > Taxi to Ranthambore

So first, we need to list some buses from Delhi to Jaipur, there are plenty though. You can choose between a government bus or a privately operated bus. Government buses are cheaper though and very efficient. Here are some plying this route, operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation:

RSRTC Buses from Delhi to Jaipur

Bus Type	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Express 1	5:02 am	11:00 am
Express 2	6:00 am	12:00 pm
Express 3	7:00 am	1:30 pm
Express 4	9:15 am	2:30 pm
Express 5	10:00 am	3:00 pm
Volvo Mercedes 1	6:01 am	12:00 pm
Volvo Mercedes 2	7:00 am	1:30 pm
Volvo Mercedes 3	8:00 am	2:00 pm
Volvo Mercedes 4	9:01 am	3:00 pm
Volvo Mercedes 5	10:00 am	3:00 pm

Private Buses from Delhi to Jaipur

Bus Company and Type	Departure from Delhi	Arrival at Jaipur	Fare
Vishwakarma Tours and Travels (Non AC Seater)	21:30	2:30	Rs. 400
Shrinath Nandu Travels (Non AC Seater/Sleeper)	18:00	23:30	Rs. 500
Vikas Travels (AC Sleeper)	16:00	22:00	Rs. 2,500
Ashok Travels (AC Seater/Sleeper)	21:30	3:00	Rs. 450

Anyway, as you can see, there are plenty of options for buses. Journey duration is a bit long though and can be prone to delays as well due to traffic. Now, let's go to the route again, which is:

• Delhi > Bus to Jaipur > Bus to Sawai Madhopur > Taxi to Ranthambore

Now, we go to the buses reaching Sawai Madhopur from Jaipur. There are only a few though and you need to plan your schedule according to these timings:

RSRTC Buses from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur

Bus Type	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Fare
Ordinary Bus	15:00	20:00	Rs. 150
Express Bus	16:35	21:20	Rs. 182

Buses are quite affordable from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur. They are non air-conditioned though so if travelling during the summer, can be very uncomfortable. Now, let's go again to the route:

• Delhi > Bus to Jaipur > Bus to Sawai Madhopur > Taxi to Ranthambore

From Sawai Madhopur, you can just ride a taxi to reach the Ranthambore National Park.

I hope this helps you!

 

Ranthambore, a name that resonates with the enchanting world of wildlife, lies in the heart of Rajasthan, India. This incredible destination is renowned for its mesmerizing landscape, historic architecture, and, most notably, its thriving wildlife sanctuary. For those eager to embark on an adventure from Delhi to Ranthambore, there are several exciting options that promise a journey filled with cultural experiences and the chance to witness the majestic creatures that inhabit the region.

Option 1: By Train

One of the most popular ways to travel from Delhi to Ranthambore is by train, offering a blend of convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Step 1: Start from Delhi to Sawai Madhopur

Delhi boasts excellent rail connectivity with Sawai Madhopur, the nearest railway station to Ranthambore. The journey by train unfolds the diverse landscapes of North India, taking you from the bustling capital city to the serene wilderness of Rajasthan.

Several trains operate on this route, including the Sawai Jai Singh Express and the Kota Jan Shatabdi Express. The Sawai Jai Singh Express, in particular, offers a comfortable overnight journey, departing from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi.

Step 2: Reach Ranthambore from Sawai Madhopur

Upon arriving at Sawai Madhopur Junction (SWM), you are just a short distance away from Ranthambore. The national park is located approximately 10-15 kilometers from the railway station.

To complete your journey, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. The ride to Ranthambore offers glimpses of the picturesque landscape, preparing you for the wildlife adventure that awaits.

Option 2: By Road

For travelers who prefer the freedom of the open road and the chance to explore at their own pace, a road trip from Delhi to Ranthambore is an excellent choice.

Step 1: Self-Drive or Hire a Private Taxi

You can embark on this journey in your vehicle if you're comfortable with the road conditions and the distance. The distance between Delhi and Ranthambore is approximately 380 kilometers and can take around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or a cab service to make the journey more comfortable and relaxing. This allows you to enjoy the scenic drive without the stress of navigation.

Option 3: By Air and Road

While Ranthambore doesn't have its own airport, the nearest airport is located in Jaipur, which is approximately a 3-4 hour drive from Ranthambore. This option is suitable for those seeking a faster and more convenient way to reach the national park.

Step 1: Fly to Jaipur

Begin your journey by booking a flight from Delhi to Jaipur International Airport (JAI). Jaipur is well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi, and offers a range of domestic and international flights.

Step 2: Jaipur to Ranthambore

Upon landing at Jaipur Airport, you can hire a taxi or book a private car to drive to Ranthambore. The road journey takes you through the vibrant and culturally rich landscapes of Rajasthan, offering a glimpse of the state's architectural heritage and local life.

Ranthambore is approximately 180 kilometers from Jaipur, and the journey typically takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route offers picturesque views and the anticipation of reaching one of India's most iconic wildlife destinations.

Important Tips:

1. Permits and Park Entry: Before entering Ranthambore National Park, ensure you have the necessary permits and park entry tickets, which can be arranged at the park's entrance.
   
   
2. Accommodation: Ranthambore offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. It's advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
   
   
3. Wildlife Safaris: Plan your wildlife safaris in advance, as they are the highlight of any visit to Ranthambore. The park is known for its tiger sightings, and early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best chances of spotting these majestic creatures.
   
   
4. Seasonal Considerations: The best time to visit Ranthambore is during the dry season, from October to April, when wildlife sightings are more frequent.
   

In conclusion, the journey from Delhi to Ranthambore promises an unforgettable adventure that takes you from the bustling cityscape of Delhi to the tranquil wilderness of Rajasthan. Whether you choose to travel by train, road, or a combination of air and road, each option offers its unique charms, allowing you to soak in the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of North India before immersing yourself in the enchanting world of Ranthambore's wildlife.