Reaching Bikaner is relatively straightforward, with various transportation options available. Here are detailed options for first-time visitors:
By Air
Nearest Airport: Nal Airport, Bikaner
Distance from City Center: Approximately 13 km.
Connectivity: Nal Airport has limited connectivity with major Indian cities. Travelers may need to check current flight schedules.
Alternative Airport: Jodhpur Airport
Distance from Bikaner: Around 250 km.
Connectivity: Better connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
Transport to Bikaner: Taxis and buses are available from Jodhpur to Bikaner.
By Train
Bikaner Junction Railway Station
Connectivity: Well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, and others.
Major Trains: Some popular trains include the Bikaner Express, Lalgarh Jaisalmer Special, and Howrah Bikaner Superfast Express.
Facilities: The station has basic amenities including waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi services.
By Road
National Highways
NH 11: Connects Bikaner to Jaipur.
NH 15: Connects Bikaner to Jaisalmer and further to Gujarat and Punjab.
Bus Services
State Transport Buses: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates regular bus services to and from Bikaner.
Private Buses: Several private operators provide bus services, including luxury and sleeper buses from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad.
Duration:
From Delhi: Approximately 9-10 hours.
From Jaipur: Approximately 6-7 hours.
From Jodhpur: Approximately 4-5 hours.
Car/Taxi
Rental Services: Available in major cities and can be booked for a direct journey to Bikaner.
Travel Duration: Depending on the starting city (e.g., from Delhi, it takes about 8-9 hours by car).
By Car
Driving Directions
From Delhi: Via NH 11, covering approximately 450 km.
From Jaipur: Via NH 52 and NH 11, covering approximately 335 km.
From Jodhpur: Via NH 62 and NH 11, covering approximately 250 km.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Plan Ahead: Check transportation schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Weather Considerations: Bikaner experiences extreme temperatures, so plan your visit accordingly. The best time to visit is between October and March.
Local Transport: Upon arrival, local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis.
Accommodations: Book your stay in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Options range from budget hotels to luxury heritage properties.
Essential Items: Carry essentials like sunscreen, hats, and water bottles, especially if traveling in summer.
With these options and tips, first-time visitors can easily plan their journey to Bikaner and enjoy a comfortable and memorable trip.
Bikaner, a beautiful city in Rajasthan, is well connected by air, train, and road. Here’s how you can reach Bikaner:
1. By Air
Nearest Airport: Nal Airport, Bikaner (BKB) – Located about 13 km from the city, Nal Airport is a small domestic airport with limited flights. It mainly operates flights to major cities like Delhi and Jaipur.
Alternative Airport: Jodhpur Airport (JDH) – Located about 250 km from Bikaner, Jodhpur Airport is the nearest major airport with regular flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Jodhpur or Nal Airport to reach Bikaner.
2. By Train
Bikaner Junction (BKN): Bikaner is well connected to major cities in India by rail. Trains run from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Popular Trains:
Bikaner Express: Runs from Delhi to Bikaner.
Howrah-Bikaner Express: Connects Kolkata to Bikaner.
Bikaner-Jaipur Intercity Express: Runs from Jaipur to Bikaner.
Luxury Trains: Bikaner is also included in the routes of luxury trains like Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
From the Railway Station: The Bikaner railway station is centrally located, and you can easily find auto-rickshaws or taxis to reach your destination within the city.
3. By Road
By Bus: Bikaner is well connected to other cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states by bus. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates AC, Non-AC, and Volvo buses to Bikaner from cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ajmer.
By Car/Taxi: You can hire a taxi or drive to Bikaner. The road conditions are good, and key routes include:
Jaipur to Bikaner: 330 km (6-7 hours)
Jodhpur to Bikaner: 250 km (4-5 hours)
Delhi to Bikaner: 450 km (8-9 hours)
Self-Drive: If you enjoy road trips, the scenic drive through Rajasthan’s desert landscapes can be a rewarding experience.
4. By Bike
If you’re an adventure enthusiast, Bikaner is accessible by bike from nearby cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Delhi. The roads are good, making for a smooth biking experience through Rajasthan’s desert terrain.